Learn Spanish in Indigenous Communities of Ecuador
Ecuador has dozens of indigenous communities spread throughout the country, and each one of them has a unique and fascinating culture, traditions and way of life. ISE has focused on 2 main communities located in the highlands and the Amazon Jungle. Both cultures have an incredible trajectory throughout Ecuador’s history, and although they have adapted to modern life, they keep much of their ancestral cultures alive. In the highlands, we work with the Otavalo Community and in the jungle we work with Shuar community.
OTAVALO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Otavaleños pride themselves in their heritage and artistic talents. Their town, Otavalo, is friendly and cozy, and is mainly famous for its Saturday market, which is one of the biggest and greatest indigenous markets in Central and South America. You can buy anything from locally made handcrafts to traditional indigenous outfits.
CLASSES
ISE classes with the Otavalo Indigenous Community started in 1998. We have worked closely with indigenous to help educate and preserve nature and culture in the region. Classes will take place in the house of the Indigenous family where our students are staying. Because our Spanish students will be immersed as part of the Indigenous family, students will participate in morning activities together with the family, in the organic farm, shopping in the market, activities with the community, etc. classes take place in the in the afternoon for 4 hours each day from 2:00pm until 6:00pm. Teachers will arrive to the Indigenous family before 2:00pm to start with the Spanish course on time. We offer classes for the following levels: beginner, elementary, intermediate and advance. Safety is not an issue while staying with the communities.
OUR OPTION IN THE OTAVALO INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
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Otavalo Indigenous Community$699.00 Per personAdd to cart
Otavaleños pride themselves in their heritage and artistic talents. Their town, Otavalo, is friendly and cozy, and is mainly famous for its Saturday market, which is one…
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Staying with the community is the perfect way to know and be immersed in the Indigenous culture. Indigenous speak Spanish but not so well, also grandparents and relatives can communicate not so well in Spanish. Please be sure to use the Spanish language as you will learn with us because the Indigenous family will talk to but they will not correct your when talking in our language.
As it is part of the culture, you will share 3 meals a day with the family. The meals are very important for them and are the parts of the day when the families come together. You will be integrated as a whole family member. The host families always give their guests a warm welcome and enjoy the opportunity to share Ecuadorian life and culture with someone from a different country.
ABOUT THE AREA
The accommodation with the Indigenous family near Otavalo will take place in the Andean countryside around one hour part by public bus and part walking or by taxi from the center of Otavalo. It is located 3 hours north of Quito, and it is famous for its indigenous people, artisan crafts, and textiles. It is surrounded by high mountains and volcanoes, fertile land, great lagoons, and friendly people a great opportunity for activities and excursions.
WHAT TO BRING
For most activities you will need comfortable shoes, long pants, a comfortable shirt and a jacket. Weather may change within the same day, so having a sweatshirt or jacket with you on any trip will always be helpful. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray and a hat.
HOW TO GET THERE
Otavalo is located just 2 hours by car or 3 hours by bus from Quito. We organize the transportation from Quito to Otavalo and then from Otavalo to your home with the Indigenous Community.
- If students arrive in Quito during the day, we will organize their transportation (free of charge) to travel from Quito to Otavalo within the same day.
- If students will arrive in Quito after 4:00pm, we organize accommodation in Quito for the first night and transportation from Quito to Otavalo the next morning.
- If the students decide to study in Quito first and go to Indigenous Community to live with an Indigenous family afterwards, we will organize the complete itinerary and transportation in advance.
INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED
ISE CLASSES
- Lessons: 20 lessons of 55 minutes each.
- Class size: 1-2 Students per class (group only if you come with your partner or with your own family).
- Duration: 1 week minimum.
- Transportation: Pick up at airport upon arrival in Quito. Quito – Otavalo Community- Quito (2-3 hours by bus)
- Accommodation: Indigenous family of the Otavalo Community (7 days/6 nights). If you come alone, most of the time you will not have the opportunity to meet any other Spanish students. The Indigenous family will accept a single or couple of participants, maximum 3 – 4 members of a family or friend in the same home but will not accept people who don’t know each other.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as well as traditional food.
- Activities: Activities with the family i.e. in the farm or activities at the Indigenous community
- Bathroom: Private and shared bathroom.
- Electricity: Available for a few hours a day.
- Communication: Phone signal and internet WiFi is available.
- Certificate: Diploma.
- Personal expenses
- Food during transit