Ecuador Spring Term Guide
From EcuadorWiki
Working together, Kirsten McNally, Dani Smith, and Sarah Nicholas are in the process of preparing a guide for Ecuador. Our spring term in Ecuador was nothing short of amazing, but with this guide it could have been even better. This guide is intended to assist all future students and professors traveling to Ecuador.
Pre-Planned Trips
The cost of the three weeks in Ecuador payed for our tuition, host family, plane ticket, ticket for the Galapagos Legend, and some other afternoon and weekend trips. All of the weekend and afternoon trips were planned for us through the Academia Latinoamericano. The trips were very enlightening and varied in length and time. *Note: The trip did not include the cost for the room and board on campus for the first week (budget an extra $100-$125). These wonderful pre-planned and usually pre-paid trips are included in the following list:
- City Tour of Quito: An afternoon guided tour of Quito's Colonial area and the bus system.
- Dance Lessons: A quick plunge into Salsa dancing.
- Mitad del Mundo: An Ecuador must see, the middle of the world is captivating.
- Mount Cotapoxi: Worth a weekend trip, Mount Cotapoxi is breathtaking.
- Jacchigua Folkloric Ballet: An ethnic ballet depicting Ecuadorian culture.
- Bella Vista Cloud Forest Reserve: A reserve perfect for finding beautiful birds.
- Otavalo Indian Market: The largest marketplace around, perfect for bartering practice.
- Indiginous Lunch: A traditional lunch prepared and enjoyed at the home of Antonio Quinotoa.
- San Antonio and Cotacachi: One town specializing in wood carving and one in leather goods.
- Hacienda in Urcuqui and Puerto Lago Reaustrant: Two very delicious meals, the amazing atmospheres are just a perk.
- Visiting a Project: This project is a place where underprivileged children can come and do homework, eat, and hang out.
- Galapagos Legend: A small cruise that takes passengers around the Galapagos Islands.
Other Side Trips
Although our free time was rather limited to evenings, we did find enough time to explore Ecuador, more specifically Quito, on our own. These afternoons or evenings were free to do as we pleased, and we found what we enjoyed rather quickly. Here is a quick guide to what to do in and around Quito on your own.
- Crepes y Waffles: This reastruant is a very popular one, located in Que Centro.
- White Water Rafting: Rafting with amazing guides down rapids that are rated as mostly threes.
- Internet Cafe: A necessity in this high speed time, internet cafes can be found everywhere around Quito.
- Monument of the Virgin Mary: A short taxi ride can take you to this amazing statue that is located on top of El Panecillo.
