check out a typical lifeworks ecuador and galapagos islands session 1 itinerary!
Since in-country logistics are subject to change for reasons outside our control - and our community service work changes with the needs of our partner organizations - please take the table below as a guide only. And, as always, feel free to give us a call at 800.808.2115 or +1.941.924.2115 for the most up-to-date information!
DAY |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
Fly day! - Students fly together from Miami to Quito with the help of Lifeworks' professional staff. Afternoon and evening activities include getting settled into a beautiful downtown hotel, Lifeworks' orientation, and check-in. Students enjoy their first of many fantastic Ecuadorian meals, and try to get some sleep after months of anticipation come to an end! |
2 |
Orientation and City Tour - Morning Ecuadorian culture and safety briefing. At a local park, students participate in group building games and initiatives. Afternoon Quito city tour of historic plazas, cathedrals, and markets. |
3 |
Rafting Day! - Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids is unavoidably fun for all! Students have an action packed day full of fun and beautiful scenery through the tropical rainforests of the Rio Toachi. |
4 |
Great Greetings to the Galapagos! - Students fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. First impressions last forever in this natural wonderland - "magical" sums it up best for most! Transport to the Darwin Research Station to see the endangered Galapagos tortoises and the famed "Lonesome George." Evening embarkation on the Galapagos motor yacht tour. |
5 - 8 |
Galapagos Yacht Tour - Aboard the floating home, students explore the "jewel" islands of the Galapagos, including Plazas, Santa Fe, Espanola, Lobos, and San Cristobal. Students have unforgettable experiences with the wildlife, including close encounters with blue-footed boobies and albatrosses as they perform their intricate mating dances, and snorkeling with sea lions, hammerhead sharks, penguins, and much more. |
9 - 10 |
Now Let's Clean Up This Place! - After undoubtedly developing a love of the islands, students lend a hand on conservation service projects with the Galapagos National Park Service. Projects can include removing invasive species, planting native trees, testing water quality, and educational initiatives for the children of the Galapagos. At an additional cost, scuba divers are offered a day of diving in lieu of some of the community service time. |
11 |
Return To The Mainland - Morning community service project. Students fly Baltra to Quito for a lively evening salsa lesson in downtown Quito. No experience necessary! |
12 - 15 |
The Amazon Awaits! - Students fly Quito to Coca and begin their journey into the famed Amazon rainforest. Over their stay, students tour the wonders of the Amazon ecological system. Cameras do not stop clicking with the sighting of monkeys, caimans, sloths, parrots, macaws, frogs, snakes, iguanas, insects of all shapes and colors, and much more. Activities includes fishing for piranhas, visiting indigenous communities and markets, exploring markets, and 2 days of community service work with the indigenous school of Sumak Allpa. The closing evening program is a night to remember! |
16 |
Amazon Retreat - Students have their last jungle morning. Afternoon flight back to Quito for a Lifeworks Forum and some well-earned rest. |
17 |
Scenic Mountain Drive and Soccer Extravaganza - Students leave Quito for the high Andes. Afternoon stop at the Zumbahua Market for a "taste of the authentic." Arrival at a beautiful Andean eco-lodge, for some evening soccer games with the local children. |
18 |
Hike Day! - Transport up to Quilotoa Lake, a stunning volcanic crater with emerald waters spanning 2 kilometers. Hike back through the spectacular scenery to the welcoming warmth of an Andean eco-lodge. |
19 |
Horseback Riding Day! - Explore the beautiful Andes and lower elevation cloud forests on horseback from the Andean eco-lodge to a historic cheese factory and back. |
20 |
Farewell To The Andes & Closing Program - Scenic bus transport from Andean eco-lodge back to Quito. Students have a grand feast on their final night, and, perhaps, shed a few tears during our slide show and closing program. |
21 |
So Hard To Say Goodbye - Students say goodbye to their new friends at Lifeworks. Without fail there is a mix of emotions - there is excitement to return home; there is sadness to leave. Students fly together Quito to Miami with the help of Lifeworks' professional staff and continue on to their respective homes and families. |
