Study Spanish in the Ecuadorian Amazon or Cloud Forest

We offer several options for the Spanish student to explore the cloud forests of Mindo or the Amazon rainforest, staying in one of several lodges with your teacher. Here you will be able to take Spanish classes and learn about the ecological and cultural diversity of these iconic regions.

Each lodge is fully equipped, comfortable, offers great food and plenty of excursions and opportunities that will fill the week with activities.

Note: We are still awaiting confirmation of some of the prices for 2011 from the lodges themselves.

Yachana Lodge (photos right and left) is an award winning ecotourism lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Yachana means "a place for learning" in Kichwa. The lodge supports the surrounding communities in education, health, conservation and sustainable development.
In addition to studying Spanish for 4 hours a day there are planned excursions and activities to keep you busy for the week, exploring the surrounding jungle, river, and local culture.
Students leave Quito for Tena on Sunday, in order to catch the canoe down river on the Monday morning. After a week of classes and activities the program ends on Friday. From there you can either stay an extra night in Tena where you can enjoy white-water rafting or other activities, or return to Quito with your teacher.

Click here to find out more details of this Study and Travel package, or check out Yachana’s website for more information and photos.

Suchipakari Lodge (photos left and right) is set beside the Pusuno river, a tributary of the Napo that feeds into the Amazon. It has space for 40 guests in individual rooms and private cabins with private bathrooms and hot water, all constructed using local materials. It has a bar, lounge and restaurant as well as plenty of hammock space to enjoy the tranquility of the Amazon rainforest. In addition to studing Spanish for 4 hours per day you will enjoy guided tours of the jungle and other activities that include opportunities to experience the local Kichwa culture. The program starts on Sunday with the bus ride to Ten where you will spend the night and take classes on Monday morning. At mid-day you will be picked up and transported to Suchipakari for lunch and afternoon activities. The program will end on Friday after classes in the morning, and from there you can choose to stay around the area to enjoy other activities like white-water rafting and kayaking, or return to Quito with your teacher. A week studying Spanish at Suchipakari Lodge is a great way to explore the Amazon rainforest.

Click here for more details of this program. Or you can check out their website: www.suchipakari.com

Cloud Forest: Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve occupies 700 hectares of protected forest between 1650 and 2350 meters in elevation. Trails through the reserve explore the huge diversity of bromeliades and orchids, as well as the incredibly diverse bird population (over 20% of the country's bird species can be found here!). The accommodation is in the main lodge, a spacious and comfortable center from which to explore the wonders of the cloud forests. There are daily walks that explore the flora and fauna, hikes to magical waterfalls, night walks, and horse-back riding all included in this program! You will set out early on Monday morning to arrive at lunch time at the lodge. There will be four hours of classes each day interspersed with activities, and also time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this pristine spot. The program ends on Friday after classes and lunch. A week studying Spanish in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the stunning biological diversity of this unique habitat in style and comfort.

Click here for more details or click here to visit the Bellavista website.

This Study and Travel option (photos left and right) spends a week exploring the diversity of the cloud forest in the area around Mindo. The cloud forests of this area contain an enormous wealth of unique flora and fauna, from butterflies to hummingbirds, orchids and ferns. Your stay in Mindo will also include plenty of fun and adventure – tubing, rapelling, canopy, etc. The week is spent in the Bio Hostal, and includes breakfast and lunch. In the evening you will be free to eat in any of the restaurants in Mindo where you can enjoy fresh trout, local meats and vegetarian fare. Students leave on Monday morning with their teacher for the 3 hour bus ride to Mindo. The program ends on Friday after classes in the morning and you are free to either return to Quito with your teacher or continue to explore the area on your own. There are various trips and tours available on the weekend.

Click here for more information.