By Abby Henson
Claire Braun participated in The Experiment Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands & the Cloud Forest program this past summer. We caught up with her and asked her about her trip. Here’s what she had to say, in both words and photos, about her “experience of a lifetime” in Ecuador.
For Claire Braun, choosing which Experiment program she did was easy. She knew she wanted a Spanish-speaking country to put her language skills to the test, but it was the opportunity to explore an array of natural wonders that bumped Ecuador to the top of her list.
“When I read the itinerary for Ecuador—full of hikes, snorkeling, and visiting the research centers on the Galápagos Islands—I knew I had found the perfect fit for me,” Braun says, who learned of the program from her grandmother.
“She had a life-changing study abroad experience when she was my age and encouraged me to travel abroad for the first time with The Experiment.” Braun similarly describes her own trip this past summer as “an experience of a lifetime.”
“My trip to Ecuador built upon my curiosity and love for learning. Not only did I learn more about myself and enjoy the feeling of being independent away from home, but I also made some lifelong friends and memories,” she says. “Every single day was an adventure, and Ecuador never ceased to amaze me with its wonders.”
Now that she is home, Braun wants to use the lessons she learned while away to make an impact in her own community.
“I loved being a part of the community in Riobamba, [Ecuador], and I want to bring that enthusiasm to contribute to my own community. Having this experience really made me want to give back to the people around me and to continue to pursue my passion for the Spanish language and the environment,” she says.
Read on to learn more about Braun’s trip through a series of her photos.
One of our group’s early excursions was to Antisana, where we hiked and saw the endangered condors along the cliffs. It was incredibly peaceful and a stark contrast to the bustling capital city of Quito. This was a great way to explore every corner of “The Country of Four Worlds.” [Editor’s note: “The Country of Four Worlds” is a name for Ecuador that refers to its four varied ecosystems: the Amazon rainforest, the Andes highlands, the Pacific coast, and the Galápagos Islands.]
In Ecuador, you can stand in two hemispheres over the equator. We visited a fascinating museum at the site, which taught us not only about the equator but also about the Indigenous people and native animals in Ecuador.
One of my favorite things we did was snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands! It was breathtaking to see the diverse wildlife and endemic species such as the Galápagos green sea turtle and the blue-footed booby.
The waterfalls in Baños were gorgeous, and the rushing water and lush greenery were spectacular. The cloud forest was one of my favorite ecosystems and was unlike anything that I’d ever seen before.
During our stay in the Mindo Lindo Cloud Forest Reserve, our group visited a butterfly garden! It was truly a fairy tale experience to be among the dazzling butterflies and flowers.
During our homestay, our group had the amazing opportunity to climb Mt. Chimborazo, the closest point to the sun. The view from the hike was absolutely stunning. We were so grateful that we got to experience the beautiful mountain while learning about its spiritual significance to the people of Riobamba.
It was really hard to say goodbye to my host family. They hadn’t just given me a place to stay; they gave me a family I will keep for life. Our time together helped me vastly improve my Spanish while gaining a better understanding and appreciation for the culture of Ecuador. It was also a lot of fun trading board games, sharing food, and exploring with them!
One of the best parts of the trip was the camaraderie in our group. Whether we were experiencing the wonders of travel or just hanging out, my new friends helped me open my eyes to the diversity of experiences even within my own country.