Ecuador & Galápagos

Animals of the Amazon

$6,795

Tuition

*Airfare for group flight from Miami additional

18 days

Trip duration

9th – 12th

Grades

18 days

Jul 16 - Aug 2, 2025

Miami, FL

Arrival & Departure

$6,795

Tuition

18 days

Trip duration

Jul 16 - Aug 2, 2025

9th – 12th

Grades

*Airfare for group flight from Miami additional

Overview

Set out on an 18-day journey through Ecuador’s most spectacular ecosystems, from the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. This adventure combines the excitement of outdoor exploration with meaningful conservation service, offering a unique perspective on Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity. Whether you’re replanting trees in the Amazon, caring for wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking, or snorkeling alongside sea lions in the crystal-clear waters of the Galápagos, each experience fosters a deeper understanding of global conservation efforts. Along the way, zipline through misty cloud forests, raft through Amazonian rapids, and explore the history and culture of Quito. Every moment provides a chance to contribute to the preservation of some of the world’s most precious ecosystems.

Highlights

Care for Rescued Animals in the Heart of the Amazon Rainforest
Contribute to the Preservation of Ecuador’s Unique Biodiversity
Support a Reforestation Effort in the Heart of the Amazon
Snorkel With Playful Sea Lions in the Galápagos Islands
Experience the Thrill of Whitewater Rafting in the Amazon Rainforest
Zipline Through the Lush Canopies of the Mindo Cloud Forest
Savor the World’s Best Ecuadorian Chocolates
25 Hours of Hands-On Conservation Service Learning

Get the itinerary

Want to learn more about traveling with ARCC or have more questions about this program?

Schedule a Call with Amy Coolidge

Galápagos Island Snorkeling Adventure

Set off to explore the famed Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution and biodiversity. Snorkel along the rugged coastline of San Cristóbal, where we encounter marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and curious sea lions. As you dive into the crystal-clear waters, manta rays and reef sharks glide beneath you, offering a window into this vibrant underwater world. Beyond snorkeling, spend your days hiking to secluded beaches, learning about the island’s unique flora and fauna, and contributing to ongoing conservation projects aimed at preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This leg of the journey connects adventure with environmental stewardship in one of the world’s most remarkable locations.

Snorkel

Wildlife Rescue Center

Delve deep into Ecuador’s Amazon as you join forces with a local wildlife rescue center dedicated to protecting endangered species from illegal trafficking. Work alongside biologists and animal caretakers to maintain habitats, prepare food, and design enrichment activities for creatures like monkeys, parrots, and ocelots. This experience not only offers a rare opportunity to help preserve Ecuador’s fragile ecosystems but also allows you to develop practical skills in wildlife conservation. By the end of your time at the center, you have a greater understanding of the challenges these animals face and the efforts required to safeguard their future.

Jungle

Amazon Reforestation Project

Journey into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Here, we team up with local communities and conservationists to help restore vital green corridors by planting trees and medicinal plants. Through hands-on work, you gain insight into the importance of reforestation in protecting wildlife habitats and combating deforestation. As you contribute to rebuilding the Amazon’s ecosystem, you learn about the critical role these efforts play in preserving both the environment and the livelihoods of the people who depend on it.

Service

Common Questions

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Is the cost of airfare separate from program tuition?

All food, lodging, transportation, and activities are paid for with your trip tuition. Group airfare is additional and the cost depends on the program.

In order to be sure there are enough seats available on international group flights, ARCC books the international tickets in advance and families are invoiced for the cost of the international airfare.

Families are also responsible for booking flights or arranging transportation for students to meet their leaders and other group members at the program’s arrival airport. The leaders and students then fly internationally together as a group.

What should I pack?

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate, and cultural differences. You will receive this packing list in the comprehensive Welcome Packet that is sent to all students after they enroll in a program.

What is the weather like in Ecuador?

In Ecuador the weather is a lot like Florida in the summer time. During the day it can be hot, sunny and humid (80’s-90’s) and late afternoons often bring showers, which will cool us off. You will often go to bed with only a simple cover as it is warm enough to sleep without your sleeping bag. While at a higher altitude (Quito) the temperature is a bit cooler (60’s). In the Galápagos, the weather will be quite warm and tropical.

What are the service projects like?

ARCC has been operating programs in Ecuador for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals and small communities who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. The specific service projects that each group will work on depending on what is most needed in these communities at the time. Often times there is a light construction or building aspect as well as partnering with a local tree nursery to assist on a reforestation project.

What kind of health precautions should I take before traveling to Ecuador?

Ecuador is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to Ecuador. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

Where do we sleep?

During this program, we sleep in a variety of accommodations: hostels, small simple hotels, an eco-lodge, and rustic community buildings.

What is the transportation like once we are in Ecuador?

While in Ecuador, we will travel by private bus with a professional driver and by boat. We will also travel to and from the Galápagos on a commercial airliner.

What is the food like?

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Ecuadorian cuisine such as chicken, fish, rice, plantains, soups, and fresh fruit. We will also be cooking our own meals while we are staying in the rural communities. ARCC works with our local partners and restaurants to accommodate dietary restrictions. Students should inform ARCC of any dietary needs before the start of the program.

How much spending money should I bring?

For Ecuador/Galápagos, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $75 of spending money for each week of travel. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). Most students opt to bring a small amount of cash, as well as personal debit or credit cards.

As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card freezes.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, all students traveling to Ecuador need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this program.

Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place. If you lose your passport and you have a photocopy, it is much easier to replace.

Do I need a visa?

No. US Citizens do not need a visa for this program.

What is the time difference between Ecuador and the Galapágos and the USA?

During the summer, mainland Ecuador is 1 hour earlier than New York and 2 hours later than San Francisco while the Galápagos islands are 2 hours earlier than New York and 1 hour later than San Francisco.

Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program, the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. Everyone must be able to carry all of their own belongings which is more comfortable and efficient with a backpack.

Do I need to speak Spanish to join this program?

No. You will be able to participate in all the activities even if you do not speak any Spanish. However, if you study Spanish in school, you will have many opportunities to practice your language skills with the locals you encounter during your program. Having some basic conversational skills will enable you to form stronger bonds with the local people you will be meeting and helping.

What kinds of goods and supplies can we bring to donate for the people we meet?

We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.

Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!