The purpose of this program is to take an expedition to explore the enormous diversity of plants and animals that live in the largest tropical forest ecosystem in the world, the Ecuadorian Amazon. Students will visit key ecological zones around the country of Ecuador; ranging from lowland (sea level) to upland (13,000 feet) areas. The “jewel” of the trip is touring the Amazon Basin (a large section of tropical jungle that functions as the watershed for the Amazon River). In addition to being immersed in a tropical habitat, students will have the opportunity to meet local Ecuadorians who are high invested in their communities (i.e., through habitat conservation, restoration, and ecotourism) and that live in harmony with the land, while raising economically important plants and livestock. (Pictured below: students hiking at Quilotoa, a water-filled caldera located in the most western volcano in the Andes.)

Learn more about the program and application requirements.