Overview
Take your students on a school trip to Quito and the Galapagos. Arrive in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, nestled in a long, narrow valley. Explore Quito, then visit towns known for their own rich cultural history. Tour the amazing Galapagos Islands, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Marvel at the extraordinary animals that inhabit the islands, including Galapagos tortoises. Travel back to Quito and spend a free afternoon exploring the city before concluding this once-in-a-lifetime student travel program.
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
Compania de Jesus visit, El Panecillo visit, Virgin of Quito Monument
Mitad del Mundo visit
Stand at the spot where the northern and southern hemispheres meet and visit the Equatorial Monument that marks the line.
Day 3
Fly to Baltra
Travel to Isla Santa Cruz
Highlands excursion
View lava tunnels, Primicias Ranch visit
Day 4
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.
Lunch
Tortuga Bay excursion
Tortuga Bay beach time, Snorkel in the lagoons
Day 5
Transfer to San Cristobal Island via boat
La Galapaguera visit
Observe giant tortoises endemic to San Cristóbal Island
Hike to El Junco Lake
Walk among lush green ferns and watch as White-cheeked Pintails and colorful Gallinules swoop and swim around you in one of the few freshwater lakes in the Galápagos.
Lunch
La Loberia Beach excursion
Snorkeling at La Loberia Beach, see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies & lava lizards
Day 6
Kicker Rock full-day snorkeling excursion
This amazing landmark is a remnant of a vertical tuff cone formation, rising almost 500 feet from the ocean. The erosion has given the rock its characteristic shape, which some see as a shoe, hence the name Kicker Rock. You will snorkel around Kicker Rock and see if you can spot sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks, and tropical fish. And from the boat on land you can usually see blue-footed boobies, masked boobies and frigatebirds on the cliffs as well as sea lions along the shore.
Lunch
Day 7
Fly to Quito
Free time to explore Quito
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 8
Return home OR Extend your stay
Board your flight home or choose to extend your stay with a visit to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of this protected area, home to diverse wildlife and stunning Andean scenery.
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Quito and the Galapagos
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.