Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Hit the ground running on this thrilling adventure through Quito, Tena, and Baños. Your students will take a dip in the Papallacta volcanic hot springs, hike through lush, tropical jungle, and go white water rafting down the Napo River! Your class can also look forward to visiting a local wildlife rescue, learning from the Indigenous Kichwa community, and browsing the La Mariscal artisanal craft market.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 2
Quito guided sightseeing tour
Independence Plaza, Palacio de Carondelet, San Francisco Church visit, Mitad del Mundo visit
Day 3
Travel to the Upper Amazon Basin region via Papallacta
Papallacta volcanic hot springs visit
Visit the town of Papallacta to relax in its mineral-rich thermal pools, which range from icy cold to scalding hot. Renowned for their high sulfate content, these pools are believed to offer a variety of health and beauty benefits.
Cross over the Eastern Andes and descend into Tena
Day 4
School visit
Amazon Animal Rescue Center visit
This Rescue Center rehabilitates endangered animals saved from circuses, trafficking, or illegal pet ownership, and reintroduces them to their natural habitat whenever possible.
Amazon jungle hike
Covering nearly two billion acres, the Amazon is home to over 2.5 million insect species, and that is just the beginning. Thousands of fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles also inhabit this vast rainforest, making it the most biodiverse place on Earth. Journey into the heart of the Upper Amazon Basin and enjoy an afternoon hike through its lush tropical jungle.
Indigenous Kichwa community visit
Day 5
Napo River white water rafting guided excursion
Located in the heart of the Amazon Basin, the powerful Upper Napo River carries you and your licensed guide on a thrilling white water adventure through the jungle. As you travel fifteen miles downriver, take in the lush tropical landscapes of the Ecuadorian rainforest.
Day 6
Travel to the cloud forest town of Baños
Balsa wood workshop and handicrafts demonstration
Pailón del Diablo waterfall excursion
About half an hour outside the town of Baños lies the powerful Pailon del Diablo, also known as the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall. Hike near its roaring mouth and take in the lush cloud forest vegetation and native wildlife. Be sure to bring a rain jacket as the spray is part of the experience.
Explore the Río Pastaza Canyon
Day 7
Church of the Virgin of Agua Santa visit
Set on a hillside beneath the billowing smoke of Tungurahua, Ecuador’s largest active volcano, this Gothic-style basilica was named after a vision of the Virgin Mary seen in the nearby waterfalls of Baños. It has become a place where both tourists and locals come to thank her for her many miracles and to ask for her blessing. Built from volcanic rock, the interior of the impressive church features paintings of the Virgin’s miracles, including saving the basilica from multiple volcanic eruptions.
Tungurahua Volcano
Admire views of Tungurahua Volcano, one of Ecuador’s many active volcanoes.
Day 8
Cotopaxi National Park visit
Take a tour of Ecuador’s most visited national park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, towering at nearly 20,000 feet. As you hike to the lodge, watch for Andean condors, seagulls, ducks, and other endemic wildlife around Limpiopungo
Travel to Quito
Day 9
La Mariscal artisanal craft market visit
A visit to La Mariscal market is a must for anyone looking for a souvenir or a gift to bring home. Filled with crafts and specialties from across Ecuador, the market dazzles with displays of blankets, paintings, jewelry, bags, flutes, chocolate, and more.
Return home
Day 10
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 5 Days in the Galápagos Islands
Fly to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Interpretation Center to learn about the Galápagos’ unique ecosystems. Hike to Tijeretas Bay to spot frigatebirds, rays, and sea lions, followed by a snorkeling adventure. Relax at Playa Mann, then visit La Galapaguera to see giant tortoises and hike to scenic El Junco Lake, the islands’ only freshwater lagoon. Continue with a snorkeling excursion at La Lobería Beach, known for its vibrant marine life. Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island for a guided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to vital conservation efforts. Conclude your extension with a trip to Baltra Island to explore the dramatic Twin Craters before flying back to Quito to begin your journey home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Ecuador
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.