Broadreach Amazon + Galapagos: Eco Adventure

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High School Adventures

Ecuador Amazon + Galápagos Eco Adventure

Join researchers in the rainforest as you embark on an unforgettable experience in the world’s most biodiverse classroom. Giant tortoises, monkeys, parrots, volcanoes, sea lions, blue-footed boobies – oh my! Gain hands-on experience as you learn about field biology and how to conserve our world’s precious species.

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zoology summer programs for high school students

wildlife conservation summer programs

Adventurous days searching for extremely cool animals

Venture to the heart of the Amazon rainforest to research wildlife from treetop observation stations and connect with researchers from all over the world.
Trek past waterfalls to a remote station nestled in the cloud forest high in Andes Mountains to conduct biological surveys that track Andean bears, jaguars and tapirs using specialty equipment.
Explore the one-of-a-kind species of the Galápagos Islands and collect data to support conservation efforts.
Snorkel past volcanic islands and search for sea turtles in deep blue water.
Take in historic downtown Quito, stroll the open air markets and soak in the rich culture.

PROGRAM DATES	COST	AVAILABILITY
June 22 - July 11, 2026	$7,860	Opens 9/15*	Enroll Now
July 13 - August 1, 2026	$7,860	Opens 9/15*	Enroll Now

*Enrollment open now for alumni only, general enrollment opens 9/15.

“The instructors on this trip balanced fun with academics to the point where each complemented each other. The academic aspect allowed us, as students, to apply what we learn to the environment around us by creating an immersive experience. All in all, Broadreach has found the formula to making learning stick with young adults, and I highly recommend Broadreach to anyone wanting to have a fun time or experience different walks of life.” Connor, high school alumnus

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This Galapagos high school program offers:

1

Credits Available

15

Service Hours

Three natural science credits available through Lesley University.

Course description: This course explores tropical ecosystems and the ecological foundations of the rich biodiversity of these regions. Coursework includes studying animal and plant biodiversity as well as cultural approaches to conservation. Interactive projects, academic classes, discussions with local stakeholders and hands-on field research.

Course objectives:

Effectively communicate the principles of conservation biology and recognize these principles within Ecuadorian ecosystems.
Describe the biochemical nature of, potential threats to and benefits of of the environment and the connections among the Andean, Amazonian and Galápagos ecosystems.
Explain and understand why threats to Ecuadorian resources are difficult to control politically and environmentally, as well as in a historical context.
Perform and understand standard monitoring methods.

15 hours of service learning through projects that may include data collection for research projects and conservation projects.

Requirements:

Completed Intro to Biology or equivalent experience.
Must be at least 15 years old to participate.
Yellow Fever vaccination required.

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Work alongside biologists and conservationists and experience the amazing biodiversity of the Amazon + Galapagos Islands first-hand.

Itinerary

Day 1-7

Andean adventures

Our journey begins in the bustling city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where you spend the night in a little hotel and then head to Papallacta. Here, you’ll soak in the local hot springs as you learn about the adventures to come and begin to get to know your group. After spending some time acclimatizing and preparing for your upcoming journey, you’ll head to a biological reserve that Broadreach helped build, located just a few hours from Quito. It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike to this beautiful site located in the cloud forest. It’s overflowing with wildlife, including Andean spectacled bears, jaguars and more than 300 bird species. While there, enjoy the outdoors, help maintain the trails and conduct biological surveys to help support its environmental protection status.

Day 8-11

Welcome to the jungle

It’s an adventure in itself just getting to your next stop, a research station deep in the heart of the Amazon jungle where few people have ventured before. Experience the excitement of scenic, open-air bus rides and a river boat journey before arriving at your destination. As you glide down the river, witness nature untouched by man and more species of birds, monkeys and butterflies than you’re able to count. You might even spot a pink river dolphin! Once you settle in, you can explore the labyrinth of research facilities and jungle cabins at the station. See a whole new perspective of the Amazon as you ascend into the trees and wander through the canopy’s walkway system, interacting with animals that can’t be seen from the jungle’s floor.

Day 12-13

Cultural explorations

Return to Quito to spend a few days enjoying the incredible culture of Ecuador and its people. Explore open air-markets and soak in the view from the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional. Walk the picturesque cobbled streets of the Old Historic District of Quito, taking time to stop at local shops, haggle for souvenirs and sample the local delicacies.

Day 14-20

The birthplace of biodiversity

With fond memories of the jungle, you’ll bid Quito goodbye and head to the most incredible archipelago on Earth – the Galápagos Islands. This cluster of volcanic islands is nestled just below the equator, is over 5 million years old and is best known for its vast number of endemic species. The protected islands are home to countless species: lumbering giant tortoises, brightly colored iguanas, foot-high penguins, albatrosses, blue-footed booties, sea lions and more! Grab your camera and notebooks as the group heads out to snorkel among pods of sea lions, schooling fish, seahorses and frogfish. There is no better place on the planet to sit with your friends and observe the world’s extraordinary flora and fauna. Spend your last night under the stars gathered around good food, celebrating all the amazing things you have experienced and learned.

This trip is by far the best college class I have ever taken. The interactions with the environments, plants, and animals we learn about in the class truly enhanced the learning experience. Going up into a cloud forest was amazing the hike up was tough but very rewarding at the end. This trip opened my eyes to how important conservation is and how even living thousands of miles away I can make a difference. Drew A.

I absolutely loved my trip. My favorite place that we went to was probably the Galapagos. We saw things that I never could have imagined seeing, like whales, sharks, baby sea lions, and more. I learned a lot about Ecuador's ecosystems, but also about myself and my own strengths. This experience was so worthwhile and honestly changed my perspective on the world around us. Emily W.

Broadreach made it possible for me to accumulate numerous real-world experiences in a short period of only three weeks. I really appreciated a study abroad program that was shorter than the usual semester or year-long programs. I still learned a substantial amount and made lasting friendships. Exploring Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Haley R.

This whole trip was an awesome experience. Tintin and the Galapagos were my favorite places. Hiking and snorkeling were great times. We learned a lot about the culture here in Ecuador just by interacting with the locals. Everybody that we met on the trip, the people in my group, and the activities we did will always be memorable. This trip changed my life by making me more open-minded. Jake S.

It was one of the most memorable things of my life. I met wonderful people, I experienced life-changing things, and I went places few people have been before. Trekking through mud, swimming in the river, snorkeling with sea lions, getting bruises from the tumbles, and a little banged up but having the absolute time of your life. It is amazing. Truly amazing. Laurel Huntley

Broadreach helped me find a new group of friends I would have never met any other way. Our trip ended about a year ago and the eight of us still talk on Facetime, text every day, and have visited each other across the country. We continue to encourage one another, give advice, and catch up on what's new in our lives. Along with the amazing group, this experience helped me find what I really love to study and how to apply it to the real world. I cannot express how important this trip was to me and how much it has helped me grow. I really encourage anyone thinking about going on a trip to try it. You never know how it will change you, and how much you will learn. I'm writing this based on my experience and because I love what I did. It pushed me past my comfort zone. Thank you Broadreach for an amazing adventure. Juliana Brandt

This trip was the adventure of a lifetime. I had never traveled alone before and had never been to another continent, but I had a blast. I have always loved wildlife, so visiting the Amazon, the heart of biodiversity, and the Galapagos, the birthplace of the theory of evolution, was a dream! I learned a lot about tropical ecosystems and the species that live there. Lauren M.

The trip gives you an unparalleled look at many types of tropical species. From the cloud forest to the Amazon to the Galapagos, every aspect of our adventure was full of an amazing life. The people, the place, and our collective experience were one of the most memorable and wonderful times of my life. Rowan D.

Basically, if you are deciding whether or not to go on a trip: Do it! Take me, I was the youngest, smallest, and most anxious person in mine, and by the end, I fell in love with everyone and we were all a large family. It sounds cliché, but it's true. Go on a Broadreach trip! Sarah F.

Visiting Ecuador through Broadreach has taken me to areas I would never have sought out before. I would not have persevered alone through an hour hike up a mountain. Without my group or instructors, I would not have managed to climb a waterfall or swim in open ocean water with sharks. Olivia S.

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