7000 Feet in Banos

Today we made our way back to Baños. We battled through the rain and ended up going ziplining, climbing up the mountain, and finishing with ziplining back down the mountain. Though many of us were scared of heights, we battled through that as well. I was really hoping that it would be sunnier out, but it was still a great time.

After ziplining we had an amazing lunch. Then we went to the hotel and the view is absolutely gorgeous. It is mountains on mountains, and they look like they go on for forever. When walking in town you really get to know the culture, you get to see how the food was made. I recommend the taffy it is delicious. Some of the guys got their butts kicked in soccer by some local boys, others chose to go to the spa or the hot springs. Tonight we are planning on going salsa dancing and walking some more around town. Baños was a good stop, it really mad me expand my horizons on how I think about different cultures.
-Jess C.

Adios Los Monos

Day 5: Our group met the other volunteers for the first time and we got to work with them on our last day at the animal sanctuary. Today we split up into multiple groups, worked on cleaning the cages and carried rocks. At first it was our job to replace the food platters for the birds and monkeys, then we cleaned out their watering holes and refilled them. Once that was finished we spent time moving rocks to create a new path. 

Finally we took a short break and then took a hike into the jungle. In the jungle we saw massive trees, swung on vines, and looked for animals. Unfortunately we didn't see any animals but we finished the day with a great lunch and a final goodbye to Yonacocha Animal Rehabilitation Center.

Ecuador: Day 4

Today, the Ecuador group went back to the animal rehabilitation center for our second day. We started the day by helping out with work around the center to benefit the animals currently living there. One group finished breaking down an old animal cage and another group proceeded to carry rocks to a new sanctuary area.

During the second half of the day the group was given time to explore the center individually. During this time we were able to see monkeys, caimans, many different kinds of birds, fish, turtles,  a capybara (the largest rodent in the world), an ocelot (pictured), and much more.  We were each able to reflect in our journals on the surrounding environment and animals.

After a long day, the group had a chance to rest and relax before going out into the town of Puyo for some local shopping. Tomorrow we look forward to our last day with the animal rehabilitation center where we will be going on a hike deeper into the rainforest.

Day 3: Service at the Animal Sanctuary

Today was our first day volunteering at the animal sanctuary.  First we were given a tour of the sanctuary. We saw several kinds of monkeys, parrots and macaws, crocodiles and turtles. It was great to see all these animals being rehabilitated, some even had babies! We then went to do our jobs, some carried rocks, others moved logs, and one group helped tear down an old cage! We went in for an amazing lunch, but when it started to rain and thunderstorm we had to end our volunteering early. Then we explored Puyo and some of us ate live grubs! Overall a great day getting to experience the culture of Ecuador!

Maggie - Working at the sanctuary today was great, despite the rain and all the heavy lifting. The highlight of the day was definitely eating a grub in a little restaurant in Puyo, slimy yet satisfying. Note the sarcasm.

Mairead - I absolutely LOVED seeing the animals and getting to experience the rainforest! I loved exploring Puyo with Diego and getting to try the local fruit. Eating a grub is something I'll never forget. I can't wait to work more with the animals tomorrow!

Nino - Seeing monkeys jumping around was awesome. Working there was a different experience around the turtles. The only part I didn't like was the thunderstorm, but it was a nice day.

Brighid - Getting to see some cool, tropical animals was definitely a highlight of the day. I also witnessed my friends eats bugs, which was horrifying, but nonetheless thrilling and a unique experience.

First day in Ecuador

Jess C- We went to the Diablo Waterfall and it was amazing! The sound of the waterfall roaring and rain falling on the umbrella was just exhilarating.

Kaya- I really enjoyed the swing in Baños. You could see and here the volcano rumbling. It was amazing.

Branton B- I had a great time today at the swing in Baños over the mountains. You could also see and hear the volcano erupting.

Emma S- I have a fear of heights, so being able to conquer my fears, swing on the edge of a cliff, go on a gondola tour, and walk on a Tibetan bridge, was awesome!

Nino A- I never saw Volcano in my life before. It was amazing to hear the voices and see the ashes behind the clouds.

Brighid- Today was amazing! We saw multiple water falls, went on a cable car, and saw an active volcano!

Maggie- Well today was a great day for those of us who have a fear of heights. The swing off the edge of the world was something that's been on my bucket list for a while, but I think standing under/near the Devil's Waterfall was the highlight of the day.

Megan- I really enjoyed swinging over the edge of the mountain and seeing "El Diablo" (the waterfall). I've also never seen an active volcano before.

Katie- it was amazing to see all of Ecuador from the top of mountains, the waterfalls were breathtaking and were definitely worth the hike!

Mairead- Ecuador is absolutely breathtaking! The views are so amazing and already we've done so many cool things. I can't wait to see the monkeys tomorrow!

Igor- I really enjoyed the trip to Diablo waterfall. It look so scary and at the same time beautiful. Also, I liked volcano, it was very amazing experience.

Three Hours of Sleep and Still Looking Flawless

Arrived late to Quito last night, and woke up to the beautiful view outside our hotel room. Refreshed and ready to experience Baños.

Monday Day 1 Travel Update

Stuck in Dallas with a delay:/ playing cards and eating a lot of junk food before we take off for Equador!

3 Days and Counting Until Ecuador!

What are you most excited about or nervous about our Ecuador trip?

I’ve never been to South America before, so I’m really excited to go there for the first time. I’m also excited to be working at a sanctuary in the rain forest, as I’ve wanted to visit the rainforest since I was a little kid. - Maggie P.

I’m very scared to leave the country because it’s my first time so I’m very nervous. But otherwise, I think this is going to be a great trip! - Jack W.

I’m most excited about going to South America and experiencing the culture and observing Ecuador’s wildlife. I’m not really nervous about anything. It’s going to be a great trip! - Megan B.

I’m really excited about the trip to Ecuador because of the different types of plants and animals that we will study. On top of that, I’ve always wanted to see monkeys and the fact that Cotopaxi has an active volcano makes the trip that much more exciting. - Mitchell L. 

I am really excited to go to South America because I have never been there before. Also, I am really excited to help animals and monkeys because I love monkeys. - Branton B.

I am very excited because I am going to Ecuador. I have never been there. It is my goal to visit Ecuador. I really want to see monkeys. I think it will be a very nice experience. - Igor S.

How are humans impacting the Amazon rain forest?

How are humans impacting the Amazon rain forest? Students will be doing first hand observation of this while in Ecuador. Peru recently had an oil spill that polluted the Amazon river used by indigenous people.

Ecuador Animal Rescue Group Meeting

The group is looking forward to meeting and discussing the following:

1. Student Leader Responsibilities
2. Bring passports – register our passports on-line with ACIS
3. Trip Expectations
4. Journaling – Watch video about Jane Goodall
5. Vaccine forms and volcano forms
6. Return to campus? Overnight in Boston for later flight?
7. Homework assignment

• Research Ecuador culture - food
• Research Monkey Sanctuary
• Research Amazon Animal Rescue Center
• Research Quito
• Research Puyo
• Research Banos
• Research Amazon Rain Forest
• Research Cotopaxi national park