Ecuador School Program
Overview
Andes, Cloud Forest, and the Jungle
At GOGI Abroad, we craft transformative school trips that immerse students in local cultures, offering hands-on experiences with traditional agriculture, building techniques, arts, music, and more.
Tailored to your needs:
We collaborate closely with you to customize each trip, ensuring it aligns with your curriculum and educational goals.
Comprehensive Trip Coordination:
From pre-trip planning to in-class discussions, we handle every detail, providing you with curriculum connections, packing lists, and pre-orientation materials for both students and parents.
Compassionate Leaders:
Our trips are led by native educators, allowing teachers to learn alongside their students in an authentic and supportive environment.
Teacher Participation and Support:
GOGI Abroad will handle all trip logistics, enabling teachers and administrators to actively engage and witness their students' excitement as they learn about the world, themselves and their place in it.
Smooth Travel Logistics:
We guide you on air travel options and handle all in-country details, including lodging, transportation, meals, and safe water.
All-Inclusive Pricing ($300 - $500) :
Except for airfare, all expenses are covered, ensuring peace of mind throughout the trip. Our price range is typically $300-$500 per student per day, depending on the trip’s activities and focus.
Let us help you create an enriching, educational, and memorable experience for your students!
Trip Description
At GOGI Abroad, we believe in the power of immersive education to inspire the next generation of global citizens. Our school programs, crafted in partnership with Nahual Expediciones, take students on an unforgettable journey from the majestic Andes to the vibrant Amazon, where learning is deeply rooted in sustainability, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. Grounded in the common goal of empowerment, education, and environmental awareness, our programs provide hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, compassion, and a deeper connection to the world.
Our custom itineraries are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school, ensuring that every group embarks on a meaningful and impactful adventure. From learning ancient agricultural practices to exploring the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, our programs go beyond traditional classroom education by immersing students in real-world experiences that highlight sustainability and responsible living.
Immersion in Sustainable Living at Palugo Farm
The journey begins at Palugo Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in Ecuador dedicated to sustainable practices and community living. Here, students engage in daily rhythms of life on the farm, working in organic gardens, tending to dairy cows, and learning traditional crafts. Through hands-on activities, they gain a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and resource management, all while experiencing the beauty of simple living. Palugo’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in every aspect of life on the farm, teaching students the importance of leaving a positive impact on the earth.
Cultural Exchange and Environmental Education in the Amazon
The adventure continues with an expedition into the Amazon, a living classroom of unparalleled biodiversity. Here, students explore permaculture farms and work alongside indigenous Kichwa communities, participating in reforestation projects and environmental education initiatives. They learn firsthand about eco-tourism, sustainable development, and cultural preservation, gaining insights into how these communities balance tradition with environmental conservation. This immersive cultural exchange not only broadens students’ worldviews but also fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for diverse ways of life.
Adventure and Environmental Stewardship
Our programs are designed to be adventurous and educational. From bike-packing through the highlands to rafting on the Amazon River, students engage with nature in exciting ways while learning about ecosystem preservation and environmental ethics. Guided by experienced Nahual leaders, they explore national parks, swim in natural river pools, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. These experiences cultivate a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and inspire students to become stewards of the earth.
A Transformative Educational Experience
With GOGI Abroad and Nahual, education is not confined to books and classrooms. It’s about engaging with the world, learning from communities that live in harmony with nature, and gaining the knowledge needed to create a sustainable future. Our programs empower students to think critically, act compassionately, and grow as global citizens who are inspired to make a difference.
We invite you to embark on a journey of learning and discovery with us, where education meets adventure and sustainability is at the heart of every experience. Learn more about our programs and start planning your next school adventure at GOGI Abroad and Nahual.
We invite you to embark on a journey of learning and discovery with us, where education meets adventure and sustainability is at the heart of every experience. Learn more about our programs and start planning your next school adventure at GOGI Abroad and Nahual.
At GOGI Abroad, we believe in the power of immersive education to inspire the next generation of global citizens. Our school programs, crafted in partnership with Nahual Expediciones, take students on an unforgettable journey from the majestic Andes to the vibrant Amazon, where learning is deeply rooted in sustainability, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. Grounded in the common goal of empowerment, education, and environmental awareness, our programs provide hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, compassion, and a deeper connection to the world.
Our custom itineraries are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school, ensuring that every group embarks on a meaningful and impactful adventure. From learning ancient agricultural practices to exploring the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest, our programs go beyond traditional classroom education by immersing students in real-world experiences that highlight sustainability and responsible living.
Immersion in Sustainable Living at Palugo Farm
The journey begins at Palugo Farm, a fourth-generation family farm in Ecuador dedicated to sustainable practices and community living. Here, students engage in daily rhythms of life on the farm, working in organic gardens, tending to dairy cows, and learning traditional crafts. Through hands-on activities, they gain a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and resource management, all while experiencing the beauty of simple living. Palugo’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in every aspect of life on the farm, teaching students the importance of leaving a positive impact on the earth.
Adventure & Environmental Stewardship
Our programs are designed to be adventurous and educational. From bike-packing through the highlands to rafting on the Amazon River, students engage with nature in exciting ways while learning about ecosystem preservation and environmental ethics. Guided by experienced Nahual leaders, they explore national parks, swim in natural river pools, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. These experiences cultivate a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and inspire students to become stewards of the earth.
Cultural Exchange & Environmental Education in the Amazon
The adventure continues with an expedition into the Amazon, a living classroom of unparalleled biodiversity. Here, students explore permaculture farms and work alongside indigenous Kichwa communities, participating in reforestation projects and environmental education initiatives. They learn firsthand about eco-tourism, sustainable development, and cultural preservation, gaining insights into how these communities balance tradition with environmental conservation. This immersive cultural exchange not only broadens students’ worldviews but also fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for diverse ways of life.
A Transformative Educational Experience
With GOGI Abroad and Nahual, education is not confined to books and classrooms. It’s about engaging with the world, learning from communities that live in harmony with nature, and gaining the knowledge needed to create a sustainable future. Our programs empower students to think critically, act compassionately, and grow as global citizens who are inspired to make a difference.
Our Homebase: Palugo Farm
Nestled just an hour from Quito, Palugo Farm offers an agricultural oasis on 240 beautiful acres, employing ecological building principles. A year-round CSA, the farm provides fresh, local fruits, veggies, meat, and dairy to nourish our group. The surrounding wildlife adds to the experience, and it's the perfect place to acclimate to the altitude (2800m above sea level) and immerse ourselves in Ecuadorian culture.
GOGI has nurtured a relationship with Nahual and Palugo Farm for a decade. Our families have built a strong connection with the indigenous people and the land, creating a sisterhood that fosters transformation and growth for both students and adults. The GOGI-Nahual partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to cultural exchange, empowerment, education, and environmental awareness.
Life at the Farm
At Palugo, daily life involves a variety of enriching activities and service learning projects. Participants will process their own food, learn native crafts, and contribute to community projects. From making drums and traditional flutes to constructing “esteras” (mattresses) and adobe structures, each project begins with raw materials and is guided by skilled native craftsmen who reveal centuries-old traditions. We believe that art is a universal language that fosters connection and understanding.
Lodging and Meals
Accommodations at Palugo consist of wooden cabins and canvas tents. The communal space, "El Chozon," overlooks the majestic Andes and offers a gathering place for meals, music, and reflection. Meals are made from locally grown, organic food harvested from the farm’s gardens, and students will learn to cook over an open fire, making bread, granola, and traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
Sample Itinerary
Educational Itinerary Focused on Sustainability, Farming, Indigenous Immersion, and Education
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The group departs from the USA and arrives at Palugo Farm in Ecuador. After settling in, the day kicks off with a welcome circle, where participants introduce themselves and learn about the cultural and environmental themes of the trip, focusing on sustainability, indigenous practices, and the importance of community-based learning.
A welcoming dinner introduces local Ecuadorian cuisine made from sustainable, farm-grown ingredients, setting the tone for the upcoming weeks of immersion in agriculture, culture, and sustainability.
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Students begin their educational journey with a guided tour of Palugo Farm, where they will learn about sustainable farming practices, including organic crop cultivation, permaculture, water conservation, and soil health. Through hands-on involvement, students understand how the farm integrates biodiversity and conservation into its practices.
The afternoon is spent engaging in community service projects on the farm, helping with tasks such as planting, composting, or building sustainable infrastructure. Students will also start a craft project with local artisans, learning about traditional Ecuadorian crafts made from locally sourced, sustainable materials.
Evening discussions focus on the importance of sustainability in agriculture and the impact that responsible farming practices can have on the local community and environment.
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Students continue their farm chores, learning more about how sustainable farming can be applied to various ecosystems and the methods that make Palugo Farm a model of sustainability. This includes engaging with the farm’s composting system, working with local plants, and exploring biodiversity through nature walks.
Service learning projects continue, where students collaborate with local farmers and community members to solve environmental challenges or improve farming techniques. Students will also dive into the cultural exchange, learning about indigenous farming methods, the ancestral knowledge passed down for generations, and how these traditions are being integrated into modern-day sustainability practices.
In the afternoon, students will explore the Palugo caves, a natural wonder that holds deep cultural significance for local indigenous groups. During this excursion, students will reflect on the deep connection between the land, natural resources, and cultural identity.
This sample itinerary showcases an immersive educational experience focused on sustainability, regenerative farming, and indigenous knowledge. Students participate in hands-on agricultural activities, collaborate with indigenous communities, and engage in meaningful service-learning projects that highlight the connection between cultural traditions and environmental responsibility. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of global sustainability while fostering leadership, critical thinking, and cross-cultural awareness. The program can be fully customized to align with your school’s curriculum, learning objectives, and educational values.
Testimonials
Curriculum Information
Indigenous Craft & Activities
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Traditonal Weaving
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Spoon Carving
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Leatherworking
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Food processing: cheese, butter, yogurt, preserves, and kombucha
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Working with medicinal herbs to make balms and oils
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Felting wool from Palugo llamas for hats, boots, and gloves