The Traveling Classroom - Andean Mountains and Amazon Jungle in Ecuador (7 days)
Have you always wanted to experience the Amazon or traverse the Andes? Then come and discover the majestic Sierra and steamy Oriente regions of Ecuador whilst taking part in a series of fun and engaging Spanish lessons with the Traveling Classroom’s Andes/Amazon jungle 7 day tour!
Route
Baños and surroundings – Misahualli – Rio Napo – Tena – Papallacta
Toughness Level
Because you will be taking part in several short hikes, at altitude and in the jungle, as well as various opportunities to swim, this tour is categorized as having a medium level of toughness.
Additional Information
Minimum age:
18 years
Start dates:
Every first or second Saturday of the month.
Length of stay:
7 days.
Immunizations:
Since you will be travelling in a developing country, it is absolutely necessary that you have current immunizations. This includes, among others: yellow fever (certified), tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, and rabies. You’ll receive exact information pertaining to immunizations needed in Ecuador, as well as your personal preliminary documentation, following your successful application with us.
You can inquire in advance concerning immunization requirements by consulting medical authorities in your country of origin, e.g. in the US, for example, check with the Centers for Disease Control and Protection
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ecuador.
Special conditions:
Wifi is available in all towns in which we stay, but please be aware that it is not often of the fastest speed!
Transport:
Rally that adventure spirit and hold onto your hats – during this program we travel in true native style. Get ready for local public transport, chaperoned by your course teachers, locals and the occasional chicken!
Please note: Group sizes range from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 6 people, but if the minimum group size is not reached, then the private tour price applies. As the group sizes differ, be prepared for variety in your experience and the people you will meet.
Things to Bring
Clothing
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Cap or hat.
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T-shirts and sweater shirt.
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Shorts and long trousers.
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Rain jacket or plastic ponchos.
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Sneakers or hiking boots.
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Sandals or flip flops.
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Socks.
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Swim suit or swimming trunks.
Accessories
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Sunblock.
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Sunglasses.
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Insect repellent, at least 20% DEET. If you know of a better option than chemicals please let us know.
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Towel(s).
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Altitude sickness aids.
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Toiletries.
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Daypack (for hikes).
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Binoculars (optional).
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Camera with zoom (if you want to catch some moments).
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Notebook and pen.
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Spending money.
Excluded Services
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Meals and drinks are excluded, so we suggest you bring between $8 and $30 per day to cover food.
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International flight.
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Enrollment fee (40 US).
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Personal spending.
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Any additional items not listed in the ‘Included Services’ list.
Optional Services
If you want to book this tour as a private tour please let us know in advance!
Included Services
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6 nights accommodation in trusted hotels, in double rooms.
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20 hours of Spanish classes, 15 hours in formal lessons and 5 hours practice as you travel with your teacher.
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Professionally trained course teachers, all holding university degrees in Linguistics and Latin American Literature.
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All course materials.
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Transportation during the tour the authentic way.
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All excursions listed on the itinerary.
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Pickup service from airport.
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Pre-arrival pack and information materials.
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24 hour support.
Traveling Season
The best time to take part in this tour is: all year round! However, be aware that June to September is considered ‘dry season’, whilst December to May is ‘wet season’.
Day by Day
DAY 1
We arrive in the spa town of Baños during the morning, allowing you plenty of time to explore before lunch and an afternoon of Spanish classes. Take the chance to unwind later in the day in the town known as the gateway to the Amazon, and drink in the views of the stunning Tungurahua volcano.
DAY 2
After breakfast and a short Spanish session, we hike to Pailón del Diablo, a gorgeous waterfall near Baños, set amongst lush tropical jungle. A swim in the pool is a must! After a filling lunch, we have a whole afternoon of Spanish lined up for you, and a chance to explore more of Baños.
DAY 3
After a delicious breakfast and a short Spanish session we set out, us intrepid explorers, into the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our first point of call is the small but bustling port of Misahualli, located on the Rio Napo river. We’ll arrive mid-afternoon, giving you the chance to meet the local mischievous monkeys and explore the town at your leisure.
DAY 4
It’s time to get into the adventure spirit! Today, we have a full day of exploration and learning for you. We start by taking a motorized canoe along Rio Napo, before joining a guided tour through the jungle. Take notes – you will be thoroughly versed in a number of survival tricks! We jump back into the river afterwards, though this time for a spot of tubing, before eating a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon the group visits a local conservation zoo, before (finally!) getting the chance to relax and soak up the Amazonian atmosphere.
DAY 5
We only have one more morning in the jungle, so make the most of it! We begin with another jungle hike, ending in a refreshing dip in some spectacular waterfalls. After your bags are packed, we head to Tena for a tasty lunch and an afternoon of classes.
DAY 6
We explore the underground world of Ecuador today, by visiting the famous historical caves of Jumandy, named after the local man who fought off the Spanish conquistadors. We travel back to Tena for lunch and our final session of Spanish classes; but never fear, you will have time later in the afternoon to distract yourself from sadness by exploring more of the pretty town of Tena.
DAY 7
Our adventure is almost done – but there is still time for one last trip! We make the most of our last day by visiting the thermal baths of Papallacta and sampling delicious freshwater trout. Later in the day, it is time to wave goodbye to a trip of lifetime as we depart for Quito.
The day by day schedule (including some places) of this tour can change and is subject to the tour guide’s decisions and local dependencies.
Pricing
From € 1199
Learn Spanish Whilst Seeing the Sights of the Oriente and Sierra in Ecuador!
Included Services
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6 nights accommodation in trusted hotels, in double rooms.
-
20 hours of Spanish classes, 15 hours in formal lessons and 5 hours practice as you travel with your teacher.
-
All course materials.
-
Tour transportation.
-
Pickup service from airport.
-
Pre-arrival pack and information materials.
-
24 hour support.