The smallest country in the Andean highlands, Ecuador has a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwestern corner of South America, this tiny country astonishes visitors with its vast diversity and rich culture.
Destino Abroad students spend the first couple of days of the program on a tour of the capital city and its surroundings. The second portion of the program is spent living and studying in the charming city of Cuenca. Cuenca’s colonial architecture and cobblestone streets have earned it the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust Site. Among its many attractions are the awe-inspiring Incan ruins of Incapirca, the bustling Parque Calderón, as well as numerous churches, museums, and outdoor markets. The city’s warm and traditional people match its 18th century surroundings. Even today it is common to see indigenous people in their traditional clothing. Its year-round mild climate, gracious locals and intriguing culture make Cuenca a magnificent city to explore.
Day 1
Travel Day: Our group meets at the airport three hours prior to our flight to Ecuador. After checking in, we proceed as a group to the security checkpoint and to our gate.
Day 2
After arriving to Quito, we settle into our hotel and enjoy an orientation dinner to address safety issues, learn about local customs, and discuss any concerns. We look forward to a good night’s sleep and prepare for our day in Quito tomorrow.
Day 3
After breakfast, we venture on a tour of the city. Visit the old town beaming with colonial charm and stop for a sampling of typical Ecuadorian cuisine at La Querencia. Tour some of Quito’s highlights including the Plaza de la Independencia, the Palacio Presidencial, and the Guayasamin museum and the Panecillo monument, where we catch a 360 degree view of this grandiose city nestled in the Andean Valley.
Day 4
From Quito we shuttle to Otavalo, a largely indigenous town known for its world-renowned artisans markets. We spend the afternoon touring the colorful Otavalo Market and exploring this unique artisan town. After a busy day, we enjoy dinner at our hotel, a charming 150-year old colonial hacienda located in the foothills above Otavalo.
Day 5
We shuttle back to Quito where we visit the famous Equatorial Monument before getting on a short afternoon flight to Cuenca. In Cuenca, we meet our wonderful Ecuadorian host families. We spend the remainder of the day acquainting ourselves with this charming city and getting to know our “familias”.
Day 6-17
Students spend the next two weeks living in paired homestay (2 students per home).
Our mornings are spent studying Spanish at a language institute in Cuenca. Classes are small – about 2 to 3 students per teachers – in order to maximize learning. Our afternoons are spent volunteering at local schools, hospitals or community centers. In the evenings, we catch a movie in town, play a game of soccer, or invite our host families to Casa Destino for a hilarious night of games and fun.
During our stay in Cuenca, we also go on several excursions including a guided city tour, a horseback riding excursion and a visit to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca.
Day 18
Our last day in Cuenca is spent with new friends enjoying everything this charming city offers. Of course, no trip to Cuenca is complete without a visit to a market to pick up some souvenirs before heading home. Our last night is spent at Casa Destino enjoying a celebratory dinner, awards ceremony and “fogata” with friends, both old and new.
Day 19
After saying goodbye to our “familias,” we pack up our things and head to the airport in Guayaquil. Although leaving can be a sad and even teary time, we head back to the States with a new perspective, new friends and amazing memories that will last a lifetime.
