July 19, 2025
Welcome back to the life of EGP 3B!
We’ve been as busy as ever, exploring the marvelous landscapes the mainland has to offer. Starting on Day 10, we embarked on a trip to Cotopaxi National Park for some saddle-back riding. Sims and Gray, with their history of horses, took the lead as alphas, guiding newcomers like Rob and Caroline. Galloping through the valleys, we were especially thankful for clear skies that allowed us to see the enormous volcano in front of us. Wyatt S. attempted to race every chance he got, while Axel made a special bond with his horse, speaking Spanish to it — which it may or may not have understood. After a poncho photo shoot, we headed back to the bus to continue our journey to Baños. Once we started seeing waterfalls, we knew we were in the right place. A quick sushi dinner and ice cream dessert warmly welcomed us to town. After a MoonUp led by LODs Caroline and Jack, our weary heads hit the pillow, excited for more to come.
We had a full sampling of Baños on Day 11, including a cable car ride, hike, and swing. From up in the clouds to down by a waterfall, it was a jam-packed morning. Although challenging, we are so proud of Jane, George, and Sims for conquering their fear of heights! After a taco lunch — where Lillie befriended a local golden retriever — we went strolling and shopping. After collecting a few capybara- and llama-themed souvenirs, as well as seeing the local guinea pig delicacy, we explored the local church and town square. Coco even learned chess from the locals, playing a game on the market strip. Tired from our busy morning, we took a siesta before our nighttime activity: salsa! On the side of the mountain, under string lights, we learned the basics of the dance. Those who added the most flavor won salsa king and queen: Wyatt S. and Gray! Honorable mentions to Jack and Axel for shoulder shimmies. After a buffet dinner on the same property, Lucy’s playlist set immaculate vibes for a dance party. Twirling, jumping, and singing, we ended our night grooving with the local dogs under the stars, before a heartfelt MoonUp led by Gray and Wyatt F.
Day 12 brought more heights (to George’s, Sims’s, and Jane’s delight) and adrenaline. At the adventure park, Axel volunteered to start us off. Hitting the “Superman,” he zoomed down the zip line, over the Pastaza River and into a cavern. One by one, we followed his path, with Wyatt S. finishing us off strong. For the next leg, the girls led us up the cliff and back down across the valley on another zip line. Back on land, we ate a quick lunch where Lucy and Wyatt S. were thrilled to have Diet Coke for once before hitting the road back to Quito. We were welcomed back by the property’s cat and dog before heading out to our banquet dinner. Over a spread of salmon, salads, and pastas, we swapped our funniest trip stories and reminisced about the past 12 days. A moving final MoonUp, followed by blind karaoke suggested by LODs Jane and Rob, was the perfect end to our final night together.
Looks like we are all caught up, bringing us to today — our final day as EGP 3B. To relax before our flight, we visited the hot springs nestled in the mountains. Soaking in the natural hot tubs, Mitchell and Jane quizzed me, Coco, George, Rob, and Wyatt F. on our capital knowledge. Lillie, Caroline, Axel, Wyatt S., and Gray cold-plunged. However, no one beat Lucy, who submerged herself eight times. Sims and Jack were too timid to dunk all the way — understandably — and preferred the hottest water available. Once we found our zen, we showered and headed to the airport, reluctant to leave. One last airport feast later, with Jane distributing last minute fairy hair, Wyatt S. and Jack collecting signatures, and everyone filling out personal nug jugs, we had to do the inevitable: say our goodbyes. A mix of laughter, sobs, and hugs filled the Delta desk as Mitchell and I sent the group on their way home.
They always say to end on a high note, and boy did we ever! To Caroline, Coco, Jane, Axel, Lucy, Lillie, Gray, Jack, Sims, George, Rob, Wyatt F., and Wyatt S., thank you from the bottom of Mitchell’s and my hearts for these past two weeks. We had the time of our lives running around Ecuador with y’all. Stay awesome and never be strangers!
EGP 3B signing off,
Madison and Mitchell
July 15, 2025
Day 6 started with a bang as the group woke up for our early morning ferry to our next island, Isabela! LOD’s Lillie and Wyatt rallied the group as we got off of the ferry and walked to the other side of the port for our morning snorkel activity. All in good spirits, we hopped in the brisk water as we were welcomed by sea turtles, manta rays, and schools of fish. George, Lillie, and Jane made the most out of their time in the water, mesmerized by the marine wildlife. We eventually made our way to the beach on the other side of the port as the group bought sweet treats, soaked up the sun, and enjoyed each other’s company. We headed over to a seafood lunch and later checked into our hotel before visiting the island’s tortoise breeding center. Walking back, we saw wild flamingos and hit the beach volleyball courts! Axel, Coco, and Lillie revealed their true competitive nature, spiking the ball and often scoring for their respective teams. Later while Wyatt S. worked out with some locals on the beach, Jane did a yoga session with Madison! Sun kissed, we all headed to a nearby Mexican food restaurant to enjoy quesadillas, tacos, and burritos and had Moonup at the hotel to finish out the night.
Day 7 was a big surprise to the group as we all ate scrambled eggs and croissants for breakfast and loaded the bus to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on the island. With Fleetwood Mac on queue, windows down, and spirits high, we drove to the trailhead to begin our ascent with our two guides, Paulo and María. Rob, Wyatt F., and Gray were particularly enthusiastic as they set the pace for the group pointing out wildlife along the way. On the way up, we even saw a giant tortoise and our guides pointed out one of the 50 vermilion flycatchers, an endangered redbird only found on the island. We made it to the top and up above the clouds where we could see the entire crater and even dried lava from the last eruption in 2018! We hiked our way down the mountain and loaded the bus to get shawarma wraps at a local rooftop restaurant before playing poolside games at the hotel. In the afternoon, Coco started a game of spoons and Gray later introduced everyone to Solitaire. Before wrapping up, Madison ran veggie-offs, with Jack and Sims putting on the best ones yet. After an afternoon of fun and games, we walked over to the local soccer fields to play one of the local teams. The game was notable with Lucy and Sims on defense while Rob and Axel were on offense, putting on a show for everyone watching. With a game of basketball as well, Sims, and Caroline also played with some of the younger kids on the side of the court. The local league bid us farewell with necklaces as we headed off to a nearby grill for dinner before ending the night.
Day 8 started early for some as Caroline, Lillie, and Mitchell went to run on the beach before waking up the group, even seeing EBP C on the way back! LOD’s Lucy and Wyatt S. kept the group on time before our morning activity, surfing! Lucy, Jack, and Jane were the first to get up on the boards, stunning us all while George, Wyatt F, and Rob ran out to catch some of the biggest waves. Meanwhile, Gray, Lillie, and Caroline showed us their skills from their Maui trips last year. After the morning ripping some waves, we had our final lunch on the island with most enjoying fried shrimp! Wyatt S. and Lucy got snacks for the group before boarding our final ferry of the trip back to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, we bought our final souvenirs, and ice cream, before having dinner with our two guides and bidding them farewell. We headed back to the hotel, had Moonup, and even some time to hang out with the other group, EGP A before our travel day back to the mainland.
The group slept in on Day 9 enjoying some of the fried eggs and empanadas at the hotel. We loaded the bus taking us to the other side of the island to a water-taxi where we loaded our bags for the 5 minute ride to Baltra Island to the main Galapagos airport. LOD’s Jane and Axel helped pass out boarding passes and carried some of the group snacks before flying back to Quito. Upon our arrival, the group hopped into the pool and hot tub with Jack’s awesome music recs! Jane, Axel, and Mitchell later went to order pizzas and surprise the group with a dessert making party with ice cream, oreos, soda, and nutella!
Thank you’s:
Rob- Dear Mom and Dad, thank you so much for providing me the opportunity to observe and explore such an amazing place. Hope all is well.
Wyatt F.- Dear mom and dad, thanks for sending me here. It is opposite from Iceland in every way, the temperature and the activities. We have only hiked twice and I haven’t worn a sweatshirt yet. I love it, hope y’all are doing good.
Axel- Dear Mom and Dad, I’m so grateful to you guys because you were the people who provided me with the opportunity to go on this trip. Everyone I met is extremely nice and I get along with everyone. I love this trip and I hope y’all are doing well. P.S. send Kat my regards
Wyatt S. – Dear Mom and Dad, thank you for allowing me to come on this trip. I’ve been having a great time and hope you guys are doing well.
Jack- Dear mom and dad,I wanted to thank you for allowing me to come on this trip. I can already confidently say I have grown as a person and I am extremely grateful to you guys for that. Love you!!
George Underwood- Hey mum and dad, the words that I can use will never be able to express how grateful I am, but I’m trying. The things I have seen, people I have met, and the experiences I have experienced are one of a kind and could never become real at home or experienced in a simulated game. I truly am grateful for this experience, thanks again mom and dad
Lucy- Dear mom and dad,
Thank you so much for giving me this experience. It’s something I’ll always remember. My experiences I’ve had here are unreal and I am truly grateful for this gift. Much love!
Jane- Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do another Moondance! The Galapagos and Ecuador are so beautiful! I’m having an amazing time here and do not want to leave! Love y’all and see you soon!!
Gray- Hi!!! I miss y’all! Thank y’all so much for giving me the opportunity to come on Moondance again. I have had such a fun time and can’t wait to see y’all. Love y’all!!
Sims- Hi!! Dear fam, thanks for sending me on moondance! It’s a lot of fun. I’m about to horse ride in Cotopaxi!! When I get home I do expect there to be my regular foot long firehouse sandwich waiting for me…p.s. love y’all!!
Coco- Hey mom and dad I’ve had a great time and i don’t want to leave. The only bad thing is my bag smells bad. I need to wash my clothes. See u soon
Caroline- Hi Mom and Dad! I miss y’all! Thank you for sending me on this trip, I am having so much fun. I love y’all, tell Stella I said hi!
Lillie- Hey mom and dad!!I miss y’all! And gumbo and MC! Thank y’all so much for sending me here! I am having a blast!! See Y’all soon! XX!
July 11, 2025
Greetings from the Galápagos!
EGP 3B is now sun-kissed and sandy, but let’s rewind to the start of our adventure…
Back when we were just meeting, the group greeted Mitchell and me with smiles and great vibes. We knew we were in for an awesome two weeks with this crew. After pizza and MoonUp, where George and Jane were elected our first LODs, we hit the hay for much-needed rest, buzzing with excitement.
We departed the mainland on day two, with a short flight filled with games provided by Gray and puzzles provided by Axel. Thanks to these two, we were in San Cristóbal before we knew it, hitting the white sand beaches for an afternoon dip. There, we waddled into the water, greeted by sea turtles, rays, eels, snakes, pufferfish, and more! Jack’s elite eyesight, paired with George’s expertise, helped identify numerous species for the group. We are very lucky to have them this session. Out of the water, we walked along the beach, watching the marine iguanas slowly go to sleep while the hermit crabs were slowly waking up. Back in town, we hit up dinner and ice cream to end the night before a mafia-filled evening. We had quite the warm welcome from San Cristóbal, to say the least.
Back to the water we went on day three—arguably a favorite day among the group. Along a cactus-lined trail, we made our way to Darwin’s Bay for additional snorkeling. In this crystal-clear cove, we saw an entertaining octopus and a family of sea lions. The pups danced around us, as Gray and Coco did flips around them. A sushi lunch brought much excitement to Caroline and Lillie, fueling us for our afternoon activities. Reggae, appreciated by Wyatt S., serenaded our boat ride to a private island, utilized by frigates and blue-footed boobies for safe nesting, where mama sea lions protected their pups. As we traveled along the lava rocks, we got so lucky to see a freshly hatched booby (the only one of the summer!) and red-puffed frigates. We played in the water with more sea lions, which we could never get bored of, as well as a family of five rays and endless schools of fish. We had some free time afterward, filled with Lucy jumping off the boat, Rob and Wyatt F.’s nature walk, Coco’s tanning, and nicknames galore. As the sun set, we rode the waves back into town, hungry for our cooking class. Hosted by our fabulous guide’s mother, we cooked a traditional meal consisting of chicken, rice, ceviche, plantains, and juice. Jack, Gray, George, Sims, and Wyatt S. tackled the dicing and squeezing of ceviche ingredients, while Caroline, Lillie, and Coco made us juice. In the kitchen, Jane and Lucy cut, smashed, and fried plantains, Axel chopped vegetables, while Rob and Wyatt F. were the “rice-cooking dream team.” It was absolutely delicious, providing the perfect energy boost for more rounds of mafia psychiatrist — the games selected by LODs Caroline and Wyatt F. We ended the night full of food and laughter.
Day four rolled around, providing us a break from the beach and an introduction to the highlands of the Galápagos. Up in elevation, we were welcomed to the local ecological farm we would be helping out at that morning. We rolled up our sleeves and welcomed the mud, feeding goats and ducks, catching papayas, chasing chickens, and scooping poop. Our LODs, Gray and Axel, led by example, converting the compost into a “tea” the farm uses for power. Special shoutout to Sims, who unleashed her equestrian background and shoveled poop like there was no tomorrow. Just when the group thought they were done with tasks, Carlos, the farm owner, provided the biggest one of the day: the pepper challenge. Although small, the homegrown red peppers pack a powerful punch, much underestimated by the group. Tears welled up in Wyatt S. and Rob’s eyes, while Lucy kept a calm composure. George ate the most, winning the challenge; however, much milk was needed for him. In the end, Lillie and Jane preferred the gentle nature of passionfruit with sugar. Once cleaned up, we embarked on a ferry to Santa Cruz, where a burger dinner and ice cream combo welcomed us. To end day four, we MoonUp-ed on the rooftop pool under the stars, worn out from service and travel.
We took a slower pace on day five, observing the giant tortoises in their natural habitat in the Santa Cruz highlands. Jack was especially stoked, capturing the creatures on his camera as they enjoyed the warm mud. We were in awe of the wise reptiles, as well as the hollow lava tunnels on the property. Both transported us back in time, appreciating the history of the islands. Back on the coast, sunshine invited us to the beach, where marine iguanas lined the sand and baby blacktip sharks swam alongside us. Sims, Axel, Gray, and George raced, while the rest of the boys enjoyed the clear water and the girls caught some rays. Once nice and clean, Jack, Sims, and Caroline’s cameras were put to use on the hotel balcony for sunset pictures before we headed to shop. Many booby-related purchases later, we ate pizza and sandwiches on the rooftop, admiring our time together in Santa Cruz and our fabulous day led by LODs Jack and Sims.
As you can tell, we are doing swimmingly in the Galápagos and cannot wait to share more about our adventure. Until then!
Best,
EGP 3B
July 7, 2025
Hello Ecuador + the Galapagos Families!
We heard from our leaders this morning that the group has arrived safely in Ecuador! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear all about it soon!
Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next week! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ