Exploring Ecuador: From Mindo to the Galápagos
August 13, 2026
This June, Wheeler students traveled to Ecuador for a Global Experience filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable moments. From snorkeling alongside sea lions to observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat, the students experienced Ecuador as an outdoor classroom.
Their journey began in Mindo, where they hiked through the cloud forest, observed hummingbirds and butterflies, and learned about the chocolate-making process that uses locally sourced cacao.
From Mindo, the group traveled to the Galápagos Islands, exploring San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz. Along the way, they encountered incredible wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
The group also visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and a giant tortoise breeding center, explored lava tunnels, hiked along stunning coastlines, and swam in the Pacific Ocean and crystal-clear natural pools.
“The Galápagos Islands are a very unique place to visit, shared recent Wheeler graduate Anna Cherepowich ’26. “The Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent flows right into the islands, causing deep, nutrient-rich water to flow around the islands in a process called upwelling. This contributes to the remarkable biodiversity of the Galápagos. Seeing such unique ecosystems was an experience of a lifetime.
“The Galápagos Islands are where Darwin formed his theory of natural selection,” noted Anna. “For me personally, it was really powerful to learn even more about Darwin’s research in the actual place where he conducted it right after I completed the AP Biology course.”
Anna, who is now studying scientific illustration and oceanography science at the University of Miami, found the trip especially meaningful as she traveled alongside both Wheeler science and art teachers. “Being in Quito and Ecuador during Ecuador’s World Cup matches was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she added. “Thank you to our tour guide Julio Bahamonde for ensuring we got to experience it in full!”
We are also thankful to Upper School Science Teacher Dr. Donna Lizotte P’18, P’20, P’24 for leading and planning the trip alongside her science colleagues Bob Schmidt P’14, P’16 and Zander Schmidt ’16, Upper School Spanish Teacher Nataly Castro-Dubon ’27, and Upper School Art Teacher Kristin Murphy P’19, P’23.
You can check out our Instagram post to see more of the incredible wildlife students encountered, including sea lions, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and more!
