Explore Ecuador and the Galapagos

  Ecuador

Galapagos Islands,  Mindo,  Quito

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: The Galapagos Islands are world renowned for inspiring Darwin to create his theory of evolution and the notion of the "survival of the fittest." The sheer diversity of species in enough to keep any nature lover captivated. On this tour you will spend your first few days exploring Quito and then head to the mountainous area of Mindo where you will help conserve the rich biodiversity of the area. Then it's off to the Galapagos Islands for an incredible tour of this unique archipelago. Highlights include visits to flamingo lagoons, horse riding through the Sierra Negra volcano region, kayaking and snorkelling with amazing tropical fish!

* Day 1 - Arrival into Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! You will be met at the airport and taken to your home stay accommodation for a relaxing evening.

* Day 2 - Orientation in Quito
After a leisurely morning in Quito you will meet your in country team in the afternoon and have an orientation session preparing you for your time at the project and the Galapagos Islands in the i-to-i office. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

* Day 3 - Travel to Mindo
Today you will travel to Mindo and get settled into the lush paradise of the Valle de Mindo. The trip from Quito to Mindo takes around 2 hours by public bus. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

* Day 4 to 9 - Work at the project in Mindo
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work! You will be doing conservation work in the reserve and activities may include reforestation, seed collection, organic farming and building bird feeders - all of which have been identified by the project as needing your help.

During the weekend you will have some free time to explore Mindo. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day.

* Day 10 - Return to Quito.
You will return to Quito by bus and spend the night at a local hostel in Quito. Breakfast is included. You can spend the day exploring Quito or simply resting up for the next leg of your tour.

* Day 11 - Fly from Quito to the Galapagos Islands (Island of Baltra)
You will transfer to Quito airport and fly to the island of Baltra. At the airport you will meet your English speaking guide who will take you to lunch at the port of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Next you will hop on a public speedboat and travel 3 and a half hours to the lovely Isabella island. You will have a chance to settle into your hotel on Isabella island but don't get too comfortable because in the afternoon you will take a trip to the aptly titled Flamingos Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos and a breeding ground for flamingos. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

* Day 12- Tour Sierra Negra Volcano on horseback and snorkel or kayak by Playa Grande
After a tasty breakfast, you will start the day with a full tour of the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world's second largest volcanic crater, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. In order to cover the most ground, you will be touring the crater on horseback. In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel for a brief rest and then spend the afternoon either kayaking in Playa Grande, located in Puerto Villamil, or snorkelling in Concha Perla. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

* Day 13 - Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and see giant turtles
After a filling breakfast you will take the public speedboat to Puerto Ayora where your guide will be waiting. He will take you to your hotel to drop your bags and then you will set off for a visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. Here you will spend some time observing giant turtles in their natural habitat. After lunch in the highlands, you will return to Puerto Ayora to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. At the station you will learn about the different species on the islands and even have the chance to keep "Lonesome George" (the last Galapagos turtle of its species) company. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

* Day 14 - Visit craters and travel back to Quito
Today after breakfast you will visit your final destination, the famous "Gemelos" or "Twins." These unique land formations are similar to craters but were formed by lava flowing below the ground rather than above it. You will then transfer to the airport and fly back to Quito where you will be met and taken to your hostel. Breakfast is included.

* Day 15 - Departure
You won't believe how fast time has flown by. You will make your own way to the airport and return home with your heart still racing from all the fun and excitement of the past two weeks.

Highlights:
* Exploring the incredible Galapagos Islands
* Seeing 'Lonesome George' - the last of the Giant Galapagos turtles
* Horseback crater tour of the Sierra Negra volcano
* Conservation work in the stunning Mindo valley

Qualifications: Who is this trip for?
* Anyone who loves nature and seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Our only criteria is that you are 18 and older.
* A minimum of 2 people are required for this trip to run; please call us for more information.

Cost in US$: USD 2305.00 for 2 weeks

* Accommodation: Varied; shared accommodation in cabin, volunteer house, home stay and hostel
* Food: Most meals are included - please see itinerary for full details
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
* Galapagos Islands entry permit

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994