2023 GSSM Galapagos Conservation Expedition
| Travel Dates: |
January 6, 2023 -
January 14, 2023
Dates tentative until flights are secured
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,090 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
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| Estimated Airfare: | $1,000 |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free monthly installment plan. Follow whichever option works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,090
Pay in Full
$3,090.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$64.75
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Galapagos Conservation Expedition
Dense Amazonian rainforest, snow-capped Andean peaks, volcanic islands and raging rivers. Ecuador is a place of terrifically varied wonders, but for many the most magical are the Galapagos Islands.
From Quito, you’ll fly to the islands and begin to explore this remarkable archipelago full of different landscapes and wildlife including sea turtles, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, albatrosses, frigate birds and more. Participants will have the opportunity to practice Spanish, learn from local conservation organizations, snorkel with abundant marine life, and hike active volcanoes, all the while learning about what makes these islands so special.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends
Volunteer with local scientists to assist in critical conservation efforts
Snorkel with marine life in Isabela
Hike an active volcano
Get up close and personal with sea lions in Floreana
Enjoy full-day snorkeling expeditions
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to abide by itineraries as originally planned, but decades of experience teaches that we must be flexible in our planning. Changes to a trip’s schedule are uncommon, but Walking Tree reserves the right to make adjustments to programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 6 | USA - Quito | Fly from the USA to Quito and transfer to hotel in Tababela, a suburb of the 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 |
| January 7 | Quito - 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 at El Chato Ranch, where we will have our first of many delicious meals on the islands and see our first of glimpse of Giant Toroises 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. | Eco Hostal Isla Azul |
| January 8 | Santa Cruz | In 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. | Eco Hostal Isla Azul |
| January 9 | Santa Cruz - Isabela Island | This 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. | Hotel San Vicente |
| January 10 | Isabela | This 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 panaramic 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! | Hotel San Vicente |
| January 11 | Isabela | Today 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. | Hotel San Vicente |
| January 12 | Isabela - Santa Cruz | Today 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 anemonies 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. | Eco Hostal Isla Azul |
| January 13 | Santa Cruz - Quito - USA | We'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 |
| January 14 | Quito - USA | We will arrive home today. ¡Hasta luego! | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing group accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, locally operated, clean and safe. We inspect each partner hotel to ensure they meet these standards.
Hosteria Airport Garden
Hostería Airport Garden is a small, locally run hotel located in Tababela, a short drive from Quito’s international airport, making it a convenient option for arrivals and departures. The property offers simple, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Public areas include a garden, outdoor seating areas, and an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy meals before or after travel.
Eco Hostal Isla Azul Galapagos
Our local friends at the Eco Hostal Isla Azul in Puerto Ayora provide the perfect accommodations for our travelers during their stay in Santa Cruz. Located only 400 meters from the ocean, Isla Azul’s location makes is perfect for groups looking to stay close to ferrys at Academy bay while still being near the restaurants and shops in town. Isla Azul also strives to strike the perfect balance between comfortable and modern amenities for its guests while maintaining its committed approach to respecting the environment, an ever-important mission that serves the delicate eco systems of the Galapagos Islands well. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender.
Hotel San Vicente
The Hotel San Vicente in Puerto Villamil provides the perfect place to rest between island adventures! At less than two blocks away from the beach, and complete with a terrace with spectacular views of its surroundings, guests will feel recharged when staying at the Hotel San Vicente. Its friendly, hospitable staff makes one’s stay feel more familiar and homely than a typical hotel, and its commitment to sustainable energy sets it apart from other comparable accommodations on Isabela Island.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
Lovett’s trip to Morocco was a once in a lifetime trip for a lot of our students. It was great to hear how the students raved about the trip to their parents upon return. Overall a wonderful trip that the students and staff loved!
Sabrina
Group Organizer on Morocco Service Adventure
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.