Spanish immersion trip: Ecuador

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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 will 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

Trip highlights

Kayak in volcano crater

Zip line in the jungle

Thermal springs

Hike in the Amazon

Blow darts & spear throwing

Amazon homestay

Price from $799 per person

Stay in homestay & 3* hotels

Carbon Footprint: 80 kg CO₂e per person (not including international flights)

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals & old town tour (Quito)

We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. After, we’ll enjoy an interactive tour around the UNESCO-listed old town of Quito. Evening dinner will also be in the old town before an introduction to your Spanish immersion Ecuador trip.

Day 2: Creating sustainable cities & Middle of the World! (Quito)

Today we’ll 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’ll gather for an evening meal in Quito before an interactive group reflection session.

Day 3: Kayak in a volcano crater (Quilotoa)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to kayak in a volcano? Now is your chance! In Quilotoa, students descend into a volcano crater and kayak in its shimmering blue waters. After, we meet Andean communities, eat delicious local fare, and travel to Baños – the gateway to the Amazon.

We’ll have an evening meal in Baños before a private transfer to Puyo.

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

Today, your students will meet the indigenous Kichwa community – our new hosts for the next couple of days. Each student will immerse themselves in 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, forming 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’ll learn about medicinal plants, encounter fascinating flora and fauna, and learn to eat bugs (yummy!).

We’ll have another evening meal with the community before a group reflection session.

Day 6: Forest conservation service project (Puyo)

Today students will 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 middle of the rainforest before the journey to Baños, where the group will stay overnight.

Day 7: Zip lining & thermal springs (Baños)

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

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

After dinner, we’ll head back to Quito for our final dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Market visit & departures (Quito)

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

Essential information

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

  • Enhance their Spanish communication skills with locals from Quito, Andean communities, and indigenous groups 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’ve mentioned
  • All transport (we use a private bus throughout the tour)
  • All accommodation – hotels, hostels, eco-lodges and a homestay option
  • Two native Spanish-speaking Kagumu guides (we’ll 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 such as snacks
  • Tips (these are 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 for the natural world are a shining example of good environmental conservation.

Your students will learn the ancient wisdom of the Kichwa people, 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.

Carbon Footprint: 80 kg CO₂e per person = Equivalent to emissions produced from 100 glasses of milk**

Includes: Accommodation, meals, local transport, guides & activities
Not included: International flights

*Based on a 8-day trip for an average meat eater
 **Source: CO₂ Everything

Daily emissions:

  • Meat eater –10 kg CO₂e
  • Vegetarian – 8 kg CO₂e (-20%)
  • Vegan – 7 kg CO₂e (-30%)

Flight comparison (return):

  • Santiago – 1,468 kg CO₂e (×18 the trip)
  • Atlanta – 1,126 kg (×14)
  • Vilnius – 3,265 kg (×41)

Learn more on our Impact Page and Sustainability Policy.

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.

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