Famed for centuries as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Isle; 美麗島; Meilidao), Taiwan is an island with more faces than the 11-headed Guanyin. Towering sea cliffs, marble-walled gorges and tropical forests are just the start of your journey, which may take you as far as Yushan, which at 3952 meters forms the highpoint of the island. In Taiwan, you can trek through mountains on ancient hiking trails or cycle on a lone highway with the blue Pacific on one side and lush green hills on the other. Wherever you’ll look, you’ll find classic landscapes to enjoy.
This 9-day Taiwan Geology & Adventure Program is designed to give students an in-depth experience of Taiwan and its many natural wonders. Travelers will be taken on a crescent-shaped journey from the south to the north of the island, by way of its beautiful rural east coast. Along the way, students will explore a number of Taiwan’s unique natural highlights, including mud volcanoes, a small volcanic island, the place where two tectonic plates meet, and “Taiwan’s Grand Canyon”. They will snorkel underwater and bike through rice fields, tea plantations, and former sugar-cane plantations. By visiting this variety of natural sites and learning about each of them, students will gain a deep understanding of what makes Taiwan’s nature unique.
