 Days 1 – 7 Our first task is to outfit ourselves for our trek down the ancient Inca Trail. Ready for high-altitude adventure? We hike at 13,000 feet across the Andean corridor from Achupallas to the famous ruins of Ingapirca. Our nights are spent camping under star-filled skies so remote and so near the equator, the constellations of both hemispheres greet us each evening. The trek requires personal resolve and is physically demanding, but we are rewarded with spectacular scenery and shared sense of accomplishment.
Days 8 – 14 The group settles in at a charming hacienda nestled in a small Andean village. We begin the academic phase of our trip by dividing into small groups for Spanish lessons with our Ecuadorian profesores. This is not like your Spanish class at school. The skills you learn one day will be used the next, as you travel, complete projects and struggle through conversations with locals. When not working with the instructors, visit communities of local artisans working their handicraft. You may even get to try your own hand at some of the trades.
Days 15 - 20 Off to Cuenca, a vibrant cultural center in Southern Ecuador. 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 in Ecuador, you're ready to take on the challenge.
Day 21-25 We head to the town of Catamayo to meet our local service partner from Habitat for Humanity. Working side-by-side with Ecuadorian citizens, we cut rebar, haul rocks and lay concrete. You are no longer a visitor, but rather a co-worker and the locals share their beliefs, wants, fears and insights with you as you labor together towards a common goal. Tourists never see this side of Ecuador.
Day 26-32 A time to reflect. We head to Tierra del Volcan, a restored farmhouse where we horseback ride and explore the world’s hightest active volcano, Cotopaxi. An overnight solo provides an opportunity to contemplate the places, people and lifestyles you have encountered throughout our journey. From the mountains to the urban centers and down to the Pacific Ocean, you have experienced Ecuador as few visitors ever will.
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