Join this unforgettable 11-day summer service program and discover why Ecuador is an adventure enthusiast's dream. You'll explore one of South America's most beautiful cities, experience the world-renowned Galápagos Islands, and make a meaningful difference through community service—all in a single transformative journey.

Your adventure begins in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between Andean peaks. You'll stand at "la Mitad del Mundo" (the Middle of the World) where you can position yourself in both the northern and southern hemisphere simultaneously, then visit the Intiñan Museum to learn about Ecuador's indigenous culture and participate in unique experiments only possible at latitude 0°. From there, you'll travel to the magical Galápagos Islands, where you'll spend days exploring Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands—snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, manta rays, and tropical fish in their natural habitat. You'll visit the Charles Darwin Station and Galapaguera to observe giant tortoises, hike to the pristine Tortuga Bay, and relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by world-famous wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.

What truly sets this program apart is the community service component. During days 7-9, you'll volunteer at a sustainable farm dedicated to preserving the environment and feeding the local community. You'll earn up to 20 hours of community service by helping with meaningful projects including recycling initiatives and preparing food in traditional mud ovens. This hands-on work allows you to form genuine connections with Ecuadorian locals and develop a deeper understanding of island culture and conservation efforts. Your final days include a cloud forest adventure in Mindo—complete with zip-lining and chocolate tours—before celebrating with an upscale dinner in Quito.

Travel For Teens prioritizes authentic experiences: you'll stay in centrally located, family-run hotels rather than impersonal chains; eat at local establishments sampling traditional Ecuadorian cuisine (including hearty breakfasts, fresh seafood, quinoa, and locally-grown produce); and travel with experienced chaperones and guides who ensure safety while maximizing cultural immersion. The program includes ground transportation, accommodations, all meals, program activities, and guided excursions—you simply arrange your own airfare. This is ideal for high school students (grades 9-12) seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, cultural learning, and the satisfaction of giving back to a community in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.