September 8, 2025
As our BASIS Independent Manhattan students settle into the new school year, we’re taking a look back at one of the most incredible experiences of their summer: the Project Week trip to the Galapagos Islands.
During the final week of the school year, BASIS Independent Manhattan and BASIS Independent Brooklyn students had time set aside for Project Days, a period when they can collaborate on multidisciplinary projects and engaging activities or trips without the stress of exams or assessments. This year, we hosted two international trips for Middle School and two for High School during Project Week. Relive the unique travels through their seven-day itinerary, as shared by their BASIS Independent Schools teacher chaperones!
Day 1: Arrival in Quito, Exploring the Equator
After a long and eventful day of travel, the group arrived safely in Ecuador. They met their tour director, who took them to explore the city of Quito and the Intiñan Equator Museum. Photo opportunities on the equator were a great way to start the trip, and students even sent a special Father’s Day message home. Mr. Chen reported that they were not just learning about the culture and environment, but also about how to adapt to new ways of doing things, like not drinking tap water and disposing of toilet paper in bins. These adjustments were all part of the adventure.
Day 2: Encountering Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island
The group traveled to Santa Cruz Island, the second-largest in the Galapagos. Their adventure began with an exploration of the misty highlands, where they saw a diverse range of ecological communities. They paused at a ranch to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, they explored lava tunnels, learning about volcanic landforms and tectonic plate dynamics. The day ended with a visit to the Darwin Research Center, where they deepened their understanding of the islands’ climate, geography, and ecology.
Day 3: Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Penguins on Isabela Island
Students explored Isabela Island, focusing on its wetlands and mangroves. Their first stop was Playa de Amor, where they observed flamingos and learned about Darwin’s finches. Next, they visited the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, dedicated to safeguarding the species. There, they conducted species differentiation studies and engaged in ecological relationship activities. The day concluded with a snorkeling experience at Concha Perla, where they swam among fish, sea lions, and even the Galapagos penguin.
Day 4: Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano
The students went on an immersive excursion to explore the Sierra Negra Volcano area. They hiked along the six-mile crater rim, viewing lava fields and fumaroles up close. Their guide educated them on the unique ecological terrain and how to identify various types of volcanic rock. Following the exploration, the group headed to Las Tintoreras to enjoy some time in the water and snorkel.
Day 5: Face-to-Face with Unique Wildlife
Students spent the day on Isabela Island, where they came face-to-face with some of the Galapagos’ most intriguing residents, including marine iguanas, penguins, lightfoot crabs, green sea turtles, and resting whitetip reef sharks. After exploring the island and its wildlife, they returned to Balta on Santa Cruz Island by boat.
Day 6: Unforgettable Memories
Mr. Chen shared a lovely recap with families at this point in the trip. He noted that the students were exhausted “in the best way possible” from the speedboat rides and scenic treks. He described the “sheer amazement” of seeing enormous sea turtles, colorful parrotfish, playful sea lions, and the famous blue-footed boobies. He also expressed pride in the young travelers, who pushed their limits by walking over 26,000 steps in one day and connected deeply with nature and each other.
Day 7: A Taste of Otavalo and the Journey Home
On their last full day, the group had a busy day in Otavalo, Ecuador. They explored a lively open market in the morning before visiting Cuicocha Volcanic Lake and Peguche Waterfall. For lunch, they experienced a unique Pachamanca ceremony, helping to cook food underground. Afterward, they headed to the airport for their flight back to JFK.
Want to learn more about Project Week at BASIS Independent Manhattan? Join our Interest List to hear about all of our upcoming events and opportunities!
