Gap Year in Ecuador
Embrace the rich culture, unique landscapes, and vibrant wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos.
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Travel to a place unlike any other when you visit Ecuador with EF Gap Year. Embark on excursions to the Amazon jungle, the Andean highlands, and the Galapagos Islands, which offers some of the most incredible ecological experiences on Earth.
The Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean;. From coastlines of barren, black volcanic rocks with choppy whitecap waves to sprawling beaches of stunning white sand leading to clear turquoise waters, each island offers a unique landscape to explore.
Made famous for being the site of naturalist Charles Darwin’s studies in 1835, the Galapagos inspired On the Origin of Species (1859), which introduced Darwin’s theories on evolution—as well as this Ecuadorian archipelago—to the world.
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Discover a diverse ecosystem. Hosting a high number of endemic species, Ecuador has been identified as one of seventeen megadiverse countries in the world.
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Impact-driven adventure awaits. Learn how climate change is impacting the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands and current conservation efforts to protect it. You will discover more about these efforts firsthand while visiting a local, sustainable farm.
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Explore like never before. Hike the Andean highlands, raft the whitewater rapids of the Amazon, snorkel with sea lions and sharks, and spot blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and penguins! Photo opportunities are a-plenty on our Ecuadorian excursions.
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Did you know? Located on the eastern slopes of an active stratovolcano in the Andes, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world with an elevation of almost 10,000ft.
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Gain global perspective. Travel to Tena, a town deep in the Amazon rainforest, to spend time with the Kichwa people and learn about their culture and traditions.
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Descend the Devil’s Cauldron. Venture to the mountain town of Baños, located on the northern foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. This tropical tourist destination is home to 60 waterfalls; among them, the Devil’s Cauldron is recognized as one of the most celebrated and photogenic in all of Ecuador.