Ecuador | Culture and Ecosystems with Centerville High School

Upon arrival in Quito transfer to the hotel.

This morning, explore Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by volcanoes, Quito is a unique city that boasts one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in the Americas.Visit La Compañia Church and San Francisco Church. After lunch, visit Museo Guayasamín, located in the former home of legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín. This wonderful museum houses the most complete collection of his work. Guayasamín was also an avid collector, and the museum displays his outstanding collection of pre-Columbian ceramic, bone, and metal pieces.

This morning, get a bird's eye view of the city on the Teleferico, which runs from the edge of the city center up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to look out on Cruz Loma. After lunch continue to the Middle of the World to visit Museo Intinan.

After breakfast, transfer to Casa del Suizo. En route, stop at Papallacta for some time at the pools and lunch. The drive provides several stops to photograph the lush, green valleys and sparkling waterfalls along the route from the scenic highlands into Amazonia. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the Napo River, where canoes will be waiting. Take a 15-minute ride downstream to Casa del Suizo, where you will have time to freshen up before a visit to Amazoonico, a rehabilitation center for wounded and displaced animals such as coatis, tapirs, monkeys, snakes, and birds. Return to Casa del Suizo for dinner.

Discover traditional Quichua culture in the village of Ahuano, where a local host will show you how to make the beverage chicha and demonstrate spiritual cleansing rituals. Next, see how tribe members make ceramics as a means of continuing traditions and supporting local economies. Before dinner, participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest. This evening, discuss today's experiences and the impact of indigenous tribes around the world.

This morning, depart from Casa del Suizo, and start your journey to Banos de Agua Santa. There will be a quick stop in the port town of Misahualli to see its population of wild capuchin monkeys. Continue to the Rio Verde area for lunch, and then visit Pailon del Diablo, an impressive 265-foot waterfall. This afternoon, enjoy zip lining and the Casa del Arbol, a treehouse overlooking a picturesque volcanic valley. Both activities are on own. This evening, take a ride on a chiva (a type of colorful, open-air bus) and have a pizza dinner.

Depart for Cuenca with a few stops along the way. *Holbrook services end with drop-off to host families, organized by faculty leader Lisa Ernest.

Students will enjoy homestays organized and managed by faculty member Lisa Ernest. No services by Holbrook.

Students will enjoy homestays organized and managed by faculty member Lisa Ernest. No services by Holbrook.

Students will enjoy homestays organized and managed by faculty member Lisa Ernest. No services by Holbrook.

Today, drive to Finca Punta Ayampe stopping for lunch en route. The scenic drive will take 7-8 hours. After your long journey, check into Punta Finca Ayampe located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

This morning, drive to the fishing port town of Puerto Lopez, where you will board a boat and take a two-hour journey to Isla de la Plata, also known as Silver Island. Upon arrival, hike and explore the flora and fauna. After a boxed lunch, enjoy snorkeling before returning to Ayampe. Later, continue the discussion on conservation efforts in Ecuador, and compare and contrast ecosystems while integrating human population effects. If time permits, visit Machalilla National Park, one of the most outstanding examples of tropical dry forest on the coast. Take a hike that ends at Los Frailes Beach, a white sand beach with clear, blue water considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador.

This morning, visit Escuela de Ayampe to experience local education. Meet with teachers, and donate any school supplies brought on the trip. During the visit, you will have time to learn, meet, and play with local students. Afterward, depart for Guayaquil stopping for a meal along the way. After dinner at Wyndham Garden Guayaquil, you will be taken to the airport in time for your flight home.

Arrive home.