In Ecuador, you can find programs in three distinct regions: the mountainous Andes, the Amazon jungle, and the Pacific coast, which all vary greatly in climate, scenery, and culture. Ecuador is also home to the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin developed his theory of evolution and where Giant Tortoises and tiny Galapagos Penguins still roam.

During your high school program in Ecuador you can canoe down a river in the Amazon while listening to pocket monkeys chirping, cozy up by the fire in a highland hacienda, or make bread from yuca root in a local family’s home. High school programs in Ecuador are your once-in-a-lifetime chance to get out of the high school grind and study incredible natural and cultural contrasts in a diverse and inviting setting.

Situated 9,000 feet above sea level, Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old and the new merge in Quito, with its lively, historic downtown and modern, youthful neighborhoods. The city is well-connected by public transportation, so you can easily explore the numerous green parks, world-class museums, and artisan markets. You can spend your free time taking a stroll down the cobblestone streets in el Centro, or hang out in the popular tourist district, known as the Mariscal, which is full of restaurants, cafes, and travelers from all over the world. Don’t miss the Fiestas de Quito, a week-long celebration in December that is full of live music, bullfighting, and parades, too. Last, but not least, be sure to hop on a chiva, a bonafide party bus with live bands on board, and celebrate Ecuadorian-style.

Many high school programs in Ecuador are either based in or offer multi-day field trips to the Galapagos Islands, an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else on Earth. Travel by boat from island to island, as you ramble among one-of-a-kind creatures, like the blue-footed booby. High school study abroad programs and service projects in the Galapagos often include wildlife conservation, clearing invasive species, or examining the impacts of tourism. Just imagine yourself snorkeling with sea life, hiking through a crater, or studying animal breeding with scientific experts!

A colorful market town about two hours north of Quito, in Otavalo you’ll find opportunities to get involved in community development, sustainable agriculture, and even pick up some of the local language, Quechua. On market days, tourists and locals alike flood the town to haggle over the best deals. The market invades the senses with smells of delicious locro soups, bright textiles, and the hum of chatter. The smaller city setting is ideal for those looking to engage with the community. You may just stumble upon a late-night street festival, complete with folklórico music, peach juice, and plenty of dancing.