STEM Trip: Ecuador

Overview

Bring your students’ STEM learning to life with a mesmerizing mix of inner-city sustainable innovation and unique ecosystems and wildlife.

This Ecuador trip takes students on a journey through the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site capital city, up volcanoes in the Andean Highlands, and through the amazing Amazon rainforest.

Students learn about circular economies, sustainable technologies, and help in the conservation of irreplaceable ecosystems.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Quito)

Private transfer from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport. Dinner and introduction to the program with our tour leaders.

Day 2: Circular Economy & Middle of the Earth (Quito)

Discover the secrets of recycling, circular economy, and environmental preservation through an interactive, entertaining sensory tour at the Environmental Education Center. After lunch, we head to the Middle of the Earth where students will take part in a series of games and activities showcasing the remarkable science behind the ecuatorial line.

Day 3: Kayak in Quilotoa Volcano (Quilotoa)

Enjoy a guided walk around the breathtaking crater lake of Quilotoa which is surrounded by various native communities. Students descend into the Laguna, where they strap into their life jackets and kayak on the shimmering volcanic waters. Evening transfer to Baños.

Day 4: Zip lining in the Amazon (Baños)

Explore the city of Baños, known as the Gateway to the Amazon. Visit the famous Casa del Arbol, also known as the “Treehouse,” where students can take in panoramic views before gliding through the Amazon canopy on a zip-lining experience.

Day 5: Conservation of irreplaceable ecosystems (Puyo)

Visit a conservation project within the beautiful and incredibly diverse Botanical Garden. Students roll up their sleeves and take part in a forestry workshop and meet a local who is single-handedly reforesting part of the Amazon. Each student will plant a tree, making a meaningful contribution to the preservation of this remarkable ecosystem.

Day 6: Sustainable cooking class & culture immersion (Puyo)

Students learn the ancient wisdom of the Shuar community by taking part in a cross-cultural exchange workshop. Students learn about the community’s unique healing practices and gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of the local plants and traditional farming methods. Students will then prepare delicious meals using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, cooked in leaves to maintain our focus on sustainability. Transfer back to Quito.

Day 7: Departures (Quito)

Free time in the UNESCO-listed old town and time to pick out some gifts for family and friends at a local market. After lunch, we take the group to the airport in plenty of time to catch the flight home.

Essential information

Locations visited: Quito, Quilotoa, Baños and Puyo (Amazon)
Cost: From $699 per person (price depends on group size)
Teachers: Teachers travel for free
Accommodation: Hostel / hotel – we also have a homestay option in Puyo
Other locations: Colombia, Peru

All meals (we chose varied dishes to give a real taste of the Ecuador)
Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
Transport – private buses and domestic flights.
All scheduled excursions, activities, visits
Local guides and translators
Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols
One Kagumu guide for every 8 students
Sustainability impact report

The weather in Quito and the surrounding areas varies between rainy and dry seasons. During the day, the temperature ranges from 13-23 degrees Celsius, while at night, it could drop to 7 or 8 degrees in Quito. Baños and Amazon can be a bit hotter, with Puyo, Amazon area reaching around 30 to 35 degrees Celsius.

Students will be active daily and should pack good, comfortable sports shoes for walking and appropriate clothing for sunshine, rain, warmth, and cold.

Due to the variable weather conditions, we highly recommend packing:

Large backpack or suitcase with or without wheels
Small backpack (20-30 liters) for Quilotoa Laguna
Sunglasses
A light poncho-type waterproof
Thermal under clothing
Long-sleeved t-shirts or shirts
Fleece jacket or warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Thick socks
Bathing suit
Gloves
Sun-protection hat
Walking boots, trainers, Flip Flops (Sandals)
Reusable water bottle
Suncream
Lip balm
Quick-drying towel
Insect Repellant
Personal wash kit including toothpaste, toothbrush
Camera (optional)
Flashlight (optional)

You must also bring:

Copy of your student ID or passport
Copy of your travel insurance

Quito: When in Quito you will stay in Selina hostel or a similar accommodation. Students will be divided into single-gender rooms and teachers will enjoy private rooms with en-suite.

Baños: When in Baños you will stay in a 3* hotel or comfortable hostel. Students will be divided into single-gender rooms and teachers will enjoy private rooms with en-suite.

Puyo: You can choose from a 3* hotel in Puyo or immerse students into the local culture with a unique homestay experience. During this memorable activity, students will stay with experience host families and learn more about their culture and traditions.

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.