Hampstead Hill Students Explore Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

In  June, 40 members of the Hampstead Hill Academy community traveled to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, including 27 students across grades 6-8. Part of the school’s summer educational travel experience, this nine-day adventure provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore another culture, country, and some of the world’s most unique wildlife. 

Organized through EF Educational Tours, the group enjoyed numerous activities:

• Exploring churches, art, and architecture in Old Town Quito, Ecuador 
• Witnessing natural forces at work near the equator at the Intiñan Equator
• Museum
• Visiting twin craters and lava tubes on Santa Cruz Island 
• Seeing the famous wild tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands
• Traveling to Isabela Island with stops at a pink flamingo habitat and a tortoise breeding center
• Snorkeling around the lava-formed cove in the Tintoreras Islet
• Hiking to Tortuga Bay, followed by beach time, and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
• Visiting the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center and more beach and snorkeling time

The tour ended back on the mainland with excursions to Otavalo, home of the largest

indigenous craft market in South America, the Papallacta hot springs, and the Milagrosa Waterfall.

The school raised money for the student travel through events last school year, including its 3rd Annual Trivia Night fundraiser last winter. 

Next Stop:  Belize 2027

Recruitment is underway for next summer’s educational travel trip to Belize.  Students will have an opportunity to explore Mayan ruins, zipline across rainforests, and snorkel at Ambergris Kaye, home to the world’s second largest barrier reef.