Why Ecuador Should Be Your Next Student Trip Destination

We’ve added two new student trips to Ecuador, and they have us all buzzing with dreams of blue-footed boobies and Andean adventures. ACIS Team Member Jill spent some time there earlier this year, deepening her appreciation for what this amazing destination offers teachers and their student groups:

“Ecuador is a great place for a student trip because it can cover so many different subjects: language learning, history, science, cultural exchanges…there is so much to do! Even if you aren’t a Spanish speaker, the people are kind and love to help you practice even a few beginner’s words.

And it offers lots of different terrain to explore—from urban Quito (a city at one of the highest altitudes in the world) to the biodiverse upper and lower Amazon, to volcanic Cotopaxi, to the truly incomparable ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands. Plus, being able to stand on the equator!

The flight isn’t long from the US either, so you’re able to visit another continent (and hemisphere!) without having to travel very far.”

Check out these three student trips to Ecuador that showcase the country’s best:

Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Frequently on everyone’s “bucket list,” the Galápagos do not disappoint. Follow in Darwin’s footsteps as you see giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas and more species of plants and animals that you can imagine. Plus a few days experiencing the Andean Highlands and Quito, whose beautifully preserved historic center is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

Andes to the Coast

Get a taste of the “Mini-Galápagos” on Isla de la Plata while also leaving more time for on-land adventures like hiking around both the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanos, the waterfalls of Baños and, of course, some equatorial fun near Quito. Plus, cultural exchanges with two different indigenous groups mean you’ll feel as beautifully connected to the people as you do the land.

Ecuador’s Andes and the Amazon

It’s full jungle immersion as you stay at an Amazon eco-lodge, exploring their forest trails, meeting with an indigenous Amazonian community and cruising by boat to the famous animal refuge and rescue center known as AmaZOOnico. The Amazon experience is bookended with historic Quito, thermal springs, waterfalls, a zip-line canopy tour, Cotopaxi volcano and a day with the traditional Ozogoche community engaging in shared agricultural and conservation activities.

From Jill again:
“Whether or not you have already organized student travel to other Spanish speaking destinations, Ecuador is a wonderful new one to explore. Any chance you have to visit another country and learn the nuances of their language and culture is one to be taken!”

Inspired to lead a student trip to Ecuador?

Browse the full itineraries of all our Ecuador trips and reach out to us to start planning.