Overview
Explore the incomparable Galapagos Islands on this unique service program. Live and work with Andean villagers as you rebuild their homes to improve their living environment. Soar through the canopyon ziplines and navigate the thrilling rapids of the Upper Napo River in the Amazon Rainforest.
We explore Quinto, capital city of the ancient Incan Empire, taking an exhilarating ride through the forest canopy on a series of zip lines. We hike around the picturesque Lake Cuicocha with the impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes as a backdrop. We begin our Spotlight Project in a community in the Andes Mountains. Here we offer our help by installing concrete floors in the homes of local families. In our downtime we spend time with the children, teaching English through activities, songs, and play. Whitewater rafting, we travel east over the Andes to the Upper Amazon basin where our journey continues on the Napo River. In the Galapagos Islands, we swim, snorkel and mingle with a variety of creatures, and we also take time to give something back by working on a reforestation service project in conjunction with the Charles Darwin Research Center. You'll complete up to 45 hours on community service on this trip.
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2 Participant Reviews
Write a ReviewEcuador/Galapagos ARCC Trip
I was nervous to send my daughter on this 3 week trip - but it turned into a trip of a lifetime for her. The two counselors were terrific - fun and well trained - and they did a phenomenal job of leading this group. She met lots of friends who she is still connected to. The days were action packed and so adventurous. The work days were fun because they were in it together and were able to see the results of their efforts. My daughter couldn't believe how fast the trip went and she returned home with more confidence and a sparkle in her eye about her next travel adventure!
Incredible Journey Through Ecuador and the Galapagos!!
I was lucky enough to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos last year on ARCC's summer program. It was the absolute perfect combination of adventure, laughter and community service. From rafting, snorkeling with sea lions and turtles, ziplining to building a kitchen for a local community, this trip had it all. One of my favorite moments was when we were working in a community and it started dumping rain. I remember how we were playing music and we were all singing and working as hard as we possibly could, no matter the circumstances. Not only was the trip itinerary fabulous, but our group leaders were fantastic. They helped us bond almost immediately and they were full of fun activities and stories. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat. I hope some others are lucky enough to go on this adventure!