Spanish Immersion Trip: Ecuador

Overview

Propel your students’ Spanish language skills to a new level while exploring the mega diversity and cultural intrigue of Ecuador.

Students will experience the day-to-day lives of communities living in the Andean Highlands and the Amazon rainforest.

On our Spanish language trip in Ecuador, students learn Andean cooking secrets and explore barely-believable landscapes. In the Amazon, they’ll live with a Kichwa family, learning ancient hunting techniques and engaging meaningfully with locals.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals & Old Town tour (Quito)

We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. After, enjoy an interactive tour around the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Quito. Evening dinner in the Old Town before an introduction to your Spanish immersion Ecuador trip.

Day 2: Creating sustainable cities & middle of the earth! (Quito)

Today we delve into the world of sustainable cities with an interactive and inspirational visit to Quito’s recycling laboratory. After a local Andean lunch, we travel to the equatorial line. Here, students enjoy a guided tour and science-based games that defy belief!

We enjoy an evening meal in Quito before an interactive group reflection session.

Day 3: Kayak in a volcano crater (Quilotoa)

If you have ever wondered what is’s like kayaking in a volcano, now is your chance. In Quilotoa, students descend into a volcano crater and kayak in its azul lagoon. After, we meet Andean communities, eat delicious local fare, and transfer to Baños also known as the Gateway to the Amazon.

Enjoy an evening meal in Baños before a private transfer to Puyo.

Day 4: Cultural immersion - spear throwing, blow darts... (Puyo)

Today, your students meet the indigenous Kichwa community – our new hosts for the next couple of days. Each student will immerse themselves into the Amazon way of life. They will try their hand at local hunting techniques, learn about sacred plants, and take part in a traditional cooking class.

Students will stay with local families in the community – a memorable part of our Spanish immersion experience.

Day 5: Cultural immersion (Puyo)

Students continue their immersion with short walks with community members around the verdant rainforest. We learn about medicinal plants, encounter fascinating flora and fauna, and learn to eat…bugs (yummy).

We have another evening meal in the community before a group reflection session.

Day 6: Forest conservation service project (Puyo)

Today students learn the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest. They’ll meet a local pioneer who has taken it upon himself to reforest vast swathes of land. After lunch, students roll up their sleeves and plant a tree themselves.

We enjoy a reflection session in the midst of the rainforest before a transfer to Baños. The group stays overnight in Baños.

Day 7: Zip lining & thermal springs (Baños)

Following a week of intense language learning, cultural immersion, and service, we enjoy a day of adventure activities in Baños.

Students take part in an adrenaline-fuelled zip line tour through the rainforest canopy. Then, they can rest their weary limbs with a dip in the natural thermal spring.

After dinner, we head back to Quito for our final dinner and an overnight stay in the city.

Day 8: Market visit & departures (Quito)

After breakfast, we take students to a local market where they can buy handmade souvenirs for family and friends. Our dedicated team takes you to the international airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

Essential information

Locations visited: Quito, Quilotoa, Baños, Puyo
Date: Anytime
Cost: From $699 per person (price depends on group size)
Teachers: Teachers travel for free
Language: Spanish
Other destinations: If you are keen to explore a different Latin American destination for your Spanish language immersion trip, click here to see our other options.

During this Spanish immersion tip in Ecuador, your students will:

Enhance their Spanish communication skills with people from Quito, Andean communities and indigenous natives in the Amazon.
Learn to talk about global issues with our inspirational team of leaders in group activities and reflection sessions.
Experience a range of new cultures and expand their understanding of ancient traditions and ways of life

All meals (you’ll connect to the culture with every bite!)
All activities we have mentioned
All transport (we use a private bus throughout the tour)
All accommodation – hotels, hostels, eco lodges and the homestay option
Two native Spanish-speaking Kagumu guides (we include more depending on the size of the group)
Post-trip impact report, focusing on your curriculum and our sustainability practices
Carbon offsetting for your flights and activities on the trip

International flights
Travel insurance
Extra activities and extra food like snacks
Tips (this is optional)

The Kichwa people in Ecuador are known for their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the natural world. This indigenous community has long tried to resist attempts to exploit their land and resources. Their sustainable practices and respect of the natural world is a shining example of good environmental conservation.

Your students will learn the ancient wisdom of the Kichwa people. Students will experience sacred healing practices and gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of the local plants.

Kichwa families will teach students about their culture, traditions, and way of life. During daily activities, students will learn about the importance of face painting, spear throwing, blow darts and native dancing.

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.