Monarchs Abroad: From Lava Tunnels to the Equator

By Triton Tasaki, Class of 2032

Going to the Galápagos Islands was an amazing experience.

We saw a bunch of wildlife including sea lions, marine iguanas, boobies, and giant tortoises. We walked around some famous cities, such as Quito, and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. We also explored different landmarks including the lava tunnels at Rancho Primicias, Primicias ranch, El Junco lagoon, and the equator line.

The lava tunnels were amazing because they had beautiful formations formed by the lava. I also liked the Primicias Ranch on Santa Cruz Island because they had many Galápagos tortoises and we were able to walk around them an observe them up close.The equator line was a very cool place because the guides over there taught me many interesting things that were special about different hemispheres. One of these things includes the Coriolis effect.

My favorite experience in the Galápagos was snorkeling with the sea lions at La Loberia beach on San Cristobal island. I was able to swim a foot away from sea lions. I learned many new things about the wildlife in South America and specifically the Galápagos Islands. I learned why certain types of iguana's are different colors and learned to avoid certain types of plants and trees that can cause extreme burns.

Our guides were very knowledgeable and traveling with other mainland students was different from traveling with only my family or close friends. I had the opportunity to meet new people and learn things about them like their home state and what happens over there. I learned what foods they have in Ecuador, and what they don't have. Ecuador is known for roses, it's cacao, coffee and fruits.

I enjoyed the Galápagos Islands trip and I look forward to another school trip. It was very fun! 

 

Galapagos Trip Album