WHO
MEET CLAUDIO...
Claudio is a hotel owner, farmer, and grandson of one of the first generations of settlers on the tiny island of Floreana.Compare life on the Island—now ‘crowded’ with a population of 150 residents with your home- as you consider the collision of humans with nature in the Galapagos, a microcosm of challenges globally.
WHERE
MORNING RUSH HOUR...
Stay at a family run sustainable, but super comfy site in the sublime misty highlands where free roaming giant tortoises pass you on your way to breakfast. Look out over the island to see evolution in action as “Darwin’s Finches” flutter by. You will begin to be able to tell the 13 species apart. Or stay in town and after a full day of geologic and biologic wonders catch the daily volleyball game at dusk- you have never seen such intense courtside betting as takes place during these contests of the national sport.
WHY
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DARWIN...
Swim with penguins, giant marine iguanas and acrobatic seals as you are mesmerized by all the colorful fish in such clear water. On firmer ground settle in to spend time mere feet away from salt spitting marine iguanas and huge winged nesting frigate birds, oblivious to your presence. What are those blue-footed boobies doing anyways and why? You are just getting started. Our Naturalist guides help you make sense of it all and challenge you to continue to ask, as Darwin did…Why?
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS: SAMPLE ITINERARY
We customize each experience… options are endless!
DAY 1: Owning your Experience
Bienvenidos a Ecuador! Your guides introduce the Story Approach & Expedition Mentality, and our first nightly reflection circle empowers students to be fully engaged in their experience here in Ecuador.
DAY 2: Quito in Context
Today we put some of the cultural and historical background of Ecuador in context, exploring the beautiful capital city of Quito. Learn about indigenous and Hispanic cultures, art, and cuisine.
DAY 3: Local Economies: Triple Bottom Line Sustainability
Today we explore microenterprise initiatives in the Salinas de Guaranda community, learning about the many strategies for successful grassroots community development. Learn how environment shapes culture here in the Andean highlands.
DAY 4: Hands on Learning: A day in the life of an Artisan producer
We have the opportunity to learn first hand what goes into small scale community development and production, working hand in hand with local community members. Try your hand at weaving, milk goats, and make lasting connections with our new friends.
During the program, our goals were definitely met, and actually, exceeded. All three of our guides shared a wealth of information in many different areas. They each came with their own area of expertise and they complimented each other perfectly.
WHAT MAKES CHILL EXPEDITIONS SO DIFFERENT?
WE'D LOVE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE!
WE'RE EDUCATORS. WE GET IT.
We're on a mission to change how students experience the world.
Call or email us today! 1.800.551.7887