“Moondance is a program that brings you into a completely new environment with completely new people. Despite these factors, you come to love both the people and the places you go. Moondance pushes you to try things you may have never done if you hadn’t gone on the trip, things that are amazing, exhilarating and fun!”
Hannah Winslow – Norfolk, MA
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Experience three of the most incredible places in the world on this service adventure in Ecuador. You will visit the mega-diverse tropical forests of the Amazon Rainforests, the magical mountainscapes of the High Andes, and the pristine beaches and incredible wildlife of the Galapagos Islands! You will truly be amazed by what you learn throughout the trip and will return home with a lifetime of memories, stories and friendships. Most importantly, you will have the chance to contribute to meaningful community development projects in rural communities.
RAFTING THE JATUNYACU RIVER
You will enjoy the lush, green landscapes dotted with lagoons and waterfalls as you head to the Amazon Basin to hit the Jatunyacu River near the town of Tena. On this exciting rafting trip, you will rip through class III and IV rapids on one of the best rivers west of the Andes. The Jatunyacu River, which translates to “Big River” offers a variety of large, quick waves interspersed with calm pools which makes it a great river for rafters of all skill levels.
COMMUNITY SERVICE IN MOROCHOS
Enjoy a homestay with a local family of Morochos while you participate in service projects within the Kichwa-speaking mountain community. You and your group will work hard getting your hands dirty while assisting in various infrastructure and agriculture projects. The work in the community is integral to the social well being of the Morochos people and you will undoubtedly be embraced by the culture due to your selfless service.
COMMUNITY SERVICE IN PUCARA
You will continue your service work in the community of Pucara which is located in the beautiful Intag Valley. You will be warmly welcomed by the people of the cloud-forest, agriculture village as you settle in with your homestay families, getting to know their language, culture and ways of living. Throughout your time in Pucara, you will work side-by-side with your new friends partaking in community and agriculture projects. After a good day’s work, enjoy the scenery around you as you take cloud forest hikes, organic agriculture tours, and visit a local faire-trade coffee co-op.
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS!
You are sure to be blown away by the unique beauty of the Galapagos Islands! Comprised of 13 major islands with an incredibly diverse flora and fauna population, the Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s paradise. You’ll fly from the mainland to these islands and spend several days exploring its rich terrain, running into sea lions, iguanas, penguins, sea turtles and swimming in the crystal clear waters. You will tour Tortuga bay and a Giant Tortoise breeding center. Once you have thoroughly explored the land, you and your group will move towards the water for a chance to snorkel. With flippers and snorkel in hand, you will have the rare opportunity to explore the marine life of the Galapagos. Don’t forget your underwater camera as these waters are full of mind-boggling colorful fish and playful sea lions!
