Frequently Asked Questions
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What makes the Ecuador and Galapagos Adventure special?
With visits to the upper Amazon and to the Galapagos, this trip offers the finest variety of activities available to young adults in Ecuador with very little vehicle travel. In addition, many of the students say that one of their favorite parts are the interactions with the locals from the villages that we visit and the smiles from the school children in the communities in which we volunteer. We have designed this adventure so you gain 60 hours of community service along with some amazing activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking and sea kayaking. It is a perfect balance of adventure and service.
What kind of service work can I expect to perform?
We will be performing a variety of service projects on our trip. Each year the service projects vary depending on the need that is expressed by the members of the various communities that we visit. We have discussed various needs for this upcoming year including helping build a school library in the Andes, working with local school children, volunteering at a local animal rescue center, and building stairs with access to a river. The activities vary from year to year depending on need, but we will always work with a project that is beneficial to the local people - infusing labor, time, energy, and financial resources into impoverished areas in Ecuador.
What are to accommodations like in Ecuador and the Galapagos?
We will stay in a variety of accommodations. While in cities we will be in small hotels. While participating in service projects we will stay in a community center. During our stay in the Galapagos we will split our time between a private campground and eco lodges. We will always have access to running water, toilets, and showers.
What will our transportation be like in Ecuador and the Galapagos?
We will use a variety of transportation during this adventure. While in Ecuador, we will have a private motor coach. During our stay in the Galapagos we will use a chartered motorboat to transfer between islands.
What is the time difference between Quito and the US?
Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time. 12:00 p.m. in NYC is 12:00 p.m. in Quito!
What will the weather be like?
We will experience a variety of weather on this trip since we visit a variety of different environments. During the days while in the Amazon it will be hot and humid with a probability of afternoon showers. The evenings provide very comfortable sleeping conditions. While we are in the highland villages near Cotopaxi temperatures tend to be a bit cooler with temperatures dropping into the lower 50's in the evenings! On our bike trip you will definitely want to have warm clothes as we may even encounter some snow on the flanks of this massive volcano. One of the great things about Ecuador is the wonderful variety and diversity of the regions and the weather.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No. All of your Wilderness Ventures leaders will be fluent in Spanish and the local guides will be bilingual. When we travel through the small towns in between activities, locals will love to talk with you as well.
Will I get to learn any Spanish?
Plenty. Weather you're fluent, have some knowledge of Spanish or are starting from scratch, you'll have plenty of opportunity to learn, practice and challenge your language skills on this adventure. We'll also start our adventure with a day of fun language and Cultural instruction.
