Join us for an Alternative Spring Break in the Ecuadorian Amazon

This week-long immersion trip will expose students to the culture and ecology of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Students will work directly with Runa Foundation and Amazon Learning staff on a variety of ongoing projects including conservation and wildlife monitoring, reforestation, and community development.  

Participants will hike through virgin rainforest, taste traditional cuisine, get their hands dirty with local Amazonian farmers, swim by pristine waterfalls, and much more!  We are so excited to share this experience, sign up today!

DATES:

In 2016, Amazon Learning is teaming with Runa Foundation to offer three separate trips to accommodate different spring break schedules. Each trip is based on a Saturday arrival and a Sunday departure. The following dates are available:

1) March 12 - 19

2) March 19 - 26

3) March 26 -  April 2

ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Saturday – Arrive in Quito/Stay the night in a traditional Andean Hostel/Meet the team!

Day 2 – Sunday – Travel by car from Quito to Tena / On the way you will learn about the diverse ecosystems as we wind our way down the Andes into the Amazon Basin.   You will see majestic volcanoes and spend part of the day relaxing in naturally heated hot springs.

Day 3 – Monday – Introduction to Ecuador and Amazon / Tour of the local city of Tena and “monkey beaches” of Misahualli / Visit Amazonian museums / Hike to nearby waterfall of Las Latas

Day 4 – Tuesday – Spend the day in a local community deep in the Amazon, nestled by the pristine Napo-Galeras forest reserve /  Work in an Amazonian forest garden or “chakra” and plant native trees / Learn the importance of biodiversity and food security / Camping in the community

Day 5 – Wednesday – Arise in the predawn hours with a Kichwa family and drink gourds of guayusa tea while listening to the legends and mythology of the local culture and landscapes of the rainforest / Hike into the Napo-Galeras National Park / Spend the day immersed in the rainforest learning about the local ecology and importance of wildlife monitoring / Work on reforesting areas of the Amazon with community members

Day 6 – Thursday - Learn about Guayusa and Cacao production in the community of Santa Rita / Visit Runa’s guayusa factory / Visit Kallari’s chocolate factory / Learn about Social Enterprise, Fair Trade, and community development

Day 7 – Friday – Rafting down the Rio Napo! / Trip celebration

Day 8 – Saturday – Travel to Quito / Tour of Quito, Ecuador’s capital

Day 9 – Sunday – Return flight.