Join us January 26 – February 13, 2025, on a natural and cultural history exploration across one of the most diverse countries on Earth, from the Galápagos Islands to the high Andes to the Amazon basin. Details below.
This program is designed in collaboration with and benefits Fundación EcoMinga, a conservation nonprofit that protects areas of high biodiversity and endemism in Ecuador. A significant portion of program fees will be donated to Fundación EcoMinga to protect threatened forests in Ecuador. Learn more.
Program Leaders
Laura Hitt is a writer and ecology enthusiast based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University. Her nonfiction, fiction, and poetry have appeared in the Santa Fe Reporter, Alligator Juniper, Slush Pile, Plain China, Adventure Scientists blog, and the National Geographic Voices blog. She enjoys birding, podcasts, and traveling. www.lauragracehitt.com
Javier Robayo is director of Fundación EcoMinga. As a biologist and educator, he has led more than 200 research and teaching expeditions in Ecuador. His field work has led to the discovery of more than 10 species of orchids, a new genus containing two species of rodents, a new genus of frog, and five other species of amphibians. In 2022, he was named one of “50 People Changing the World” by The Explorers Club.
Conservation biologist Tom Fleischner and artist Edie Dillon—the founding leaders of Bright Islands, Deep Forests—will travel on key excursions to lecture and guide in the field.
Fees & Dates
$7,800 per person – Early Bird Rate for registration before or on June 15, 2024
$7,980 per person – Standard Rate for registration after June 15, 2024
$800 unrecoverable deposit per person due upon registration
The balance of program fees is due on August 1, 2024 or upon registration, whichever is later.
The program starts at 3pm on January 26th and ends in the evening of February 13th at Hotel Casa Foch in Quito.
Fees Include lodging, meals, in-country travel, and academic, cultural, and nature activities. One airport transfer is included.
Fees Do Not Include the following required out-of-pocket expenses:
• International airline tickets
• Transportation to Casa Foch from Quito’s airport upon arrival
• Room and board outside program start and end dates
• Up to four (4) meals during the program
• $200-$350 cash for gratuities
• $220 cash for Galápagos entry fees
Please Note:
Accommodations: Only double accommodations (two people per room) are available at this time; you will have a roommate. Register with a roommate, arrange for a friend to sign up, or we’ll help pair you with a roommate.
Passport: Ecuador requires that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months upon your arrival in order to enter the country. If you need to apply for or renew a passport, we suggest doing so as early as possible.
Insurance: The program may be modified or canceled at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Program fees do not include travel insurance, medical insurance, or evacuation insurance. It is the participant’s responsibility to purchase insurance at their own discretion. While not a requirement, insurance can provide peace of mind when preparing for a program abroad.
International Flights: Nearly all international arrivals to Quito’s airport (UIO) land late at night—an hour or two before or after midnight. Your departure flight will also likely leave late at night or early in the morning. Take extra care when booking your tickets to ensure they are on the days you intend. We’re happy to provide suggestions regarding international flights and lodging around your arrival and departure. If you’re interested in staying longer in Ecuador, you can arrange your arrival and departure to fit your schedule.
Arrivals: The program begins late in the afternoon on Sunday, January 26, at boutique hotel Casa Foch in Quito’s La Mariscal district. Your flight from the U.S. should depart at the latest on Saturday, January 25. Your lodging begins at Hotel Casa Foch on January 26, with check-in at 1pm.
Departures: The program ends on Thursday, February 13, after arriving back in Quito from Mindo. For participants who choose to depart this evening, your flight should depart no earlier than 10pm on February 13.
Activities and Accessibility: Planned activities include easy to moderate hikes in remote sites of varying altitude and conditions, as well as boat rides and optional snorkeling. Unfortunately, not all forms of transportation or sites visited on this program are fully ADA compliant. EcoStudio Foundation is committed to creating educational experiences that are accessible to all, and our team is working with on-site partners to upgrade facilities and develop more inclusive activities. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility.