Subject related visits
Volcano Park
This makes for an excellent case study for physical geographers and sets up opportunities to compare and contrast the various other volcanic locations that will be visited on the Galapagos Islands. The Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at an impressive 5,897 metres above sea level, is the focal point of the park.
Bartolomé Island
Pinnacle Rock is one of the most famous images of the Galapagos and your school trip has the chance to visit the lava tubes that have been formed by rushing rivers of lava where the outer surface cooled and solidified quicker than the inside which was still molten and flowing. There are lava tunnels so big that visitors can go into and walk along them.
Santa Cruz Highlands
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to meet Lonesome George and Darwin's finches. You can also explore a lava tube, sink holes and underground geological formations.
Isabella Island
This is the biggest island in the archipelago and home to the Sierra Negra Volcano.
North Seymour Island / Bachas Beach
Your chance to observe frigate-birds nesting, blue footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lion colonies. There are also great snorkeling opportunities and a sea turtle nesting site.
Further highlights
- Citizenship & Learning Skills
Volcano Park
Students will be invited into Volcano Park which is the second biggest National Park in Ecuador. The Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at an impressive 5,897 metres above sea level, is the focal point of the park. This will provide an opportunity to examine the affects of natural phenomena on the communities living in the surrounding area.
Volunteer Service Day
There will be opportunities to speak with the Park Wardens to find out how they engage with local communities and manage the Park on a day to day basis. Students can also help out too with a whole range of duties depending on the time of year.
Otavalo tour
Visit the world famous Otavalo Indian Market, followed by Peguche waterfall and the village of Cotacachi, Ecuador's leatherwork centre.
Santa Cruz Island
The island of Santa Cruz is in the centre of the Galapagos Archipelago. It is a large, high island on which volcanic activity has long since ceased although there are some interesting ecological remnants.
Floreana Island / Champion & Enderby Islands
Puerto Velasco Ibarra is a small settlement of fishermen and farmers who live off the land. Students can also hike through the highlands, visit Wittmer House and go snorkelling at the beach.
