Locations to Visit while you Learn Spanish
QUITO
The capital of Ecuador, its historical center beholds a large area of beautiful colonial buidings and churches. Because of a clear accent and pronunciation it is a perfect place to learn and practice your Spanish. Being a city it has many activities to do and due to its location in the Middle of the World is close to many touristic sites with a great variety of climates.
OTAVALO INDIGENOUS TOWN
Definitely one of the most beautiful indigenous markets in South America, it is famous for its art and craft market and weekly fiesta that celebrates the good commerce. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the local people, buy handmade textiles and crafts and try typical food. Close you can find San Pablo Lake and Cascada de Peguche a ceremonial center for ritual purification during the festival of the sun, which is called “Inti Raymi” where members of the indigenous community bathe there for purification and to connect with Mother Nature.
CUICOCHA
Translated from Kichwa as Lake of Guinea Pigs because of its shape and the importance of this animal in Ecuador is a 2 mile Crater Lake in the Northern part of Ecuador.
COTACACHI
The main activity of this town is the production of anything that can be made with leather, including jackets, suitcases, wallets, shoes and many other crafts and art.
MACHACHI
Located in the central highlands, Machachi sits in among beautiful stretches of hilly farmland, mountains, and impressive volcanoes. Here, it is possible to see the jagged peaks of the Ilinizas volcanoes, which are sometimes covered in snow, as well as the amazing Cotopaxi volcano.
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
In the foothills of Cotopaxi, this protected park of Ecuador is a large forested area home to a diversity of wildlife including the representative animal of Ecuador, the Condor.
QUILOTOA
A stunning turquoise to green lake in the midst of mountain peaks. During our trip we may be able enjoy a view of the snow-covered peaks of Cotopaxi and Ilinizas.
HORSEBACK RIDE
One of the most beloved activities in the Andean countryside, enjoy the view from another perspective where cars do not enter and therefore the sounds of nature are more likely to be appreciated. Go between the colorful landscapes of the highlands with lakes and snow capped volcanoes around.
RIOBAMBA
A small city known as the “Sultan of the Andes” because it is located on the foothills of Chimborazo. This mountain is sacred for the local indigenous people, Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador, and one of the tallest in the world with 6310 meters above sea level, therefore is also the closest peak to the sun in the world.
GUANO
A small town near Riobamba famous for their production of leather, their marvelous lookout point, and the Guano Mommy. As you practice your Spanish, we can learn about the “Cholas de Guano”.
BAÑOS
Located at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano. Baños is known as the gateway to the Amazon jungle and it is a popular place of pilgrimage. Go to the Church of Baños where the protecting Virgin of Baños is. This is a small town where you can shop, treat yourself to a delicious meal and natural drinks, relax or even hire the services to do adventure sports like water rafting. You may also want to swim in the thermal pools near Baños, which are famous for their healing effects.
NATURAL WATERFALLS
The power of nature is impressive and so is its beauty. Throughout your trip you will find different landscapes, viewpoints and natural waterfalls which are generally hidden under trails with magnificent biodiversity, in warm, cold and tropical climates. Many of these waterfalls have different trails and small waterfalls before reaching the main one. Within these trails you will be able to observe different animals, fruit, medicinal and ornamental plants that will lead you to live magnificent experiences that will feed your passion for traveling.
MISAHUALLI
This town is located on the shores of Napo River which flows into the well known Amazon River. You will have the opportunity to spot small monkeys that bounce between the trees.
JUNGLE NAPO RIVER
Jump in the water and enjoy the relaxing flow of the river while tubing. A guided tour through the wild jungle will let you learn about the Ecosystem, the richness of the Amazon Jungle and the way everything helps to the living of the people in the area and the survival techniques in the Jungle.
TENA
This city of our Amazon Region is a major commercial center where the indigenous people of the area go to get their supplies. It is also the capital of the Napo Province, known as the “Cinnamon Capital”.
JUMANDÍ CAVES
These caves are located in the Province of Napo, close to the city of Tena. They were named after a leader who fought the Spanish conquistadors.
THERMAL POOLS
The thermal water pools are located in the middle of nature, surrounded by the mountains and volcanoes that make up the Andean moor, its incredible landscape will undoubtedly dazzle you, all while taking a bath in the thermal water pools that emerge from the Antisana volcano, allowing the water temperature to reach 38º Centigrade. These waters have great health benefits because their high mineral content improves the functioning of the body, and it is also a great source of relaxation to release stress and tension.
