Educational Travel in Ecuador
In Ecuador, you’ll learn Spanish while discovering the colonial charms of Quito. Day trips offer indigenous markets, hot springs located high in the Andes Mountains, and a walk along the Equator line—all while experiencing Ecuadorian culture first-hand with your host family.
Extend your 10-day program by four days to visit the exotic Galapagos Islands.
10 & 14-Day Guided
available in Spring or Summer
from
$1850 for 10 days
from $3495 for 14 days
Note: The order of this itinerary is subject to modification based on actual air and/or family stay arrangements.
Day 1 Quito: Arrive in Quito, transfer to your hotel
Day 2 Quito:Explore Ecuador’s historic capital city including visits to Independence Plaza, the Government’s Palace and the Basilica Church. Then take an optional ride on the Teleférico Skylift. Enjoy an ISE welcome dinner. (B,D)
Day 3 Quito: Board the bus for an exciting day outside of Quito. First you’ll stop at the Mitad del Mundo, or the center of the world. Walk the Equator line and visit the Ethnographic Museum. Then head to the Otavalo Market, the most famous market in South America. The market hosts all kinds of handcrafted items, perfect souvenirs of your trip. A stop in Peguche is a great photo spot and famous for its waterfalls and fabrics. (B)
Day 4 Begin Family Stay: Meet your Ecuadorian family and begin a five day stay with them (meals at home).
Days 5 - 8: Academia Guayasamin On day 5, you’ll begin classes at the esteemed Academia Guayasamín. In addition to Spanish instruction, you will also be treated to visits to the Guayasamín Museum and Capilla del Hombre, the Guapulo Sanctuary and cooking classes. Enjoy the afternoon and evening with your host family.
Day 9 Quito: Bid farewell to your Quiteño host family. Board the bus for one more excursion. Head into the mountains for a day at Papallacta hot springs. Then back to Quito for a farewell dinner and pack your bags for tomorrow’s departure (B,L,D—farewell dinner for groups with Galápagos extension will take place on Day 13).
Days 10 - 12 Optional Galapagos Islands Extension: Fly to Baltra Island and cross the channel to Santa Cruz Island where we will begin our adventure. A yacht excursion takes you to Isabela Island to witness the spectacular volcanoes. Then it’s off to Concha de Perla Bay for snorkeling and swimming with sea lions. Explore the lava tubes, the “Wall of Tears” and Shark Bay (all meals included).
Day 13 Galapagos Islands: Leave the hotel early for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous ‘Lonesome George’ and many other giant tortoises. Then, overland transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Quito (all meals included).
Day 10 or 14 Return: Transfer to the airport and return home to the U.S. (B)
Additional gateway cities are available: contact ISE for pricing.
Air travel on Friday, Saturday or Sunday carries a $25/day weekend surcharge. Requests for specific travel dates or airline may incur additional charges.
Prices are based on a minimum group size of 10 students from combined schools and a minimum teacher/student ratio of 1:8. When minimum group size is not reached, a small-group supplement will apply.
Included:
- Round-trip airfare from cities listed
- Current airline taxes & fees as of 7/1/10
- Land transportation (motorcoach, van or boat as applicable)
- All overnight accommodations
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
- ISE family stay (if applicable)
- Meals at home during the family stay
- Entrance fees for all listed activities
- Galapagos Entrance Fee (14-day only)
- Insurance (trip cancellation & medical) as specified here
Not Included:
- Any fuel surcharges or increase in air cost due levied by the airline
- Airline baggage fees
- Ecuador airport departure tax
- Increase in air cost due to requests for specific travel dates or airline
- Weekend surcharge ($25 / Fri., Sat., Sun.)
- Small-group supplement
- Holy Week supplement
- Passport or other document costs
- Transportation to/from U.S. departure city
- Any meals not indicated on itineraries
- Activities listed as optional
- Tips for guide and driver
- Spending money and gifts.
(ISE recommends approximately $20 per day for meals and incidentals outside the family stay. The actual amount will vary by student.)
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Ecuador Guided Programs
Spring or Summer |
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2011 Prices
valid for enrollment after June 15, 2010 |
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| 10-Day Program |
14-Day Program
Galapagos Extension |
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| Chicago | $1875 | $1875 | $3570 | $3570 |
| Denver | $1875 | $1875 | $3570 | $3570 |
| Minneapolis | $1925 | $1925 | $3620 | $3620 |
| St. Louis | $1875 | $1875 | $3570 | $3570 |
| Seattle | $1975 | $1975 | $3670 | $3670 |
For more information about the Ecuador program, please contact Kristi: kristi@isemn.org
