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• Day 1 Arrive Quito

  Positioned just a few miles shy of the equator in a narrow valley surrounded by volcanoes Quito, Ecuador, is a spectacular city. At 9,350 feet above sea level, it is the second highest capital city in Latin America, and maintains a pleasant spring-like climate all year round. Upon arrival you will meet your Student Expeditions to Program Leader and transfer to your hotel.

• Day 2 Introduction to Water in Quito, Ecuador

  To start the discussion about water you will visit a sacred site where ancient Kichwa communities took ceremonial baths. Here you will discuss the importance of water conservation and have general overview of current events related to water in Ecuador and around the world. This afternoon conduct experiments with water on the equator line and challenge the theories of the Coriolis effect.

• Day 3 Build Water Filters using sustainable materials

  Today you will roll up your sleeves and spend the day in a workshop with local builders who will teach you about water filtration and how to construct innovative, ceramic water filters.  Mold clay and other local materials to produce efficient and cost-effective water filters that you will take with you on your journey to Andean highlands and Amazon basin.

• Day 4 Travel to the Otavalo highlands

  This morning travel north to the province of Imbabura, a region known for its ancient volcanoes, pristine highland lakes, and thriving indigenous culture. This fascinating area is home to the Otavaleños, Kichwa-speaking Indians famous for their traditional garments, ancient handicrafts, and expansive outdoor markets.

  The first stop is Laguna Cuicocha, literally translated, “Lake of the Guinea Pigs.” This stunning lake sits in a volcanic crater at 10,072 feet above sea level, and is known for its emerald-green waters and the pair of islets at its center that resemble cuis, or guinea pigs.

  This afternoon visit Otavalo’s legendary outdoor market, one of the largest and oldest in South America. This indigenous market has been a communal, cultural, and commercial hub for farmers and artisans in the surrounding areas since long before the arrival of the Spanish.

  Accommodations: Community Stay

• Day 5 Distribute water filters and begin Clean Floor Project

  Conduct Clean Water Workshop with community members in the local school and hand out water filters to participating families. This afternoon divide into small groups and work directly with families to help them install concrete floors in their homes.

  Clean Floor Project

  In rural communities in the Andean highlands of Ecuador, most families live with dirt floors in their homes, lacking any type of hard flooring.  In addition to being uncomfortable and unpleasant, this living environment poses health risks for families and can lead to a host of preventable diseases, parasites, and worms.  Dirt floors are impossible to clean and accumulate pathogens that enter houses on shoes.

• Day 6 Clean Floor Project Continued

  During free time play soccer with the children in the community and teach English through art and games.

• Day 7 Travel from the Andes to the Amazon

  Today’s journey will take you upwards of 13,000 feet above sea level as you cross over the Eastern Andes mountain range. Notice the landscape change  as you drive through the Páramo, a fragile neo-tropical ecosystem that is home to over 5,000 species of plants, many of which are endemic. Stop for soak at the thermal baths of Papallacta, which are heated naturally by the surrounding volcanoes and examine some of Ecuador’s most important watersheds. Discuss water management and visit the reservoir that supplies Quito with water.  Descend east into the Amazon basin.  The dramatic rise in temperature and lush ecosystem is proof of your arrival into the tropical lowlands. Transfer to a native Kichwa community whose principal livelihood is farming cacao and other local crops.

• Day 8 Project with Kichwa Amazon Community

  This morning you will meet with families in the community and learn about their use of water and the challenges they face with regard to access to water. Participants will conduct a Clean Water Workshop with community members in the local school and hand out water filters to participating families.

  Later this morning you will work together with members of the community to make improvements to the elementary school or another community center, depending on the needs at the time.  Additional activities include and trail maintenance.

  This afternoon help families with their crops, such as plantains, yuccas, and medicinal plants. Learn about the cultivation of cacao beans, including harvesting, drying, and exporting through fair-trade chocolate cooperatives. Discuss the challenges farmers face and why they have organized with other organic farmers.

• Day 9 Paddle down a tributary of the Amazon river

  Today you will float down the rapids of the Upper Napo River where 16th century Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Pizarro once traveled in search of the fabled city of El Dorado.  The Upper Napo River, known locally as Río Jatunyacu, is one of the main tributaries feeding the Amazon River.  As you travel down river, learn about illegal gold mining dredges other threats to access to clean water.

  Later this afternoon, proceed back over the Eastern Andes range to Quito in time for dinner.

• Day 10 Depart

  This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight.