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Journey to Ecuador: Service Learning, Indigenous ways of Living, and Sustainability for Teens


  • Galapagos Ecuador (map)

Adventures in Ecuador

Ecuador Teen Adventure: Farm Life, Cultural Immersion, and Exploration

Embark on a transformative journey through Ecuador, starting at Palugo Farm, where you'll dive into regenerative agriculture, hands-on service projects, and crafts. Explore caves, learn about herbal healing, and bond over wood-fired pizza nights. Hike around the stunning Cuicocha Lake before settling into the San Clemente indigenous community for a homestay experience. Engage in meaningful service learning, traditional cooking, embroidery, and even a soccer match. Visit local schools, celebrate with music at a community fiesta, and shop at Otavalo’s vibrant craft market. Wrap up with a day exploring Quito and a relaxing soak in Papallacta’s hot springs before returning home. This adventure blends culture, service, and fun for an unforgettable experience!

Trip Highlights:

  • Palugo Farm Experience: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of life on a permaculture farm. Engage in food preparation, community-building, and hands-on farm work as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

  • Indigenous Homestay: Live with a Kichwa community and gain insight into traditional farming, daily life, and cultural practices. Contribute to meaningful projects in education and reforestation.

  • Natural Exploration: Discover stunning caves, rock formations, and natural river pools for swimming and adventure.

  • Cultural Immersion: Dive into the vibrant traditions of the Kichwa communities while supporting their self-sufficiency and eco-tourism initiatives.

  • Hot Springs Retreat: Conclude your journey by unwinding in the mineral-rich waters of Papallacta hot springs, surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery.

Adventure, culture, and sustainability come together in this unforgettable experience

The Gogi Abroad-Nahual sisterhood is grounded in the common goal of seeing the world, its wonders, diverse cultures, and realities through the eyes of empowerment, education and environmental awareness. GOGI and Nahual 

An immersion into simple living begins as soon as students arrive at the Palugo farm in Ecuador. Palugo is a fourth generation family farm dedicated to sustainable practices and providing a space for learning directly from the land and its people. Here, the organic gardens, dairy cows, llamas, and chickens help us to understand ancient farming techniques while participating in engaging hands-on work.

Life at the farm involves a wide range of projects and daily chores. Students will process their own food, learn native crafts and work on service-learning projects. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to Ecuador. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality, and the kindness of the people left a lasting impression. This trip reignited my wanderlust, reminding me of the stunning contrasts and beauty the world holds. From working on the Palugo farm to living with local host families, every moment was not only fun but also a valuable learning experience. Above all, this trip truly was the experience of a lifetime.”
— - Graciana Childs, Ecuador Student

What’s included:

Trip Includes:

  • All ground transportation in Ecuador, including airport pickup

  • Comfortable accommodations throughout the journey

  • Three daily meals made from locally grown, organic ingredients, including water, tea, and juice

  • Craft supplies and expert instruction for hands-on learning

  • Guided tours to explore Ecuador's rich culture and landscapes

  • Excursion to the rejuvenating Papallacta hot springs

  • GOGI-Nahual guides who inspire, educate, and connect students to local communities

  • GOGI T-shirt as a memento of the adventure

Our team of dedicated guides will lead students every day, providing a personalized, hands-on educational experience that immerses them in Ecuador’s vibrant culture and traditions.

What’s not included:

Tuition Does Not Include:

  • Roundtrip airfare to Quito ($400-$900)

  • Excess baggage fees

  • Food and drinks at the airport

  • Personal expenses, such as gifts (max $60)

  • Travel insurance with World Nomads (around $100)