Ecuador: Homestay & Community Service

Arrive at the Quito airport and meet your Global Works Leader. 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 the day visiting the famous Plaza de Independencia and El Panecillo to take in breathtaking views of this sprawling metropolis. After a delicious traditional lunch, we visit the Quito Teleferico. We return to group lodging for a homestay orientation – we role play common situations we might encounter in our new home, and learn about our host families!

We rise early to transfer via private bus to Lago Cuicocha (2.5 hrs) 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! After a local lunch, we spend the afternoon settling into our new community location. We will stay with families in an indigenous community. The economic activities here are mainly agriculture, artisan works, and community tourism. We meet our host families and settle into our new homes for dinner and rest

We spend each day engaging in community service and exchange. We meet with local school-aged children and their families to discuss projects and practice our Spanish. Past projects have included general maintenance around the school, painting, and teaching lessons to students. We also visit a local tannery and try our hand at shoe or wallet making! Organic jam and jewelry making workshops are also available. Learn about small business in this Ecuadorian community! One day, we take a break from work to visit the world-famous Otavalo artisan market! We conclude with a Pambamesa Lunch and final celebratory dinner with our new friends and hosts.

After breakfast at the hotel, we make one last visit to our worksite to see results, play some fútbol, and say goodbye to our new friends. We travel back to Quito for one night and hold service learning reflection activities as a group to consider our days spent in Cotacachi. 

The next morning, we drive east for a visit to the mystical Papallacta Hot Springs in the highlands above Quito. We eat a local lunch to try a local delicacy- trout! We transfer back to Quito for final reflections, trip closure, and a celebratory dinner out in the city.

Transfer via private bus to the Quito airport in accordance with your flight schedule. We are sad to leave, but excited to share our stories with our family and friends. ¡Adios, Ecuador!