(Crossing the country from Otavalo to Cuenca through the Andes while learning Spanish)
Enjoy an exceptional 2 week adventure, learning Spanish while traveling through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, discovering the landscape and the indigenous Ecuadorian culture.
Want to experience all the Andes have to offer? Participating in the Traveling Classroom Sierra, you will have the opportunity to visit a large part of the Andes mountain range, from Quito to Otavalo to Cotacachi, where you can visit places such as the Peguche waterfall and Cuicocha Lake.
This Spanish course not only offers a complete Ecuador experience but also provides you with the chance to learn quickly with our proven methodology and total Spanish immersion . You will have Spanish classes with a qualified teacher who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialism in Languages. Your instructor will have over 10 years of experience leading this type of program and is, of course, an experienced guide for the journey that you will undertake in the Andes while learning Spanish with us.
This is your time to enjoy and study Spanish in the spectacular Andes while we take care of the details!
“Walking through the Andes” Itinerary
MondayA trip to Ecuador is not complete without visiting Otavalo. A cultural hub, Otavaleños pride themselves in their heritage and artistic talents. They are famous for their weavings and textiles and host one of the biggest and best markets in Central and South America.
After arriving to Otavalo, you’ll refuel with lunch and then have the opportunity to explore the colorful market. Later in the afternoon you will have your first Spanish class. In the evening, have dinner and relax.
TuesdayStart with breakfast and then spend the morning in classes. Eat lunch and head on an excursion to Peguche Falls, passing through an eucalypti grove. After the visiting the falls, continue to San Pablo Lake, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Return to Otavalo for dinner and an evening stroll through the vibrant town.
WednesdayEat breakfast and then depart to Machachi. Located in the central highlands, Machachi sits among beautifully quilted farmland, surrounded by volcanic peaks. It is also possible to to see the jagged peaks of the Ilinizas, which are sometimes snow covered. After arriving, eat lunch and then study Spanish for the afternoon. Go for an afternoon walk in the stunning environment and later in the evening have dinner and relax for an adventurous day ahead.
ThursdayStart with breakfast and a short Spanish session before departing to Latacunga. In Latacunga, grab a bite to eat and board the bus to Chugchilán, passing through beautiful Andean country. Chugchilán is situated on the mountainside, overlooking the Rio Toachi Canyon. Have lunch and Spanish classes. In the evening, have dinner and get some rest for the day ahead.
FridayAfter a good breakfast and we’re off by horse to Laguna Quilotoa, the famous and stunning green crater lake. On a clear day it’s possible to see the snowcapped peaks of Cotopaxi and Iliniza. Refuel with lunch and head back for an afternoon Spanish session. In the evening, have dinner and relax for departure in the morning.
SaturdayAfter breakfast, depart for the next stop on your adventure, Baños. The gateway to the Amazon and an adventurers paradise, you will enjoy this vibrant environment located in the foothills of the active Volcán Tungurahua. After arriving in Baños, refuel with lunch and then you will have Spanish classes for the duration of the afternoon. In the evening, eat dinner, stroll the town, and enjoy the friendly vibe.
SundayStart with a good breakfast and then visit the spectacular waterfalls of Baños. Ride in a cable car and cross the river. Hike to the Pailon del Diablo and be in for a splash. For the brave, there is even bungee jumping. Back in town, enjoy lunch and an afternoon of classes. In the evening, have dinner and relax.
MondayFree day. Enjoy the Baños thermal pools, known for their rejuvenating powers and a great way to spend the day relaxing.
TuesdayEat breakfast and then depart for Riobamba, located close to Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak and the closet peak in the world to the sun. Fuel up with lunch and study Spanish for the afternoon. After classes, explore the town. In the evening, have dinner and prepare for an exciting departure in the morning.
WednesdayAn early breakfast and all aboard! Depart by train on the famous La Nariz del Diablo, an exhilarating descent from Alausí to Sibambe. From there, continue to Cuenca by bus. In the evening eat dinner and rest.
ThursdayStart with a breakfast and depart to Ingapirca, the most important Incan site in Ecuador. The main structure, the Temple of the Sun, was for used for religious ceremonies. The ruins display the traditional craftsmanship of the stonework and doorways. Explore the ruins and then head back to Cuenca for lunch and Spanish classes. In the evening, have dinner and relax.
FridayEat breakfast and then spend the morning in Spanish classes. After classes, have lunch and tour the city of Cuenca. Beautiful Cuenca boasts narrow cobblestone roads, cheerful plazas, and grand churches, as well as some great museums. In the evening have dinner and depart to Quito by night bus.
