The Andes
Our program will begin in the heart of Ecuador’s Lake District at our beautiful and historic hacienda in the foothills of the Andes. Here we will explore the lakes, hills, and markets of this region, renowned for its splendid combination of colonial architecture and Indigenous culture.

The Amazon
We will begin our journey to the Amazon with a stop at the thermal springs of Papallacta to bathe in their famous waters. From there, we will continue on to Casa del Suizo, one of the most secluded and celebrated of all ecolodges in the primary rainforest of the Amazon. With English-speaking Indigenous guides, we will be immersed in outdoor activities, spending our days hiking in the forest canopy and swimming, canoeing, and tubing down the Napo River.

The Galapagos Islands
Next, we will fly to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands to board our ship, which will be our home for the next three days. Our ship offers comfortable cabins with private facilities, great food, and excellent guides from the National Parks. We will make landings two or three times a day using pangas (zodiacs), and do our schoolwork while hiking and exploring the islands. Each day, there will be opportunities to swim in the company of penguins and seals (and if we are lucky, dolphins!) within sight of the iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and albatrosses that have inhabited these islands for eons. Our adventure in the Galapagos Islands will continue with four days in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz, one of the few inhabited islands of the Galapagos. We will then move on to the beautiful and remote island of Isabella. Based in the town of Santa Isabella, we will settle into our beachfront hotel overlooking 4 km of white sand beach teeming with exotic birds, seals, and penguins. Our work at the Charles Darwin Foundation will highlight the diverse ecosystem that exists on Isabella and the steps being taken to preserve this natural treasure.

Quito
Finally, we will experience the vibrant culture of the beautifully preserved colonial city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito was founded in the 16th century amongst the ruins of an old Inca city, and is known today for its incredible architecture and stunning views of the surrounding Andes. The program will culminate with a final-night banquet and awards ceremony in Quito.

COURSES • Grade 11 English (ENG3U) • Grade 12 English (ENG4U) • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3U) • Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U)		ITINERARY Approximately 3 days in the Andes; 4 days in the Amazon; 2 weeks in the Galapagos Islands; and 4 days in Quito. DATES July 2 to July 26, 2010
ACCOMMODATIONS Students will stay in twin, triple or quad rooms with private bathrooms. Laundry and telephone facilities will be available for a small charge. Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the hotels, with vegetarian meals available upon request.
PROGRAM FEE $6,995 CAD. Taxes and registration are additional. Program fees are GST and PST exempt.
YOUR PROGRAM INCLUDES • Airfare and accommodation • Breakfast and dinner daily • Travel Journal • Maplewood, our online academic reporting system • Use of computer labs and Internet as available • Pre-loaded USB flash drive • Access to E-Library • Program handbook • City tour of Quito • Walking tour of the old city • Visits to the Charles Darwin Foundation • Visit to the Quito Indian market • Daily walking tours of the Amazon rainforest • Boating and swimming from the Casa del Suizo • Visit to the forest canopy • Visits to Andean villages and markets • Two to three daily landings on the Galapagos Islands • Afternoon and evening activities with Activities Coordinators • Access to coordinated Duke of Edinburgh Activities • Final banquet and awards night

FLIGHT INFORMATION