Ecuador & Galapagos Community Construction
This trip focuses on providing construction support to a series of community development projects in a mountain village a few hours from the capital city of Quito. After acclimatizing in Quito for two days, students head into the mountains to stay in a village near the worksite. Students interact everyday with locals who will be working with us. Each day, after working, trip members can play games and participate in activities with students at the local school. This trip is sure to improve all trip member’s Spanish language skills.
After a week of working hard, we head to the Cotopaxi Reserve where we will campout and summit the famous peak. This climb is not technical, but does require participants to be in relatively good physical condition.
The trip concludes with an excursion to the Galapagos Islands. Days are spent learning about the many endemic species of the islands, conservation methods and challenges, and getting up close and personal with all sorts of creatures on land and in the sea.
TRIP TUITION: $3,800 (Airfare not included. Group rates available)
TRIP DATES: Year Round (2-week trips)
After a week of working hard, we head to the Cotopaxi Reserve where we will campout and summit the famous peak. This climb is not technical, but does require participants to be in relatively good physical condition.
The trip concludes with an excursion to the Galapagos Islands. Days are spent learning about the many endemic species of the islands, conservation methods and challenges, and getting up close and personal with all sorts of creatures on land and in the sea.
TRIP TUITION: $3,800 (Airfare not included. Group rates available)
TRIP DATES: Year Round (2-week trips)
Community ConstructionRural areas of Ecuador struggle to receive public funding and rely on their own community or international help to develop public systems such as schools, water systems, medical clinics, electricity etc. In consultation with local leaders, Padma selects a construction project for any village we work with based on importance and necessity to the community. Students work mixing and pouring concrete, cutting and framing structures, or working alongside engineers to place lines for water or electricity.
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Spanish ImmersionTrips to Ecuador allow students to practice and improve their Spanish language skills on a daily basis. Working with, and spending afternoons and evenings with local children and families provides a supercharged environment to take your Spanish out of the classroom and into the world. Students often return home having made significant improvements in their language abilities.
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Cotopaxi PeakA legendary dormant volcano, Cotopaxi is a spectacular and imposing peak in the middle of a high elevation desert. Students head to basecamp and spend a day exploring the region and checking out glaciers and other worldly views.
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Galapagos IslandsThe trip concludes with a multi-day conservation based guided tour of three islands. Time is spent between learning about the unique land based flora and fauna, and scuba diving or snorkeling to hang out with the swimming iguanas, seals, and all sorts of underwater creatures seen nowhere else on the planet.
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QuitoThe highest elevation capital city on the planet, Quito boasts ancient architecture, beautiful mountain vistas, endless sights to see, and all sorts of delicious cuisine. Trips begin in Quito where students can acclimatize to the elevation, wander the city, and learn about Ecuadorian culture and history.
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Trip Tuition
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Passport/VISA
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General Trip Info
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Trip Itinerary
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Medical Info
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Cancellation/Refund Policy
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Water Safety/Minimum Eligibility
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TRIP TUITION:
$3800 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE)
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE FUND & PADMA PROJECT SUPPORT (EVERY TRIP ALOTS AN AMOUNT FOR UNFORESEEN EXPENSES WITH ANY REMAINING FUNDS GOING TOWARDS THE PADMA NEPAL EDUCATION PROGRAM)
• ADMINISTRATION AND TRIP INFO MATERIALS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
$3800 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE)
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE FUND & PADMA PROJECT SUPPORT (EVERY TRIP ALOTS AN AMOUNT FOR UNFORESEEN EXPENSES WITH ANY REMAINING FUNDS GOING TOWARDS THE PADMA NEPAL EDUCATION PROGRAM)
• ADMINISTRATION AND TRIP INFO MATERIALS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Passport:
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Ecuador or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Ecuador.
Ecuador Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Ecuador.
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Ecuador or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Ecuador.
Ecuador Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Ecuador.
Accommodations:
In Quito students stay in hotels designed for western visitors. Upon arrival in our work site village, we stay in simple yet clean accommodations in the village. In the Galapagos Islands we stay on boats, and in beachside and mountain bungalows. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together with locals. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
In Quito students stay in hotels designed for western visitors. Upon arrival in our work site village, we stay in simple yet clean accommodations in the village. In the Galapagos Islands we stay on boats, and in beachside and mountain bungalows. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together with locals. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Day 1: Depart for Ecuador and arrive in Quito. After some orientation activities, the day is yours to relax, and check out the city.
Day 2: Sightseeing is followed by a traditionally prepared Ecuadorian feast and a visit to the Cloud Forest.
Day 3: We head to the mountains and our home for the majority of the trip. After lunch in our village home away from home, there will be project overview, work teams established, and we begin to work on our project.
Day 4-6: Time to get our hands dirty mixing concrete, and working together with community members. When the work is through, the fun begins, spending time in the local school’s afternoon programs playing soccer, games, and hanging out with other students.
Day 7: After lunch we head out of town to a forest reserve for the afternoon and dinner out of the village.
Day 8-9: Our final days of working and staying in the village come to a close with a community feast before we leave our new friends.
Day 9: Arrive at Cotopaxi National Park for some adventuring on one of the highest peaks in South America. With its summit standing over 19,000ft, we won’t be reaching the top on this trip, but will hike to glaciers and viewpoints looking across the vast expanse of flatlands below.
Day 10-13: The Galapagos are calling, and we’re answering that call. Get ready to have your minds blown, exploring the islands that inspired and amazed Darwin, and have changed little ever since. Guided by a local biologist with years of experience studying these islands, this trip to the Galapagos is much more than simple sightseeing. In addition to learning about the unique ecology and habitat, we’ll go in depth into conservation practices and the many challenges faced not only by these islands, but around the world by those trying to protect environments from exploitation and overdevelopment.
Day 13: We fly back to the mainland to head to the airport.
Day 14: Arrive home with some callouses, a suntan, a bunch of new friends in Ecuador, and lots of stories to share.
Day 2: Sightseeing is followed by a traditionally prepared Ecuadorian feast and a visit to the Cloud Forest.
Day 3: We head to the mountains and our home for the majority of the trip. After lunch in our village home away from home, there will be project overview, work teams established, and we begin to work on our project.
Day 4-6: Time to get our hands dirty mixing concrete, and working together with community members. When the work is through, the fun begins, spending time in the local school’s afternoon programs playing soccer, games, and hanging out with other students.
Day 7: After lunch we head out of town to a forest reserve for the afternoon and dinner out of the village.
Day 8-9: Our final days of working and staying in the village come to a close with a community feast before we leave our new friends.
Day 9: Arrive at Cotopaxi National Park for some adventuring on one of the highest peaks in South America. With its summit standing over 19,000ft, we won’t be reaching the top on this trip, but will hike to glaciers and viewpoints looking across the vast expanse of flatlands below.
Day 10-13: The Galapagos are calling, and we’re answering that call. Get ready to have your minds blown, exploring the islands that inspired and amazed Darwin, and have changed little ever since. Guided by a local biologist with years of experience studying these islands, this trip to the Galapagos is much more than simple sightseeing. In addition to learning about the unique ecology and habitat, we’ll go in depth into conservation practices and the many challenges faced not only by these islands, but around the world by those trying to protect environments from exploitation and overdevelopment.
Day 13: We fly back to the mainland to head to the airport.
Day 14: Arrive home with some callouses, a suntan, a bunch of new friends in Ecuador, and lots of stories to share.
Medical Considerations
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Ecuador and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on Ecuador. Here is a link to the CDC's Indonesia travel information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
- World Nomads
- Allianz
- AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Ecuador and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on Ecuador. Here is a link to the CDC's Indonesia travel information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Trip members can cancel for any reason up to sixty (60) days before their trip, and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition, less the $200 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip cannot be guaranteed a refund. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund may be considered at the discretion of Padma staff. If trips must be canceled due to unexpected travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster, social unrest, etc., full refunds will be offered, pending refunds from trip partner companies and organizations, contractors, and third party vendors.
Water Safety:
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Ecuador/Galapagos Islands Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying and/or building large or heavy structures. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Ecuador/Galapagos Islands Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying and/or building large or heavy structures. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.