Program Overview

Home to majestic volcanos, gorgeous islands, and incredible wildlife, Ecuador is an adventure enthusiast’s dream! Discover the rich history and stunning scenery that put this tiny country straddling the equator at the top of every traveler’s list on this unforgettable summer service program!

Visit the “Middle of the World” for some unique experiences that can only be done at Latitude Zero, explore charming Quito and discover why it’s one of the most beautiful cities in South America, and hike down to a lake inside of a volcano!

The highlight of this adventure will be visiting the magical Galápagos Islands. This volcanic island archipelago is home to world-famous wildlife and is not to be missed! Observe tortoises, sea lions, eagle rays, penguins, iguanas and more, all in their natural habitat. There really is no other place in the world like it!

During our time in the Galápagos, we will participate in a variety of service projects all dedicated to helping the local community. We will spend time with the students at the local elementary and high schools and volunteer at an environmentally-conscious farm that supplies food for the community. The farm also has a unique horse-therapy program for children with disabilities that we can assist with.

Price

$4995 + $700 Intra-Trip Flight + Airfare

Departures
  • Jun 29 - Jul 9 Very limited
Days

11 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Quito, Latacunga and the Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands)

Optional Group Flight There

Miami (MIA) to Quito (UIO)

Optional Group Flight Back

Quito (UIO) to Miami (MIA)

Countries

Ecuador

On this program you will:

  • Earn up to 20 hours of community service volunteering with local students and a sustainable farm
  • Stand in both the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time
  • Snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and a variety of tropical fish
  • See different species of Galápagos tortoise at the Charles Darwin Station
  • Keep your eyes peeled for Darwin’s finches, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds
  • Watch playful sea lions up close as they swim in the water and bask on the shore
  • Enjoy delicious, local cuisine at an authentic hacienda

After a thrilling 11 days in Ecuador, many participants choose to continue their trip and cross another country off their bucket list by joining our hugely popular Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos Service program.

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: FLIGHT DEPARTS FROM MIAMI
DAY 2: QUITO

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Quito will charm you with its stunning scenery, well-preserved colonial district, and welcoming residents. Nestled between the Andean Mountain peaks, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America! We will explore this city and discover its intricate architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful markets.

One of the most unique aspects of Quito is that it is home to “la Mitad del Mundo,” the Middle of the World, where you can be both in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time! After straddling both hemispheres, we will visit the Intiñan Museum, where you will learn more about the indigenous culture of Ecuador and be able to participate in some unique experiments that can only be done at latitude 0°.

DAYS 3-6: GALÁPAGOS > DISCOVERING THE ISLANDS

The next destination on our journey is the magical Galápagos Islands! We will spend time on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands and discover what makes the Galápagos such a coveted travel destination.

On Santa Cruz Island we’ll take the trail to the gorgeous Tortuga Bay where we will sunbathe, swim, and even spot marine iguanas along the shore. We’ll also visit the Charles Darwin Station on the island. This famous center is a wealth of information on habitats and local conservation, and home to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes.

The second island we will visit is San Cristóbal, where we will visit the Galapaguera, a Tortoise breeding center and home to the largest species of giant tortoise in the world. We’ll also explore the misty Junco Lagoon, a freshwater lake located in the middle of a volcanic caldera. You’ll spot seabirds bathing here to wash the salt from their feathers.

While on the islands, we will have plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear water. We’ll snorkel with some fascinating marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and different species of tropical fish. One of the beaches we visit is home to a large number of lazy sea lions basking on the sand, so you will be able to observe these beautiful creatures up close.

DAYS 7-9: GALÁPAGOS > COMMUNITY SERVICE

After enjoying everything the Galápagos have to offer, there is no better way to complete our journey than by giving back to these beautiful islands that have given us so many incredible memories! We will volunteer with several different projects dedicated to helping the local community–first at a local school, then at a sustainable farm.

We will work with both the elementary and high school students and play games with them, help them practice their English, and learn about what life is like for them on the islands. We will also help out with any light maintenance projects the school may need.

We’ll also spend time at a sustainable farm dedicated to preserving the environment and providing food for the local community. We will help out with several projects on the farm, including recycling, preparing food in a traditional mud oven, and even helping with their horse therapy program for children with disabilities.

Our projects will allow us to form a deeper connection with the community and to better understand the island’s unique culture. After completing our service we will come full circle and head back to Quito for one final night together in the city where we began our adventure.

DAY 10: QUITO

After our exciting time in the Galápagos, we’ll return to Quito for one last day of adventure! Head to the Valle de Nayón for an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping adventure course. Cross the largest hanging rope bridge in Latin America, go on a canopy tour of the jungle, and of course, feel the wind in your hair as you swing on a Tarzan Swing! We’ll have an upscale final dinner in Quito to celebrate the end of the trip.

DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

 

"This summer was my favorite summer yet. I had the chance to spend a week on the Galapagos Islands and two more weeks in the numerous amazing places in Ecuador. I was able to snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, learn about Charles Darwin's research, and help out the local community to maintain the island's sustainable practices. The Galapagos were incredible, but I could not wait to go to the Amazon! Not many people can say that they hiked through the Amazon to get to a lodge and shortly after, go piranha fishing, and top off the night with a night-walk to spot giant tarantulas. The adventure did not end there. We hiked up Cotopaxi, one of the tallest volcanos in Ecuador. The views were unbelievable! We finished off the trip but relaxing in natural hot springs, standing in the middle of the world (on the equator), and going on the best zip-lining course I've ever seen. This was a truly unforgettable trip, and I have found another country to add to my list of places to re-visit!"

Olivia H. Maple Grove, MN

"This is not just a learning experience for the kids but also for their parents. Your updates and pix are so appreciated. Your daily updates are amazing, it feels like we are following you around. Everyone looks like they're having a wonderful time. Thank you for keeping us up to date and for sharing this amazing experience. Keep it coming!!"

Linda S. Mamaroneck, NY

"Isaac seems to be having a wonderful experience. The program seems so enriching and fun. Thank you for the updates."

Jennifer H. Briarcliff Manor, NY

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

See All FAQs

What kind of teen typically participates in this program? What are the requirements to join?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels and hostels are specifically chosen to be in safe areas and well-suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. This means we do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities. We prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

On this program, we will stay in several different types of accommodation, including hotels, lodges, and slightly more rustic accommodations (such as a lodge located in the jungle).

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for a program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What do students like most about the Ecuador & the Galápagos Service trip?

Students love Ecuador & the Galápagos Service because they are able to explore one of the most-visited countries in Latin America. The Galápagos is a highlight for most students, since having the opportunity to see such diverse wildlife up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

What is unique about the Ecuador & the Galápagos Service trip?

Students will have the unique opportunity to work closely with the local community at its schools and on a farm. Ecuador & the Galápagos Service provides travelers with a unique cultural connection that most tourists are not able to have.

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!

Expect to eat corn, potatoes and other tubers, quinoa, rice, meats (beef, pork, fish and chicken) veggies and many other foods flavored with unique Ecuadorian seasonings! Vegetarians will have no issues eating well on the trip. Also, unlike in Europe where a light breakfast of coffee and toast is the norm, Ecuadorians eat big, savory breakfasts—and so will we!

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

Any US citizen that enters Ecuador is automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

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