Great Times in the Galapagos!
July 16, 2026
Day 6 – Welcome to the Galápagos
We woke up full of excitement and made our way to the Galápagos, where we were warmly welcomed by our incredible naturalist guide, Fabo! After getting fitted for our snorkel gear, we enjoyed what many declared to be the best pizza ever for lunch before settling into Hostel Romy. We spent the afternoon exploring the town and soaking in our first glimpses of island life before heading out for our first snorkeling adventure. Swimming alongside playful sea lions and graceful sea turtles was the perfect introduction to the Galápagos.
As the sun set, we gathered on the hostel porch to watch the sky light up with incredible colors while Henry, Crawford, and Meri kicked off what has become their legendary GoPro vlog montage. We wrapped up the evening with dinner at Sushi Midori, followed by some of the best gelato we’ve ever had. Charlotte and Knox led an incredibly powerful Moonup before we finished the night stargazing. It was the perfect first day in the islands.
Day 7 – Isla Lobos & Underwater Adventures
We started the day bright and early with a boat ride to Isla Lobos, where Fabo led us on an incredible nature walk filled with fascinating wildlife and stories about the islands. Afterward, we jumped into the water for another unforgettable snorkeling experience before heading to a beautiful beach where we relaxed, listened to music, tanned on the front of the boat, and soaked in the immaculate vibes.
Lunch featured another round of sushi before we spent the afternoon exploring even more of the islands. Throughout the day, we spotted countless sea turtles, stingrays, colorful fish, and playful sea lions. During our free snorkel time at Darwin Bay, Blythe, Eli, Crawford, and Knox went on a little side quest that turned into one of the coolest moments of the trip. They stumbled upon three sea lions playing together, flipping, spinning, and darting effortlessly through the water. It felt completely surreal.
Back at the hostel, we had a little time to relax before our Galápagos cooking class. Lawson, Sam, Knox, and Brooks prepared the ceviche, Campbell and Connor cooked the chicken, Lucy, Meri, and Wynn made the fresh juice, and Henry and Amelia fried the plantain chips. The meal was incredible, and of course, we ended another amazing day with gelato.
Day 8 – Farm Life & Santa Cruz
Today, we traded snorkeling gear for work gloves as we spent the morning at a local farm learning about sustainable farming and giving back through a service project. We pulled weeds, caught chickens, sampled fresh tangerines and spicy chili peppers, learned how composting works by collecting food scraps, and picked fresh limes. After all our hard work, we enjoyed what may have been the best chicken and rice any of us have ever tasted.
That afternoon, we boarded our first ferry to Santa Cruz, and to everyone’s surprise, it was an incredibly smooth ride! After arriving on our second island, we spent time by the pool and watched one of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip. We ended the evening with another fantastic dinner, more ice cream, and a meaningful Moonup beneath a sky full of stars.
Day 9 – Giant Tortoises & Tortuga Bay
We began the day in the highlands, where we visited the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Seeing these incredible animals up close was something none of us will forget. Lunch at Galápagos Deli quickly became a group favorite before we headed to Tortuga Bay for a hike and some time on the beach.
One of the biggest highlights of the afternoon was an impromptu football game that somehow turned into the entire group laughing, competing, and making memories together. Later, we explored the town, where nearly everyone picked up matching tie-dye blue-footed booby T-shirts. Dinner at The Rock was another hit, with the chicken fried rice earning rave reviews from the group. Another day full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Day 10 – Surfing and Music
We woke up before sunrise to catch the ferry to Isabela Island, where we jumped straight into one of the most anticipated activities of the trip-surfing! The waves were perfect, the energy was high, and it quickly became one of everyone’s favorite experiences. As we relaxed on the beach afterward, Fabo surprised us by serenading the group with Jack Johnson songs, creating one of those simple moments that somehow become unforgettable.
After a delicious local lunch and a well-earned afternoon nap, we headed out for our final snorkeling adventure of the summer. We spotted a blacktip shark and watched the fastest sea turtle we’ve ever seen glide effortlessly through the water.
Later that evening, we wandered through town and stumbled upon a local craftsman who hand-builds traditional Galápagos guitars. Blythe and Eli ended up spending time playing music alongside him and his father, who make the instruments by hand. It was one of those unexpected moments that couldn’t have been planned and became a memory we’ll both treasure forever.
We finished the day with dinner on the beach before gathering for Moonup. Fabo joined us as Blythe and Eli played I Wish I Was by The Avett Brothers. Sitting together under the stars, surrounded by incredible people in one of the most beautiful places on earth, it was impossible not to feel the Moondance magic. This really is such a special group
Thank you’s
Henry – Hey mom and dad thank you so much for sending me on this trip, I’ve had the best time ever. Love y’all and see y’all soon
Crawford – what’s up guys I am having the best time ever and I’m so thankful for you sending me here. This trip has been one of the best experiences of my life. I love it so much and my group is amazing! Thank you and love you!
Knox – hey guys I just wanted yall to know how much fun I’ve had on this trip and how grateful I am that yall sent me here. It’s truly been life changing and I’ve made so many friends. Can’t wait to see everyone love you guys!
Brooks – hey everyone. Thank yall so much for sending me to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. This has been 2 of the best weeks of my life and I’ve had so much fun making friends and memories. I can’t wait to see yall and happy 10th birthday charlotte!
Lawson – Hey Mom, Dad, and Jackson thank y’all so much for sending me on this trip to Ecuador. I can’t wait to tell y’all all about it! Hope Key West is fun!
Connor – Hey mom and dad thank y’all so much for sending me on this trip. It’s been so much fun and I can’t wait to tell y’all all about it. I’ve made so many friends and it’s really been life changing. See y’all soon.
Sam- Hola mi familia, mi espanol es muy bien now. This has honestly been some of the most fun and best two weeks of my life thank you so much for sending me on this trip! Love yall and see you guys soon
Amelia Hi Mom, Dad, Oliver and Lottie!!! I miss you guys and I am so excited to see you. I have gifts for everyone. I can’t want to tell you all about it! Thanks so much for sending me on this trip it has been the best two weeks ever!! Love y’all!!
Charlotte- Hey mom and dad!!! Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I am having so much fun and I have the best group ever. I am so excited to tell you guys about it!!!! Also the food here is so so good. Honestly the best 2 weeks ever. Love you guys and can’t wait to see both of you in like 2 days!!!❤️❤️
Wynn- Hey mom, dad, and jeb! I miss yall so much and this has been the best two weeks of my life. Can’t wait to see you all and I have so many presents. I hope you can all come to the airport when I get home.Thank you!!
Campbell- Salutations Mother and Father. I’m so excited to come home to y’all and Lily + BL. I have many a tales to share. See you both in Raleigh very soon. Good. Day. Your dearest daughter.
Lucy- hiiii mom dad and Henry I miss yall so much but I am having so much fun and I love my group. I can’t wait to hear all about Henry’s trip and tell yall all about mine. Tell my friends hi and that I miss them too. Love yall so much!!!
Meri- hola!!!!!!! I miss yall and can’t wait to see you dad at baggage claim love yalll sooo much and I’ve had the best time and I don’t want to go
The Edge of the World!
July 10, 2026
Day 1 – Airport day! Everyone arrived safely and on time, and we kicked off the trip with Papa John’s for dinner, our very first Moonup, and everyone’s favorite part, getting trip t-shirts and alumni gifts! We spent the evening setting goals and intentions for the adventure ahead and elected our first LODs, Henry and Campbell.
Day 2 – We explored Quito and visited Yumbos Chocolate, where Meri, Amelia, and Wynn bravely picked up 100% cacao for their parents to try! We enjoyed authentic Ecuadorian cuisine at a local restaurant near the Equator before heading to the famous equator line. Blythe and Eli became unofficial egg-balancing experts, successfully balancing eggs right on the equator! The vibes stayed high all day as Sam and Charlotte kept everyone energized with plenty of Bad Bunny on the bus. We wrapped up the day with dinner at Nuuna Restaurant while cheering on the USA in the World Cup. That evening, Henry and Campbell led one of the best first Moonups Blythe and Eli have ever experienced as leaders. They truly set the bar high! We ended the night listening to Live Well under the stars…a pretty perfect first full day.
Day 3 – We woke up bright and early and headed to Cotopaxi National Park for horseback riding. Knox stole the show by riding the mule! We were lucky to have some of the clearest weather we’ve seen all summer, giving us incredible views of Mt. Cotopaxi, the second-tallest active volcano in the world. Afterward, we traveled to Baños, played hacky sack, spent time exploring together, and enjoyed dinner at “Blah Blah Deli.” Crowd favorites included the bolognese pasta, three-meat sandwiches, and pancakes!
Day 4 – Adventure day! We hiked to waterfalls, rode the cable car, and took turns swinging over the “Edge of the World.” Lunch at a beautiful inn and spa was a huge hit, the chimichurri might have been the best we’ve had yet, and the chocolate cake, tiramisu, and passionfruit cake definitely didn’t disappoint. Safe to say we’ve been eating well this trip! Later, we explored town, where Brooks and Lawson officially started the Ecuadorian soccer jersey trend. We played basketball in the park, where Crawford showed off his skills, before ending the day at our salsa dancing class. Connor and Campbell earned the titles of salsa king and queen as they danced their hearts out!
Day 5 – Happy Birthday, Wynn! We celebrated with a surprise piñata filled with Ecuadorian candy before heading out for ziplining. Our LODs, Lucy and Connor, got everyone excited for the day and encouraged the group not to let fear hold them back. After an amazing morning, we grabbed lunch at a Mexican restaurant where the tacos quickly became a trip favorite, followed by a well-deserved ice cream stop. We made our way back to Quito, enjoying incredible mountain views while singing along to Kacey Musgraves and all the best 2000s throwbacks on the bus. Once we arrived at Hostería San Carlos, we soaked up the sunshine, played games, and then headed back to Nuuna for one final dinner in Quito and Wynn’s birthday celebration. We surprised the group with gourmet cookies and candles from a local bakery in Baños to celebrate our birthday girl; it was the perfect ending to an incredible few days.
Tomorrow we’re off to the Galápagos, and we could not be more excited! This group has clicked so quickly, and it’s been so fun watching friendships form. The trip is flying by, and we can’t wait to see what the next week has in store!
<3
Shoutouts
Sam Sherman- hey mom and dad we’re flying to the Galapagos right now and we just finished our time in Quito Ecuador. My favorite part so far has been a boys secret heist to kidnap a plushie from the girls, we stole him and sent a ransom note with a photo for some candy… very fun 😁. Adios amigos
Campbell- Salutations Mother and Father. I am having a splendid time in the country of Ecuador. Very nice scenery. Very nice culture. Very nice beds to sleep in after our days adventures. I am very gracious for the opportunity to be on this expedition to the other side of the equator. I shall see you when I return. Good. Day.
Knox- Hey y’all hope your having fun in Richmond because I’m have a bunch here. We’ve done horseback riding and I even did some scary height extractions I know Mason and dad would hate. We are on the way to the Galapagos where we are gonna snorkel swim with seals and other stuff. Miss you guys can’t wait to see y’all!
Charlotte- Hiiii mom and dad + sandy!! I’m having so much fun in Ecuador and I made so many new friends. Horseback riding was so much fun and so was salsa dancing. We are on our way to the Galapagos and I am so excited. Miss you guys and see you soon!!!
Lucy- hi mom and dad I am having so much fun. Right now we are on the way to the Galapagos. This past week we went horseback riding, chocolate tasting and zip lining. Please tell my friends I said hi and I miss them so much. Thank yall for letting me go on this trip. Miss yall so much!!!
Wynn- hi mom and dad! I miss yall so much and I’m having such a good time. I had a great 16th birthday and I’m learning a lot of new things. I hope you had a great anniversary and thank you so so much for sending me on this trip!
Connor- hi mom and dad I miss yall a lot, I hope yall are having fun at home. I can sense that Schoen-Marie is starting to miss me. I’ve had a lot of fun over here. As I am writing this we are on a plane to the islands. While in Ecuador we visited the equator, went horseback riding, zip lining, and played basketball with the locals. I miss yall a lot see yall soon
Henry- Hi mom and dad I miss yall! I am having the best time here and Ecuador is awesome! I’ve loved everything we’ve done so far and I can’t wait for the Galapagos! I miss yall but thank you so much for letting me come! Hope Lucy had a great time in London and got those tickets! Tell Tuck and Bo I say hi! Love yall see yall soon!
Meri- hi!!!!!!!!!! I hope Nantucket is great and PAPA, happy belated birthday!! I love and miss yall so much but I’m having the best time ever! My group is AMAZING and we’ve done the coolest things ever. We’re on the way to the Galapagos rn and I can’t wait !!!!!!! Love yall so much!!!!!!!!! Ps Annie I got a tung tung tung sahur yay and dad everyone thinks ur cool and wants to meet you
Crawford- what’s up mom and dad! We are flying to the Galapagos right now and I have had an awesome week! We saw all sorts of cool stuff in mainland Ecuador and we went to my favorite town ever called: “bańos”. It was surrounded by amazing mountains and it was so cool. We went zip-lining and rock climbing yesterday and it had some of the greatest views of waterfalls and cliffs! I bought an Ecuador soccer jersey for $18 and I’m very happy with my purchase (even though i probably got scammed)! I hope yall are doing well. Love you!
Lawson- Hey Mom, Dad, and Jackson! I hope y’all are having a lot of fun in Richmond. I have been having so much fun in Ecuador. We are currently flying to the Galapagos which is going to be so cool. I hope Jackson has a fun time at Woodberry and y’all have a fun time in Key West! Can’t wait to see yall and tell yall about everything!
Brooks – hey everyone. I’m having so much fun in Ecuador and we are on our way to the Galápagos Islands right now. Happy birthday charlotte once it’s your birthday. My favorite thing I’ve done so far is either horseback riding or ziplining with a via feratta. I can’t wait to see yall again.
Amelia- Hi Mom, Dad, Oliver, and Lottie! I am having so much fun in Ecuador! We have gone horse back riding and I conquered my fear of heights by going first on a rock climb up a cliff. The food here is great and I bought an Ecuador soccer jersey. My spanish is helping so much! Can’t wait to see yall!!! 😀😀
Safe Arrival!
July 6, 2026
Hello Ecuador + Galapagos Families!
We heard from our leaders last night that the group landed safely! The trip is off to a great start, and we cannot wait to hear more stories from their adventure!
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
