Arendell Parrott Academy Ecuador 2026
February 18, 2026
We woke up today and got to have some really good juice and fresh fruit for breakfast. Then, we quickly hopped into the bus with our bags to head to Otavalo so that we could see and buy the local, hand-made blankets and clothes from the market. On the way to the market, after we stopped at a cool shop, two Kichwa women joined us for the rest of our drive. This experience was really cool and enriching to learn about their culture. We also got to but beautiful scarves as a bonus!
Next, we headed to the market for an hour of shopping. We spent that hour bargaining with locals, practicing Spanish, and buying handmade crafts. Getting to see Ecuadors real culture,up close and personal, was such an eye opening experience and it was also super fun. Some of us bought clothes, some bought souvenirs, and some of us even got fresh fruit. The market was out of our comfort zones, but ended up being a core memory of our trip.
Lastly, we took a scenic walk to Cuicocha Crater Lake, where we immersed ourselves in the beautiful views Ecuador has to offer. It was a wonderful experience traveling through the National Park, surrounded by various greenery and towering trees. It was a chance to create a connection with the beautiful nature and a peaceful way to end our day. Overall, this experience was absolutely unforgettable and left us with a deep sense of gratitude for the land, views, and immersive experience.
By Sydney, Lainey, and Bailey
February 19, 2026
Working with Juan and Jose mixing the concrete was honestly such a cool experience. It wasn’t easy work, but doing it together made it feel special. You could tell how much they care about their community and the projects they’re building. Meeting Luis and hearing about how he brings tourist groups to La Camera, and learning how Gladys helps lead agricultural projects like the acueducto, made me realize how many people are working hard behind the scenes to make life better for everyone there. It made me appreciate how strong and connected their community is. Being in the community comedor while Luz cooked for us was also really meaningful. The food was so good and it felt like it was made with so much love. Sitting together, eating, and talking felt simple but important. It showed me how generous everyone is. They welcomed us like family, and that’s something I’ll never forget. One of my favorite parts was playing with the little kids in the community. We ran around, played games, danced, and sang together, and it didn’t even matter that we came from different places. We also showed them some of the games and things we enjoy back home, and they were so excited to try them. Our biggest hit, making s’mores. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter made everything worth it. This experience taught me that serving isn’t just about helping physically but it’s about building real connections and sharing joy with each other.
By Julia, Jade, and Caidan
February 20, 2026
We woke up early and started the morning by heading out for breakfast, excited for the day ahead. Alongside our meal, we sipped on fresh pineapple juice, which was sweet and refreshing, and enjoyed bananas and papaya served on the side, adding a bright tropical touch. We had warm scrambled eggs with cheese, plus a bowl of cereal to round everything out. After breakfast, we set out to explore, visiting the stunning neo-Gothic Basilica and walking through the historic San Francisco Plaza. We wandered along the charming cobblestone streets, taking in the architecture and the atmosphere, feeling completely immersed in the beauty and history around us.
Lunch was very good just like all of the meals we’ve had in our time in Ecuador. We enjoyed a squash soup as well as ribs with rice and a salad. This was a great time to get out of the sun and enjoy food together. Next we went to the chocolate factory where we had a taste testing of many different flavors of dark chocolate. This also gave us the chance to learn about the history of chocolate in Ecuador as well as the making of it. We then drove up to Virgin of the Panecillo where we learned how this huge statue was built and brought over from Spain in three different parts. We also took the chance to get some very nice shots of the view of Quito as well as the mountains and volcanoes surrounding the area.
Today, we visited the equator museum in Ecuador, where we took a cultural tour full of incredible challenges like balancing an egg on a nail, walking in a straight line, and watching the water spin in different directions in the opposite hemispheres. After that, we drove to our hotel, had some pizza for dinner, and shared such a great hangout time with each other. Since it was our last night, we reflected together everyone shared their favorite moment, and we talked about how this trip has shaped us. We also played a quick game of Pictionary where everyone drew a memory from this trip. I know that when we go home and show the pictures, people will say it looks beautiful, but they will never really feel what we felt here or understand how much this place and these moments changed us, because being here together is something that can only be lived, not explained.
By Sarah, Chloe, Ben
