Galápagos Islands & Leadership Conference
Venture to the Galápagos Islands, where every encounter tells a story of biological evolution and the scientific imperative to protect our planet.
Home to animal species found nowhere else in the world, this archipelago is the foremost destination for wildlife conservation. Stroll past giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands and see research in action at the Charles Darwin Foundation. Snorkel in Tintoreras and learn about nutrient cycling at a pink flamingo habitat. After engaging with Earth’s rarest inhabitants, you’ll feel even more energized to embrace The Power of Environmental Stewardship at our inspiring leadership conference in Costa Rica.EF Summits are open to rising 9th graders through graduated seniors.
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Day 1: Fly to Ecuador
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 2: Quito • Mindo Cloud Forest
Take a day trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest, where you will:
- Hike through lush forests in search of wildlife and waterfalls
- Visit a butterfly garden dedicated to the conservation and study of native butterfly species
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Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island
Fly to Baltra Island
Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels and get a glimpse into the island's volcanic and ecological significance
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to spot giant tortoises, a focal point of evolutionary studies since the 1830s
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about its ecological monitoring and conservation efforts
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Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island
Travel by boat to Isabela Island
Hike along Los Humedales trail
Visit a pink flamingo habitat and discover their role in the island’s ecosystem
Visit a tortoise breeding center, where you’ll learn about the repopulation efforts of this endangered species
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Day 5: Isabela Island
Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet
Go snorkeling, where you’ll encounter a vibrant array of tropical fish and marine life
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Day 6: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island
Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island
Hike to Tortuga Bay, known for its rich biodiversity and surrounding mangrove ecosystem
- Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa
- Explore and swim at Playa de los Alemanes
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Day 7: Santa Cruz Island • Baltra Island • Quito
Enjoy time in the morning to explore Santa Cruz Island
Fly to Quito
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Day 8: Quito • San José
Fly to San José
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Day 9: San José • Leadership Conference
Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship
Kick off your leadership conference experience
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Day 10: San José • Leadership Conference
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Day 11: San José • Leadership Conference
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Day 12: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly to Ecuador
Meet your Tour Director at the airport -
Day 2: Quito • Mindo Cloud Forest
Take a day trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest, where you will:
- Hike through lush forests in search of wildlife and waterfalls
- Visit a butterfly garden dedicated to the conservation and study of native butterfly species
-
Day 3: Quito • Baltra Island • Santa Cruz Island
Fly to Baltra Island
Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island
Visit the Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels and get a glimpse into the island's volcanic and ecological significance
Visit the Santa Cruz highlands to spot giant tortoises, a focal point of evolutionary studies since the 1830s
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about its ecological monitoring and conservation efforts
-
Day 4: Santa Cruz Island • Isabela Island
Travel by boat to Isabela Island
Hike along Los Humedales trail
Visit a pink flamingo habitat and discover their role in the island’s ecosystem
Visit a tortoise breeding center, where you’ll learn about the repopulation efforts of this endangered species
-
Day 5: Isabela Island
Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet
Go snorkeling, where you’ll encounter a vibrant array of tropical fish and marine life
-
Day 6: Isabela Island • Santa Cruz Island
Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island
Hike to Tortuga Bay, known for its rich biodiversity and surrounding mangrove ecosystem
- Enjoy some relaxation time on Playa Mansa
- Explore and swim at Playa de los Alemanes
-
Day 7: Santa Cruz Island • Baltra Island • Quito
Enjoy time in the morning to explore Santa Cruz Island
Fly to Quito
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Day 8: Quito • San José
Fly to San José
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Day 9: San José • Leadership Conference
Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship
Kick off your leadership conference experience
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Day 10: San José • Leadership Conference
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Day 11: San José • Leadership Conference
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Day 12: Depart for home
Reviews
Refer a friend or colleague to EF and we’ll thank you with $1,000. Learn more
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; internal flight; boat rides; comfortable motorcoach
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Hotels
11 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms
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Regional-style meals
Breakfast and dinner daily; 2 lunches during the conference
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Full-time Tour Director
Your bilingual, culturally connected Tour Director stays with you 24/7 to handle all on-tour logistics and provide knowledgeable insights everywhere you go.
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Student Leadership Conference
Conference registration, keynote addresses, expert-led workshops, and design thinking workshops are included.
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Entrances
Mindo Cloud Forest; butterfly garden; giant tortoise observation in the Santa Cruz highlands; Twin Craters and Lava Tunnels; Charles Darwin Research Station; snorkeling; Tortuga Bay hike; pink flamingo habitat; tortoise breeding center; Playa Mansa; Playa de los Alemanes; Summit-themed activity
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.
Lowest price
Price is valid for students under the age of 20 at the time of travel that room in triples and quads. Minimum participation is required. Change and cancellation fees of up to the total price will apply. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included and can be found at www.eftours.com/baggage. Program price is valid today only.
Price displayed includes an Early Enrollment Discount; restrictions apply. To determine if you qualify, please contact your Tour Consultant. Tours departing between 10/1/2023 and 9/30/2024 may be eligible for a $100 discount. Tours departing 10/1/2024 and beyond may be eligible for a $200 discount; restrictions apply.