Galápagos Islands & Ecuador

Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service Teen Travel

Students pose in Ecuador on a beach beside a large painted Galápagos Isabela sign

Students observe a giant tortoise in a grassy field

Student travelers pose beside a painted mural reading Yunguilla, Cuidamos la vida

Students in kayaks and life jackets gather along a mangrove-lined channel in the Galápagos

A student smiles while painting a curbstone yellow with a bucket of paint

Teens press fresh cheese into round molds in a small dairy workshop

Students sit on a grassy hillside overlooking a wide valley

Two female students pose for a photo overlooking Quito, Ecuador.

Students smile together on a palm-lined beach

A sea lion sleeps on a sandy beach with volcanic rock formations in the background

A marine iguana rests on white sand with driftwood blurred in the background

A sea lion swims underwater, looking toward the camera

A giant tortoise rests on grass with trees in the background

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Wild Galápagos is a 13-day teen travel and eco-service program in Ecuador for students ages 14–19. This program features wildlife-focused adventures on the Galápagos islands of Santa Cruz and Isabela, and 12 hours of community service in the Andean village of Yunguilla.

Program Tuition

$5,495

Excluding flights.
Payment plans, financial aid, and scholarships available.

Travel this program in the future

Program details last verified August 20, 2026

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic Pathways since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

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

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

Quote by: Alex Ball Country Director, Ecuador

Day 1: Depart for Quito

International travel

Activities
U.S. students depart Miami International Airport (MIA) on the chaperoned group flight. International students fly independently to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to arrive within the designated arrival window. After arrival, students eat dinner at the hotel and spend the night near Quito.

Learning objective
Practice responsible international travel and adapt to the expectations of a supervised group program abroad.

Yunguilla

Ecuador

Days 2–5 · 3 nights

Yunguilla Community Homestay

Day 2: Travel to Yunguilla and Meet the Community

Yunguilla · Ecuador

Activities
After orientation, the group travels to Yunguilla and students settle into their community homestays. They regroup to play sports with local residents, then attend a short briefing and reflection before family time with their hosts.

Learning objective
Observe daily life in Yunguilla and practice adapting respectfully to a community homestay environment.

Day 3: Service and Community Activities in Yunguilla

Yunguilla · Ecuador

Activities
Students support community projects that include native forest restoration and work on community farms. In the afternoon, they play sports and games with local children before returning to their homestay families.

Learning objective
Connect hands-on service with Yunguilla’s environmental and community priorities.

Day 4: Service and Community Hike in Yunguilla

Yunguilla · Ecuador

Activities
Community service continues with native forest restoration and farm projects. In the afternoon, students take a community hike and spend the evening with their homestay families.

Learning objective
Examine the relationship between Yunguilla’s natural environment, local livelihoods, and community-led conservation.

Quito

Ecuador

Days 5–6 · 1 night

Hotel near Quito

Day 5: Intiñan Museum and Historic Quito

Yunguilla → Quito · Ecuador

Activities
The group says goodbye to their homestay families and leaves Yunguilla for the Intiñan Museum, where students learn about pre-colonial history, Ecuador’s equatorial geography, and the significance of the equator. A tour of colonial Quito includes the Basilica and the Virgen del Panecillo before the group returns to a hotel near the airport.

Learning objective
Connect Ecuador’s pre-colonial history and equatorial geography with the colonial landmarks of Quito.

Galápagos Islands

Ecuador

Days 6–12 · 6 nights

Santa Cruz and Isabela

Day 6: Fly to the Galápagos and Explore Puerto Ayora

Quito → Galápagos · Ecuador

Activities
A Rustic Pathways Program Leader flies with the group from Quito to the Galápagos Islands. After arrival, students settle into the hotel, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, and walk around Puerto Ayora.

Learning objective
Examine the role of scientific research and conservation in the Galápagos while forming first impressions of island life.

Day 7: Isabela Island, Sierra Negra, and Giant Tortoises

Isabela · Galápagos

Activities
An early ferry takes the group to Isabela Island. Students hike Sierra Negra Volcano, then spend the afternoon at Campo Duro at the foot of the volcano, where giant tortoises roam the property.

Learning objective
Observe how the volcanic landscape of Isabela provides habitat for the Galápagos giant tortoise.

Day 8: Cycle, Kayak, and Snorkel on Isabela

Isabela · Galápagos

Activities
Students cycle from Campo Duro to Puerto Villamil through forest and coastal scenery. In the afternoon, they kayak in the bay and snorkel at Concha de Perla.

Learning objective
Compare Isabela’s inland and coastal environments through cycling, kayaking, and snorkeling activities.

Day 9: Los Túneles

Isabela · Galápagos

Activities
A full-day boat excursion takes students to Los Túneles for snorkeling and time along the coast. The group eats lunch aboard the boats before returning to Puerto Villamil.

Learning objective
Observe the marine environment around Los Túneles and compare it with the coastal areas explored earlier on Isabela.

Day 10: Surf Lessons and Return to Santa Cruz

Isabela → Santa Cruz · Galápagos

Activities
Students take surf lessons and play beach games at El Faro. In the afternoon, the group takes the ferry from Isabela back to Santa Cruz and returns to Puerto Ayora.

Learning objective
Practice a new ocean-based skill and adapt to travel between the distinct environments of the Galápagos Islands.

Day 11: Las Grietas, Tortuga Bay, and Final Reflections

Santa Cruz · Galápagos

Activities
Students visit Las Grietas for a swim and stop at Playa de los Alemanes on the return trip. In the afternoon, the group visits Tortuga Bay for beach games and time to relax. Final reflections close the program that evening.

Learning objective
Synthesize experiences from Yunguilla, Quito, and the Galápagos during final program reflections.

Day 12: Return to Quito and Fly Home

Galápagos → Quito · International travel

Activities
A Rustic Pathways Program Leader flies with the group from the Galápagos Islands to Quito in the morning. Students connect at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and board their flights home. A Rustic Pathways Program Leader ensures the safe departure of students on independent flights. A Rustic Pathways staff member flies with students on the chaperoned group flight to Miami (MIA).

Learning objective
Practice the responsibilities of multi-leg international travel and airport connections within a supervised group.

Day 13: Arrive in Miami

International travel

Activities
The chaperoned group flight arrives at Miami International Airport (MIA), where students meet their families or board further connecting flights home.

Learning objective
Complete the final stage of supervised international travel and transition from the program back home.

The 2025 cohort followed this 13-day route through Yunguilla, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands.

2025 Cohort

Who Traveled on the 2025 Wild Galápagos Program?

2025 Wild Galápagos students standing together on a mountainside in Yunguilla, Ecuador — 2025 Wild Galápagos students on a mountainside in Yunguilla, Ecuador.

In 2025, 37 students traveled on the Wild Galápagos program with Rustic Pathways across 3 sessions.

One session was for older students aged 17–22. The other two sessions were for students aged 14–18.

25 of the 37 participants were 16 or 17 years old. Of the 37, 22 identified as female and 15 as male.

Rustic Pathways did not operate Wild Galápagos in 2026.

Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of one staff member for every 4.37 students, with no program exceeding 7:1.

Age
Students

15

7
16

11
17

14
18

2
19

2
22

1

Age at travel start for the 2025 sessions. Each dot represents 1 student, for a total of 37. The cohort ranged from age 15 to 22.

2025 Wild Galápagos students standing at the Middle of the World monument in Quito, Ecuador — 2025 Wild Galápagos students at the Middle of the World monument in Quito, Ecuador.

Rustic Pathways vets accommodations, homestay partners, transportation providers, and activity partners as part of its safety policy.

Safety

How Does Rustic Pathways Support Student Safety?

Rustic Pathways uses established safety, supervision, and risk management practices throughout the Wild Galápagos.

Staff Supervision

Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of 4.37:1, with no program exceeding 7:1.

24/7 Emergency Support

Families receive access to a 24/7 emergency number. Rustic Pathways staff responds immediately to emergencies and provides ongoing updates during active situations.

Medical Oversight

Rustic Pathways’ dedicated Medical Director, Dr. William R. Smith, is a board-certified emergency physician and U.S. Army Colonel with more than 20 years of wilderness medicine experience.

Dr. Smith is available to support Program Leaders and families with medical questions, treatment decisions, and incident escalation.

Published Incident Data

Rustic Pathways logs incident reports for all medical and behavioral issues on program. Incident results are published quarterly.

In 2025, no incidents were on the Wild Galápagos program over three sessions totalling 37 participants.

Overall in 2025, 2,238 students traveled with Rustic Pathways. Of the 162 incidents recorded throughout the year, 142 (87.7%) were classified as GREEN (low severity)

Trained Leaders

Program Leaders pass background checks through Sterling, a First Advantage company, complete 40+ hours of in-person training (80+ hours total), and hold CPR and First Aid certifications.

Rustic Pathways’ core safety team members have completed Viristar’s 40-hour online Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course.

Local Response Planning

Rustic Pathways teams maintain lists of medical facilities for every major program location.

Rustic Pathways uses vetted, licensed, and insured ground transportation operators and prohibits night driving outside approved urban routes.

Parents considering Wild Galápagos often want to know more about flights, supervision, accommodations, and daily life on the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Parents Ask About Wild Galápagos

Click a category below to read the most frequently asked questions.

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Families can use the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight or book their own flights. The on-program flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands are included in program tuition. See how flights work for Wild Galápagos.

What are the arrival and departure windows for Wild Galápagos?

Wild Galápagos uses a designated drop-off window at Miami International Airport (MIA) and a departure window at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). See the arrival and departure windows.

What’s included in the Wild Galápagos program tuition?

Included in the program tuition for Wild Galápagos:

Accommodation (all 12 nights)
All meals
Round-trip flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands
Airport transfers and in-country transportation
All activities, excursions, and entrance fees
24/7 staff supervision
Gratuities/tipping

Not included in the program tuition for Wild Galápagos:

Flights to/from the program
Travel Medical Insurance (required, purchased separately)
Passport and visa fees
Personal spending money

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

What insurance do we need for Wild Galápagos?

Rustic Pathways requires Travel Medical Insurance for every traveler on Wild Galápagos. Travel Protection, which covers trip cancellation and flight disruption, is recommended and not required. Families purchase both separately, and neither is included in program tuition.

What is the enrollment fee?

The Enrollment Fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee that covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising, and trip planning. The amount is shown at checkout.

What if we have an emergency and need to cancel or change our reservation?

Rustic Pathways applies this cancellation schedule to all Summer 2027 enrollments.

When you cancel	Refund
Within 24 hours of enrollment	Full refund
Before March 31, 2027	Full refund less enrollment fee and airfare
April 1 to April 30, 2027	Full refund less enrollment fee, airfare, and 50% of program tuition
On or after May 1, 2027	No refund

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to cancel@rusticpathways.com. Telephone cancellations are not accepted. Program changes requested after the deadline carry a $750 revision surcharge, issued as credit.

For emergencies outside this schedule, families can request an individual review, which Rustic Pathways evaluates against documentation of the circumstance. Travel Protection may cover eligible losses, subject to the policy’s covered reasons, exclusions, limits, and documentation requirements.

Rustic Pathways accepts departure date changes and program transfers to a current-year or next-year program, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted in writing.

For Summer 2027 programs, changes requested before midnight ET on March 31, 2027 are made at no charge. Changes requested on or after April 1, 2027 are processed as a transferable credit for all amounts paid, less a $750 change surcharge.

A change is not a cancellation. See the enrollment terms for the full schedule.

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises my child and what is the student-to-staff ratio?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders supervise students throughout the Wild Galápagos program.

Program Leaders pass background checks through Sterling, a First Advantage company, complete 40+ hours of in-person training (80+ hours total), and hold CPR and First Aid certifications.

Rustic Pathways maintains a median student-to-staff ratio of 4.37:1, with no program exceeding 7:1.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students stay in gender-separated rooms and use gender-separated bathrooms. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders stay on-site, and conduct room checks each night at lights out.

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Mainland Ecuador uses GMT-5, and the Galápagos Islands use GMT-6.

How does Rustic Pathways update parents during the program?

Parents receive daily photo updates via email. In emergencies, Rustic Pathways’ parent-notification time averages 27 minutes.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, but speeds vary. Expect limited Wi-Fi during Yunguilla homestays.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

The group is limited to 18 students. Two separate age-group sessions are available: 14–16 years old, and 17–19 years old. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.

What is the ratio of female to male students?

Of the 37 students who traveled on the Wild Galápagos program in 2025, 22 identified as female and 15 as male.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 53 countries. International students fly independently to the arrival airport, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport and destination, so contact a travel advisor for guidance.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Most are nervous at first. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly, and everyone has a place in the group.

Which students thrive on Wild Galápagos?

Students who are curious about sustainability, conservation, and marine ecology, and are comfortable with a structured group trip that includes early morning starts for travel days and excursions.

Who might Wild Galápagos not suit?

Students who prefer unstructured travel, need constant phone access, or are uncomfortable with group-based schedules and early mornings. Expect frequent water time plus active days that can include snorkeling, biking, and light hiking.

What is the accommodation like?

Students share gender-separated rooms in hotels and eco-lodges for most of the trip. Yunguilla Homestay: Students are placed in same-gender pairs or trios for 2 nights. Expect limited Wi-Fi and non-heated showers, with a focus on cultural immersion. Program Leaders stay on-site at hotels, and all properties and homestay partners are carefully reviewed for safety and suitability for teen travelers.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways accepts roommate requests during enrollment and considers them when making room assignments.

Program Details

What will students do each day?

Days balance hands-on service and cultural learning on the mainland with active exploration in the Galápagos. On mainland Ecuador, students typically live in the Andean village of Yunguilla and take part in sustainability projects such as reforestation, sustainable gardening, and local food production. In the Galápagos, students travel between islands and build marine ecology knowledge through activities like snorkeling, kayaking, biking, trekking, and wildlife observation.

Rustic Pathways uses a graduated independence model. Students begin with closely guided activities and take on more autonomy as they demonstrate competence.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Why does Rustic Pathways go to Ecuador & the Galápagos for eco-service and marine ecology?

Ecuador makes it possible to connect rural sustainability work on the mainland with close-up learning in the Galápagos, one of the world’s most unique island ecosystems. Students see how community-based environmental work and protected-ecosystem stewardship fit together across two very different landscapes.

What makes the service or learning meaningful?

Service projects are shaped in collaboration with local community leaders and organizations, with work typically based in Yunguilla and focused on practical sustainability needs, such as reforestation, community gardens, and local food production. In the Galápagos, learning is grounded in real ecosystems and species, with marine ecology activities alongside snorkeling and wildlife observation.

What are the physical requirements for the Wild Galápagos program?

Students take part in hiking, cycling, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, walking, and community service work. A relative degree of physical fitness will be an advantage.

What cultural experiences are included?

Time in Quito, including a historic center tour and the Middle of the World monument, plus village life in Yunguilla with community-based sustainability projects.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time with staff always nearby. There is no fully unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment and shared with meal providers.

Do students need to speak Spanish?

No. Students do not need to speak Spanish to join the Wild Galápagos program. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders and local partners help students navigate language barriers.

How much spending money does my child need?

Rustic Pathways recommends $150–$200 in personal spending money for the Wild Galápagos program. Students only need money for personal shopping and snacks because all meals and program activities are included in program tuition.

Do we need a visa?

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Ecuador, but travelers from other countries might. Contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion →

For families ready to plan the travel logistics, here’s exactly how flights work for Wild Galápagos.

You choose

MIA
Miami
Departs day 1
Chaperoned group flight

Any origin
Your own city
You book this

Booked by Rustic Pathways

UIO
Quito
Arrives day 1
Program begins

UIO → GPS → UIO
On-program flights
Included

UIO
Quito
Final day
Program ends

Same booking

MIA
Miami
Chaperoned group flight

Anywhere
Onward from Quito
You book this

Booked by Rustic Pathways

Self-booked

The three flight stages on Wild Galápagos

Rustic Pathways arranges the on-program flights from Quito to Seymour Airport and back to Quito. Both domestic flights are included in program tuition.

The three flight stages of the Wild Galápagos program
Flight	Who books it	Arrival/Departure	What happens
Leg 1 · Options for getting to Ecuador Not included in program tuition
Miami (MIA) to Quito (UIO), Ecuador	Rustic Pathways	Program day 1	Chaperoned group flight: Staff meet students at MIA and fly with the group to Quito.
or
Your city to Quito (UIO)	Your family	Must arrive within the designated arrival window.	Staff meet students at UIO and bring them to the group.
Leg 2 · On-program flights Included in program tuition
Quito (UIO) to Seymour Airport (GPS), Galápagos Islands	Rustic Pathways	Program day 6	Staff fly with the group to the Galápagos Islands.
Seymour Airport (GPS) to Quito (UIO)	Rustic Pathways	Program day 12	Staff fly with the group back to Quito.
Leg 3 · Options for getting home Not included in program tuition
Quito (UIO) to Miami (MIA)	Rustic Pathways	Program day 12	Chaperoned group flight: Staff fly with students to Miami.
or
Quito (UIO) to your city	Your family	Program day 12, within the departure window	Staff take students to UIO and assist with check-in.

Arrival and Departure Windows for Wild Galápagos

Families should use these designated times when arranging arrival and departure travel. Airport transfers outside the designated windows are subject to an out-of-window fee.

Wild Galápagos Arrival and Departure Windows
Travel arrangement	Time	Airport
Arrival Window	5:00 PM–9:00 PM	From Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Departure Window	6:00 AM–10:00 AM	At Miami International Airport (MIA)

Do we have to use the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight?

No. Families can book their own flights. Students traveling independently should arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) within the designated arrival window.

Rustic Pathways offers an optional chaperoned group flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) for families who prefer a supervised international flight. Otherwise, students can meet the group at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. The program treats both cases in the same way.

DAY 1 · MIA

Meeting the Rustic Pathways Flight Team at MIA

Meeting points and procedures for day 1 of the program are shared with enrolled families. Students meet Rustic Pathways staff at MIA and fly with the group to Ecuador.

Chaperoned flights are booked as round-trip itineraries. Students fly to Quito on day 1 and return to Miami from Quito on the final program day.

The chaperoned group flight is not included in program tuition. Families who book their own flights buy directly from the airline.

Early is fine. Late is not. If your student is connecting from another airport, build in buffer time or fly in the night before. A delayed connection puts the whole trip at risk.

DAY 1 · UIO

Meeting the Rustic Pathways Team in Quito

Families booking independent flights should take note of the arrival and departure windows. Flights to Ecuador should arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) within the designated arrival window.

Rustic Pathways staff meet students at UIO on day 1 of the program.

At the end of the program, Rustic Pathways staff bring students to UIO and assist them with check-in for their departing flights.

Arrival and departure windows are shown in the table above

Compare the three ways families handle flights

Rustic Pathways flight desk: flights@rusticpathways.com or 440-975-9691

Before you book: five things to get right

Take note of arrival and departure windows. Pickups and drop-offs outside the designated arrival and departure windows are subject to an out-of-window fee.
Check the airline’s unaccompanied minor rules. Unaccompanied minor rules vary by airline and destination. Some airlines require the service, some allow it as an option, and some refuse connecting itineraries entirely.
Check passport expiry date before you pay. (Applies whichever flight you choose.) Confirm expiry dates and Ecuador’s entry requirements. Visas remain the traveler’s responsibility. Rustic Pathways provides a visa invitation letter if one is required.
Buy insurance separately. (Applies whichever flight you choose.) Rustic Pathways requires travel medical insurance for every traveler. Travel insurance, which covers trip protection including flight disruption, is recommended but not required. Neither insurance is included in program tuition, so families purchase both separately. Insurance details.
Send Rustic Pathways your flight details once booked. Rustic Pathways needs the arrival and departure details to meet your student at the airport.

Questions? Email flights@rusticpathways.com or call 440-975-9691.

Are the flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands included?

Yes. The on-program flights from Quito to Seymour Airport (GPS) and back to Quito are included in program tuition. Rustic Pathways books these flights for all students, and staff fly with the group.

These are the only flights covered in the program tuition. The optional chaperoned group flight between Miami and Quito is billed separately, and family-booked flights are paid directly to the airline of choice.

What if a flight gets canceled?

If a connecting flight or independent flight to Ecuador gets canceled, call the Rustic Pathways flight desk immediately. Staff will adjust the airport meeting plan, and trip protection may cover eligible rebooking costs.

Whether a rebooking is covered depends on your policy and the reason for the disruption. Rebooking a family-purchased ticket stays with the family and the airline. Rebooking the Rustic Pathways chaperoned group flight is handled by Rustic Pathways.

Rustic Pathways monitors flight status on travel days and communicates with families in case of delayed or canceled flights.

Flight desk: flights@rusticpathways.com · 440-975-9691. Rustic Pathways support runs Monday to Friday 9am–7pm ET and Saturday to Sunday 10am–2pm ET. Enrolled families can call the 24/7 Rustic Pathways emergency line for flight assistance.