The Galapagos Islands School Program

Overview

Roots and Wonders: Ecuadorian Farms & The Enchanted Galápagos

GOGI Abroad and Nahual Expediciones offer a transformative experience blending environmental sustainability, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning.

Tailored to your needs:

We collaborate closely with you to customize each trip, ensuring it aligns with your curriculum and educational goals.

Comprehensive Trip Coordination:

From pre-trip planning to in-class discussions, we handle every detail, providing you with curriculum connections, packing lists, and pre-orientation materials for both students and parents.

Compassionate Leaders:

Our trips are led by native educators, allowing teachers to learn alongside their students in an authentic and supportive environment.

Teacher Participation and Support:

GOGI Abroad will handle all trip logistics, enabling teachers and administrators to actively engage and witness their students' excitement as they learn about the world, themselves and their place in it.

Smooth Travel Logistics:

We guide you on air travel options and handle all in-country details, including lodging, transportation, meals, and safe water.

All-Inclusive Pricing ($300 - $500) :

Except for airfare, all expenses are covered, ensuring peace of mind throughout the trip. Our price range is typically $300-$500 per student per day, depending on the trip’s activities and focus.

Let us help you create an enriching, educational, and memorable experience for your students!

Trip Description

Embark on a journey that takes you from the breathtaking Andes to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands. Start at the renowned Palugo Farm, nestled in the heart of the Andes, where you’ll immerse yourself in permaculture, soak in healing hot springs, and connect with the land. Then, journey to the Galápagos Islands—an ecological wonder where you’ll swim with sea lions, spot endangered turtles, witness lava formations, and island-hop through a pristine environment.

In today’s world, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. This trip combines travel with meaningful impact, teaching students how to leave positive traces on the planet while exploring vibrant cultures. Through outdoor adventures, sustainable farming, and community-based learning, you will gain invaluab\\le insights into both human history and environmental stewardship. Experience the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the Andes and the Galápagos, while building lasting connections with the land and its people.

The GOGI-Nahual partnership fosters empowerment, education, and environmental awareness, guiding students to see the world and its wonders through a lens of respect and responsibility.

Palugo Farm

Located just an hour from Quito, Palugo Farm is a 240-acre oasis of sustainable farming. Here, students will engage in daily farm chores, process food, learn traditional crafts, and work on community-driven service projects. From cheese-making to felting llama wool, students will actively participate in the production of food and goods while learning about sustainable practices and indigenous philosophy.

 Sample Itinerary

    • Arrival at Palugo Farm, a sustainable, family-run farm focused on agroecology and biodiversity conservation. The group is welcomed and introduced to the farm's commitment to preserving the natural environment through sustainable farming practices and working in harmony with nature.

    • Orientation on the educational goals of the trip, with a focus on sustainability, local ecosystems, and conservation.

    • Students engage in a brief introduction to organic farming practices and permaculture methods at the farm, laying the foundation for hands-on work throughout the stay.

    • Full tour of the farm, where students learn about native plant species, sustainable farming techniques, and the farm’s efforts in biodiversity conservation. Focus on the integration of sustainable practices such as water management, organic fertilizers, and habitat preservation.

    • Students participate in farm activities such as planting, harvesting, composting, and learning about crop rotation and organic pest management. These hands-on experiences highlight the importance of ecological balance and the role of sustainable farming in addressing climate change.

    • Afternoon visit to local natural hot springs for relaxation and to reflect on the day's learnings, discussing the relationship between ecosystems, natural resources, and conservation efforts.

  • Morning flight to the Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory for students to study unique ecosystems.

    Visit the Chato Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where students will learn about the Galápagos giant tortoises and ongoing conservation efforts to protect this iconic species. A guide will explain the biology of tortoises, their role in the ecosystem, and the impacts of invasive species on native wildlife.

    Travel to Puerto Ayora, the main port town, where students will learn about local sustainability initiatives, such as waste management, marine conservation, and eco-tourism. Afternoon reflection session on the importance of protecting delicate ecosystems like the Galápagos.

This sample itinerary showcases an immersive educational experience focused on sustainability, regenerative farming, and indigenous knowledge. Students participate in hands-on agricultural activities, collaborate with indigenous communities, and engage in meaningful service-learning projects that highlight the connection between cultural traditions and environmental responsibility. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of global sustainability while fostering leadership, critical thinking, and cross-cultural awareness. The program can be fully customized to align with your school’s curriculum, learning objectives, and educational values.

Testimonials

  • “The task of putting my experience with my Gogi Abroad is proven to be quite difficult. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to participate with Gogi Abroad and Liz for three trips so far! Each trip through its uniqueness holds a special place in my heart. My main intention for choosing the trips offered by Liz was to experience another part of the world in a way that immersed me into the culture and magic. Liz has an amazing, god –gift ability to bring together two very different worlds through her love of our planet and the people who inhabit it. Whether co-habitating with a special indigenous family overcoming the language barrier in Ecuador, hiking the beautiful landscape while learning the history of Peru, or swimming in a sea of beautiful plant and animal life in waters on the Galapagos Islands, there was a common thread of connectedness and pure joy of simplicity not only with the group I was with but with the communities that welcomed us. Thank you Gogi for offering the experiences of a lifetime. I look forward to many more.” — Lisa Dumont

About the Curriculum

A Hands-On Learning Experience

  • Exploration with Purpose

    Not your typical tourist trip—this is about truly engaging with the environment and the community. Travel, explore, learn, and prioritize sustainability. By collaborating with local farmers, you’ll delve into the region's rich natural and human history while learning about sustainable practices that protect these fragile ecosystems. Guided by naturalists and specialists, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the delicate balance sustaining life in the Enchanted Galápagos.

  • Hands-On Sustainability at Finca Palugo

    This 10 to 15-day immersive adventure explores two of Ecuador’s most spectacular regions. In the Andes, you’ll visit Finca Palugo, Nahual Expediciones’ permaculture hub, where you’ll learn about sustainable farming practices and participate in hands-on work. Here, you’ll engage with local traditions, harvesting techniques, and sustainable agriculture that supports the community's way of life while minimizing environmental impact.

  • Galapagos: Biodiversity in Action

    You’ll fly to the Galápagos, where you’ll visit three inhabited islands. This includes snorkeling with sea lions, swimming alongside sea turtles, and hiking up an active volcano on Isabela Island. You’ll also work alongside local farmers, exploring innovative agricultural systems that enhance food security while preserving the islands' unique biodiversity. Each experience offers a deeper connection.

Through these activities, you will interact with the local community, support the local economy, and explore the rich ecological diversity of the islands. Our cultural exchanges, educational talks, and sustainable travel practices are designed to minimize our ecological footprint. This journey deepens your understanding of the Galápagos Islands and the interconnectedness of people, land, and animals, fostering environmental stewardship and creating meaningful connections that last a lifetime.