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Study Spanish on the Coast at the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm This 5-day study/travel program combines elements of "agrotourism" and "ecotourism" with a stay at the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm
located just north of the city of Bahia de Caráquez on the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast. The trip to Río Muchacho is a
Program Philosophy We designed both our Study on the Coast and Study in the Jungle programs as a way for students to both study Spanish AND participate in responsible tourism at the same time. By creating the Study on the Coast program option, we have found a richly rewarding and remarkably inexpensive way for students to experience a part of the coastal region of Ecuador while taking Spanish classes. Teachers from the school accompany students to give Spanish lessons and to help coordinate activities. Students receive lessons for 3-4 hours per day at the Rio Muchacho Farm. Time outside of class is dedicated to organized activities on the farm and for exploration of the surrounding area on foot, horseback and by boat.
About Rio Muchacho
Rio Muchacho Organic Farm was no exception until 15 years ago when, through the efforts of New Zealander, Nicola Mears,
and her Ecuadorian partner, Dario Proaño, work began to convert it to a non-polluting sustainable system.
It is now not only being developed as a productive organic farm, but as a model for the community. It demonstrates
reforestation, permaculture and organic farming techniques.
Tropical crops grown on the farm include yuca, pineapple, passion fruit,
cacao, banana, cashew nut and examples of rice, cotton, black pepper, ginger, tumeric, balsa wood and many more.
As a logical complement to promoting and enhancing sustainable agriculture, Nicola and Dario spearheaded the creation of the Rio Muchacho Community Environmental School where local children, in addition to the standard educational curriculum, learn new techniques for sustainable farming, practice recycling and waste management, grow vegetables, and learn about reforestation. In addition to spending time at Rio Muchacho, the students will also go to the beautiful Isla de Corazon and can also choose to go to the Isla de plata (poor man's galapogos). The itenerary highlights the additional time needed for the Isla de Plata. Accomodation and Meals Sheets, blankets, and towels are provided. Showers and clean composting toilets are shared by the guests. Delicious organic meals are prepared by the family who live on the farm. 
The food is largely vegetarian, occasionally
complemented by chicken and river shrimp. It is typical food (but with more vegetables and salads) and usually cooked over a wood fire.
Fresh fruits from the farm are almost always served at breakfast. The local diet is very tasty but is heavy on rice, green banana and (cassava) yuca.
Most people sleep without a mosquito net, but students should bring one if they feel more comfortable having it.
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unique adventure with a rich interaction between environment and culture, allowing participants a chance to see rural Ecuador as the
locals do; and to share, learn, and participate in a culture different from their own.
While participating in this program you will have the opportunity to:
The area of Río Muchacho was once dense rain forest, some of which has been cleared for cattle farming and cropping.
The combination of cultivated areas with the remaining humid forest has created a picturesque landscape punctuated with
huge umbrella shaped saman and palm trees. The people who now inhabit and farm the area are the montubio people (coastal farmers).
The farming practices in the area are conventional and to some degree destructive, as in most parts of the world.
Clearing, burning, monocropping and the use of chemicals are common practices, which in tropical areas only guarantee the impoverishment of the soil.