Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the lush natural beauty of the Galápagos on this exciting journey. You’ll begin in Quito, where your students will visit important landmarks including Iglesia San Francisco and explore the La Mariscal craft market. Your group can also look forward to visiting the Twin Craters, hiking to Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkeling off the coast of Las Tintoreras, and touring the Darwin Research Station.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Quito guided sightseeing tour
Independence Plaza, Palacio de Carondelet, San Francisco Church visit, Mitad del Mundo visit
Day 3
Fly to Santa Cruz
Twin Craters visit
Los Gemelos, or the Twin Craters, sit opposite each other along the road from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. Though not true craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material into underground fissures and chambers. After a moderate hike, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
Highlands of the Island visit
View lava tunnels
Day 4
Transfer to Isabela Island via boat
Wetlands visit
On this excursion, you will visit Playa del Amor, explore island estuary tunnels, and visit the Wall of Tears, a historic site commemorating Isabela Island’s history as a penal colony.
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center guided visit
Flamingo Lake walk
To the west of Puerto Villamil, a series of salt and brackish lagoons host an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. This area is also home to the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galápagos.
Day 5
Sierra Negra Volcano guided hike
Enjoy an excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos. Located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil, it features the second largest volcanic caldera in the world, measuring six miles across and 300 feet deep. The last eruption occurred in 2005, and the views from the rim are truly unforgettable.
Puerto Villamil beach time
Day 6
Las Tintoreras visit
On Las Tintoreras, you’ll embark on a guided wildlife walk along lava-strewn trails and turquoise coastlines. The path winds through habitats teeming with marine iguanas basking on the rocks and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling across the shore. With a bit of luck, Galápagos penguins may dart through the water or perch curiously nearby, offering rare close-up sightings. It’s a serene yet thrilling experience where every glance reveals a new marvel of nature.
Snorkeling adventure
Snorkel in the clear blue waters and learn to identify the many varieties of fish while studying their marine habitats. Reflect on the threat climate change poses to these vital ecosystems. As you explore around Las Tintoreras, you may encounter graceful gliding rays, playful seals, colorful iguanas, and vibrant tropical fish—an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Transfer to Santa Cruz Island via boat
Darwin Research Station guided visit
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where decades of scientific work have helped protect the Galápagos’ rarest species. Observe giant tortoises bred for survival, explore exhibits on marine conservation, and witness the legacy of evolution in the very place that inspired it.
Day 7
Transfer to Baltra Island via Itabaca Canal
Fly to Quito
Day 8
La Mariscal artisanal craft market visit
A visit to La Mariscal market is a must for anyone looking for a souvenir or a gift to bring home. Filled with crafts and specialties from across Ecuador, the market dazzles with displays of blankets, paintings, jewelry, bags, flutes, chocolate, and more.
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from the Galápagos Islands
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.