High School Study Abroad in Ecuador
From the coast to the mountain and metropolitan cities to remote jungle, Ecuador literally offers something for everyone. One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, high school students who choose programs in Ecuador will be able to discover one-of-a-kind ecology and landscapes, learn Spanish, or make a difference by serving local communities. Embrace your inner adrenaline junkie by ziplining, biking, or rafting in this small, but mighty, South American country. Legend has it you can balance an egg on the tip of a nail on the equator as you straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Venture to Ecuador and you can see for yourself if it’s true!

35 High School Trips to Ecuador

Global Works - Travel with Purpose
Ecuador: Summer Service Adventures
Experience the remarkable beauty and vibrant culture of Ecuador d...

Travel For Teens
TFT: Peru, Ecuador and the Galápagos Service
Peru and Ecuador are two countries in South America that are both...
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
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International Medical Aid (IMA)
Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA
IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare ...
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THINK Global School
THINK Global School: The World's First Traveling High School
At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high sch...

Putney Student Travel
Ecuador & the Galápagos: Service & Spanish Immersion
On this Putney Student Travel program for students completing gra...
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ARCC Programs
Ecuador & Galápagos: Animals of the Amazon
Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecu...

Projects Abroad
Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000
At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....
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Broadreach
Amazon + Galapagos: Eco Adventure
Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates ...

GoBeyond Student Travel
GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens
This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and...
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Rustic Pathways
Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service with Rustic Pathways
Visit the center of the earth! Ecuador’s capital is Quito, the cl...

International Student Exchange
High School Cultural and Academic Exchange
Studying abroad and living like a local is more than a vacation a...

The Experiment in International Living
The Experiment: Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands, Cloud Forest
Begin your Experiment by landing in Ecuador’s vibrant capital, Qu...

Westcoast Connection
Ecuador & the Galapagos Community Service - 18 Days
Experience South America's natural beauty and cultural richness i...
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Youth For Understanding (YFU)
Study Abroad in Ecuador | YFU
From the purity of the Andes Cordillera with its grandiose landsc...
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A Guide to High School Programs in Ecuador
Locations
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.
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