Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands Gap Semester

This Fall 2025 South America Semester program was an amazing experience where I made amazing new memories. There is time to explore nature and get to know the culture I a different way that you wouldn’t normally do.

Yes. This South America Semester program genuinely made me grow so much as a person and I am grateful to have made many meaningful connections, memories, and to have seen all the beautiful things I have on this program.

I had an amazing time on my gap semester. I learned so much and loved pushing past my comfort zone in activities, trying new things, and bonding with the group. I not only grew as a person but created lasting memories and connections.

Rager of a program. I found myself struggling, thinking, and then growing constantly. It's not a walk in the park but it's a program that I would recommend for someone who genuinely wants to be challenged in order to be molded into a better version of themselves.

The two and a half months I spent in Peru and Ecuador flew by, and I still can’t believe everything we did. I came in hoping to improve my Spanish, but I achieved lots more. I overcame my fear of heights, learned practical life skills (like plunging a toilet), formed a close group bond, became a stronger hiker, and so much else.

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.

I was able to learn more about my strengths and abilities; I was a very anxious person before this trip, extremely afraid of moving outside of my comfort zone- but now i am a lot more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and became a lot more insightful. this program is definitely difficult and exhausting at times, but it’s something I would recommend to everyone because it teaches you so much about how to do things for yourself, connect with new people, and inspires you to do so much more in the future. I would tell myself that it’s ok to be nervous, but go into the program with a can and will do attitude, don’t have any expectations because you truly never know what will happen, and you will be unbelievably happy with crazy memories, more insight, and a lot more of a positive attitude about yourself and your capabilities by the end of the trip. I would say this trip was an experience unlike any other. there are insane ups, downs, emotions, and lessons throughout the journey that prepares you for anything and everything. i have never been happier, prouder of myself, dirtier, more scared, exhausted, or more determined in my entire life; the most incredible thing I’ve ever done for myself and my well-being.

This was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I’ve had while going abroad. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who is interested in seeing places that haven’t gone before and remaining busy during each day. Just be prepared for many outdoor activities!

It’s a lot of fun and you get to visit places in the world where everyday tourists never go. We had so much fun and grew so much. Please make friends with everyone and have a fun time. Our group was a fantastic group and almost never fought with each other. We had so much fun together; that’s the power of friendship.

I learned so much about myself and the world around me that I can now use in my future. It’s very well organized but still a small enough program that you feel part of a family. Do everything and anything to make the most of every moment and don’t let anyone slow you down. I learned so much about myself and my ability to connect with others. I learned to connect my values with my actions. And I had an amazing time seeing new countries and making friends.

I was exposed to so many different lifestyles and cultures, I was completely enchanted. Living together with smaller communities and learning their way of life was an incredible learning experience while also making real and strong connections with both the people and my new friends.

Pacific Discovery was absolute amazing! I felt completely taken care of and safe throughout the whole trip. Our leaders where so much fun but very organized. The trip was packed full of incredible experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I would have done more preparation for the homestay, just because some of us didn’t know how to interact and connect so well with the families. Other than that I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It might also be helpful to advertise the trip as lots of hiking and hard work along with the fun things. That was what I was expecting from the trip however some of my group where not prepared for the hiking and work and struggled with a positive attitude. Our group had lots of drinking incidents and I wouldn’t be more thankful for Pacific Discovery allowing us to stay on program because it really did mean a lot to me to stay. But I would be sure to not tell the kids any past stories of drinking incidents. I think I big problem with our group was when we heard about other groups getting away with drinking and staying on program we took that as “we have at least 1 or 2 chances”. Which is why I think it was such a problem for us. But I truly thing that Pacific Discovery is one of the best gap year programs and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. You guys did an amazing job with this program. Thank you so much.

I met a lot of wonderful people on our trip to Ecuador and Peru. We had many unique experiences from the Inca Trail to Lake Titicaca to the Galapagos and the Amazon. Some days were physically challenging physically, many were fun and full of adventure. I definitely recommend going on a gap semester and taking a break from school and traveling the world with the most kind and amazing people I met. I met my best friends through this program. It was wonderful.

I was nervous for the program but after orientation I was acclimated to my peers, instructors, daily routine and being in an exciting new country. This trip inspired so much confidence in me by pushing me out of my comfort zone while being surrounded by such supportive people who ended up being some of my best friends. Our trip went very smoothly and we were lucky enough to have guides, teachers and hosts who were knowledgable, adaptable, funny and happy to talk to us. I feel like the program was so extensive in the types of places we saw and the different cultural activities and projects we were exposed to. Highly recommend for a gap year trip and anyone interested in improving their Spanish while looking to make some great friends! 10/10

The South America semester program is one I will never forget, we did a lot of incredible things. From service work in the mountains with lama’s to swimming on the Galápagos Islands. I met amazing people who are gonna stay in my heart forever.

My experience with Pacific Discovery on the South America program can be best summarized with two words: Adaptability and Adventure. This experience has provided me with many opportunities for personal growth but I think one of the most important has been my response to a constantly changing environment. Transitioning from the Galapagos to a rural Ecuadorian village and experiencing Cusco after being in a high Andean community are a few of the examples I can think of. These transitions are not only the physical environment but also the culture; food, customs, and language can be ever-changing on program. I feel like I have become much more comfortable being nomadic and taking advantage of my experience while I can, understanding that the next day could be worlds different. Some days can be challenging, at times I’ve been physically exhausted and struggling with my sensitive stomach. However, I’ve learned to deal with these challenges as they come instead of worrying about the future like I used to. The adventure that has been at my fingertips has much outweighed any challenges I’ve experienced. I’ve loved exploring the different ecosystems, some of my favorite being the biodiversity of the galapagos and the microclimates in the amazon. One of my favorite adventures was visiting the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate in Peru. It was such a magical experience, with unreal views and hot springs to end the five hour hike. I’m going to miss having days packed with activity and adventure when I’m back at home and I’m so grateful for all of the people who have made this experience amazing. I would recommend Pacific Discovery to anyone interested in travel and experiential education for their gap year.

Back in the summer of 2022 I knew I wanted to travel, but I didn’t want to go alone. I found pacific discovery through a gap year agency, and I have been blown away by the experience. I had never been out of the USA before, and this definitely was the way to experience international travel. In Peru we went to amazing towns, and learned so much about the culture. My Spanish was very weak at the start of the trip, but now I can communicate much better. This trip was the perfect mix of hiking, adventure, cultural immersion, and having fun with friends. The Galápagos Islands were one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The hike to north he top of a volcano was amazing. Ecuador’s wildlife was amazing. There were all sorts of animals running around wherever we went. I met an amazing friend along the way who I hope to travel more with during Q1 of 2023. I am so fortunate to be able to have this opportunity at such a young age.

At first I was hesitant to leave collage even if it was just for a semester as I was slightly over a month away from my junior year. However, things took a bad turn in my personal life with several different things. I knew my campus was not a good environment for me at this point in time and I did not feel safe there anymore. Luckily my mother was kind enough to advise me to a gap year program and the when it came to choose between two I went with pacific discovery. And I definitely made the right decision. The people who came along with me were in relatable situations as I was even though I was the oldest in the group I was still able to make friends with them and as for one of them I can say I have set up a lifelong friendship with! PD South America program has offered me an unforgettable experience and has opened my mind up to so many new paths to take with my life and my future and I will be eternally grateful for them and the wonderful groups of people and instructors I was placed with!

It bestowed upon me a new light and a new perspective. Every part of this experience gave me so much gratitude and showed me the beauty that exists in the world. These 10 weeks exceeded, by a large margin, what I expected of this trip. I have had incredible and unforgettable experiences and made lifelong friends in the process. There are no suitable words to accurately sum up this experience, and it is with the heaviest heart that I wish I could spend more time with all these amazing friends I’ve made. I would recommend this program one hundred times out of one hundred to anyone wishing to see more of the world. This program has been the best experience of my life.

It's incredibly difficult to summarize two-months worth of amazing experiences that I know I'll cherish for my whole life. We adventured, we lost ourselves in nature, we were enchanted by the beautiful cultures, and through it all, our whole group became a close-knit family. Looking back, I can definitely say I've grown as a person - I've become more open to embracing new experiences and that sense of adventure compels me to keep exploring. Through all our adrenaline-pumping activities such as bridge-jumping, white water rafting, trekking, canyoning and so much more, I developed a deep love and appreciation for nature. Our traditional homestays were magical - not only did we hear our families' life stories and connect with them through language, but even more significantly, we connected through actions. We laughed, danced, sang, cooked and learned a lot with each other. It was amazing. Overall, I don't have to think twice about recommending this trip - you'll walk out rejuvenated, with your perspectives broadened and horizons expanded. It really is the trip of a lifetime.

This trip was definitely a trip of a lifetime. With everything from adrenaline-pumping adventure to rich cultural immersion and service projects, I can wholeheartedly say that this trip has been extremely character-building. I experienced the magic of the natural landscapes of Peru and Ecuador and the enchantment of its traditional communities through the numerous homestays that we participated in. I fell in love with being outdoors, trekking, running, rock-climbing - and even rappelling down waterfalls! Some of the most powerful things I took away from this trip were the deep and genuine connections I formed with my instructors and fellow travelers, a bond that will last for many years to come. It’s easy to recommend this nine-week adventure to anyone who wants to truly experience the culture of Peru and Ecuador, partake in a ton of exploration and lose themselves in nature. You’ll walk out a better person with a more worldly perspective and stories to last a lifetime, guaranteed. I know I did.

Can not say enough great things about this trip. I went on the South America trip during the fall of 2016 to Peru and Ecuador. This program is a perfect mix of everything-- homestays, outdoors, city-life -- and I would not change a single thing. You will meet amazing people, both in your group (including the BEST instructors), and in the local communities. The instructors are extremely adventure-driven, and join in on the bridge-jumping, paragliding, and snorkeling with sea lions. I would never have gotten an opportunity like this elsewhere, and I feel much more prepared, and matured, for college. Trips like these really open your eyes to the world and make you realize all there is to live for around you. Unlike if you planned a trip yourself, or even with other groups, this trip let us be part of the community, rather than seeing the world from the outside as tourist.

My trip to South America with Pacific Discovery was amazing! I was able to meet many new friends from my group, as well as many inspiring individuals and families, while traveling through Peru and Ecuador. Pacific Discovery provided me with incredible opportunities such as learning to surf in the Galapagos, paragliding in the "adventure capital of Ecuador", hiking to Machu Picchu and so many more. What I loved about the program was that we were able to explore the places we visited, while also giving back to the communities that welcomed us. Along with many activities we did, we also took part in community gardening, cleaning up mangroves and beaches and a few other things. PD did an awesome job of putting together two months of travel, and I would definitely do another one of their programs!

I love Pacific Discovery! They do such an amazing job at organizing so many different activities in a 2 month program. I got to see so many incredible things like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca but we also volunteered quite a bit too. Those really made me feel like we were there to not only see the sights but give back and help out as well! Some of my favorite memories were while we were in Lake Titicaca at a school, I loved playing with the kids when we took breaks while volunteering. One thing that always makes these types of trips so fun is the people you meet in your group. It made every bus ride, bike trip and spanish lesson 10 times more fun. I made some really great friendships and had a great experience on this trip!