Service Projects Rustic Pathways works with local community leaders and organizations to identify and prioritize the needs of each community. Please note that while we try our best to ensure we provide our advertised projects, some changes may occur due to the communities and project partners we work with. Typically, our service work will take place in the mainland village of Yunguilla. This mountain village is known for its jam and cheese making. Locals here are engaged in efforts to manage their natural resources and ensure sustainable development, including efforts to sustainably produce their jams and cheese. While there, students may work on reforestation efforts, learn to milk cows, or participate in various sustainable gardening projects. Previous traveler Taya Puner says learning about the local way of life and doing projects was a highlight of the program for her. “I really love traveling but it gives me more of a sense of purpose when I’m doing service,” Taya said. “I like working with the environment because I feel like I’m doing something productive.”
Accommodations The students will stay in several different types of accommodations during their program. Here’s what to expect: Hotel in Quito (2 nights) Begin your journey at a peaceful ranch-style hotel in a quiet village near the airport. Students will share gender-separated rooms with hot-water bathrooms and enjoy relaxing on the hotel’s scenic grounds. Homestay in Yunguilla (2 nights) Experience rural Andean life by staying with local families in the Yunguilla community. Students will be placed in same-gender groups of two to three Rustic Pathways students per home. Accommodations are cozy and welcoming, offering an immersive cultural experience. Hotel on Santa Cruz Island (2 nights) Unwind at a cozy hotel in the heart of Galápagos, Santa Cruz Island. This relaxing stop in the Galápagos offers beautiful views and a comfortable base between island adventures. Eco-Lodge Stay on Isabela Island (1 night) Discover the magic of glamping at an eco-lodge in the volcanic landscape of Isabela Island. This one-of-a-kind stay allows students to connect with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations, plus they might even spot giant tortoises nearby! Beachside Hotel on Isabela Island (2 nights) Wrap up your Galápagos experience at a laid-back hotel just minutes from the beach. Students will share rooms (2–3 per group, same gender) and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere near the Galápagos shore.
Food Students will enjoy a diverse and delicious culinary experience while in Ecuador, with all dietary requirements, preferences and allergies carefully accommodated. They will savor authentic local dishes at community restaurants and homestays as well as enjoy high-quality meals at hotels. Many meals will be buffet-style self-service, featuring fresh ingredients and a mix of Ecuadorian, Galapagos, and Western cuisine, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience for all. Water from the tap is safe to use for brushing teeth etc, but students will be provided as much bottled water as they can drink. Don’t forget to bring along your own reusable water bottle, so we can minimize our plastic usage.
What’s Included in Your Program Program Leaders & Guides English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders Airport Transportation Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport Comfortable Accommodations All nights of accommodation All Meals Included Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay Ground Transportation All transportation between program locations and activities All Activities Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary 24/7 Support On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind Emergency Coverage Included emergency evacuation assurance plan All Fees & Tips Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips What’s Not Included in Your Program International Flights Souvenirs Additional Snacks Visa Expenses Passport Fees
A Past Adventure in the Wild Galápagos Program Leader David Jackson shared a captivating story from a previous trip to the Galápagos Islands, where his favorite spot was underwater at Kicker Rock near San Cristóbal Island. Under the water at Kicker Rock there are reams of sea animals that are friendly, curious and relatively unaccustomed to humans. The opportunity to see marine life in this environment has made this deep water location one of the best snorkeling spots on the planet. The water near Kicker Rock is one of the most popular snorkeling sites in the world. Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada “It’s incredible to snorkel side by side with marine turtles that don’t have a care in the world. You get close enough to these prehistoric animals to see barnacles on their shells. It feels like you’ve gone back two hundred million years in time. It’s so majestic. It gives you a Finding Nemo vibe,” Jackson said. In addition to the turtles, there are also playful sea lions that pirouette in the water beneath snorkelers, colorful angelfish that swim in schools, and hammerhead sharks that harmlessly swim below in deeper waters. Jackson says snorkeling in this area is an experience he wishes everyone had. This program gives them the chance to see animals that they can’t see anywhere else on the planet. Marine iguanas hang out on a beach on Santa Cruz Island. Photo: Diego Delso, Delso Photos, License CC-BY-SA Jackson will be leading the way both as an expert on educational travel and as a wildlife biologist. He has lived in Ecuador for about 19 years and leads the Andean Bear Foundation and the Wild Mountain Tapir Research Program, which aim to protect these animals. He also has been to the Galápagos Islands a number of times leading programs for students, including those in veterinary programs. He uses his knowledge to teach students about animal welfare and biodiversity, while also helping students overcome any challenges they have during the journey. “We had one kid who refused to snorkel because he was afraid,” Jackson said. “I had a one-to-one private chat, and all of the sudden he tried it. By the end of the program, he was going home in tears and thanking us for the experience.” Seeing Another World That’s Teeming with Life That unique snorkeling experience isn’t the only highlight with a destination as interesting as the Galápagos Islands. The students will visit several of the islands, including three major ones – San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela Island. Map by: freeworldmaps.net The archipelago has 13 major islands total, along with a few smaller islands. Isabela is the largest. On this island, students will visit the Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second largest volcanic crater in the world measuring six miles in diameter. Jackson says this is one of the more strenuous days since the students spend about five to six hours hiking to see the rocky volcanic terrain. If they are lucky, the weather will be nice so they can enjoy fantastic views of the volcano and its surroundings. Even if it’s cloudy though, the students are sure to encounter many reptiles and birds that live in the area. The islands were formed from volcanic eruptions and the wildlife that made it to the region by wave or wind are models for evolution because of the isolated nature of the archipelago. The animals could not travel elsewhere if survival became difficult, so they instead evolved to adapt to their environment. This, of course, caught the attention of Charles Darwin, who introduced the Theory of Evolution, along with other biologists from around the world. A Galapagos sea lion enjoys the beach on San Cristobal Island. Photo: Diego Delso, Delso Photos, License CC-BY-SA The islands have about 2,900 known species of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals, including nearly 60 that are considered threatened species. Within these species there are many subspecies that have adapted to the islands. Jackson says the finches are an example of this. “The 14 finch subspecies that live on the islands all have the same bodies but different bills,” Jackson said. “One finch has a crossed-over bill to get inside logs and branches to eat grubs and insects. A vampire finch has a scalpel-like bill to pierce flesh and drink the blood of larger birds and iguanas. Each subspecies has a different bill because of evolution.” Students will see examples of this as they visit a tortoise breeding center and travel around the islands by kayak, on other boats, and on foot. They can witness how the land animals differ in their behavior since they have few natural predators. Students can keep their eyes out for Galápagos penguins, which are the only penguins that live this far north, along with the blue-footed boobies, flamingos and the world’s only marine iguanas. These animals and others have faced threats from invasive species that were introduced in the islands, including domestic animals like dogs and pigs. However, the local government has strengthened policies to avoid human-created damage to the ecosystem. This is keeping the islands pristine, making them a perfect spot for scientists and nature lovers. During their time on the islands, the students will have plenty of time for snorkeling, hiking, boating, and soaking up the beach while enjoying views of nature and local wildlife. Exploring the Mainland The islands aren’t the only place where students will take in all Ecuador has to offer. They will begin and end their journey in the capital city of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The capital sits high in the foothills of the Andean mountains and was built on the ruins of an Inca city. Mt. Chimborazo can be viewed in the distance from Quito, Ecuador. It has some well-preserved colonial treasures and buildings with interesting architecture. Students will be able to see the city from the church towers and the famous Panecillo Hill, which provides excellent views of the city. After touring the capital, the students will head north to the Yunguilla community, where they will do two days of service. This mountain village is known for its jam and cheese making. While there, students may work on reforestation efforts, learn to milk a cow, or try various gardening projects. Such hands-on experiences and cultural insights give students plenty to reflect on as they gather for the Rustic Ties discussion on the final evening. When Jackson talks about the program, it’s clear that students will have much to share when they return home. There is one word Jackson uses repeatedly when describing the trip, which really sums it up — and that word is “incredible.”