Ecuador
The smallest of the Andean countries, Ecuador has the highest percentage of indigenous people in South America. Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name, and is bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. The country also includes the well known Galápagos Islands, Archipiélago de Colón, in the Pacific about 600 miles west of the mainland.
Ecuador has much to offer in terms of natural diversity despite its relatively small size. In one day you can journey from the Amazon Basin, through traditional indigenous communities in the Andes Mountains, and enjoy the sunset on the Pacific coast. Travel Alive, together with our program partners in Ecuador, is proud to offer programs as diverse as the landscape itself in various locations throughout Ecuador.
The weather in Ecuador varies greatly depending upon the geographical region. In general there are only two real seasons - the rainy season and the dry season - and both have their advantages and disadvantages. Even during the rainy season, most days are sunny until the afternoon. At higher altitudes the temperature can vary dramatically throughout the course of the day, often with highs close to 75ºF and lows of around 50ºF at night.
Capital City: Quito
Population: 13,850,000
Language: Spanish
Area: 98,985 sq. miles (256,370 sq. km)
Currency: U.S. Dollar
Locations and Projects
Cuenca
Cuenca is the capital of the Azuay Province in the southern highlands and is the third largest city in Ecuador. The city's narrow cobblestone streets, domed cathedrals, whitewashed buildings, and charming plazas make it one of Ecuador’s most stunning colonial cities and has earned it the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site. The present population is around 400,000 people and Cuenca has a long lasting reputation for being a university city. It hosts eight universities, the oldest and best known being the University of Cuenca, a public university with about 12,000 students.
Projects in Cuenca include:
Esmeraldas
The Green Province, as it is called, is located on the northwestern coast of Ecuador and has the largest rainforest in the country after the Amazon. Esmeraldas is one of the poorest areas in Ecuador and is experiencing great problems with infrastructure, healthcare, education, and poverty. The majority of people in the region are Afro-Ecuadorians, whose ancestors arrived in Esmeraldas in the 1600s as survivors of wrecked slave ships. Until about 30 years ago there was very limited road access leaving Esmeraldas extremely isolated from the rest of the country. This isolation has helped the people of Esmeraldas to retain their African roots evident in the lively regional music and dance. Esmeraldas is the most ethnically diverse province in Ecuador and the joyful nature of its people is considered a major attraction of the area.
Projects in Esmeraldas include:
Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and has approximately 1.9 million citizens, making it the largest city in Ecuador where we offer programs. It is located in northern Ecuador in the beautiful Andes Mountains surrounded by the Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antizana, and Cayambe volcanoes. The average elevation is 9,200 feet above sea level and it is located just 15 miles south of the equator. Quito has three social centers: Old Town with its magnificent colonial architecture; “Gringo Land” where you will find a high concentration of bars, restaurants, and travel agencies; and the new commercial center with malls and expensive shops.
Projects in Quito include:
In our Spanish School located in Quito we offer intensive Spanish language classes prior to assignments throughout Ecuador and also during assignments in Quito.
San Clemente
San Clemente is a small indigenous village located 5 km south of Ibarra about 3 hours by bus from Quito. The town is nestled in the mountains of the northern highlands in one of the most picturesque settings imaginable. The village has about 150 indigenous families who continue their traditions of weaving to, create beautiful hand-embroidered tablecloths and blouses, and woodcarving to produce furniture to be sold in the famous artisan market of Otavalo. The people of San Clemente are exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and although the official language is Quichua, they speak Spanish as well.
Projects in San Clemente:
Tena
Tena is located in the eastern part, el Oriente, of Ecuador about five hours southeast of Quito. It is often described as Ecuador’s gateway city to the Amazon rainforest, as it makes an excellent starting point for hiking, rafting, and kayaking excursions. The city has approximately 26,000 citizens and the surrounding area supports a large population of indigenous people. Tena is home to a major regional hospital and many tourist related businesses, including several rainforest tour operators and white water rafting outfitters. The Travel Alive program at El Arca Animal Rescue Center is located in the small town of Cotundo which is about a 10 minute bus ride from Tena.
Projects in Tena:
