Where does my trip start?
Our Ecuador/Galapagos Adventure begins in Quito, Ecuador. Your Moondance leaders will be eagerly awaiting your arrival at the Quito airport on the first day of trip.
What happens in a typical day?
Our Ecuador adventure is full of activities including whitewater rafting, hiking volcanoes, ziplining, snorkeling in the gorgeous Galapagos, and participating in two different community service projects. Everyday will be different and exciting and we’ll finish each day with a “Moonup.” During Moonup’s you’ll have a chance to debrief the day with your group, talk about upcoming adventures, and re-hash the fun of the day!
Do I have to speak Spanish to do this trip?
Though knowledge of Spanish may be useful while traveling in Ecuador, it is certainly not required. Your leaders will be fluent in Spanish in order to coordinate travel and logistics at the airport and with outfitters. You may find it fun to practice phrases with the children of Pucara or exchange greetings in the local markets when you buy a souvenir. You may even master a few Kichwa phrases while conversing with the locals of Morochos and Pucara.
What community service projects will I do?
During the Ecuador/Galapagos adventure you’ll participate in two different community service projects. First, you’ll help the community of Morochos participating in agricultural and construction projects on local schools and community centers. The second project will involve sustainable community projects with the people of Pacura.
How do we travel throughout Ecuador?
We will use a private bus while traveling throughout Ecuador. As a group, we will fly to the Galapagos Islands. While on the islands we’ll mainly travel by boat.
Can I call home?
When you arrive in Quito, your leaders will collect your phone, iPod and any additional electronics. Since this is an international trip, it is more difficult to include a call to home during the trip. If the opportunity arises, the group will be able to call home once. Otherwise, the leaders will keep parents, families and friends updated with their weekly online updates. Upon the group’s arrival in Quito, the leaders will call the Moondance office to let them know that everyone arrived safely. Since most flights will arrive late at night, the Moondance office will call the parents first thing in the morning.
What will our group eat?
We will mix it up between local favorites and Moondance favorites. While we taste the local fair at restaurants, our meals will be healthy and delicious. During our service projects, we will eat organic fruits and vegetables that have come straight from the farm.
Is the flight to and from the Galapagos Islands included in the program tuition?
For your convenience, Moondance has reserved and purchased the flights to and from the Galapagos Islands. This cost is included in the program tuition.
Where will we sleep?
You’ll sleep comfortably in hotels, hostels and with host families.
What types of vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
We recommend getting in touch with the CDC and Passport Health. Both can be contacted online and both sites will give helpful information regarding current travel requirements and recommendations. We also recommend contacting your local family physician as he or she will have helpful advice for you.
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
You’ll come home with a greater appreciation for another culture, a greater understanding of the diversity of animal species, and a greater knowledge for the world that’s out there for us to explore. You’ll have your hand at creating local foods, you’ll be able to wow your family with new skills and maybe even a little Spanish!
