Volcanoes & Waterfalls
Andean Landscapes
Community Connections

Discover Ecuador Through Language, Nature, and Community

Modo Ecuador is a 9-day student travel program that incorporates Spanish language learning to introduce cultural experiences, community engagement, and some of Ecuador’s most remarkable natural landscapes. From exploring the streets of Quito to visiting artisan communities, volcanoes, and cloud-covered valleys, students experience Ecuador through both guided activities and meaningful local interaction.
Throughout the program, students strengthen their Spanish during language classes while discovering Ecuador’s history, traditions, and diverse environments. Enjoy an Otavalo day trip as well as visits to Cotopaxi National Park, Baños, and the famous Mitad del Mundo offer opportunities to connect classroom learning with real places and communities.

Designed for student groups, this Ecuador educational travel program encourages curiosity, cultural understanding, and confidence through language practice, service activities, and shared experiences across one of South America’s most diverse countries.

Why Choose This Experience

Build Spanish language skills through classes and everyday conversation
Visit Cotopaxi Volcano, Baños, and the famous Mitad del Mundo
Explore South America’s largest artisan market in Otavalo
Participate in a meaningful volunteer activity with a local community
Experience Ecuadorian traditions through cooking, music, and local culture
Small-group travel with experienced Xperitas support

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Program Details

Price

  • $2,949 per student PLUS cost of international flights*
  • For every six students the cost of one leader is included in the price
  • For every enrolled student on your program, there is a $50 leader stipend to help leaders offset expenses while abroad
  • Students can save $200 with Our Early Bird Discount!

*Travelers do not need to arrange their own air. Air travel is included in the program, but the cost will be added once the group air contract is confirmed. Price is valid for 2027


Duration

9 days


Included

  • Round-trip airfare (plus airline fuel surcharges at time of booking)
  • In-country transportation (train, coach bus, and public transportation)
  • All overnight accommodations
  • Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only
  • International phone allowance ($10/day for one leader while in country)
  • 24/7 Xperitas emergency support during travel
  • Local Spanish-speaking guide during tour portion of itinerary
  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary
  • Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)

Not included

  • Airline baggage fees
  • Variance in air cost due to changes in group contract after booking
  • Costs incurred due to late or missed flights
  • Passport, visa, or document fees
  • Transportation to/from departure city
  • Meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Spending money and gifts
  • Advanced seating assignment fees
  • Small-group supplement (if fewer than 10 participants)
  • Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)

Activities

  • Quito walking city tour
  • La Basílica del Voto Nacional
  • Volunteer activity
  • Cotopaxi Volcano
  • Teleférico
  • Pululahua Crater
  • Mitad del Mundo
  • Intiñan Museum
  • Otavalo market visit
  • La Cascada de Peguche
  • Cuicocha boat ride & hike
  • Waterfall hike
  • Andean instrument presentation
  • Baños Hot Springs

About your guide

Programs are led by experienced, local guides with deep cultural knowledge. The role of guides is as follows:

  • Supports the group getting to and from activities and sites
  • Manages logistics (transportation, schedule, tickets)
  • Serves as the primary on‑the‑ground support and problem‑solver
  • Provides cultural context when applicable
  • Supported by local guides at specific sites

What You’ll See & Do

Day 1 | Quito
Arrive in Quito, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel to prepare for the week ahead.
Meals Included: None


Day 2 | Quito
Begin the day with a Spanish class before exploring Quito’s historic center with a costumed guide. Visit Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, and La Basílica del Voto Nacional before an Xperitas welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 3 | Cotopaxi
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park and experience one of Ecuador’s highest volcanoes. Learn about the unique landscapes and wildlife before returning to Quito.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 4 | Otavalo
Ride Quito’s Teleférico for panoramic views before visiting Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan Museum. Continue north to the town of Otavalo.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 5 | Otavalo
Explore South America’s largest artisan market before visiting Cascada de Peguche and enjoying an Andean music presentation. Finish the day with a traditional Ecuadorian cooking class.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 6 | Baños
Stop in Cotacachi before taking a boat ride on Cuicocha Lake and visiting a local weaving workshop. Continue to Baños, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 7 | Baños
Ride a traditional chiva bus to the spectacular Pailón del Diablo waterfall and enjoy a scenic hike. Later, relax in Baños’ famous natural hot springs.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8 | En Route
Participate in a volunteer visit to a local senior center before transferring to Quito Airport for your overnight flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 9 | Return
Arrive back in the United States.
Meals Included: None

Important Details

Prices are based on a minimum group size of 10 students. If the minimum is not met and your group cannot be combined, a small-group supplement will apply. Final pricing is determined by confirmed dates, air arrangements, family stay communities, program components, group size, and number of leaders at final billing.

Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.

The order of itinerary items may change due to unforeseen circumstances prior to or during the program.

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