Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
This unique community engagement program in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador offers a truly off-the-grid experience. Take part in hands-on projects, explore Kichwa traditions, hike through the jungle, and visit iconic sites like Mitad del Mundo while building leadership and global citizenship skills. A thoughtful combination of meaningful service activities and leadership exercises creates this one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Quito
Meet Camps International staff and transfer to your hotel
Quito is one of the most captivating cities in Latin America, nestled in a narrow valley in the Andes between Volcano Pichincha and the Machangara River Canyon. The capital combines a dramatic natural setting with a unique blend of colonial and modern architecture, creating a fascinating cityscape. It is both the seat of government and the nation’s cultural hub, home to museums, festivals, and vibrant markets. Depending on flight arrival times, students may explore the Historic Center, shop for souvenirs, and experience the energy of this remarkable city.
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 2
Travel to Camp Donbiki
You’ll continue on to Camp Donbiki, which will serve as your base. Located in the Arajuno area of Pastaza Province, the journey there is part of the adventure. On the bus ride, you may catch glimpses of the glacier of Cerro Antisana and sweeping views east across the vast Amazon. The final stretch takes you by motorized dugout canoe, giving you a true taste of the region.
Camp Donbiki orientation
At Camp Donbiki, you will stay in traditional jungle lodges with bunk beds, flushing toilets, and cold showers. The camp sits on the Rio Arajuno beside a small community, giving you the chance to live in the Amazon where mornings begin cool and afternoons grow warm and humid. You will share healthy meals, hear the sounds of the forest, and work alongside the Shiwakucha people on reforestation projects that help protect this fragile environment for future generations.
Traditional dance class
Group discussion and lectures
Camp offers interactive lectures on topics like stakeholder engagement, citizen science, and biodiversity. Schools can choose the subjects most relevant to their group, ensuring each session connects directly to student interests and learning goals.
Day 3
Camp Donbiki community project
Each project is designed to support the well-being, education, and sustainability of the community and its environment. Projects are identified in partnership with local leaders and carried out alongside community tradesmen. Work may include maintaining schools, creating organic gardens, reforesting, or building a medical center, giving groups the chance to see how community and environmental needs intersect.
Muchines de yuca cooking class
Evening discussion and reflection
A student-focused discussion on leadership, its challenges, models, and goals. Students will reflect on their own environment and activities, considering what has worked, what has not, whether they are on schedule with their goals, and how they might approach things differently.
Day 4
Camp Donbiki community project
Each project is designed to support the well-being, education, and sustainability of the community and its environment. Projects are identified in partnership with local leaders and carried out alongside community tradesmen. Work may include maintaining schools, creating organic gardens, reforesting, or building a medical center, giving groups the chance to see how community and environmental needs intersect.
Kichwa language class
Evening discussion and reflection
It's important to reflect on what the group has achieved, and students will be asked to lead a discussion on that question, with a focus on both service and learning during their time at camp. Camp also offers interactive lectures on topics such as stakeholder engagement, citizen science, and threats to biodiversity. Schools can choose the subjects most relevant to their group.
Day 5
Camp Donbiki community project
Each project is designed to support the well-being, education, and sustainability of the community and its environment. Projects are identified in partnership with local leaders and carried out alongside community tradesmen. Work may include maintaining schools, creating organic gardens, reforesting, or building a medical center, giving groups the chance to see how community and environmental needs intersect.
Blowpipe competition
Evening discussion and reflection
It's important to reflect on what the group has achieved, and students will be asked to lead a discussion on that question, with a focus on both service and learning during their time at camp. Camp also offers interactive lectures on topics such as stakeholder engagement, citizen science, and threats to biodiversity. Schools can choose the subjects most relevant to their group.
Day 6
Jungle hike to Camp Ceibo
After breakfast, pack your rucksack and begin the trek to Camp Ceibo, set in the primary rainforest. The hike takes a few hours and is well worth it. Along the way, you’ll learn how indigenous plants are used for medicine, building, and even dating advice, with guides sharing stories of local traditions. If nature cooperates, you may also get the chance to try lemon ants.
Camp Ceibo orientation
Camp Ceibo offers a deeper immersion into the jungle. Before the trek, you’ll prepare for life in a hammock and the intensity of living without electricity or modern comforts. Deep in the forest, you’ll discover peace and insight into the bond between people and the jungle. Evenings by the fire explore its spiritual meaning, and nights in a hammock surrounded by forest sounds make the experience unforgettable.
Kichwa culture afternoon
Campfire evening
Day 7
Jungle hike back to Camp Donbiki
After breakfast, you will pack up and begin the trek back to Camp Donbiki before starting your journey to Quito.
Chocolate workshop
Evening discussion and reflection
A student-focused discussion on leadership, its challenges, models, and goals. Students will reflect on their own environment and activities, considering what has worked, what has not, whether they are on schedule with their goals, and how they might approach things differently.
Day 8
Recognize perspectives and communicate ideas
Throughout the program, time is set aside for discussion, guided reflection, and writing about self-discovery and lessons learned. As John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.”
Travel to Quito
Mitad del Mundo visit
Stand at the spot where the northern and southern hemispheres meet and visit the Equatorial Monument that marks the line.
Day 9
Return 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
Authentic accommodations such as tents, traditional bandas (huts), or hammocks in the jungle, all within local communities
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
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.