Ecuador
Andean Service Adventure
About the Program
This school group travel program offers students the chance to engage in community service projects in the heart of Ecuador’s Andean region while immersing themselves in local culture through meaningful exchanges. Participants work alongside local communities, gaining insights into traditional customs and daily life. Through hands-on service and cultural interaction, students develop a deeper understanding of the Andean way of life while contributing to impactful community initiatives.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Arrive at the Quito airport and meet your Global Works Leader team
- Transfer via private bus to Quito accommodation, selected specifically for its comfort cohesive space for groups
- Safety briefing, snacks, and settle into bed
- Continue orientation to Ecuador
- Practice Spanish with fun language activities!
- Visit important historical sites throughout Quito: Plaza de Independencia, El Panecillo, the Quito Teleferico, and more
- Eat a local lunch while we continue to explore the vibrant culture of this city
- Return to group lodging for an Ecuador orientation
- Rise early to transfer via private bus to Lago Cuicocha for a hike to the spectacular crater lake
- Learn about the geological and cultural histories of the area, while taking in amazing views
- Lunch at a local spot
- Afternoon of games and soccer with our new community hosts- break the ice while practicing your spanish!
- Settle into our local lodge for the night – workshop on service learning
- Explore our host community, a small indigenous community outside of Cotacachi. The economic activities here are mainly agriculture, artisan works, and community tourism
- Meet our community coordinator, community members, and local school staff for a warm and traditional opening ceremony
- Service Begins! Past projects include work in the school on upkeep, reconstruction of facilities, and restoring a local kindergarten. Projects are determined closer to travel dates baed on community need
- Afternoon trip to the Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous market in South America. We split into smaller groups to explore the many colorful, handmade items that the market has to offer- ponchos, jewelry, textiles, and more!
- Return to our lodge for dinner and rest after a busy day
- Jump back into our service projects today – continue work alongside community members, teachers, and students
- Delicious lunch home cooked in the community
- This afternoon, engage in hand-on workshops with community members. Today we’ll visit a local tannery and try our hand at shoe or wallet making!
- Dinner and evening activities at the lodge – group reflection on our experiences thus far
- Jump back into our service projects today – continue work alongside community members, teachers, and students
- Delicious lunch home cooked in the community
- Organic jam and jewelry making workshops this afternoon with a local women’s cooperative- learn about small business in this Ecuadorian community
- Dinner and evening activities back at the lodge
- Morning visit to worksite to see results, play some fútbol, and say goodbye to new friends
- Transfer back to Quito for one night
- Hold service learning reflection activities as a group to consider the days spent in Cotacachi
- Drive east for a visit to the mystical Papallacta Hot Springs
- Take in the gorgeous views as we transfer into a misty, green highlands setting
- Enjoy a local lunch to try a local delicacy- trout!
- 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 flight schedule
- ¡Adios, Ecuador!
Educational Focus & Highlights
Serve & Share
Collaborate with local schools and families on impactful service projects, such as school maintenance and teaching lessons. Participate in hands-on workshops like shoe-making and organic jam creation.
Discover Quito’s Heritage
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Quito by visiting landmarks like Plaza de Independencia and El Panecillo. Experience the vibrant culture of Ecuador’s capital through language practice and local cuisine.
Explore Otavalo’s Craftsmanship
Take a break from service to visit the renowned Otavalo artisan market. Discover beautiful handcrafted goods and support local artisans.
Lago Cuicocha & Papallacta Hot Springs
Start with a scenic hike around the breathtaking crater lake of Lago Cuicocha, learning about its geological and cultural significance. Unwind at the mystical Papallacta Hot Springs, soaking in thermal waters and reflecting on your journey through Ecuador’s highlands.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
