Ecuador and the Galápagos

Volcanoes Wildlife and the Privilege of Leading in One of the Wildest Places on Earth

I had the privilege of going to Ecuador in the summer of 2023 where I worked my very first season with Moondance Adventures. For six to seven weeks I helped lead high adventure trips for teens between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

We ran the same journey three times that summer and somehow each time felt completely different.

Back in Latin America

My first impression of Ecuador was pure excitement.

Being Colombian and having spent much of my childhood traveling to Colombia to see family being back in Latin America felt familiar in a grounding way. I love the rhythm of small towns. I love talking to locals. I love how kindness feels casual instead of forced.

We stayed near Tababela and there were a few small restaurants I brought the kids to every session. One was a barbecue spot where I always ordered batidos con leche which are basically milkshakes and let the kids try whatever food they wanted.

I wanted them to feel what I felt growing up in South America that food is not just fuel. It is culture. It is connection. It is part of the experience.

I co led that summer with Annie who was funny sharp and an incredible partner to navigate the chaos and joy of leadership.

Hummingbirds Hot Springs and Breaking the Ice

One of our first stops on the mainland was a hummingbird sanctuary in the mountains outside Quito. Standing there with my camera while hummingbirds zipped past felt surreal. Greens reds yellows blacks hovering inches from your face before vanishing.

When it rained we sat inside with coffee hot chocolate and crackers talking and getting to know each other. Those early moments mattered. Adventure works best when trust comes first.

Later that day we went to the hot springs. The kids loved the warm pools but my favorite part was always convincing everyone to do the cold plunge. Every session. Every kid.

It was uncomfortable shocking and bonding all at once.

Cotopaxi and Riding Through a Volcano’s Shadow

We woke up early and drove into Cotopaxi National Park watching the Andes open up around us. Alpine shrubs stretched across the landscape allowing endless views of volcanic terrain.

Sometimes you could see steam drifting from Cotopaxi.

We rode horses through the valley at the base of the volcano dressed like South American cowboys wearing ponchos chaps and helmets while laughing and taking photos over red and orange sediment that made the ground feel unreal.

Baños Chaos Waterfalls and Joy

Then came Baños.

The town sat wrapped in mountains clouds hanging low and heavy above us. It was vibrant safe and alive. We walked everywhere with the kids through shops markets and street food stalls. I pushed them to practice Spanish to ask questions to own their experience.

If there was a food I thought they should try I ordered it for the table.

Baños was loud colorful and unapologetically fun. Dollar pizzas milkshakes ice cream late at night and small surprises just because.

One day we crossed a cable car over a river to a waterfall then climbed hundreds of steps down to stand at the base of one of the largest waterfalls I have ever seen. On rainy days the water thundered down in muddy force shaking bridges soaking everything.

Another day we went to Adventure Park San Martín where we zipped across a valley then climbed a via ferrata straight up a cliff face. That night we had salsa lessons on a rooftop overlook.

Watching teenagers especially the ones who were uncomfortable at first learn to dance laugh at themselves and loosen up was one of my favorite parts of the job. Our instructor Mario brought pure joy to the room. The night ended with a massive barbecue and I still do not know what they seasoned that meat with but it was unreal.

Arriving in the Galápagos

Arriving in the Galápagos never lost its magic.

Landing on Santa Cruz Island stepping into heat humidity and cactus filled landscapes with iguanas wandering near the airport felt like entering a different world.

We visited a giant tortoise sanctuary standing beside animals older than most recorded human history. Watching the kids process the scale and age of these creatures was humbling every time.

Wildlife was not hidden here. Sea lions slept on piers. Marine iguanas lounged in town. Crabs filled sidewalks.

One night we walked to the pier and looked into the water. Blacktip sharks everywhere. Ten feet away an alpha sea lion slept under a bench completely unbothered.

The Boat Rides Everyone Remembers

The inter island boat rides were intense.

Fast choppy fume filled speedboats crossing open ocean. We prepared the kids carefully hydration food early boarding strategic seating.

Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it did not.

People got sick. People got soaked. And then finally we would arrive.

Isabela Where Connection Happened

On Isabela Island our first activity was snorkeling right off the dock.

Penguins eels rays bright fish and blue footed boobies filled the water.

But the best part of Isabela was soccer.

Every session we played pickup soccer and basketball against local kids the same age as ours. No shared language. No explanation needed.

The whole town came to watch. Games ran long. Laughter never stopped.

Sports erased every barrier.

That was the best day of the trip every single time.

San Cristóbal and Swimming With Sea Lions

On San Cristóbal Island we snorkeled at La Lobería which was our first experience swimming with sea lions.

Pups darted around us blowing bubbles nibbling masks spinning through the water. Sea turtles drifted past. Kids screamed into their snorkels in disbelief.

One day an alpha sea lion claimed an entire beach and would not let us pass. To get the group back to the boat I distracted him while the kids swam around quickly.

That is leadership.

Looking Back

The Galápagos changed me.

I already loved wildlife photography nature and people but that place deepened it. Even now years later I still cannot believe I was paid to spend a summer there helping kids step outside their comfort zones.

Some of those students are still people I think about often.

Ecuador is rich biodiverse and full of heart. The Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

If you ever have the chance to go go.

There is nothing else like it.