2022 Fordham Preparatory February Galapagos Conservation Expedition

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2022 Fordham Preparatory Galapagos Conservation Expedition!  To learn the basics about this once in a lifetime opportunity, you'll begin by using the Pre-Enrollment page, the purpose of which is to share exciting highlights and important info that participants will want to know before signing up. If you enroll, you'll move to the Post-Enrollment page which offers a greater level of detail.  Please be sure to review the information thoroughly and get excited for all that the Galapagos Islands have to offer!! 
Travel Dates: February 18, 2022 - February 26, 2022
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $959

What to Expect

Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.

Itinerary

We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
February 18USA - QuitoFly from the USA to Quito and transfer to hotel in Tababela, a suburb of Ecuador's capitol with a beautiful night view of this glittering metropolis. We'll rest up after our long journey -- you'll need your energy for the upcoming adventure through the islands!Hosteria Airport Garden
February 19Quito - Galapagos (Santa Cruz Island)Today we fly 600 miles over the Pacific Ocean to reach the Galapagos Islands. After landing in Baltra, we will take a ferry across the Itabaca Channel and experience a variety of ecosystems. We'll stop to enjoy the breathtaking views of Los Gemelos, or the "Twin Craters," as well as explore the island's underbelly in the lava tunnels, as we drive to Puerto Ayora. We'll stop for lunch in the highlands, where we will have our first of many delicious meals on the islands and see our first of glimpse of Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Upon arrival to the port, we'll check into our hotel and have an orientation meeting to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Dinner in town tonight.Hotel Palm Garden Galapagos
February 20Santa CruzIn the morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we will learn directly from researchers about the island's unique wildlife and the threats it faces. We'll see land iguanas, lava lizards, and several species of giant tortoise. If we're lucky, we may get to see behind the scenes of this word famous research institute and admire special biological collections. In the afternoon we will have some time to cool off in the swimming holes at Las Grietas or on the beach at Playa Aleman, both a short water taxi ride from the port. Dinner this evening in Puerto Ayora.Hotel Palm Garden Galapagos
February 21Santa Cruz - Isabela IslandThis morning we'll take a speedboat over to Isabela Island, settle into our hotel, and have lunch in the seaside port town of Villamil. We'll explore the town on foot to see marine iguanas basking in the sun and sea lions frolicking in the waves (or napping on public benches!) and swim at a nearby beach to cool off. Once back at the hotel, we'll carve out time to journal, reflect and relax in our new surroundings.Gran Hostal Tintorera
February 22IsabelaThis morning we'll rent mountain bikes and explore The Wall of Tears, a relic of the island's prison history, playa de amor- where marine iguanas breed- and a mirador for an amazing panoramic view of the island. Later on, we'll grab our gear and go snorkeling at Concha de Perla, a stunning lagoon where we'll have a chance to see marine iguanas in their preferred habitat, schools of fish, sting rays and much more!Gran Hostal Tintorera
February 23IsabelaToday is our most challenging adventure yet. We'll hike up to the rim of Sierra Negra, the second largest caldera in the world and an active volcano. We'll see firsthand the geological processes that shaped these islands and spot wildlife on the way. We'll head back to our accommodations to clean up and relax after a full day.Gran Hostal Tintorera
February 24Isabela - Santa CruzToday we will kayak around Tintoreras, eventually gearing up again to snorkel again amongst a stunning array of marine life. Our local guide will explain the significance of the Galapagos as an oasis for marine species, and we'll see the evidence firsthand. It's not uncommon to see blue-footed boobies, green sea turtles and sharks as we glide over beds of anemones and corals. In the afternoon, we'll make our way by boat back to Santa Cruz ahead of our flight back to the mainland tomorrow. Dinner in the port tonight.Hotel Palm Garden Galapagos
February 25Santa Cruz - QuitoWe'll make our return journey from the islands to the mountainous region of Ecuador. In the afternoon, if time permits, we'll visit some of the most impressive sites in Quito before having a final dinner overlooking the city. We'll return to the airport this evening to catch our international flight home.Airplane
February 26Quito - USAWe will arrive home today. ¡Hasta luego!Your own bed, eventually!

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Accommodations

In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Hosteria Airport Garden

Hosteria Airport Garden is 3-star hotel  located a short drive from the international airport in Quito. Accommodations are clean, comfortable and modern, and there’s a pool!

Gran Hostal Tintorera

The Gran Hostal Tintorera is a family-friendly hotel that is walking distance from local stores and restaurants.  This hotel is equipped with modern amenities and can accommodate up to 3 guests per room. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Hotel Palm Garden Galapagos

The Hotel Palm Garden Galapagos offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms for guests. Each room can house 2-3 students per room. Some of the amenities include a pool on site, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hot water and group sitting areas around the property. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Group Flight

Type Carrier Name Carrier Code Flight Number Departure Airport & City Departure Date and Time  Arrival Airport & City Arrival Date and Time 
Outbound
American Airlines
AA
688
JFK – John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States
February 18, 2022 at 01:00 PM
MIA – Miami International Airport, Miami, United States
February 18, 2022 at 04:06 PM
Outbound
American Airlines
AA
473
MIA – Miami International Airport, Miami, United States
February 18, 2022 at 08:50 PM
UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador
February 19, 2022 at 12:45 AM
Inbound
American Airlines
AA
466
UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador
February 26, 2022 at 01:50 AM
MIA – Miami International Airport, Miami, United States
February 26, 2022 at 05:44 AM
Inbound
American Airlines
AA
1796
MIA – Miami International Airport, Miami, United States
February 26, 2022 at 09:11 AM
LGA – LaGuardia Airport, New York, United States
February 26, 2022 at 12:03 PM

Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Our programming in the Galapagos is designed and implemented with a dedication to providing meaningful experiences through adventure and sustainable tourism. Excursions visit distinct and often sensitive ecosystems where we’ll hear from experts about the precarious balance that sustains the Galapagos, as well as the plethora of unique flora and fauna that inhabit the islands. Throughout the program, participants will hear firsthand from local scientists and researchers about the important work being done to preserve these incredibly delicate conditions while also adventuring around the islands by bike, boat, kayak and snorkel.

Packing List

What follows is a sample packing list but you know yourself better than we do so please adjust accordingly. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on daily outings, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all our travelers. The list below should cover everything you would need, but know yourself and what you are comfortable traveling with.  We suggest bringing only as much as you would be able to carry on your own.

Finally, we recommend consulting a weather forecast for your destination. 

CLOTHES (quantities depend on your trip length) :

  • Underwear
  • Socks (a mixture of good hiking socks and casual socks)
  • T-shirts (some quick dry)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Sweater/sweatshirt (for Quito)
  • Light rain jacket
  • Comfortable/hiking/everyday pants
  • Comfortable/hiking/everyday shorts
  • Durable athletic/walking shoes, appropriate for lots of walking.
  • Sandals, both flip flops and sport/water sandals (optional)
  • Hat/s with good sun protection
  • Swimsuit/s

TOILETRIES (in addition to the basic toiletries):

  • Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen
  • Deet-free mosquito repellent
  • Band Aids and Neosporin, other 1st aid
  • Anti-itch cream
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Medications (any prescription meds should travel in the original bottle with patient’s name)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Passport and one photocopy
  • Student ID
  • Sunglasses
  • Journal and pen
  • Book/s
  • Camera
  • Debit card/US Dollars (we recommend about $100-$200, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.)
  • Durable water bottle (Walking Tree provides all drinking water)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Soap for washing your own clothes (optional)
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Deck of cards or other portable games
  • Spanish/English Dictionary

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.

Luke Mueller
Luke Mueller
Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO


Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History

During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents.  Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.

Natalia Avila Angel
Natalia Avila Angel
Ecuador Country Director and Program Leader


International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus Rotterdam University – M.A. Development Studies, Environment and Sustainable Development

Born in Cali, Colombia, nestled in a family-oriented, tropical environment surrounded by dance and nature, Natalia grew up between two countries during her childhood and youth: Ecuador and Colombia. From a very young age she developed strong skills in intercultural understanding, particularly between Latin American sister nations. Through her passion and talent in athletics, she has had opportunities to travel to many different countries and cities in South America. Natalia studied at a university in Germany, which allowed her to travel around Europe, where she experienced a vast array of countries and Western cultures. She later pursued a master’s degree in social studies in Holland, focusing on environmental studies. She completed research on natural biosphere reserves in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the issues facing indigenous communities there. After many adventures and experiences, Natalia fell in love with Ecuador’s natural and cultural diversity and has lived and worked in several different places along the coast, highlands, mountains and Amazon regions of the country.

Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales
Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales
Global Country Operations Manager


Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics

Born and raised with a big family in Guatemala, JP spent seven years living and studying in the US where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. JP worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions in the Southwest of the US. After spending two years in New Mexico studying the International Baccalaureate, he moved to Indiana where he spent the next four years at Earlham College. His passion for international affairs brought him to spend a semester in China, and several other Southeast Asian countries. During his time abroad, he spent his summers traveling and backpacking through 15+ different countries, and participating in several service projects. Today JP is based in Costa Rica where he works full time with the Walking Tree team.  Juan Pablo also enjoys hosting friends and travelers coming to visit. He’s always down for an exciting road-trip around the country, or even better, around Latin America. He is a long time art and design enthusiast, and a photography aficionado.

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

  • 1 Alex Crespo
  • 2 Amir Spruill
  • 3 Arjun Deocharan
  • 4 Brian Fogarty
  • 5 Charles DiNapoli
  • 6 Conner Podesta
  • 7 Declan O’Hara
  • 8 Georgios Michael Daskalakis
  • 9 Giovanni Capellino Bozzo
  • 10 Gregory Curran
  • 11 Jai Anand
  • 12 Matthew Cipriani
  • 13 Matthew McCormack
  • 14 Maxence Moretto
  • 15 Miguel Gelpi
  • 16 Moussa Ahmed Reynoso
  • 17 Nicholas Avery
  • 18 Nicholas Racette
  • 19 Noah Rodriguez
  • 20 Pierre Chavez
  • 21 Preston Barker
  • 22 Ronald Calligaris
  • 23 Ryan Schuck
  • 24 Seth Bello
24 Travelers

Blog and Communication

During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.

Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

 

GLC Curriculum

Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.

For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.

Learn More About the GLC

To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.

Pre-Program Activity Portal

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.

ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL

  1.  Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
  3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
  4. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

  1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
  2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
  3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
  4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
  5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
  6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
  7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Ecuador website to get the most updated information on additional health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. We also encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.

Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.

We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with  two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.

To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.

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