This program is subject to adjustments due to local conditions and requires moderate physical activity (i.e. extended walks over rocky, muddy terrain, swimming, and snorkeling).

Jan. 7 – Flight from LGA to Quito, Ecuador

Jan. 8 – Flight to Galápagos Islands, transfer to hotel on Santa Cruz Island. Visit Charles Darwin Research Station. View giant tortoises, focus on conservation programs.

Jan. 9 / 10 – Tour of Santa Cruz highlands. Focus on climate and vegetation zones of the Galápagos, introduction to the geology of the islands through visits to a caldera and lava tube. Volunteering for Galápagos National Park.

Jan 11 – Board the yacht, travel to South Plaza Island. Focus on ecology of land iguanas.

Jan. 12 – Travel to Tower Island. Focus on ecology of sea birds and microevolution.

Jan. 13 – Isabela / Fernandina Islands; focus on marine iguanas, plant-animal adaptations to El Nino events, and shield volcanoes and lava flows.

Jan. 14 – Bartholomew Island, focus on geology (volcanic cones and pyroclastic deposits) and penguins.

Jan. 15 – Santiago Island, focus on marine mammal ecology and pahoehoe lava flows.

Jan. 16 – Florena Island, focus on marine ecology, history, and conservation of the archipelago.

Jan. 17 – Hood Island, focus on sea bird ecology, sea lions, and lava flows.

Jan. 18 – Flight from Galápagos to Quito.

Jan. 19 – Market day in Quito, tour of old city.

Jan. 20 – Day trip to Andean highlands and Cotopaxi stratovolcano. Focus on Andean geology.

Jan. 21 – Flight / boat ride to LaSelva Jungle Lodge at the Napo River, deep in the Amazon jungle.

Jan. 22-23 – Guided jungle excursions in the Yasuni National Park (walks, canoe rides, wildlife viewing).

Jan. 24 – Return to Quito.