Living and Learning in Cuenca: Independent Stay and Language Study

44 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
85%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Experience Cuenca, Ecuador, like a local as you take a private apartment, attend daily language classes and get to know the city on your own during this independent living adventure.
24%
$9,449
From$7,149
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

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?

    Experience Cuenca, Ecuador, like a local as you take a private apartment, attend daily language classes and get to know the city on your own during this independent living adventure.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Cotopaxi
  • Cuenca
  • Galapagos
  • Guayaquil
  • Isla Bartolome
  • Quito

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Hot Springs
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Sailing
  • Short Cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Independent

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

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

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...

Day 2

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...

Day 3

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...

Day 4

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...

Day 5

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...

Day 6

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...

Day 7

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...

Day 8

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...

Day 9

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...

Day 10

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.

Day 11

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.

Day 12

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.

Day 13

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'...

Day 14

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:...

Day 15

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...

Day 16

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'...

Day 17

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.

Day 18

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.

Day 19

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...

Day 20

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'...

Day 21

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...

Day 22

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...

Day 23

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'...

Day 24

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...

Day 25

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...

Day 26

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 ...

Day 27

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'...

Day 28

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...

Day 29

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...

Day 30

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'...

Day 31

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.

Day 32

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.

Day 33

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.

Day 34

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'...

Day 35

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...

Day 36

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'...

Day 37

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...

Day 38

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...

Day 39

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 ...

Day 40

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...

Day 41

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. ...

Day 42

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 ...

Day 43

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...

Day 44

Arrivals in North America

In Flight

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $7,149
Price per day$162
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,000
Last Updated: 11/15/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

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.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Road Scholar Reviews & Ratings

4.4/5  Great
Excellent
233
Great
7
Average
2
Disappointing
8
Terrible
34
Write a Review

Other Road Scholar Reviews

M

Michael

Dec 2023

Written on

Not a good bicycle trip

Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, th...

M

Marsha

Nov 2023

Written on

Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

I booked a tour to Italy for May 2024. I cancelled in Oct. for a lot of reasons. Before I enrolled, I asked if Road Scholar would book the flights so that on the las...

J

Jane Johnson

Sep 2023

Written on

There is a nonrefundable deposit

Please know that Road Scholar will always keep a nonrefundable $100 deposit. I cannot find that buried in all the paper and fine print but they state it is there???...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Road Scholar

preferred
View Profile

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.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

,Hotel Quito - 2 nights  Quito The Hotel Quito is housed in an attractive art deco building, located at the top of a hill in a residential area of the city. From the hotel, guests can enjoy exceptional 360º views of the city, the neighboring valley and the surrounding mountains.     Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo - 1 night  Riobamba The Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo is a charming highland hacienda located in Riobamba.     Gran Colombia Suites - 32 nights  Cuenca The Gran Colombia Suites offers extended stay accommodations in the heart of Cuenca. The 4-story, renovated colonial building is located just one block from the Abdon Calderon Park and is near shops and sites of interest.   Hotel Oro Verde - 3 nights  Guayaquil Oro Verde Hotel Guayaquil is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ecuador. Strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city and only eight minutes from the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.       Hotel Mainao - 3 nights  Puerto Ayora The Hotel Mainao is an attractive, family-owned hotel located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. It is well situated, in a quiet corner between Matazarnos and Indefatigable streets, but within easy access of local restaurants and the port's downtown area. The hotel has a very organic structure with curvy whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams, colorful mosaics, spiral staircases, and balconies that are oftentimes likened to Antonio Gaudí's creations in Barcelona.    Hosteria Rincon de Puembo - 1 night  Puembo The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-952

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!