Mi Querida Ecuador

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.

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.

Inclusions / Exclusions for Latin America