Living and Learning in Cuenca: Independent Stay and Language Study
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Overview
Highlights
- Live like a native Ecuadorian as you move into your own apartment and explore local cafes, museums and more
- Improve your Spanish during daily language classes and opportunities to practice your new skills as you maneuver through daily life in the city
- Join your Group Leader and fellow participants for weekly field trips and a three-day excursion in the Galápagos Islands to cap your adventure
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- 42 nights of accommodations
- 21 expert-led lectures
- 24 expert-led field trips
- 1 flight during the program
- 2 hands-on experiences
- An experienced Group Leader
- Customary gratuities throughout the program
- Road Scholar Assurance Plan
- Taxes
Itinerary
Accommodation: Hotel Quito
In Transit to Program, Arrive Quito, Check-in
Activity note: Elevation in Quito is approx. 9,350 feet. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcoh...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Quito
Orientation, Historic Quito, Guayasamin Museum
Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile, standing during field trips.
Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the buffet tha...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo
Transfer to Riobamba, Cotopaxi National Park
Activity note: The drive from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park is about 48 miles; approximately 2 hours. Cotopaxi National Park...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Transfer to Cuenca, Devil's Nose
Activity note: The drive from Riobamba to the rail station is about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours. Autoferro ride is approximately 3 hours. T...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Orientation to Cuenca
Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles; some cobblestone surfaces. Elevation at Cuenca is approximately 8,300 feet.
Breakfast: At a nearby restaurant, coff...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Language Placement Test
Activity note: The walk from the hotel to the language school is less than 1/2 mile, approximately 5-10 minutes. Amauta Spanish School is an accredited non-profit language school regulat...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Cuenca City Field Trip
Activity note: Walking to language school. Walking up to 2 miles; standing during field trip.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'll make our way independently...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Gualaceo & Chordeleg, Happy Hour
Activity note: Walking to language school. The drive from Cuenca to Gualaceo is about 24 miles, approximately 1 hour; winding mountain roads. From Gualaceo to Chord...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'll make our...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Cooking Class
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning:...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Museum of Aboriginal Cultures
Activity note: The drive from the hotel to the museum is about 6 miles.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'll make our way independently to the languag...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Cuenca Gran Colombia Suites
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjo...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Latin American Film
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Mo...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Museo del Monasterio las Conceptas
Activity note: Walking to language school. The drive the hotel to the museum is less than 1/2 mile.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'll make our...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde
Transfer to Guayaquil
Activity note: We will not check out of our extended stay accommodations this morning; our rooms will be held until we return from Guayaquil. An overnight bag with a coup...
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde
Malecon, Las Peñas & Santa Ana Hill, Museums
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles and standing during field trips; steps, inclines.
Breakfast: At the hotel, coffee, tea, water inclu...
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Transfer to Cuenca, Free Time
Activity note: The drive from Guayaquil to Cuenca is about 122 miles, approximately 4 hours by bus.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We’ll check out ...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Baños Hot Springs
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morn...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Sig Sig, Happy Hour
Activity note: Walking to language school, mostly flat terrain. The drive from Cuenca to Sig Sig is about 39 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking at Sig Sig; paths, irregular ter...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Free Day
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: Free Time. A day for personal independent exploration, practicing your Spanish language skills, spending time with fellow Road Scholars, or enjoying some R&R.
Lunch: Independent meal.
Afternoon: Free Time.
Dinner: Independent meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Salsa Dance Class
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morn...
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Free Time
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: Independent meal.
Morning: We'...
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Gran Colombia Suites
Spanish Lessons, Farewell to Cuenca Party
Activity note: Walking to language school. During free time, walking and use of public transportation according to personal preference.
Breakfast: I...
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde
Transfer to Guayaquil, Churute Mangrove Ecological Reserve
Activity note: The drive from Cuenca to Churute is about 92 miles, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From Churute reserve to Guayaquil is about 38 m...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Mainao
Fly to Galapagos Islands
Activity note: Flying time from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands is about 2 hours. Sea conditions in the islands can change rapidly; anyone prone to motion sickness ...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Mainao
South Plaza & Punta Carrion
Activity note: The islands visited are subject to change by the national park without prior notification. From Puerto Ayora to the pier at Itabaca is approximat...
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Mainao
Bartolome Island, Sullivan Bay
Activity note: At Sullivan Bay, wet landing and moderate difficulty due to rocky, volcanic terrain. The looping visitor trail is approximately 1 mile in length. ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hosteria Rincon de Puembo
Highland Tortoises, Fly to Quito, Farewell Dinner
Activity note: Walking on irregular, potentially muddy, trails. Flying time from the Galapagos Islands to Quito is about ...
Meals: Breakfast
Free Time, Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
Activity note: Hotel day room check-out by 6:00 p.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast: At the hotel with juice, coffee, water included.
M...
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
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Tour Operator
Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:
Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:
--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.
--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.
--Excellent value.
Explore Your Mind and the World:
There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.
Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.
Our Most Popular Tours:
Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.
Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.
Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.
National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.
Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.
Why Road Scholar?
You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."
Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.
Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.
Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.
Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.
You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."
We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.
Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.
Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.
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