Traveling the world is a popular and grand aspiration for many people. Seeing different cultures, foods, plants and animals are all exciting to those interested in branching out from where they’re from. Tourist-populated areas such as Paris, Rome, the Bahamas and Hawaii are often the first places people think of for a vacation. However, sometimes the coolest places are those less frequented. One prime example is the Galápagos Islands.
Samuel Anderson, a student at Southern Utah University, had the privilege of visiting Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands at the beginning of 2023. On Feb. 22, he shared his adventure through the Outdoor Education Series.
Anderson decided to go on the trip because he wanted a change.
“Prior to going, I was very trapped,” said Anderson. “I had no path or direction.”
His journey began in Ecuador, where he visited the local New Year’s parade, tried 100% dark chocolate, saw iguanas and spent time at historical sites, including a cathedral with lofted ceilings, stained glass and fauna statues.
Later, his journey took him to Cotopaxi National Park, where he saw the beautiful fog-covered landscape and wild horses. The park is at around 7,000 feet of elevation, so Anderson and his companions were offered tea made from the coca leaf to prevent altitude sickness.
Shortly after, Anderson and his group visited the Amazon Rainforest. They toured a wildlife sanctuary and later had the opportunity of talking to the indigenous Waorani people. Anderson’s group also took wooden canoe rides down a river.
Finally, the trip planted Anderson in the Galápagos Islands, whose diverse biology includes iguanas, seals, birds and massive tortoises.
The Galápagos is also quite arid. “You get off the plane and immediately you’re hit by how dry it is,” said Anderson.
After staying on the Galápagos Islands for a few days and picking up some souvenirs back in mainland Ecuador, Anderson traveled home, feeling like a champion. In the beginning, Anderson set out to have the most authentic experience he could. He accomplished that and more, becoming more confident and having forged a new adventure for himself.
“Being in a totally foreign culture made me readapt and relearn like everything I knew,” remarked Anderson. ”The world isn’t just Utah.”
Anderson’s presentation aimed to motivate attendees to travel and learn more about the wide world outside of Cedar City. Samuel Archer, a chemistry student, was impressed with the biodiversity he learned about and the cultures he was shown.
“I didn’t realize how historically [significant] the islands are to, you know, science itself,” Archer said.
There is always more to explore in this world. From vast oceans to lofting mountains to rain forests, there is so much diversity to enjoy in natural spaces across the globe. By selecting less popular locations and unique sites, travel costs can be manageable, even for a college student. Now it’s time to decide where the next destination is.
For more information on traveling opportunities for students, check out SUU’s Learning Abroad page.
Author: Caden Wiegman
Photographer: Lukas Hassell
Editor: Lily Brunson
outdoors@suunews.net
