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Fall Semester 2011 Ecuador Bio-Diversity and Whitewater

Fall Semester Dates:

First Quarter: Canada and USA, 9/1 to 10/15

Fall Break: 10/16 to 10/29

Second Quarter: Ecuador, 11/1 to 12/15

David Hughes will gladly answer your questions if you'd like to learn more about the Ecuador semester.

Feel comfortable to email, Hugeh2o@yahoo.com.

So, what do you know about South America’s Ecuador?  “Ahhmm. well, uhhh… it lies on the equator, is that where the Galapagos Islands are, will we see monkeys and go into the rainforest, and oh yea I hear there’s kayaking there?”  Yes, these are all correct guesses.  Let’s discuss why Ecuador is a safe, culturally rich, and exciting whitewater destination for your high school semester.

You’ll land in the second highest capital in the world,  Quito.  Quito at over 9,000 feet is surrounded by white peaks, the metro buses have long electric bars sparking to their above energy connections, the indigenous vend their crafts wearing brightly colored custom dresses, ponchos, and the signature Ecuadorian brimmed cap.  As you kayak you’ll pass the villages observing families washing their clothes in the river, farmers working their fields with oxen, and witness the most colorful birds such as the toucan.

You can gain a new perspective of the world as you explore Ecuador's rich eco-system, vibrant culture, and world's best whitewater.

About the bio-diversity and fun with biology.

Learning Spanish in the rainforest is both exciting and inspirational.

Your Biology Teacher's Dream Destination

This land is as rich in flora and fauna as it’s vibrant culture.  You’ll experience first hand how the indigenous sustainably live from the rainforests.  Yes, you’ll see monkeys including the cute spider monkey and larger species.  You’ll even see wild cats, the world’s smallest breed of bear at the size of a small dog, and a first cousin to the hippo.  This is the rainforest with 1,640 species of birds, 25,000 species of trees, over 4,500 species of butterflies, and 2,725 species of orchids.  Did you know that Charles Darwin formulated his naturalist theories based on this bio-diverse land during his SS Beagle voyage of South America?  You’ll practice lessons in taxonomy right there in the rainforest from your scientific observations.

Your new best friend.

While Ecuador is “developing” and has switched currency to a more stable U.S. dollar, it is rich in oil and produce.  There’s an oil pipe along side the 70 kilometers of roadside Rio Quijos stretches.  Oil rich companies funded the roads, and this is what allows Ecuador to provide easy stable access to the whitewater.  As part of your studies you’ll research why national banks and currency collapsed and the effect on the nation.

Are the whitewater destinations safe?

Whether you want to master boofing on a classic basalt or granite canyon or catching air on a gorgeous wave Ecuador's whitewater epicenter offers the goods.

Your first destination will be in the small town of Baeza along the Rio Quijos.  Here you’ll see chickens and horses crossing the streets as often as the local bus.  Farmers will board the buses with giant barrels of fresh milk from their cows.  We employ locals to do our cooking of customary dishes with an occasional flare for our North American tastes.  The Quijos area provides six runs you’ll rotate as your afterschool river run.  They range from challenging to park and play waves and holes.

Since, the Quijos is riverside it’s easy to put-in and takeout.  The life in this village is calm until you go to a local soccer game or rodeo when everyone gets excited.

The Tena Whitewater Kayaking Hub

Next, you’ll travel south three hours over the Guacamayo Pass.  On clear days you can view an impressive lush covered volcano great for photos.  Tena offers more wildlife in the nature of parrots, marmosets, and a variety of monkeys.  Walking distance from your cabanas is a soccer field for morning workouts.

Tena is regarded by many as the best whitewater hub on the planet for one reason.  Geographically Tena is where gradient + rivers merge.   Yeahhh!  We’ve found great whitewater. Tena is also a central trading route for the indigenous.  The indigenous use the same rivers as transport for their produce and fishing trade.  Meaning you’re going to see some cool things on the rainforest runs.  We’ll actually embark on a remarkable rainforest experience on the Lower Mishualli as part of the science program.

Your daily after school runs will be the Jatunyacu, Jondachi, Piatua, and Misahualli.  How cool would it be to surf big waves, nail your boof and takeout with monkeys flying from tree to tree.

A cool experience- “We took off the Lower Misahualli and the natives had paddled first watching the monkeys on shore.  Then we noticed something more amazing…  two natives paddled into shore in a long wooden dugout.  They were in their underwear with diving masks and two spears.  It took two of them to hoist a catfish that must’ve weighed 60 pounds on their bamboo pole this is the rainforest and everything everywhere is growing, living, full of color.”

Quito and the Otavalo Arts and Crafts Market

In the northern highlands you can visit one of the world’s most famous crafts and arts markets in Otavalo.  The indigenous hand craft everything from hammocks and sweaters to elaborate wood carvings.  We’ll save this cultural experience for the last thing you do prior to returning home full of economical Christmas presents.

Learn to Haggle- Yea, that’s right.  We’re going to teach you how to negotiate a better price for your mom’s Christmas present.  Now, let’s see who can get the best price on that beautiful copper and turquoise bracelet.

The Old-town. It’s interesting to see the streets curving and winding up the old-town.  You’ll get a day to see the beautiful cathedrals and take in the old-town.

Is Ecuador Safe?

After school you can relax and enjoy some of your favorite activities like photography.  You'll be removed from normal TV and Internet exposure... now you're experiencing life to it's fullest.

Ecuador is a poor country with well-developed infrastructure, police and military.  The nation has evolved it's level of safety from reducing crime to improving roads.  The culture and destinations are tourist friendly.  Hospitals are nearby and our destinations are in the mountains away from the hustle of typical tourist areas..  it is common for travelers to get the "24-hour bug..."  We prep students for this too.  We'll also have pre-trip discussions on recommended shots including malaria.  

David Hughes will gladly answer your questions if you'd like to learn more about the Ecuador semester.

Feel comfortable to email, Hugeh2o@yahoo.com.