Study near Coca in the Jungle
With Vida Verde on the Napo River

Vida Verde offers the opportunity to study spanish on the Napo River in the amazon jungle. This program is located at the Yarina Lodge and Biological Reserve, 25 Km in straight line (down river) from Puerto Francisco de Orellana (El Coca). Our motor boats take 1 hour of fluvial navigation on the Napo river to reach the Yarina lodge.

Program Philosophy
We designed our Study in the Jungle and Study on the Coast
programs as a way for students to both study Spanish AND participate in responsible eco-tourism at the same time. By creating the Study in the Jungle program option, we have found a richly rewarding and remarkably inexpensive way for students to experience the Amazon region of Ecuador while taking Spanish classes.

Professors from the school accompany students to serve as teachers and to coordinate activities. Students receive lessons for 3-4 hours per day and use the remainder of time outside of class for exploration in the form of hikes, outings, and organized activities.

While participating in this program you will have the opportunity to:

  • Spend 20 hours studying Spanish;
  • Experience the flora and fauna of the rainforest;
  • Learn about traditional medicinal plants;
  • Meet a local indigenous family;
  • Have the opportunity to see the animals of the amazon;
  • Learn to use a blowdart gun;
  • Hike through diverse amazon terrain.

    General Itinerary

    A generalized itinerary for the program is given below. Please, remember that activities and schedules are subject to change based on student interest and/or weather conditions.

    Sunday/Monday:
    9:00 p.m.Departure Quito Sunday night by bus
    6:30 a.m.Arrival in Coca. Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.Departure for Yarina Lodge
    11:00 a.m. Arrival and settle into cabañas. Lunch
    1:30-5:30 p.m.Spanish class
    EveningDinner
    8:00 p.m.Nightime excursion at the Lagoon to see different nocturnal animals and birds

    Tuesday:
    6:30 a.m.Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.Spanish class
    12:30 a.m.Lunch
    AfternoonAfter lunch we will visit the Capibara path. This is an adventure trail with many swamps. On this trail you will see palm trees which are not seen other places in Ecuador. Many Birds too!
    EveningDinner

    Wednesday:
    6:30 a.m.Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.Spanish class
    12:30 a.m.Lunch
    2:00-6:00 p.m.After lunch we will visit the Socali path, characterized for a variety of different jungle lands. This path is used like an introduction trail to learn about the flora and fauna that is possible to find in different types of forest.
    EveningDinner & Relax

    Thursday:
    6:30 a.m.Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. Spanish class
    12:30 a.m.Lunch
    2:00-6:30 p.m.After lunch we will take the motor boat to go out of the borders of our reserve and visit an indigenous family of the Quichuas of the Oriente community. Our guides will talk to you about traditions and costumes of these tribes. Return to the lodge for dinner
    EveningDinner & Relax

    Friday:
    6:30 a.m.Breakfast
    8:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. Spanish class
    12:30 a.m.Lunch
    1:00-3:00 p.m.Here we spend time with the local guides learning how to use the blowdart. This is an instrument used for both self defense and hunting among the native tribes of the amazon.
    4:00 p.m.Departure for Coca
    Evening in CocaDinner and departure for Quito on the night bus

    Accomodation

    • 20 multiple huts (single, double, triple and quadruple accommodations) with private bathrooms.
    • All huts are made with typical materials of the zone.
    • Electricity is provided through a diesel generator from 18H00 till 22H00 (110 V.)
    • Each hut is equipped with beds (all beds with mosquito nets), closet, hammock and a lamp
    • Each bathroom is equipped with sink, shower, toilet, toilet paper, soap and towel.
    • Near to the Manduro river is located a big cabin where the passenger will find the restaurant, the bar and a comfortable place to rest.
    • The kitchen staff offers healthy and variety food. If the passengers have vegetarian preferences, our staff is ready to offer vegetarian food.
    • Lock box available for valuables

    Pricing- Jungle
    Prices vary based on group size. A breakdown of the prices can be found if you click the pricing icon to the left. The listed prices include 3 meals per day, lodging, Spanish classes (4 days, 18 hours), round-trip transport from Coca to cabañas, and services of local expert guide. Price does NOT include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks or tips.

    What to Bring

    As you would expect, the jungle is hot, humid, and rainy. Therefore, light clothing that dries quickly is recommended (synthetic materials typically perform better than cotton in this regard).

  • ORIGINAL PASSPORT! (There is a security checkpoint en route and they do not accept copies!)
  • Shorts and long pants (avoid cotton jeans if possible)
  • T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Bathing suit
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunblock (VERY important)
  • Cap to protect head from sun
  • Flashlight
  • Binoculars for viewing wildlife (optional)
  • Trash bags for keeping things dry

    Home Page / Programs / Home Stay - Accomodation / Excursions / Pricing / Teachers & Staff
    Study in the Jungle / Study on the Coast / More Information
    Register / Volunteer / Ecuador Links / Photo Gallery

    Copyright 2000 Green Life Spanish Center. All Rights Reserved.
    		•