High School Adventures

Amazon + Galápagos 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 DATESCOSTAVAILABILITY
June 23 - July 12, 2025$7,680AvailableEnroll Now
July 14 - August 2, 2025$7,680AvailableEnroll 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

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 16 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.