Excursions
"ONE-ON-ONE"

Quito and the surrounding area provide a boundless outdoor classroom in which to study and practice Spanish. This has inspired us to develop a program in which students have the option of spending a day out in Quito accompanied by their professor. We find that the students who participate in this program enjoy the opportunity to study Spanish outside the confines of the school, as well as appreciate the chance to get to know the city. Some of the most common excursions are listed below. Please remember that this is only a partial listing of things to do. We encourage you to suggest other excursions based on your own interest.

Museums

  • Banco Central Cultural Museum (archaeological pieces, gold, pottery).
  • Fundación Guayasamin (art museum exhibiting the works of the renowned Ecuadorian artist Guayasamin).
  • Casa de La Cultura (musical instruments, contemporary art, exhibits of traditional dress).
  • Mariscal Sucre Museum (dedicated to Mariscal Sucre)
  • Museo de Ciencias Naturales (museum of natural science).

    Churches
  • Iglesia Basilica (Catholic cathedral).
  • Convento de San Diego (San Diego Convent).
  • San Francisco Monastery (one of the oldest churches in the Americas – est. 1534).

    • Parks

  • Parque Carolina (good place to watch games of soccer and basketball).
  • Parque Metropolitano (network of hike-and-bike trails, scenic vistas of neighbouring valley).
  • Parque El Ejido (Arts and crafts for sale on weekends).

    Local Markets
  • Mercado Artesanal (variety of products made by Ecuadorian artesans).
  • Santa Clara.
  • Mercado Central.


    • GROUP EXCURSIONS

    Once or twice a week, we also offer organized group excursions in and around Quito. These are based on student interest, with one or two professors organizing and accompanying a group. Students are responsible for their own trip costs. Outings include all of the possibilities listed in the "One-to-One Excursions" with some additional suggestions given below. Students may propose and organize their own excursions as well.

    Common Group Excursions
  • Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World") Monument on the Equator
  • Trip to “El Panecillo” and Colonial section of Quito ("old town")
  • Indigenous market in Saquisilí
  • Quito Vivarium

    • WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

    When the weekend rolls around, students are usually ready to get out of town and visit some of the sites outside of Quito. The school typically organizes a weekend trip for any students interested in participating. These are strictly for fun and camaraderie and are not part of the academic program per se though students will have plenty of opportunity to practice Spanish. We have been doing this for years and can organize everything and provide tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Possibilities include:

    Common Weekend Excursions
  • World famous Otavalo Market
  • Laguna Quilotoa (volcanic crater lake) and Zumbagua Market
  • Cotopaxi National Park (highest active volcano in the world!)
  • Hot springs at Papallacta (numerous hiking possibilities as well)
  • Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Pasachoa Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Trip to Baños








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