10-Day Program | Ecuador en Acción is a powerful blend of cultural discovery, service learning, and ecological adventure. Dive deep into the spirit of Ecuador through hands-on volunteer work at the renowned Center for Working Families, then explore the country’s vibrant markets, iconic landmarks, and cloud forests. From the buzzing streets of Quito to the tranquil biodiversity of Mindo, this experience invites students to engage meaningfully, reflect deeply, and return home with new perspectives and purpose.
Program Overview
10 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 volunteer work at the Center for Working Families, an organization that supports working families through education, financial literacy and empowerment.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3Quito
Continue your service learning at the Center for Working Families and build meaningful connections with the local community.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4Quito
Take in panoramic views of the city from the Teleférico before heading to the Mitad del Mundo. Stand on the equator and explore the cultural and scientific significance of this iconic site.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5Quito
Begin the day at a bustling local market within the historic city center. After, feel the rhythms of Ecuador in your salsa dance class. For lunch participate in a cooking class where you'll prepare a traditional Ecuadorian meal. Later, explore the Museo Guayasamín.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6Otavalo
Travel north to Otavalo to 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. End the day with a quick stop in Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7Mindo
Journey to Mindo and kick off your stay with a zipline experience through the cloud forest canopy. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool before attending the unique “frog concert” during a nocturnal nature hike.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8Mindo
Hike to the region’s scenic waterfalls in the morning and enjoy more leisure time in the afternoon.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9En Route
Visit Mindo’s butterfly garden and say goodbye to the cloud forest before heading back to Quito. Depart late in the evening for your overnight flight.
Included meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10Return
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.
