The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most unique nature sights. This young Archipelago, lying a few hundred miles off the Ecuadorian coast, protects some of the rarest species in the world. As a hideout for buccaneers, this volcanic paradise is a nature lover’s dream. Living in a highly protected park, the animals of the Galapagos are unafraid of humans, giving you a face-to-face opportunity to experience nature.
Wonder Voyage would love to bring your missions group on a private sailing trip throughout the Galapagos where you will live on the boat and visit a few of the thirteen main islands. Come face to face with giant tortoises, iguanas, and birds galore. Swim with sea turtles, seals and sea iguanas. This one-of-a-kind pilgrimage focuses on the brilliance of God’s creation and a Creator who loves us unfathomably.
Overview
- Hike volcanic islands and meet wildlife face-to-face.
- Snorkel in the pristine waters, taking in sea life and underwater beauty.
- Serve in a local school in Quito on your way out to Galapagos.
- Take a couple of days to rescue turtles.
- Become a nature photographer and stun your friends with your photos.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- DAY 1 – FLY TO QUITO
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. We have a full week of adventure planned so we will take this evening to rest before we begin our pilgrimage. God is going to open our eyes to new perspectives this week. We will prepare our hearts with prayer before we turn in for the night. - DAY 2 – FLY TO GALAPAGOS
Today we arrive in Santa Cruz. Our first venture is to the Highlands where we will explore an underground lava tunnel. After that we will see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat, cooling off in a watering hole or munching on food. The town of Puerto Ayora will serve as our lunch location and will be as our evening exploratory grounds. We will reflect on our day and contemplate what God speaks to us through the complexity of creation. - DAY 3- SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
This morning we will hopefully get a glimpse of Lonesome George – the last of his species from Pinta Island. We will learn how the foundation has been successful in repopulating the islands with the once endangered land iguana as well as many species of Giant Tortoise. From the collection of the eggs to the age of release, we will observe how the giant tortoises are raised and prepared for life on their own. This afternoon we will take a short walk that brings us to the white sand and luscious waves of Tortuga bay. Feel free to swim, sunbath, bodysurf, or all three! Our question today is, what is our responsibility, as Christians, to protect our environment? - DAY 4 – SAN CRISTOBAL
Our day will begin with a boat ride over to San Cristobal, which will take about 2.5 hours. After sampling some of the local cuisine for lunch, we will head up to the highlands for a scenic bike ride. Starting at a panoramic viewpoint called La Soledad, we will bike through the tiny town of El Progreso, then through five different vegetation zones and downhill until we reach a beach called La Loberia. There we will be able to watch sea lions sun bathing, playing, and vying for our attention. This is a great opportunity to swim in the exotic Galapagos waters. As the sun sets, we will discuss what it means to be an active participant in God’s creation. - DAY 5- SAN CRISTOBAL, LEON DORMIDO
This morning we will take to the ocean to get a glimpse of the underwater world of the Galapagos. First, we will cruise along the coast identifying shore birds, such as the Great Frigate and the famous Blue-Footed Booby. From there we continue to Kicker Rock, or Leon Dormido as it is known by the locals, to explore the final remains of a tuff cone rising over 143 meters out of the water. That is equivalent to almost 50 floors high! Our journey will continue through a channel to spot sea turtles, eagle rays, chocolate chip starfish, and possibly a Galapagos Shark or two. After eating, feel free to spend time swimming in the turquoise water or snap photos of the stunning seascape. Where did you see God today that you did not expect to see Him? - DAY 6- SAN CRISTOBAL TO QUITO
The morning will be yours to do some last minute exploring of the town. In the afternoon we will catch a flight back to where we started and spend our evening in Quito. We will draw our pilgrimage to a close with a celebratory dinner of tradition Ecuadorian food. We will participate in pass-the-candle to share how God opened our eyes to his creation this week. - DAY 7- QUITO
We have spent the week relishing the exotic beauty of God’s creation. Before leaving to head back home, we will pray and prepare our hearts to take what we have learned on our pilgrimage back with us and we reenter our normal routines.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Galapagos Islands
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
