Day 1-8

Trek the ancient Inca Trail and more.

After arriving in Quito and spending a day exploring and making last minute preparations for the hike, we travel south to a Quechua weaving community for our first glimpse into Ecuador’s diverse culture. Practice weaving with locals, listen to musicians play Andean music and learn about the ancient indigenous traditions still practiced in this close-knit community. Then embark on a challenging, high Andes adventure… Trek the ancient Inca Trail across the rugged Andean corridor from Achupallas to the famous ruins of Ingapirca, a mountainous passage through an unspoiled landscape with magnificent views. Our nights are spent camping under star-filled skies so remote and near the equator, the constellations of both hemispheres greet us each evening. Backpacking up to 15,000 feet pushes our limits, but we complete our journey proudly as a team with invaluable new leadership skills.

Day 9-14

Immerse yourself in Spanish.

We settle in at a charming hacienda nestled in a tiny Andean village and divide into small groups for Spanish lessons with our Ecuadorian profesores. After embarking on conversations about culture, history, politics and the environment, we try a salsa lesson and a cooking class. We soon discover this is not like Spanish class at school! The skills learned one day will be used the next, as we travel and have conversations with locals. Discussions with a local potter and hat maker give us the chance to practice our Spanish and the unique opportunity to step into the everyday life of Ecuadorians. Their warm, gracious manner makes us feel at home.

Day 15-20

Home stay with a local family in Cuenca.

Off to Cuenca, a picturesque colonial city in southern Ecuador that will charm you with its cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals and whitewashed buildings. Continuing our formal instruction, we live with local families here to maximize the experience. Learn the true Ecuadorian ways of life while continually honing your communication skills. Most participants have never had a “real” conversation in Spanish. Your understanding of the language after years of study in school does not compare to your proficiency after living in a community that speaks only Spanish. A little apprehensive? Don’t be. After two weeks on Immersion Ecuador, you’re ready to take on the challenge.

Day 21-26

Volunteer in a rural mountain community.

Next, we’ll lead you to the northern village of Otavalo, and you take the lead from there. Visit the bi-weekly market, where indigenous artisans sell fabrics in every color and pattern imaginable, as well as ancient crafts. Fall into the rhythms of the community and live as a local as you take on service projects with local foundations that aim to improve the lives of local residents. Lend a hand planting trees or building a water tank at a native tree nursery. Then relish the laughter and joy in the faces of local children as you engage in cultural exchange and teach English lessons.

Day 27-30

Explore the world’s highest active volcano on foot.

Our final adventure gives us time to reflect. We head to El Porvenir, a tiny, restored farmhouse nestled in the middle of Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the snow capped peaks of the world’s highest active volcano by foot and on horseback, providing the perfect opportunity to contemplate the places, people and lifestyles encountered throughout our journey. Traveling through the heart of South America, developing close relationships with Ecuadorians and learning about their rich culture teaches us as much about ourselves as it does about Ecuador. Our experiences here and the challenges overcome have changed the way we see ourselves and the world around us.