Galapago Expedition for Teachers

Join the MSSE Program for an exciting new field course in Summer 2024!  If interested, you may earn up to 3 credits of MSSE 592: Independent Study: Galapagos. For questions regarding how the course can fit into your program of study, contact MSSE's Academic Advisor, Holly Thompson at hollythompson@montana.edu.

Focus: Natural selection, island biogeography & ecology of the Galapagos archipelago

Length: 10 days in-country

Dates: July 22-31, 2024

Base Cost Without Tuition: $2950

Trip Leaders: Dr. Dan Lawver & Dr. John Winnie

We will traveling with Galakiwi - a tour agency based on San Cristobal Island.

How To Apply

You'll need to submit a Study Abroad Application.

If you do NOT currently have an MSU ID, contact Holly Thompson for assistance in obtaining one: hollythompson@montana.edu

Additional Details

Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

- Transfer to hotel. Overnight Quito

Day 2: Birding in Mindo

- Overnight Mindo

Day 3: Nature hike. Bus to Qunito via Mitad de Mundo

-Overnight Quito

Day 4: Otavalo Market; Peguchi Waterfall

- Galapagos briefing. Overnight Quito

Day 5: Fly to Galapagos; Giant Tortoises; Lava tunnels

- Overnight Santa Cruz

Day 6: Swim at Las Grietas; Tortuga Bay

- Overnight Santa Cruz

Day 7: Charles Darwin Research Station

- Overnight San Cristobal

Day 8: Hike Loberia; snorkeling (optional)

- Evening lecture/discussion: Tourism of the region.

Day 9: Snorkel tour Kicker Rock

- Overnight San Cristobal

Day 10: Free morning; fly to Quito

What's Included:

  • Airport arrival/departure transportation
  • Lodging during the expedition
  • Experience, English-speaking guide
  • Transportation during the expedition
  • Group meals during the expedition (excludes dinner)
  • Health insurance during the expedition
  • All activities and entrance fees per itinerary

 

What's not Included:

  • Airfare to/from Ecuador/Quito
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tuition costs if taking MSSE 592*

*Tuition will vary depending on how many credits you register for.

Yes.  It must be good for at least 6 months beyond the departure date for international travel.
A recommended gear list will be provided.

The course requires moderate outdoor physical activity. Students are expected to walk several miles, often in relatively steep terrain without established hiking trails.  Temperatures are often in the 90 degree F range. Please contact the trip leader(s) if you have concerns about the required physical fitness level and your ability to meet these requirements.