All Excursions as noted below for this program are Included in your program and are free.

The Republic of Ecuador

Whose name derives from the Equatorial line that runs across its central part, has a population of over 11 million inhabitants.

The country is essentially divided into three regions: the Coastal plain, the Andean mountains or Sierra and the Eastern Amazon Forest.

The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in which a great variety of unique species reside is considered a fourth region.

“Middle of World”

Located north of Quito where we visit the monument on the Equatorial Line.

Otavalo

Colourful Indigenous market, and the largest in South America, where all the locals display and sell their wares for you to purchase and where you can use your bargaining skills!

Cotopaxi Volcano

This is the highest active volcano in the world, reaching over 6000 meters, surrounded by stunning lakes formed by the volcano’s glaciers.

Our group will hike around the base of this mountain to enjoy the views so bring along a good pair of hiking boots and warm clothing!

Hot Springs of Papallacta

Natural hot springs where we have the opportunity to bathe in warm waters.

You will have the opportunity to work on construction, reforestation and organic agriculture projects with local ecological clubs as well as participate in ongoing research projects at the bio stations to obtain community service hours.

Galapagos Islands

Key Islands you will be visiting in the Galapagos and unique features of each Island:

Scheduled visits subject to minor changes

San Cristobal

Loberia to observe marine iguanas and sea lions and time for ocean swim and snorkeling.

Visit to Tortoise Reproduction Facility to learn about this unique species and their relation to conservation.

Visit to Puerto Chino Beach for observation of a dry-forest cactus habitat, lava lizards, shore birds and sea lions, and white sandy beach areas and coves where we have the opportunity to swim and snorkel.

Punta Pitt- green sandy beach, where we discover large marine iguanas, blue footed, nazca and red footed boobies (birds) and time for snorkeling.

We will also hike through spectacular rock formations and lava tunnels with the opportunity to view fur seals here.

Floreana Island

One of the oldest islands and one of the first to be inhabited by humans. Home of the Pink Flamingoes!

Location of Post Office Bay – Mariners would leave mail in a barrel to be collected by ships travelling in the opposite direction – a tradition that still exists today.

Isabela Island

The largest of the Galapagos Islands with marine lava tunnels and flamingo ponds.

Santa Cruz

One of the larger islands and most populated by humans – variety of geology, wildlife and vegetation including terrestrial lava tunnels and all the Galapagos life zones present on other islands can be seen here. Home of the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Peru:

Cuzco (Cusco)

The is the capitals of the Incas and here we visit the Inca Temple of the Sun (Korikancha), the Main Square with numerous shops and cafes situated in original Inca buildings and  the Cathedral built after the Spanish Conquest right above Inca monuments.

Sacsayhuaman

Located just outside Cuzco are several key archaeological sites for our group to explore including this impressive fortress strategically built on a hilltop overlooking Cuzco.

This site is famous for its enormous carved stones, some of which stand over 9m high and weigh over 350 tons surrounded by breathtaking landscape.

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Full Day excursion to the Urubamba Valley where we find The Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Sacred Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. The village provides us with an excellent example of Inca villages where the local population resided with narrow streets and unique mud brick dwellings.

You will also have time to explore the picturesque Andean Village known as the mythical birthplace of the rainbow, Chinchero, and its traditional markets where locals can be seen living their daily lives in their traditional woven clothing.

Machu Picchu

Our group will be guided through the stunning ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries.

You will also have the opportunity to walk through the forested areas towards Inti Punku (Door of the Sun), known as the front door to Machu Picchu. This is the section from which hikers descend after travelling 82 km on foot over a 4 day period camping on Inca trails in the forests and mountains.

Aguas Calientes

Following our tour of Machu Picchu, a bus will take us to the small town to enjoy the hot springs of Peru.

Our programs are enhanced by additional excursions which go beyond the focus of the course and give students the option to explore areas outside of the region in which our programs are located, in a supervised environment with private coaches and guides. Schedules and costs of these excursions are provided to students in March.

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