Darwin AdventureGalapagos & Ecuador
Travel Adventure & Community Service

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• Up close and personal...

  It's wild!

  And now you know why the Galapagos is a must see destination! Our students learn about the biodiversity in the Galapagos through first hand interaction with this incredible ecosystem.

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• The Amazon

  It's a jungle out there!

  The world's largest rainforest to be exact. Our ActionQuest students venture into this natural wonder to make a difference, by working with Sumak Allpa, a non-profit foundation working to preserve and support the Amazon's endangered indigenous peoples and their culture, language, and traditional way of life in the Ecuadorian Amazon region.

• Voyage Blog Entry...

  Amazon: Day 1

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  Author: Mallory & Josh
  Location: Rio Napo

  We woke up in Quito this morning at the sinfully early hour of 6:30 (which wasn't actually that bad since we wake up at 6:30 most days). It was hassle-free to get to the airport and we only had a few minor setbacks checking in due to some computer malfunctions at the airport.

  The lovely Merideth took our sandwich orders and made sure we all got fed. Our breakfast was delicious and we were quickly on our way to the Amazon. It was a short hop, about 20 minutes or so, and then we were in the surprisingly humid Amazon heat. The boat ride from the airport in Coca to the eco lodge was incredibly beautiful, reminiscent of Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Once we were settled in, we had lunch and our wonderful guide, Hector, gave us the run down of our next couple days here. We were then invited to his home, Sumak Allpa, where we saw a baby - and a baby monkey! We got to go on an adventurous walk through the Amazon rainforest with our new, beloved rain boots, and see first-hand the diversity and wonder of the forest. We were all very tired after our walk and when we got home, Mallory, Elliot, Roman and Josh played euchre. It had been a long, but good day - the food here is delicious!!

• Voyage Blog Entry...

  Turtle, Sea Lions, & Boobies!

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  Author: Monty & George
  Location: Isla Espanola

  Today, after electing to take our walk after breakfast, we woke up at a comparatively late 7 o'clock and traveled to Espanola Island, where we saw many adorable sea lions and two types of Boobies (blue footed and masked).

  We also saw a few of the large and plentiful Albatross' that inhabit the unique island. Returning from our wildlife trek, we had a scrumptious lunch of pork and potatoes. With bellies full, we took to the beaches, and what they had to offer left our jaws on the floor. Upon our arrival, we saw dozens of sea lions basking on the beautiful white sand, and it was awesome. This excitement led to hours of us frolicking and swimming, and a few impromptu fashion shoots. It has been a fantastic Tuesday.

• Voyage Blog Entry...

  Sumak Allpa

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  Author: Calder
  Location: Rio Napo

  I don't even know where to begin, frankly. We did so much today, and witnessed so much, it's hard to decipher a method of description capable of summing up the day. I shall try my hardest, of course, but no promises.

  We woke early (roughly six, on average) so as to catch a hearty breakfast before setting out for the day's most muscle-based work. Hector, our companion, took us downriver on the Napo (a primary tributary of the Amazon) to a small facility where he had gathered over 200 large, spiky palm-fronds. They were spread out through the rainforest quite close to where they had been cut down, and we proceeded to carry them to the canoe we landed in-through a muddy rainforest, which was primarily composed of hilly terrain. Describing the challenge of toting even one palm-frond through that environment to the shoreline is hard without physically showing the labor, especially when you consider a typical frond is roughly fourteen or fifteen feet in length. But for us, one frond was no challenge; two or three quickly became the minimum. Our accomplishments were incredible, especially considering the muddy terrain. Not only did we manage to complete the established task, but there was also a large degree of fortitude present in the connection in between all of us-whenever anyone fell, there seemed to be a hand waiting to help them up immediately. This work lasted a good time, but we still finished with time to spare, and took our load down to Sumak Allpa ('Heaven' in the old-Incan tongue) and began unloading it. At this time, we began the work that would last the remainder of the day...but not before we met the students (14 in total) who went to the school on Sumak Allpa (it doubles as a school and a breeding/rehabilitation center for endangered monkeys). The average age among them was probably about six or seven (regardless, they trounced us in a game of soccer after lunch), and they were already quite proficient in their studies-enough to make the U.S. System consider its methodology. After the introductions, we began to dismantle (if that is the proper word) the fronds. With utilization of a machete, one can cut them to the right dimensions, and then-with peculiar care and softness, considering the nature of the machete itself-cut lines in the leaves of the frond. This loosens them, and allows them to be curved backward into a suitable position for weaving (the reason we were weaving will be fully explained later). It is hard, but satisfying, work; it took up a good deal of time before and after lunch, but seeing its final use was extremely rewarding; the fronds were then woven into a roof for a mess hall in the school. Knowing we'd essentially created this roof, solely by our efforts, was a wonderful feeling Eventually, when our work was done, we returned home, with fond memories of the day's labor (regardless of how hard it was). We were welcomed by rest, and-well, I do not know about the rest of us, but I made the acquaintance of the finest shower I have ever had... Not soon after, we dined on a delicious meal of soup, chicken, cucumber, rice, broccoli, and potatoes. Food here is unthinkably scrumptious.

ACTIVITIES

Community Service

It has been a 10-minute chase through the water and finally you have caught him. You and your shipmates weigh, measure and then 'tag' the baby hawksbill with a microchip. Oh, he needs a name too. Within minutes, you are releasing "Rapido" back into his home waters to grow...

Exploration

You've already conquered the 500 rock-carved steps of 'The Ladder' at Saba, next you and your team are steps away from the peak of The Quill – an almost perfectly symmetrical extinct volcano on the island of Nevis. But this is just the beginning, holding onto vines, you descend into the crater itself. Whoa, now that's a view!

Other Cool Stuff

Think that's all we do at AQ? No way. Along with the beach BBQ's and reggae dance parties, you'll learn to drive a dinghy, tie knots, splice a line, sail a laser and even cook for 15 people at a time! Every moment of every day will be jam packed with cool stuff to do, see and experience...

CERTIFICATIONS

Experience-based program, no specific certifications offered.

VOYAGE ITINERARY

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• Day 1

  Fly Day! - Students fly together from Miami to Quito with the help of Lifeworks' professional staff. Afternoon and evening activities include getting settled into a beautiful downtown hotel, Lifeworks' orientation, and check-in. Students enjoy their first of many fantastic Ecuadorian meals, and try to get some sleep after months of anticipation come to an end!

  Day 2

  Orientation and City Tour - Morning Ecuadorian culture and safety briefing. At a local park, students participate in group building games and initiatives. Afternoon Quito city tour of historic plazas, cathedrals, and markets.

• Day 3

  Rafting Day! - Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids is unavoidably fun for all! Students have an action packed day full of fun and beautiful scenery through the tropical rainforests of the Rio Toachi.

  Day 4

  Great Greetings to the Galapagos! - Students fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. First impressions last forever in this natural wonderland - "magical" sums it up best for most! Transport to the Darwin Research Station to see the endangered Galapagos tortoises and the famed "Lonesome George." Evening embarkation on the Galapagos motor yacht tour.

• Days 5-8

  Galapagos Yacht Tour - Aboard the floating home, students explore the "jewel" islands of the Galapagos, including Plazas, Santa Fe, Espanola, Lobos, and San Cristobal. Students have unforgettable experiences with the wildlife, including close encounters with blue-footed boobies and albatrosses as they perform their intricate mating dances, and snorkeling with sea lions, hammerhead sharks, penguins, and much more.

  Days 9 &10

  Now Let's Clean Up This Place! - After undoubtedly developing a love of the islands, students lend a hand on conservation service projects with the Galapagos National Park Service. Projects can include removing invasive species, planting native trees, testing water quality, and educational initiatives for the children of the Galapagos.

• Day 11

  Return To The Mainland - Morning community service project. Students fly Baltra to Quito for a lively evening salsa lesson in downtown Quito. No experience necessary!

  Days 12-15

  The Amazon Awaits! -Students fly Quito to Coca and begin their journey into the famed Amazon rainforest. Over their stay, students tour the wonders of the Amazon ecological system. Cameras do not stop clicking with the sighting of monkeys, caimans, sloths, parrots, macaws, frogs, snakes, iguanas, insects of all shapes and colors, and much more. Activities includes fishing for piranhas, visiting indigenous communities and markets, exploring markets, and 2 days of community service work with the indigenous project of Sumak Allpa. The closing evening program is a night to remember!

• Day 16

  Amazon Retreat - Students have their last jungle morning. Afternoon flight back to Quito for a Lifeworks Forum and some well-earned rest.

  Day 17

  Scenic Mountain Drive and Soccer Extravaganza - Students leave Quito for the high Andes. Afternoon stop at the Zumbahua Market for a "taste of the authentic." Arrival at a beautiful Andean eco-lodge, for some evening soccer games with the local children.

• Day 18

  Hike Day! - Transport up to Quilotoa Lake, a stunning volcanic crater with emerald waters spanning 2 kilometers. Hike back through the spectacular scenery to the welcoming warmth of an Andean eco-lodge.

  Day 19

  Horseback Riding Day! - Explore the beautiful Andes and lower elevation cloud forests on horseback from the Andean eco-lodge to a historic cheese factory and back.

• Day 20

  Farewell To The Andes & Closing Program - Scenic bus transport from Andean eco-lodge back to Quito. Students have a grand feast on their final night, and share memories during our slide show and closing program.

  Day 21

  So Hard To Say Goodbye - Students say goodbye to their new friends at Lifeworks. Without fail there is a mix of emotions - there is excitement to return home; there is sadness to leave. Students fly together Quito to Miami with the help of Lifeworks' professional staff and continue on to their respective homes and families.

ROUTE MAP

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