9-Day Program | Modo Ecuador is more than just travel-it’s a chance for students to experience life the Ecuadorian way: deeply connected to nature, rooted in culture, and full of discovery. From Spanish classes in Quito and artisan markets in Otavalo to volcano views in Cotopaxi and waterfall hikes in Baños, each day offers something new and meaningful. Students build language skills, explore local traditions, and engage in hands-on service that brings added purpose to their journey. Living in Modo Ecuador means embracing curiosity, appreciating the world in a new way, and returning home inspired by everything they’ve learned and experienced.
Program Overview
9 Days
Guided
Family Stay: No Family Stay
From $3,899.00 pp from
Features
Round-Trip Airfare Overnight Accommodations In-Country Transportation Insurance 24/7 Emergency Support While Abroad
Program Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive in Quito and meet your in-country guide. Transfer to your hotel and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Included meals:
None
Day 2Quito
Begin your immersion experience with a Spanish class at the esteemed Academy Guayasamín. Then, explore Quito with a costumed character from the capital city’s colorful history. Enjoy sites such as la Plaza de la Independencia and el Palacio Presidencial, and visit la Basílica del Voto Nacional. After a day of exploring what UNESCO refers to as the most well-preserved colonial city in Latin America, enjoy an Xperitas welcome dinner.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3Quito
Travel to Cotopaxi Volcano, the second-highest summit in Ecuador. Look out for the unique landscapes and animals found nearby. Then, enjoy lunch before returning to Quito.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4Otavalo
Take in panoramic views of the city from the Teleférico before heading to the Pululahua volcanic crater. After, explore the iconic Mitad del Mundo monument and Museo Itiñan. Stand on the equator and learn about its cultural and scientific significance. Later, continue your adventures by traveling north to Otavalo.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Otavalo
In Otavalo, explore the largest artisan market in South America. Visit a weaving workshop in Peguche, admire the stunning Cascada de Peguche, and enjoy a live demonstration by a family of Andean musicians. For lunch participate in a cooking class where you'll prepare a traditional Ecuadorian meal.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Baños
Start the day with a quick stop in Cotacachi, a city famous for its leather goods, followed by a boat ride and hike around Cuicocha lake. Return to Otavalo to enjoy lunch at a weaving workshop before heading to Baños, a region surrounded by mountains and rivers.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7Baños
After breakfast, hop aboard a chiva-a colorful, open-air, artistic style bus for a scenic ride to El Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s most famous waterfalls. Appreciate this natural wonder as you hike along the steps and trails surrounding the waterfall. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the local hot springs before enjoying some free time in Baños.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8En Route
Begin your last day with a meaningful volunteer visit to a local center for seniors. Depart Quito late in the evening for your overnight flight.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9Return
Arrive in the United States.
Included meals:
None
The Family Stay Experience®
We believe that spending time with a family, speaking their language and participating in their customs is the best and most authentic way to experience another culture. It’s also what makes our programs different from any other travel experience. After 50 years of arranging family stays, we’re no longer surprised when our participants say that spending time with a family was the best part of their experience!
Non-Profit | Since 1972 | 100 Host Communities & Growing
Xperitas is a community of lifelong intercultural learners who believe in a world built on deeper understanding
between cultures. Our values are reflected by our commitment to increasing accessibility to language immersion
programs. We provide aid and merit-based scholarships to qualified participants. Xperitas also achieves this goal by
providing grants to schools, better helping to promote global communication through language learning.
