9-Day Program | Modo Ecuador is more than just travel—it’s a chance for students to experience life the Ecuadorian way: deeply connected to nature, rooted in culture, and full of discovery. From Spanish classes in Quito and artisan markets in Otavalo to volcano views in Cotopaxi and waterfall hikes in Baños, each day offers something new and meaningful. Students build language skills, explore local traditions, and engage in hands-on service that brings added purpose to their journey. Living in Modo Ecuador means embracing curiosity, appreciating the world in a new way, and returning home inspired by everything they’ve learned and experienced.
Program Price: $2949
Please note that the base price does not include the cost of international flights* Prices are based on a minimum group size of 10 students. When the minimum group size is not reached, a small-group supplement will apply. Final prices are determined by dates, air arrangements, family stay communities and other program components as confirmed by Xperitas, as well as the total size of the group and number of leaders at the time of final billing. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.
*Email monika@xperitas.org with your departure city for an estimated international flight cost.
🐦Save $200 when you enroll before June 15, 2026 (discount applied to final payment)
Explore Quito with a costumed character from the capital city’s colorful history. Enjoy sites such as la Plaza de la Independencia and el Palacio Presidencial, and visit la Basílica del Voto Nacional.
Travel to Cotopaxi Volcano. This is the second-highest summit in Ecuador. Look out for the unique landscapes and animals found nearby. Then, enjoy lunch before returning to Quito.
Mitad del Mundo. Take in panoramic views of the city from the Teleférico before heading to the Mitad del Mundo. Stand on the equator and explore the cultural and scientific significance of this iconic site.
Explore the largest artisan market in South America. Admire the stunning Cascada de Peguche, and enjoy a live demonstration by a family of Andean musicians.
Start the day with a quick stop in Cotacachi, a city famous for its leather goods.
After breakfast, hop aboard a chiva—a colorful, open-air, artistic style bus for a scenic ride to El Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s most famous waterfalls. Appreciate this natural wonder as you hike along the steps and trails surrounding the waterfall.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the local hot springs before enjoying some free time in Baños.
The order of this itinerary and all itinerary items are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances that may arise prior to or during the program.
What's Included
Round-trip airfare from city listed (and any airline fuel surcharges at time of booking)
In-country transportation (air, motorcoach, van, as applicable)
All overnight accommodations
Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only
International phone allowance $10 per day for one leader while in country
Local Spanish speaking guide during tour portion of itinerary
24/7 Xperitas emergency support while abroad
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Activities Included:
Quito walking city tour
La Basílica del Voto Nacional
Volunteer activity
Cotopaxi Volcano
Teleférico
Pululahua Crater
Mitad del Mundo
Intiñan Museum
Otavalo market visit
La Cascada de Peguche
Cuicocha boat ride & hike
Waterfall hike
Andean instrument presentation
Baños Hot Springs
Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)
What's not Included
Airline baggage fees
Variance in air cost due to changes in group contract after booking or if the group size prevents using the booked air contract
Costs incurred due to late or missed flights
Activities and excursions listed on the itinerary but not in program inclusions, above, are to be paid using the student entrance fee allowance
Passport, visa (including ETIAS) or other document costs
Transportation to/from departure city
Any meals not indicated on itineraries
Spending money and gifts
Any fees associated with advanced seating assignments
Small-group supplement when group has fewer than 10 participants
Payment reminders will be sent 1 week and 1 day before each payment is due.
Accepted Payment Methods
Payments may be made by credit card, debit card, ACH transfer, or check. A 2.9% processing fee applies to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks must be made payable to Xperitas and include the participant’s full name and destination country. Postdated checks are not accepted and will be returned.
Family Stay Application
Family Stay applications are due on November 1, 2026.
Passport information and copy of passport due on December 1, 2026/February 1, 2027
Xperitas is a nonprofit educational organization committed to making our short-term immersion travel programs accessible to as many students as possible. We provide meaningful financial aid on a “needs based” sliding scale to create equitable access. Over the past decade we have dedicated over a million dollars to financial aid, scholarship and classroom grant programs.
Financial Aid Applications Due October 15!
At Xperitas, we work with teachers to provide their students with outstanding language and cultural immersion experiences. We believe that when students have an authentic experience outside of the classroom, using their language skills in a different culture, they make a deeper cultural connection. Our programs are designed to inspire students to make personal connections with communities worldwide and gain greater cultural awareness. Benefits reported to us by teachers, parents and the students themselves are as follows:
A better understanding of language and the nuance of dialect
An understanding of language within the context of the culture
A greater awareness of different perspectives
A sense of increased independence, self-sufficiency, and cultural competence
Since 1972, we have carefully selected families who volunteer to share their home, language, and culture with our student travelers. Students live with a local host family while abroad on their language immersion program, creating an authentic language and cultural immersion experience, unmatched by other cross-cultural programs. No Family Stay Experience is “typical”; every one is as unique as the families that host.
Families are volunteer, not a paid service
Students share meals and family routines in the target language
Families and students explore differences and similarities in culture and tradition
These connections can last a lifetime! Many students and host families stay in touch for years afterward.
The success of our Family Stay Experience® is due to our network of of dedicated Family Stay Coordinators around the world, who work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable hosting experience.
Xperitas Family Stay Coordinators are local to the host communities
Recruit and screen families in their own networks and match them to Xperitas participants
Are on call 24/7 during the program to address any issues that arise