Ecuador: Andean Service Adventure

Group flight arrival to Quito. Transfer via private bus to our Quito accommodation, selected specifically for its comfort and group-coherent space. Safety briefing, snacks, and settle into bed.

Begin the day with group orientation and language activities as we situate ourselves in this exciting new setting. Spend a day visiting the famous Plaza de Independencia and El Panecillo to take in breathtaking views of this sprawling metropolis. We also visit the Quito Teleferico for an epic gondola ride. Check out Mitad del Mundo (equator) and have a special lunch in Calacali hosted by a famous local chef who specializes in organic local foods. Evening group reflection and homestay orientation/role playing takes place along with some language activities.

We rise early to transfer via private bus to Lago Cuicocha for a hike around the spectacular crater lake. Learn about the geological and cultural histories of the area as we take in amazing views and stretch our legs! We meet our homestay families in the nearby town of Cotacachi and settle into our new homes (at least two students per household).

Over the next five days, we engage in community service projects with local  schools, indigenous partners, and community organizers. Past projects have included construction, maintenance, and general upkeep of the local school that hosts all elementary students under one teacher. There is also an indigenous kindergarten next door where we can interact with students, paint, or do other crafts. We balance our hard work with meaningful exchange and language opportunities alongside the locals.

On our final full day in the community, we will hold a Pambamesa Lunch where different members of the community bring their land products to share as a way to thank you for all the work done during this week. We will also hold a final celebratory dinner with our new friends.

Adventure activities during our time in Cotacachi include an excursion to Otavalo to explore the largest artisan and indigenous market in Latin America! We will also visit a local tannery to see how locals process leather- try your hand at shoe or wallet making! Other workshops include organic jam and jewelry making. We will visit an Alpaca farm to learn about the wool-making process.

Travel south west to the Cloud Forest region where we will immerse ourselves in this jungle adventure town! Zip line through the forest, visit a hummingbird feeding center, and enjoy a relaxing and refreshing inner tube down the river. This is a beautiful and diverse setting to hold our closing activities as a group before traveling back to Quito for a final celebratory dinner.

Back where we started! Our journey ends in Quito, a now familiar cityscape. We are sad to leave, but excited to share our stories with our family and friends. ¡Adios, Ecuador!