12 days
Costa Rica, Ecuador

Venture to the Galápagos Islands, where every encounter tells a story of biological evolution and the scientific imperative to protect our planet.

After harnessing The Power of Environmental Stewardship in Costa Rica at our inspiring leadership conference, you’ll make your way to the Galápagos Islands—home to animal species found nowhere else in the world and 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 safeguard the incredible planet we all call home.

EF Summits are open to rising 9th graders through graduated seniors.
destinations visited on tour shown on map
  • Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: San José • Leadership Conference

    Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship  

    Kick off your leadership conference experience 

  • Day 3: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 4: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 5: San José • Quito

    Fly to Quito  

  • Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Santa Cruz Island • Baltra Island • Quito

    Enjoy time in the morning to explore Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 12: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?
  • Day 1: Fly to Costa Rica

    Meet your Tour Director at the airport
  • Day 2: San José • Leadership Conference

    Participate in an activity centered around The Power of Environmental Stewardship  

    Kick off your leadership conference experience 

  • Day 3: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 4: San José • Leadership Conference

  • Day 5: San José • Quito

    Fly to Quito  

  • Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Santa Cruz Island • Baltra Island • Quito

    Enjoy time in the morning to explore Santa Cruz Island

    Fly to Quito

  • Day 12: Depart for home

Interested in learning more about this tour?

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Your experience includes

  • Airfare & transportation

    Round-trip flights on major carriers; internal flight; boat rides; comfortable motorcoach

  • Hotels

    11 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms

  • Regional-style meals

    Breakfast and dinner daily; 2 lunches during the conference

  • 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.

  • Student Leadership Conference

    Conference registration, keynote addresses, expert-led workshops, and design thinking workshops are included.

  • Entrances

    Summit-themed activity; 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

  • Personalized Learning Support

    Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

  • Continuous Support

    Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.

  • Worldwide Presence

    EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.

  • 24-hour Emergency Service

    Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.

  • 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

Includes airfare, hotels, meals, full-time Tour Director, and more.
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      $7,059*
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      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.

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