Ecuador & the Galápagos

Service, Kichwa Culture, & Island Biodiversity

• Work alongside locals on a community project • Hike to a coffee cooperative and natural hot springs • Celebrate the Inti-Raymi festival with new friends • Snorkel with sea lions in a sheltered Galápagos bay

Destination • Travel to the Andean highlands and immerse yourself in Ecuador’s indigenous cultures and stunning natural landscapes. From your base in a small village, meet local people from farmers to conservationists as you collaborate on community-directed projects. Cap off your trip with five days in the Galápagos Islands.

Projects • Live in a small Kichwa village and work to improve access to clean water, construct a classroom, or teach English to primary school students alongside community members. Practice basic Spanish as you learn traditional weaving and construction techniques.

Activities • Visit Otavalo and explore its renowned indigenous market. Hike around the Laguna de Cuicocha. Stay overnight in the Intag Valley cloud forest and visit a coffee cooperative to learn about sustainability. End your trip in the Galápagos Islands, home to giant tortoises, lava tunnels, equatorial penguins, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.

Detailed itineraries and more at goputney.com

June 28–July 15 July 10–27

Completing Grades: 7 & 8 • 18 days • $5,690 + airfare Group Flight: Departs from Miami