Learn Spanish and discover the treasures of Ecuador!
This 2-week program combines Spanish classes plus eight days traveling through the mountains and the coasts of Ecuador. During the first week, Estudio Sampere Cuenca offers an intensive course and visits to local attractions. The second week consists of a combination of classes with an adventure trip in Ecuador: from the mountains in the heart of the Andes to the warm Pacific coast, and back to Quito to visit some of the attractions of this gorgeous city.
The program is available with accommodation with host families on a full board basis, in single or double rooms during the first week, and in hotels during the week of traveling.
Starting dates: February 17th; September 7th and 21st, 2020.
| Single room | Double room |
|---|---|
| Transfer upon arrival 1 week of accommodation in a single room with a host family on a full-board basis 1 week of 20 Spanish lessons Private transportation by minibus with a professional driver 1 week of accommodation in hotels (single room, self-catering) All entrance tickets to the museums and places of interest | Transfer upon arrival 1 week of accommodation in a double room with a host family on a full-board basis 1 week of 20 Spanish lessons Private transportation by minibus with a professional driver 1 week of accommodation in hotels (double room, self-catering) All entrance tickets to the museums and places of interest |
| $1,699 | $1,599 |
| Enrollment fee: $35. |
*An advance of 50% of the tuition fees is required for booking this course. Minimum: 6 students.
Up to 9 students per class
All levels
The program starts three times a year
Private transportation
Everything included!
What will you learn, see, and discover during your trip through Ecuador?
Download the full program here!
Day 1: Friday
- This traveling experience starts in Cuenca on Friday, with the group heading North in pursuit of the traces of the Incas and their famous Royal Road or Qhapaq Ñan, which we will trek. The walk takes place at 3000-4000 meters above sea level. We will arrive in the Cañar province, where we will visit the ruins of Ingapirca and spend our first night.
Day 2: Saturday
- On Saturday, we will explore the provinces of Cañar and Guayas. We will continue toward the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), one of the most charming train routes in the Andes that ascends more than 3,000 meters above sea level in a few hours. We will spend the second night in Guayaquil, which is the second-largest city in Ecuador and has the biggest port in the country. We will stay here for the night.
Day 3: Sunday
- From Guayaquil, we will head to Cerro Santa Ana, the place that attracts the most tourists from all over the world for its colorful and fairy-tale environment. We will visit its Natural Park and then head to Salinas, where we will make a stop at its chocolate factory! The second part of the day will be devoted to the beach! Here is where the coastal part of the adventure begins: we will visit almost deserted warm-water beaches, and enjoy the sun and the sand.
Day 4: Monday
- We will move to a different province. Today, we will reach the province of Santa Elena, a mountain area that is famous for its beautiful beaches. We will enjoy lunch at Montañita, and afterward we will head to Salango, a fishing village that features immense biodiversity. We will surf, do some kayaking, and visit traditional communities who care for the tropical forest and endemic animals and birds. A visit to the archeological museum is also planned for this day, where Ecuador's historic secrets will be revealed.
Day 5: Tuesday
- From beautiful Salango we will continue to Isla de la Plata (Silver Island), whose name comes, of course, from the white color of its sand. This is one of the protected areas in the country. Due to its location within the Machalilla National Park, it has been preserved in its natural state. We will spend the night in Manta, a mid-sized city on the coast of the country. The interesting fact about this city is that it exists since before Pre-Columbian times. Today, it is famous for its fishing industry.
Day 6: Wednesday
- Today, we will take a one-hour flight to the capital of the country, Quito, where we will spend the rest of our trip. Quito is the largest and most populated city in the country. Throughout time, it has managed to preserve its authenticity with a cosmopolitan touch. We will visit the city’s highlights, namely its Historic Center, Independence Square, Panecillo, and learn the rich history of its foundation.
Day 7: Thursday
- Today’s itinerary will be focused on discovering the province of Pichincha, also known as the Middle of the World. Only 26 km away from Quito, there is a monument that explains the origin of the country’s name: Middle of the World City, where we will see the yellow line of the Equator, which divides the world into two hemispheres.
Day 8: Friday
- Time to say good-bye: today is the day when our Ecuadorian adventure concludes.