Ecuador

Bienvenidos a Ecuador.

Seal in Ecuador.

Explore Ecuador, from the ancient city of Quito, snuggled in the foothills of the Andes, to the tropical interior of the Amazon jungle. Swim in the warm Pacific waters; explore the amazing Galápagos Islands--home to the giant tortoise; visit the colorful Indian market at Otavalo; and take a look at some of the most magnificent active volcanoes in the world.

Orientation

Participant group

You and your group spend three days on the outskirts of Quito, where it feels like spring yearround. The air is thinner at 9,350 feet above sea level, so take it easy while you hike through the Pasochoa National Park. Practice your Spanish as you buy traditional foods from local vendors, check out street markets, or stroll around the small town of Sangolquí.

Homestay

Homestay    

Our host families in Ecuador have a reputation for being warm and fun-loving, making it easy for you to feel right at home. Learn about life on the equator as your group and host families spend three weeks exploring the fascinating areas around your host community. Your Spanish improves with each passing day.

Sample activities: Travel to the equator at Mitad del Mundo; explore a pre-Inca archaeological site; trek through a local forest reserve to see rare birds, plants, and pumas; take it easy on warm Pacific beaches; visit the animal market in Guamote; take a train to "Devil’s Noose"; hike up Mt. Chimborazo; stroll around Riobamba and the snow-capped peaks of three volcanoes.

Exploring the Galápagos and the Amazon

Participant on boat

Investigate rare plant and animal species on the Galápagos Islands and take a trip through the Amazon jungle. Learn from naturalists about the fragile ecology and unique biodiversity of these fascinating regions.

Boating

Sample activities: Cruise by night from island to island; snorkel in lava grottoes, home to sea lions and seals; explore mangrove forests and flamingo lagoons; observe the courtship display of rare tropical birds; paddle into the heart of the jungle on a guided canoe expedition; visit a native village and learn about indigenous Ecuadorian traditions.

I spent every moment trying to absorb as much about Ecuadorian life as I could. My host family and I bonded quickly, spending almost every minute together. Being a part of their family allowed me to experience the actual life of a teenager in Ecuador. we spent our days visiting family friends, cooking, and shopping at the Indian markets, and our evenings dancing salsa, going to concerts, or watching moviesߞsuch a blend of things that were both ordinary and extraordinary.

--Sivan Goobich, Duluth, Georgia

Code: ECA (5 weeks)
Features: Ecological/Outdoor Adventure
Prerequisites: Spanish (at least 1 year)
Depart/Return: Miami

Apply Now

Features
Ecological/Outdoor Adventure

Depart/Return
Miami

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