Galápagos Islands
Ecuador
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Imagine stepping foot onto this mysterious dark land knowing it’s an estimated 3.5 million years old. Yes, million. This environmental haven awaits you when you study abroad in the Galápagos Islands.
600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos have sea lions, iguanas, and tortoises galore waiting to welcome you.
Study abroad in the Galápagos for the ultimate immersive ecological adventure.
Programs
Galápagos Islands's Top Five
Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station
A must-see for budding scientists, check out the breeding center, and learn about the islands’ fascinating ecology and history.
See Turtles at Turtle Bay
You just might observe hatchlings emerging from their eggs and heading to the ocean!
Snorkel with Sea Lions
Head to La Loberia beach, and spend a day in the sun with these unique marine mammals.
Hang with the Local Penguins
Take a trip to Las Tintoreras, and get up close and personal with the islands’ penguins.
Visit the Santa Cruz Fish Market
Watch fishermen unload their catches from the day, and grab a bite of fresh seafood.
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The Latest from Galápagos Islands
Letter to My Host Mother // Galápagos Islands
Dear Glenda,
For our last day together, I’ve been looking back on the last three months we’ve shared. In this letter, I want to tell you all the things I haven’t had the Spanish to say.
Making Kin // Galápagos Islands
Being queer, the concept of “found family” is not new to me.
The Legend of the Guava // Galápagos Islands
I first heard the legend of the guayaba (guava) recounted during a hike through the forest at Hacienda Guadalupe, a farm up in the Highlands of San Cristóbal island. Our tour guide began the legend in a hushed whisper, about a mile into our hike. It was the first we had ever heard of Manuel Julián Cobos, the infamous first settler and founder of the torturous Hacienda El Progresso.
Day in the Life // Galápagos Islands
A typical day on San Cristóbal island starts with the sun breaking through my window. Every day, it’s a competition between dawn and the rooster: who wakes me first? I get up, stretch, and walk over to the kitchen for breakfast.
The Myth of "Wilderness" // Galápagos Islands
Most recorded history frames the Galápagos Islands as a pristine, untouched wilderness. Finches flitting into conewells of prickly pear nectar. Woody roots tangling over lava rock. According to legend, Darwin’s was the first foot trod onto the sand. Post-Darwin, the record gives a slow, incoherent hum.
