|
|
 |
 xperience
the best of Ecuador — spectacular Andes Mountains,
rich Incan culture, gracious people and historic colonial
towns — on an unforgettable 30-day journey that
immerses you in the lifestyles and language of this extraordinary
country. The Sierra of Ecuador is one of the world’s
best places to learn Spanish, as its friendly inhabitants
speak slowly and clearly with a light accent. As our
adventure unfolds, you’ll improve your Spanish
skills through cultural interaction, service work, formal
language instruction and exploration. Trek a challenging
section of the ancient Inca Trail, do community service
work with Habitat for Humanity, home stay with an Ecuadorian
family and take workshops on crafts, dancing, cooking
and music. You’ll find there is no better way to
learn a language than to be surrounded by native speakers,
and no better way to discover a culture than to live
and work amongst its people. Prepare for an amazing expedition! |
|
| |
|
 |
| Day 1–8 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Giving back… Work with Habitat
for Humanity of Ecuador on a project that will prove
to be perhaps the most fulfilling part of your Academic
Treks experience. Travel to the small town of Tosagua
in the Manabí region on the beautiful Pacific
Coast. Work alongside locals in building a modest home — laying
the foundation, putting on the roof and constructing
the walls together. Though we have been immersed in the
culture and language of Ecuador for several weeks now,
this experience is an eye-opener. Here we are welcomed
as volunteers, not as tourists or visitors, and villagers
share their beliefs, wants and fears with us as we gain
insights into each other’s lives. At the end of
our stay, we part as friends. |
|
 |
| Day 27–30 |
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.  |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Trek the Andes; Horseback
through Cotopaxi National Park |
|
|
 |
|
Explore Cultural Centers;
Home Stay with Ecuadorian Family |
|
|
|
|
Learn Spanish through Instruction
and Cultural Immersion |
|
|
|
|
Work on Habitat for Humanity
Projects alongside Ecuadorians |
|
|
|
|
Earn College/High School
Credit |
|
|
|
|
Earn 40+ Hours Community
Service Credit |
|
|
|
|
Prerequisite: Two Years
High
School Spanish |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
