The partners in Costa Rica are fabulous! Everything was well-organized, and kids were always engaged. Our guide, Jimmy, truly is an educator and ambassador of his country. All of the students and leaders really enjoyed his personality, love of his country and knowledge. The Family Stay Experience was also very wonderful!
Explore Ecuador Through Science and Discovery
STEM Immersion Galápagos is an 8-day educational travel experience that combines cultural discovery with hands-on environmental science. Beginning in Quito before continuing to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands, students explore one of the world’s most biologically significant regions through immersive STEM learning and field-based experiences.
Students begin by discovering Quito through its historic landmarks, local artistic traditions, and interactive science experiences before travelling to the Galápagos. There, volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife, and conservation fieldwork bring ecology and environmental science to life. Guided hikes, wildlife observation, and a service-learning project encourage environmental stewardship while connecting classroom concepts with real-world discovery.
Whether studying geology, biodiversity, or conservation, students return home with a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Why Choose This Experience
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Program Details
Price
- $3,999 per student PLUS cost of international flights*
- For every six students the cost of one leader is included in the price
- For every enrolled student on your program, there is a $50 leader stipend to help leaders offset expenses while abroad
- Students can save $200 with Our Early Bird Discount!
*Travelers do not need to arrange their own air. Air travel is included in the program, but the cost will be added once the group air contract is confirmed. Price is valid for 2027
Duration
8 days
Included
- Round-trip airfare (plus airline fuel surcharges at time of booking)
- In-country transportation (train, coach bus, and public transportation)
- All overnight accommodations
- Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only
- International phone allowance ($10/day for one leader while in country)
- 24/7 Xperitas emergency support during travel
- Local bilingual guide during tour portion
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary
- Tips for drivers and guides
Not Included
- Airline baggage fees
- Airfare variances due to contract changes or group size
- Costs from late or missed flights
- Passport, visa, or documentation fees
- Transportation to/from departure city
- Meals not listed on the itinerary
- Spending money and gifts
- Advanced seat assignment fees
- Small-group supplement (fewer than 18 participants)
Activities
- Colonial Quito city tour
- Traditional art workshop at Escuela de Arte Quiteño
- Ecuadorian chocolate tasting
- Middle of the World Monument & Intiñan Museum
- Giant tortoise habitat visit at El Chato Reserve
- Lava tunnels and Los Gemelos volcanic formations
- Tortuga Bay hike and microplastics conservation project
- Tintoreras wildlife excursion and snorkeling
- Isabela Wetlands Trail bike ride and Wall of Tears visit
- Sierra Negra Volcano hike
- Volcán Chico volcanic landscape exploration
- Guided Galápagos wildlife observation
About Your Guide
Programs are led by experienced, local guides with deep cultural knowledge. The role of guides is as follows:
- Supports the group getting to and from activities and sites
- Manages logistics (transportation, schedule, tickets)
- Serves as the primary on‑the‑ground support and problem‑solver
- Provides cultural context when applicable
- Supported by local guides at specific sites
What You’ll See & Do

Day 1 | Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel.
Meals Included: None
Day 2 | Quito
Explore Quito’s historic centre through a traditional art workshop, cultural landmarks, chocolate tasting, and a visit to the Middle of the World Monument and Intiñan Museum.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 | Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands
Fly to the Galápagos and explore Santa Cruz Island. Visit El Chato Reserve to observe giant tortoises, discover lava tunnels, and explore the volcanic landscapes of Los Gemelos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands
Hike to Tortuga Bay, learn about sea turtle conservation, and participate in a microplastics collection project before relaxing at Playa Mansa.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Isabela, Galápagos Islands
Travel to Isabela Island to explore Tintoreras, observe iconic wildlife, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and cycle through the Wetlands Trail to the historic Wall of Tears.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Isabela, Galápagos Islands
Hike across the volcanic landscapes of Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico while learning about the geological forces that shaped the Galápagos.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Return to Quito
Return by speedboat to Santa Cruz before transferring to Baltra for your flight back to Quito and overnight departure to the United States.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 | Return
Arrive back in the United States.
Meals Included: None
Important Details
Prices are based on a minimum group size of 18 students. If the minimum is not met and your group cannot be combined, a small-group supplement will apply. Final pricing is determined by confirmed dates, air arrangements, family stay communities, program components, group size, and number of leaders at final billing.
Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.
The order of itinerary items may change due to unforeseen circumstances prior to or during the program.
See What Teachers Say About Xperitas
The focus on language and personalized touch sets this program apart from the rest.
Immersing students in the language and culture are keys to a successful trip overseas with students, and I can always count on our in-country Xperitas guides to communicate exclusively in the target language with our students while showing them a new culture.
Know that your child will grow in so many ways from this experience. The program has just the right amount of structure and freedom for the kids to explore in a safe and enjoyable manner. The family stay, while intimidating at first glance, is a unique and amazing opportunity for the kids to really experience the culture that they are being immersed in.






