Ecuador: Tropical Entomology and Evolutionary Biology in Ecuador and the Galápagos

About the Program

Trek through the country of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands to explore tropical insects and gain an understanding of the culture and biodiversity of this equatorial region. During this more-than-two-week summer course, you will explore Ecuador’s cloud forest jungles at the Maquipucuna Reserve while photographing and studying insects. You’ll use digital macrophotography to capture memorable insect images and will identify samples for research and discussion. Evening lectures and labs cover selected topics in tropical entomology and insect natural history. You’ll experience local culture during visits to coffee and cacao plantations, and ecotouristic towns neighboring the Maquipucuna Cloud Forests in the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve. In addition, the itinerary includes trips to Ecuador’s capital, Quito.

After ten days on the mainland in Ecuador, you will travel as a group to the famous Galápagos Islands. In the Galápagos, hikes in the land ecosystems of the Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands provide opportunities to observe birds and other animals while you search for new insects and understand Darwin's theory of evolution. Daily snorkeling trips allow you to make close observations of the islands’ unique fauna.

This unique study abroad opportunity gives you the chance to experience Ecuador and it’s Galápagos Islands while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for tropical insects, biodiversity and the unique culture of the region.