The smallest country in the Andean highlands, Ecuador has a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwestern corner of South America, this tiny country astonishes visitors with its diversity. It is home to active volcanoes, tropical beaches, snow-capped peaks and tundra-like deserts.
Destino Abroad students spend the first portion of the program in the charming city of Cuenca. Cuenca’s cobblestone streets and colonial architecture have earned it the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust Site. The city’s conservative and traditional people match its 18th century surroundings. There are five major universities in town which have produced writers, poets, artists and philosophers. Among the many attractions in Cuenca are the awe-inspiring Incan ruins of Inca Pirca, the Panama Hat Factory, the bustling Parque Calderón, as well as numerous churches, museums, and outdoor markets. Even today it is common to see indigenous people in their traditional clothing. Its year-round mild climate, gracious locals and intriguing culture make Cuenca a magnificent city to explore.
In our two week program, students live with a local family and study Spanish in Cuenca, participate in community service projects, adventure activities, cultural excursions, day trips, and so much more. The added one week tour of the country allows the students to experience ALL that the country has to offer from beaches, to marine life to the Amazon jungle. The experience of a lifetime!
ECUADOR INTENSIVE PROGRAM
Day 1
Arrive Quito-transfer to Hotel Quito
Day 2
Otavalo market day with afternoon visit to artisan’s home. Overnight at Hotel Las Palmeras
Day 3
Back to Quito for city tour with stop at equatorial monument. Afternoon departure for Cuenca. Meet host families and begin home stay.
Day 4
Morning language assessment at institute, city tour. Afternoon begin community service project.
Days 5-7
Language institute in the morning. Afternoon Community Service.
Day 8
Language school and afternoon visit to Gualaceo and Chordeleg markets.
Day 9
All day excursion to Incan ruins at Incapirca.
Day 10
All day excursion to Coijtambo-CaNari ruins and rock climbing.
Days 11-14
Language institute in the morning. Afternoon Community Service.
Day 15
Graduation from Language school and goodbye party.
Day 16
Fly from Cuenca to Guayaquil, city tour. Depart for overnight flight home. OR CONTINUE ON ONE WEEK COUNTRY TOUR TRIP EXTENTION.
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ECUADOR TOUR
Day 1
Guayaquil to San Jose (by bus) Overnight in Cuna Luna.
Day 2
SURF DAY! MonaNita beach.
Day 3
Parque Nacional Machalilla-Isla de la Plata “Little Galapagos” – whale watching and Snorkeling. Overnight in Manta.
Day 4
Fly Manta/Quito then bus to Tena in the AMAZON JUNGLE. Overnight at hotel Yutzos.
Day 5
Bus Tena to Ahuano, then canoe up the Napo River and 2 hour jungle hike to Rio Blanco. Overnight in Amazon jungle in the cabins of the Grefa family.
Day 6
Jungle hike and learn about the Amazon’s Indigenous Napo Runa people. Grefa family overnight.
Day 7
Rio Blanco-Ahuano-Tena-Papallacta. Overnight at Papallacta spa and natural hotsprings.
Day 8
Papallacta cloud forest hike, afternoon to Quito. Overnight at Hotel Quito.
Day 9
Return to USA.
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