Upon arriving at Quito Airport, your group will be transferred to the hotel to check in. Depending on the time of arrival, we will arrange a welcome briefing by your group guide to provide useful information for the days ahead. Overnight in Selina Hotel or similar

Meals:  D

Get ready to explore Quito's old town! We'll kick off at Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by historic buildings like the presidential palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next, we’ll check out La Compañía, arguably the most stunning church in Latin America, and San Francisco Church, famous for its gorgeous plaza and Spanish architecture. Then, we drive up to the Panecillo for epic views of Quito and the 'Virgen de Quito' statue. Afterward, we head north to the Equatorial City Complex, where you can stand on the actual equator at the Intiñan Museum. Here, you can try balancing an egg on a nail and experience the Coriolis effect. The museum also displays interesting ethnographic and cultural features. Overnight in Selina Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Catch a morning flight to the beautiful coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, we’ll head to Hacienda Tranquila, nestled in the highlands and the hub of our volunteer project and first overnight stay. We'll spend Days 3 and 4 working at Hacienda Tranquila, a charitable organization dedicated to tackling environmental, social, and community issues in the Galapagos. This organization believes in innovative solutions that incorporate both human and environmental welfare to ensure a sustainable future for the islands. We will explore Hacienda Tranquila with the local family who administers the ranch. Engage in place-based educational activities that are adaptable to all ages and interests. Upon arriving at the farmhouse, our local hosts will present a map of the Hacienda, introduce the sustainable ranching model, and give a brief tour. Around noon, we’ll return to the farmhouse for a sustainable lunch, sourced mostly from the farm and the island. After a short rest, we’ll put on our hiking shoes and head out on a hike to Petrel Hill, where we’ll learn about research at the Galapagos Science Center. We'll search for aquatic insects and check on petrel nests. Overnight at Hacienda Tranquila or similar. Hiking distance: 1.5 km (1 mile)

Meals:  B,L,D

On our second day at Hacienda Tranquila a local creative artist/environmental educator will join us. Together, we'll head to the parish soccer field and park to pick up litter. We'll analyze our findings and identify materials for upcycled art. With the guidance of the local artist, we'll create a handicraft to take home and set goals to help our community back home. Lunch will be at a picturesque lookout point, where we can reflect on our experiences. Later, we’ll engage in group exercises to appreciate the peacefulness of the place. Having learned about the ranch and place-based education activities, you’ll share your knowledge with a local family. We’ll read stories about endangered species preservation and help plant endangered plants in the Hacienda’s private reserve. We'll explore the endemic Scalesia forest and set conservation goals for our hometowns. Overnight at Hacienda Tranquila or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Time for an underwater adventure! We’ll snorkel at Kicker Rock, where you'll spot sea turtles, sea lions, and a rainbow of fish. Kicker Rock consists of two breathtaking rock massifs (tuff cones) that jut out from the ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for rays and even hammerhead sharks if you’re lucky. After a full day of ocean exploration, we’ll head back for a local dinner and some well-deserved rest. Overnight at Hotel Los Algarrobos or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

Start the day with a boat ride to Santa Cruz Island, followed by a kayaking trip around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada. We paddle through calm turquoise waters winding through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays swim beneath the clear water, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons, crabs, and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon, hike to Tortuga Bay, where you’ll find a stunning white sand beach and marine turtle nesting site. The trail is made up of dry forest lava habitat, home to hundreds of iguanas. End the day exploring Puerto Ayora at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Lobo de Mar or similar. Hiking distance: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness the tireless efforts of researchers and conservationists and learn about how they are helping to repopulate the island with different species of tortoise. Although you will see many different types of tortoises at the station’s breeding center, our second stop of the day will take us up to the ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands for an up-close and personal experience to see them in their natural habitat. Explore the lava tunnels that dot the property while watching the gentle giants lounge around in the mud. These are truly impressive creatures! Our day ends by returning to town where you can enjoy the evening taking a stroll through Puerto Ayora. We recommend heading down to the boat docks at night as sharks and rays can be spotted playing in the lights below. Overnight at Hotel Lobo de Mar or similar.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we will be transferred back to Baltra for our return flights to Quito. Average time back to the city is 2-3 hours depending on if your flight is direct or with a stop in Guayaquil.

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to the airport and for your return flight home

Meals:  B