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Ecuador

Ecuador: Wild Galapagos — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore the world-famous Galápagos archipelago. Spanning 19 islands and home to marine iguanas, turtles, penguins, and sea lions, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. This program is filled with experiences unequaled anywhere else on the planet that you’ll be sure to remember fondly forever.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Ecuador!

Arrive into Quito’s international airport (OIU) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Decompress from your international flight and enjoy a comfy bed before an early flight to the Galapagos tomorrow morning. Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. Overnight: Hotel, Tababela
2

To the Galapagos

Wake up early as we head to the airport for the 4 hour flight to the Galápagos! Upon arrival, we will waste no time seeing as much as possible with a visit to Las Primicias tortoise refuge for a unique experience to see Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. You'll have a delicious lunch at Las Primicias while observing the tortoises from afar as you eat. After lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn all about the natural history and global importance of the Galapagos Islands. Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
3

Isabela Island

The next 6 days will be dedicated to seeing as much of the Galápagos as possible! An early morning ferry will bring us to Isabella island, the youngest and most active of the archipelago. The geographical diversity is just one of the many things that make the islands so special. Our first night on Isabela will be spent at a glamping site in the highlands where we will experience the unique biodiversity of a pacific volcano. Overnight: Glamping, Isabela Island
4

Biking and Kayaking

Today is an action packed day starting with a thrilling bike ride down the volcanic slope to Puarto Villamil right to the door of our hotel for the next few nights. After a tasty lunch, we will head to the picturesque Concha Perla bay, for a kayaking tour around the rocky shore in search of treasured sightings of Galapagos penguins, sea lions, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas. In the evening we will relax in the beautiful surroundings of our hotel and prepare for tomorrow's volcano hike. Overnight: Hotel, Isabela Island
5

Snorkel and Coastal Adventures

This will be a full day boat adventure, exploring the island from the sea. Keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles and black- tipped reef sharks! After snorkeling, relax on the white sand beaches of Isabela. Overnight: Hotel, Isabela Island
6

Hit the Surf for lessons on ‘La Playita’ beach and tortoise breeding center

What better place to learn to hang 10 than on a gorgeous Galapagos beach. With low to medium height, punchy waves perfect for learning to surf safely, we will hit the beautiful ‘La Playita’ beach for some lessons on surfing techniques. This is the perfect opportunity to get that unforgettable and compelling experience of riding a wave in the company of pelicans and sea lions that love to play in the waves just like us! Midday, we’ll have a well earned and delicious lunch with our host family at the hotel before saying our goodbyes to them and heading out for the afternoon ferry to Santa Cruz island. On arrival in Santa Cruz, the group will get settled in and have a late afternoon stroll around Puerto Ayora town in search of the perfect sunset. Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
7

Day 7: Las Grietas/ Tortuga Bay

Today we will visit a real highlight of the islands, Las Grietas, which are large geological formations immersed in pristine waters for perfect bathing and aquatic animal observation. After a typically scrumptious Galapaguenan lunch, the group will head out for an afternoon of relaxation and games on the white sands of Tortuga Bay. In the evening, a final walk around Puerto Ayora and dinner at a popular restaurant follow. Overnight: Hotel, Santa Cruz Island
8

Say Goodbye to the Galápagos - Fly home

After a final morning of shopping, say goodbye to the Galápagos islands and fly back to Quito. On our last ride through the hills we will have time to reminisce about all the incredible experiences you had in the Galápagos. Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Ecuador

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Ecuador offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Ecuador Americas Conservation
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