2021 Fuglestad Ecuador and Peru Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2021 Fuglestad Ecuador and Peru Cultural Journey! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting program so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. The first page, Pre-Enrollment, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page, is meant to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and we can't wait to start our enriching adventure!
Travel Dates: March 13, 2021 - March 22, 2021
Dates are tentative
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $3,490 USD - or - $3,390 USD with discount if paid in full
Airfare not included in program tuition
Estimated Airfare: $1,900
Deadline(s): Deadline is forthcoming

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $3,490

Pay in Full

Pay in full at the time of enrollment and receive a $100 discount off your program tuition! Payment with the discount would be:

$3,390.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$85.43

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

Ecuador Service Adventure

Don’t let Ecuador’s small size fool you. Tucked between Colombia and Peru, it might be the smallest Andean nation but the country is packed with jarring contrasts of scenery and ways of life. Often called a microcosm of Latin America, the diversity in people and places is truly astounding and makes Ecuador a delight to visit.  Whether trekking through dense Amazonian rainforest, marveling at the majesty of massive snow-capped peaks, exploring colorful highland markets or navigating Quito’s historic colonial district, our programs will show you the many sides of this captivating country.

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu

Study unique wildlife alongside researchers

Hike through the Amazon jungle

Explore the Sun Temple and other Incan ruins in Ollantaytambo

Explore el centro historico de Quito

Enjoy a photographic scavenger hunt of Cusco in the high Andes

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
1Minneapolis- Quito, EcuadorTonight we will fly south from the USA, connecting in Panama and arriving in Ecuador tomorrow.Airplane
2QuitoWe arrive in Quito late this morning. After we clear customs we will depart the airport for the capital's centro historico , where we will eat lunch and visit the Basílica del Voto Nacional . Later we will return to the airport to fly onward to Lago Agrio, where we will rest for the evening after a long day of travel ahead of our adventures in the jungle tomorrow!San Francisco
3Quito - ParqueAfter breakfast, we will make our way to the Cuyabeno National Park system, our home in the Amazon jungle for the next few days. We will hold an orientation with our guides upon arrival to the eco-lodge, where we will have the opportunity to experience the region's unique flora and fauna through a variety of activities. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, searching for wildlife (including pink river dolphins!) and learning how to cook traditional dishes with the indigenous Siona community.Green Forest Eco Lodge
4ParqueGuided Amazonian adventures continue, activites vary. Green Forest Eco Lodge
5ParqueGuided Amazonian adventures continue, activites vary. Green Forest Eco Lodge
6Parque - PapallactaToday we will say adios to the jungle and travel onward to the Papallacta hot springs high in the Andes. We will spend our last night in Ecuador soaking in the hot springs under the stars ahead of our departure tomorrow.Las Termas de Papallacta
7Papallacta - Quito, Ecuador - Lima, PeruWe'll have an optional short hike in the morning to see the ecosystems that characterize the Antisana Reserve, then travel from Papallacta to Quito. If time permits, we will ride a cable car up Pichincha Volcano or to head over to Parque Itchimbia to see a final panoramic of Quito before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Peru!Hostal El Patio
8Lima - CuscoToday we will leave Lima and travel to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Quechua empire. Once in Cusco, we will acclimate to our new altitude over tea at our hotel in the San Blas neighborhood to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Later, we will take a guided walking tour and marvel at how Quechua, Spanish and modern influences have molded current day Cusco.Pension Alemana
9Sacred Valley - Aguas CalientesThe adventures continue as we set out for Chinchero, a small town just above the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a weaving demonstration from the women famous for these local textiles. We will then make our way to Salineras, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountains. From there we will descend the Sacred Valley and make our way to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will take the beautiful two-hour ride to Aguas Calientes, the base town of Machu Picchu.Las Cabañas de Machu Picchu
10Machu Picchu - CuscoToday we will wake early and either hike or bus to the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. With our local guide, we will learn about the history and significance of this citadel set high in the Andes, and take time to reflect on our journey thus far. We will then make our way back to Cusco this evening.Pension Alemana
11Cusco - Lima - USAToday we will say goodbye to the Andes and will fly from Cusco to Lima to connect to our flight home this afternoon.Airplane
12USAArrive home!Your own bed!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Santa Lucia Eco Lodge

Located high in the Ecuadorian cloud forest, this eco-lodge is only accessible by foot, but the 45 minute hike up to the lodge rewards guests with unbeatable views of the surround nature reserve. Selected for its dedication to conservation, it is also a convenient base from which to assist local researchers with their wildlife conservation projects in the area. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Pension Alemana

Situated in the hills of the San Blas neighborhood, Pension Alemana is a beautiful bed and breakfast overlooking the historic center of Cusco. Representative of the city’s history and culture, this hotel blends Quechua and Spanish colonial styles to provide a stunning setting to relax at 11,000 feet. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

La Cabaña Machu Picchu Hotel

The locally owned and operated La Cabaña Machu Picchu Hotel in Aguas Calientes provides clean and comfortable accommodations for weary travelers visiting the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. A sister hotel Jaya Machu Picchu Hotel, the more rustic style of this hotel combined with its modern amenities combine to make an all-around great experience for guests. Free Wi-Fi access throughout the building keeps everyone feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Our daughter is planning a high school junior year as an exchange student abroad, and your program was partly a ‘test the waters” of her being abroad. It was a tremendous success, thank you!

Barney
Parent of Della, traveler on 2017 program to Thailand

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

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Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

Learn More

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