Inspiring the world to explore Ecuador through educational travel

Experts

Academic travel programs with an interdisciplinary approach

Education and travel experts

Our main strength is our team of education and travel experts and our associate scientific partners and local experts who share their passion for education and responsible tourism and genuine commitment to the local communities we visit.

Innovative faculty-led programs

Our team is happy to customize any of our innovative faculty-led programs from scratch and we assure you that it will exceed all expectations. And go above and beyond to tailor the program to your specific needs.

Science based programs

Thanks to our science network in all regions of Ecuador, we can design any program according to your academic needs. We take advantage of Ecuador’s richness to develop science field practices from natural to social sciences.

Affinity Programs

Programs developed for specific groups with unique needs and interests. From civic groups, religious groups, alumni associations, gated communities, business associations, or local clubs, we can provide outstanding experiences.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to get better Information.

Our Academic Programs

Programs

Build a tailor-made travel program

Ecuador Regions

Discover the Four Worlds of Ecuador

One of the world’s few Megadiverse Countries

Ecuador is geographically divided into four different regions: the Andean Highlands, the Amazon Rainforest, the Pacific Coast, and the Galapagos Archipelago.

While being one of the smallest nations in South America, it is considered one of the most mega diverse countries on Earth. These “four worlds” combine and represent almost every natural habitat worldwide.

The incredible and different ecosystems contained in these four regions, harbor some of the highest indexes of biodiversity and endemism in a relatively small territory. It is estimated that Ecuador is home to 6,1% of all species reported worldwide.

Besides the natural habitats, this small territory comprises 32 different ethnic groups with a pre-hispanic multicultural legacy. The colonial heritage constitutes the social fabric for a very diverse set of customs and traditions.

The Galapagos Islands

The islands are a "Natural World Heritage" site and considered one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. They have a marine reserve, unique biodiversity, and rare and endangered species. The archipelago is one of the most pristine natural protected areas on the planet and the birthplace of Charles Darwin's evolution theory. Described as "Magical, Enchanting, Unforgettable, Inspiring, Iconic."

The Amazon Rainforest

The Ecuadorian Amazon Region is a biodiverse rainforest and a hot spot for wildlife. It is home to evergreen landscapes, indigenous communities, and is a vital natural habitat. Described as "Vibrant, Intricate, Precious." It plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, but faces conservation challenges and risks such as being "Threatened, Endangered, Fragile."

The Andes Highlands

The Andes are a mountain range in Ecuador that divide the mainland into 3 regions, featuring glaciers, valleys, plateaus, and indigenous communities. Also is home to many indigenous communities including the great Incas and others that have thrived in time . They have unique ecological conditions that harbor high biodiversity, including high bird and amphibian diversity.

The Pacific Coast

The Ecuadorian coast features diverse ecosystems, biodiversity, ancient cultural heritage, and unique landscapes, including hypersaline lagoons, tall mangroves, tropical forests, and rich marine life. Local communities have delicious gastronomy and cultural heritage. Also has a thriving agribusiness industry, making Ecuador one of the largest exporters of shrimp, bananas, and cacao.

What They Say About Responsible Journeys

Testimonials

Over the last thirty years, I have led educational tours with hundreds of students, in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. All have been amazing experiences, but one, in particular, stands out: our Galapagos educational tour in May 2022. Its success is due in large part due to the level of professionalism and service of Responsible Journeys, our travel partner. Pablo and JuanSe went "above and beyond" to put together the most fantastic program, leveraging the deep connections they have built in the conservation, tourism and NGO communities. I'm familiar with the standard itineraries of the larger operators but I can say with confidence that the program put together by Responsible Journeys was in a different league--and flawlessly executed. We look forward to working with them for years to come.

Giles Jackson, Ph.D.

Baxa Professor of Stakeholder Capitalism - Director, Institute for Business, Sustainability & Society

My experience learning and exploring the region was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I am thankful to have been able to connect what I’ve been learning in my college degree to the real world, seeing such a special ecosystem, firsthand!

Patrick Manival

Shenandoah University Student

In collaboration with Responsible Journeys, we engage the students in experiential learning about some of our key conservation programs in Galapagos such as the “Giant Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme” and our “Plastic Pollution Free Galapagos” program. An eye-opener and a great way for them to grasp the value of scientific research and citizen science as complementary approaches in addressing current environmental issues.