2023 Weston Ecuador Cultural Journey

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2023 Weston Ecuador Cultural Journey! We have created two webpages dedicated to this exciting opportunity: this first page, the Pre-Enrollment Page, is meant to share exciting details, highlights and pertinent info that potential travelers 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 hope you are excited for all Ecuador has to offer!!
Travel Dates: April 13, 2023 - April 22, 2023
Program Tuition: $2,990 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $1,199

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family.

Program Tuition: $2,990

Pay in Full

$2,990.00

due today

All prices in United States Dollars.

Ecuador

Dense Amazonian rainforest, snow-capped Andean peaks, and volcanic islands – Ecuador is a place of many wonders. From Quito’s historic colonial district to the Galapagos Islands’ completely unique wildlife and ecosystems, our programs will fill you with wonder and excitement. You might find yourself swimming with sea lions or tropical penguins during your free time! The Galapagos Islands are the birthplace of our modern understanding of evolution.

From Ecuador you can fly to the islands to spend several days volunteering on a conservation and reforestation project, getting up close and personal with island wildlife like the famous giant tortoises. From here, you can travel to different islands in the archipelago and explore various sites and wildlife including sea turtles, marine iguanas, blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, albatrosses, frigate birds and much more. Participants will have the opportunity for plenty of snorkeling and hiking while learning about what makes each island rare – from various colors of sand (black, white, red and even green) to volcanic rocks that are millions of years old!

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!

Have the adventure of a lifetime with your friends

Snorkel with marine life in Isabela

Practice your Spanish language skills with locals

Relax and unwind on picturesque white sand beaches

Get your adrenaline fix on a zipline tour before relaxing in natural hot springs

Explore el centro historico de Quito

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
April 13USA - QuitoToday we will depart Boston in the early afternoon and arrive to Quito late at night. We will head straight to our Quito hotel for a late dinner (for those who are hungry) and a good night's rest. Hotel Quito
April 14Quito - OtovaloToday we'll drive between breathtaking mountains and valleys to Otavalo, where we will spend the day visiting artisan workshops and learning firsthand about Ecuadorian/Andean culture (music, dress, and cuisine). Next we'll either see a presentation from local expert musicians and lunch in their home or visit a local weaver's workshop and lunch there. We'll finish the day with some shopping at the Plaza de los Ponchos, one of Latin America's most famous artisan markets. We'll dine near the square and have the chance to sample some delicious Ecuadorian street food.Hotel Quito
April 15Quito - PapallactaToday we will travel to Papallacta. Upon arrival, we will stop for short hike to see the ecosystems that characterize the Antisana Reserve. Next, we will enjoy the Termas de Papallacta, natural hot springs surrounded by volcanoes and Andean valleys. In the afternoon, we will return to Quito to prepare for our travel to Las Islas Galapagos!
Hotel Quito
April 16Quito - Santa CruzToday we fly 600 miles over the Pacific Ocean to reach the Galapagos Islands. After landing in Baltra, we will take a ferry across the Itabaca Channel and experience a variety of ecosystems. We'll stop to enjoy the breathtaking views of Los Gemelos, or the "Twin Craters," as well as explore the island's underbelly in the lava tunnels, as we drive to Puerto Ayora. We'll stop for lunch at El Chato Ranch, where we will have our first of many delicious meals on the islands and see our first of glimpse of Giant Toroises in their natural habitat. Upon arrival to the port, we'll check into our hotel and have an orientation meeting to discuss the upcoming trip in detail. Dinner in town tonight.Eco Hostal Isla Azul Galapagos
April 17Quito - Santa CruzIn the morning we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we will learn directly from researchers about the islands' unique wildlife and the threats it face. We'll see land iguanas, lava lizards, and several species of giant tortoise. If we're lucky, we may get to see behind the scenes of this word famous research institute and admire special biological collections. In the afternoon we will have some time to cool off in the swimming holes at Las Grietas or on the beach at Playa Aleman, both a short water taxi ride from the port. Dinner this evening will be in Puerto Ayora.Hotel SaEco Hostal Isla Azul Galapagosnta Cruz
April 18Santa Cruz - IsabellaThis morning we'll take a speedboat over to Isabela Island, settle into our hotel, and have lunch in the seaside port town of Villamil. After lunch, we'll rent mountain bikes and explore The Wall of Tears, a relic of the island's prison history, then playa de amor- where marine iguanas breed- and a mirador for an amazing panoramic view of the island.Hotel Isabella
April 19Isabella - Santa CruzThis morning we'll grab our gear and go snorkeling at Concha de Perla, a stunning lagoon where we'll have a chance to see marine iguanas in their preferred habitat, schools of fish, sting rays and much more! After lunch we will head back to Santa Cruz where we will have time to do some last minute souvenir shopping and have our final dinner in the islands. Eco Hostal Isla Azul Galapagos
April 20Santa Cruz - QuitoWe'll make our return journey from the islands to the mountainous region of Ecuador. In the evening we will have time to relax at the hotel after our long journey from the islands and will finish the day with a dinner in the city.Hotel Quito
April 21QuitoToday we will take a guided walking tour of the centro historico de Quito. We will learn more about the capital city the various powers who have occupied the nation's capital. In the evening, we will have our final reflection meeting a going away dinner to celebrate this amazing adventure. We will head to the airport after dinner for our flight home. Airplane
April 22Quito - USAOut flight will depart short after midnight and we will spend the day flight back to the US.Your own bed eventually!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. 

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Hotel San Francisco de Quito

Step back in time and enjoy the beautiful accommodations of the Hotel San Francisco de Quito. Located in the heart of the historic center of Quito, one of the most well preserved colonial districts in all of Latin America, this unique hotel combines comfort with centuries of colonial history to provide its guests with an unforgettable stay.

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

My experience with your organization was exceptional. The communication was prompt, courteous, and thorough. The trip was very well planned and the educational focus made me feel this such trip had a great value. My daughter has grown and matured in a wonderful way because of this trip.

Jim
Parent of Teagan, 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: Premiere Travel insurance, baggage fees, airline minor fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.

Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more.  There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!

Use the promo code FAIRFALL through the end of 2021 and save 10% off wholesale cases prices.

Learn more here.

WTT coffee
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

Top