Ecuador

Program Description

Evolutionary Ecology and Geology
of the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador 2008 (and again in 2009)
X Session: January 7th - 25th

Visit the program page to see photos of past trips

Join us on an 19-day educational adventure focusing on the evolution, ecology, and geology of the Galápagos Islands and Ecuadorean rainforest. You'll learn about the natural history and conservation status of the many animals and plants that inhabit this fascinating and extraordinarily beautiful place.

The Itinerary

Jan. 7 Flight from LaGuardia Airport to Quito, Ecuador

Jan. 8 Flight to Galápagos Islands, transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Visit Charles Darwin Research     Station. View giant tortoises, focus on conservation programs

Jan. 9 / 10 Tour of Santa Cruz highlands. Focus on climate and vegetation zones of the Galápagos, introduction to the geology of the islands through visits to a caldera and lava tube. Volunteering for Galápagos National Park.

Jan 11 Board the yacht, travel to South Plaza Island. Focus on ecology of land iguanas.

Jan. 12 Travel to Tower Island. Focus on ecology of sea birds and microevolution.

Jan. 13 Isabela / Fernandina Islands; focus on marine iguanas, plant-animal adaptations to El Nino events, and shield volcanoes and lava flows.

Jan. 14 Bartholomew Island, focus on geology (volcanic cones and pyroclastic deposits) and penguins.

Jan. 15 Santiago Island, focus on marine mammal ecology and pahoehoe lava flows.

Jan. 16 Florena Island, focus on marine ecology, history, and conservation of the archipelago.

Jan. 17 Hood Island, focus on sea bird ecology, sea lions, and lava flows.

Jan. 18 Flight from Galápagos to Quito.

Jan. 19 Market day in Quito, tour of old city.

Jan. 20 Day trip to Andean highlands and Cotopaxi stratovolcano. Focus on Andean geology.

Jan. 21 Flight / boat ride to LaSelva Jungle Lodge at the Napo River, deep in the Amazon jungle.

Jan. 22-23 Guided jungle excursions in the Yasuni National Park (walks, canoe rides, wildlife viewing).

Jan. 24 Return to Quito.

Jan. 25 Return flight to LaGuardia Airport.

This program is subject to adjustments due to local conditions and requires moderate physical activity (e.g., extended walks over rocky, muddy terrain, swimming, and snorkeling).