Traveling Classroom • Casa de Lengua

Exploring Ecuador Tour – 19 Days

Don’t sell yourself short on a trip to Ecuador – see it all, with a Traveling Classroom tour that takes you everywhere! Our 19-day tour across enchanting Ecuador is a sure-fire way to learn Spanish and see the best this country has to offer, all at the same time. We’ll visit the Andes, the Amazon and everything in between!

From$3,999
Exploring Ecuador Tour – Traveling Classroom Map

Touch the sun near Ecuador’s highest peak!

Horse ride around beautiful Laguna Quilotoa!

Take the La Nariz del Diablo mountain train!

Get wet tubing down the River Napo in the Amazon Jungle!

Explore historic caves in Tena!

Itinerary

Otavalo – Indigenous Craft Market

Day 1: Discover Otavalo · Indigenous Craft Market · First class

To many it’s the most successful Amerindian community in all of South America. To other’s it’s just beautiful Otavalo, no matter how you see it. On your first day you’ll meet the famous locals at the indigenous craft market, where you can sample food and purchase handmade textiles and crafts. You’ll also have your first Spanish class in the afternoon.

Peguche Falls and San Pablo Lake

Day 2: Peguche Falls · Eucalyptus Forest · Hike to San Pablo Lake

Near Otavalo, the best of Ecuador’s natural beauty is waiting for you – after Spanish classes in the morning, of course! Today you’ll visit the spiritual Peguche waterfalls, where members of the local indigenous community bathe during annual festivities. Next, take in the smell of eucalyptus plantations and reach San Pablo Lake on foot.

Cuicocha Lake and Cotacachi

Day 3: Visit Cuicocha Lake · Discover Cotacachi · Learn local history

Once we’ve refuelled with breakfast, it’s time for a day-trip from Otavalo to Lake Cuicocha. We’ll hike around the lake, taking in breathtaking scenery and the famous patchwork of crops in the foreground. While we eat, we’ll learn about local history and return – well-versed – to the nearby town of Cotacachi, famous for it’s leather products. End the day with Spanish lessons in Otavalo.

Machachi – Ilinizas Peaks

Day 4: Head to Machachi · Spot Ilinizas’ jagged peaks · Go hiking

A breakfast for champions and it’s adventure-time once again! We’ll head to Machachi, a village resting atop the central highlands amongst farmland and soaring peaks. Later, we’ll have lunch and get straight into Spanish classes in the afternoon, before a relaxed evening for socializing and free time.

El Boliche Andean Forest

Day 5: Visit El Boliche recreational area · Explore Andean forest

Located next to the famous Cotapaxi National Park, the El Boliche recreational area offers us the chance today to explore Andean forest at its finest and learn about a world of stunning native vegetation. Once we finish our hike, we’ll have lunch and get straight into afternoon Spanish classes. Rest your body and brain in the evening with time for yourself.

Latacunga, Chugchilán and Río Toachi

Day 6: Stop by Latacunga · Discover Chugchilán · See Rio Toachi canyon

We hit the road again today, stopping for a bite to eat at the beautiful Andean village of Latacunga. We’ll then make our way to the mountainside town of Chugchilán, where stunning views and the incredible Rio Toachi canyon is waiting for us. Sticking with our routine, we’ll have lunch and dive into the books, with our 6th day of Spanish classes.

Laguna Quilotoa Horse Ride

Day 7: Horse ride at Laguna Quilotoa · Relax in Chugchilán

Things are little different today. Yes, we’ll have breakfast. Yes, we’ve got an adventure lined up for you. But today, the horses are picking us up! At a relaxed pace we’ll head out to the Quilotoa Laguna, a simple stunning green crater lake and one of the most beautiful sites you might ever see. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the snow-covered peaks of Cotopaxi and Iliniza. After lunch, Spanish classes again and time to relax.

Riobamba & Chimborazo

Day 8: Arrive to Riobamba · Try to touch the sun · Afternoon Spanish

You’ll get close to Ecuador’s highest point and the closest peak in the world to the sun, Chimborazo. We arrive to nearby Riobamba where we’ll settle in, fuel up with lunch and get right into the Spanish language, with classes programmed for the afternoon. In the evening we’ll have dinner and take time out to rest.

Riobamba town

Day 9: Morning Spanish · Explore Riobamba · Enjoy your afternoon

We’ll spice things up on day #9 with Spanish classes in the morning, right after a healthy, energizing breakfast. There’s still loads to see in Riobamba. We’ll explore the town and put our newfound Spanish skills to world on the locals, right through the afternoon, with a whole lot of time for yourself.

La Nariz del Diablo train / Chimborazo refuge

Day 10: La Nariz del Diablo train ride · Visit Volcán Chimborazo refuge

You’ve got two options today. For those wanting a rail adventure, the La Nariz del Diablo line is an exhilarating descent from Alausí to Sibambe and back, with lots to see along the way. Your other option is an adventure to the Chimborazo Volcano refuge, where you’ll get as close as possible to the sun. Both options lead you back to Alausí for a delicious lunch and great afternoon classes.

Baños & Tungurahua

Day 11: Arrive to Baños · See Volcán Tungurahuathe · Rest and refuel

Today we arrive to the town of Baños. Located at the footsteps of Tungurahuathe volcano, Baños is your gateway to the Amazon jungle, plus an opportunity to unwind, look around and have your next lesson in our Traveling Classroom adventure across Ecuador.

Pailon del Diablo waterfall

Day 12: Visit Pailon del Diablo · Explore Baños · Bungee Jump

Today you’ll have a chance to take a cable car across the river and hike to Pailon del Diablo, a majestic waterfall near Baños where we’ll take a dip. You can even give bungee jumping a go! Back in town, enjoy a hearty lunch and tuck into afternoon Spanish lessons.

Nature hiking near Baños

Day 13: Morning Spanish classes · Nature hiking · Incredible views

After breakfast, begin the day on a high note with your 11th round of Spanish classes. We’ll head out on a beautiful nature hike on the outskirts of Baños to reach a viewpoint that will take your breath away.

Thermal pools of Baños

Day 14: Enjoy Baños · Swim in thermal pools · Day off

Half way through your journey you’ll be in need of rest! That’s why today you can enjoy the whole day to yourself, perhaps at the thermal pools near Baños that are known for their healing powers, or around the town itself, where you can shop, eat drink and relax.

Misahuallí – Río Napo

Day 15: Head to Misahualli · Spot monkeys · Get to know the town

We’re off! This time to Misahualli, a town rested on the shores of Rio Napo, which connects directly to the Amazon River. We’ll arrive mid-morning, where you’ll meet the local monkey – and spot the rest bouncing between the trees – before Spanish classes with your teacher in the afternoon.

Jungle canoe tour & tubing

Day 16: Jungle canoe tour · Tubing on Rio Napo · Learn survival tricks

Adventure time! After a short Spanish class in the morning, we’ll zip up the Rio Napo on a motorized canoe, for a guided tour through the jungle, before jumping in the river again for tubing. Visit a conservation zoo in the afternoon, and take the rest of the day off!

Jungle hike to Tena

Day 17: Hike through the jungle · Swim at waterfall · Travel to Tena

After jungle hiking and waterfall swimming in the morning, pack your bags and prepare for Tena, where we’ll have lunch and get our Spanish on, with exciting, personalized classes prepared for the afternoon!

Jumandy Caves near Tena

Day 18: Visit historic caves · Explore Tena

Near Tena, we’ll visit enchanting caves named after a man who fought of the Spanish conquistadores, the Jumandy caves! Back in Tena by afternoon, we’ve got Spanish classes ready for you, plus the chance to explore the town and enjoy the site.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Day 19: End at Papallacta · Swim in natural pools · Eat trout for lunch

You’ll hardly remember it’s your last stop, with a fun-filled day in Papallacta in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Take a dip in the famous pools nearby and tuck into some delicious local trout before we head back to Quito!

Start Dates

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This tour starts on the 1st and 4th Monday of every month.

What's included?

60 hours of Spanish Classes, including 45 hours of formal Spanish Classes and 15 hours of practice as you travel with your teacher

Transportation the authentic way – by public bus alongside your teacher, locals and the odd chicken!

18-nights accommodation in hand-picked local hotels

Included excursions, as indicated on the itinerary

Options: Private or group tour (min. 2 travelers and max. 6 per Spanish teacher) – If the minimum number of travelers isn't reached, the private tour price applies!

Single or double room