Ecuador 3-Week

Language Immersion & Service Adventure

PROGRAM ACCOMMODATIONS

ORIENTATION – QUITO

The group arrives in the capital of Quito and heads to their classic colonial style hotel.  Just 5 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Quito, this hotel is nestled into a quiet street lined with attractive greenery.  Rooms are split into 2 to 4 students with private baths and precious hot water.  There is access to internet and a nice space for group meetings downstairs.  We are treated to a wholesome breakfast of eggs, fruits, and toast before heading out to discover the history and culture of Ecuador.

AMAZON ADVENTURE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE- TENA

Our lodging in Tena takes place in two locales.  The first hotel is near town and acts as our headquarters during our impactful service projects at a local hospital.  This hotel features rooms of 2- 4 students and shared bathrooms for boys and girls.  The location is great and perfect for accessing the hospital on foot.  Next we head up river 1.5 miles by boat to an awesome, pristine, rainforest lodge.  The décor here is rustic comfort, bunk beds, and shared separate bathrooms for the boys and girls.  This private, family owned spot is a once in a lifetime experience.  The fact that the lodge and owners are dedicated to conservation of the land through a private reserve and foundation only adds to the experience.  Don’t be surprised to find yourself making friends with the monkeys that hang out around the deck.

PAPPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS

Head north to the Pappallacta hot springs where your cabinas provide walking access to the steaming pools and hot springs.  What a great way to wrap up your mountain biking adventure earlier that day!  These basic  accommodations feature single beds of 2- 4 and nearby bathrooms.

OTAVALO

Otavalo is a bustling town with the largest indigenous marketplace in the Americas.  We’ll want to stay near the action here, and our hotel just 3 blocks off the market fits the bill.  Enjoy rooms of 2 students per room, single beds, and the occasional bunk bed. 

HOMESTAY- PUCARA

Pucará is a small agricultural village of 300 people at  2081 meters in the Intag River Valley, in Cotacachi County, Imbabura. The valley is located on the western slope of the Andes between Cotocachi and Los Bancos, and is swathed in cloud forest and small farms. The Alto Chocó cloud forest of the valley is one of the world´s ten most bio-diverse ecosystems, and is deemed a Biodiversity “hot spot” by UNESCO.  We’ve been staying with families in this small, authentic Ecuadorian community for 5 years.  Expect a change from home, a welcoming austere family, and two students per home in what is sure to be an experience e of a lifetime. 

GALAPAGOS

As we bounce around the Archipelago on to Isabella, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal the lodging varies from standard to downright funky.  At the end of a long day snorkeling with Sea Lions, you’ll look forward to quiet and comfortable rooms for 2- 4 students and a hot shower.

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