YFU’s short-term, adult-centered program in Ecuador allows you to explore both the urban and the wild! The Andes, Amazon, the Galapagos (or all three) the choice is yours. We invite participants from 18 to 118 to experience a Taste of Ecuador! Departing February 2025, this trip is open only to YFU alumni, host families, volunteers, staff, and parents of alumni.
Choose Your Program
As a YFU participant in Ecuador, you will taste a bit of what YFU students traveling to this beautiful country get to experience. All participants will begin the adventure in Quito, experiencing unique points of interest and traditions. Over the first five days with your group, visit Quito, Cuicocha Lake, Otaval, and Condor Park, among other points of interest.
The second week offers a unique exploration of the Galapagos Islands, where you’ll swim with sea turtles, sea lions, and reef sharks and walk alongside giant tortoises. You’ll visit key spots in the Galapagos National Park, stay on two different islands, and enjoy top snorkeling sites and short hikes while encountering endemic species like marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito- Meet your fellow travelers in Quito. Transportation from the airport provided by YFU Ecuador staff
- Day 2: Quito City tour and the Middle of the World (Equator Trip)
- Day 3: Andean Cosmo-vision and the Traditions
- Day 4: Cuicocha Lake and meeting with YFU inbound students
- Day 5: Otavalo handicraft marketing and Condor Park
- Day 6: Flight to Galapagos and snorkeling with Sea Lions
- Day 7: Snorkeling Excursion to Kicker Rock
- Day 8: Galapagos Giant Tortoises
- Day 9: Boat excursion to an uninhabited island
- Day 10: Flight back to Guayaquil or Quito and international flight connection
- Day 11: Free day in Quito
- Day 12: Transfer to the airport for international flight
Please visit the Taste of Ecuador Two-Week Andes and Galapagos Itinerary for complete program descriptions, detailed daily agendas, meals, and hotel accommodations.
Physical fitness and experience with outdoor or adventure travel are advantages. Please consider the altitude of Quito (2,850m or 9,350 ft) and other regions visited. There will be a lot of walking, some on uneven terrain.
Please note that travel insurance is mandatory for participation in this program. The cost of insurance is not included and will be determined and communicated at a later date. For reference, travel insurance for a 2-3 week program to Ecuador typically ranges from $75 to $175 per person, depending on a number of factors.
We highly recommend worldtrips.com for your travel insurance. Please note that insurance works differently in Ecuador. In emergencies, you must pay with a credit card and wait to be reimbursed by insurance.
In addition, the willingness to be adaptable is a plus to enjoy the accommodation with host families.
- 2025 Departures: Adults must be at least 18 years of age upon arrival in Ecuador. Anyone born before January 1, 2007 are welcome to apply. There is no upper age limit!
- Younger persons born after January 1, 2007 will not be considered for admission as this is an adult program.
Andes & Galapagos 2-Week Program Tuition: $3,550
- Hotel stays (double occupancy, there is an additional fee for single occupancy) and some meals. Please see the itineraries for further details
- Private transportation within Ecuador
- English tour guide
- Entrance fees to various museums
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Arrival seminar and farewell party
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from YFU support staff while on the program
Tuition DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International flight to Quito
- Some meals, as stated on the itinerary
- Tips
- Galapagos entrance fee: $220 per person
- Travel Insurance: $75-$175
Additional Fees
- Individuals can upgrade to their own hotel room (all 11 nights) for $300
Participants may choose to be placed with carefully selected Ecuadorian host families upon request in Quito in place of hotel accommodations.
This 2-week program starts in Quito with a visit to the YFU-Ecuador office, a city tour, and a trip to the Equator. Then, you’ll explore the northern region, learn about local traditions, and meet YFU students. The adventure continues to the south, where you’ll discover the majestic peaks of Cotopaxi and Chimborazo and get a taste of the Amazon’s rich culture and wildlife.
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito- Meet your fellow travelers in Quito. Transportation from the airport provided by YFU Ecuador staff
- Day 2: Quito City tour and the Middle of the World (Equator Trip)
- Day 3: Andean Cosmo-vision and the Traditions
- Day 4: Cuicocha Lake and meeting with YFU inbound students
- Day 5: Otavalo handicraft marketing and Condor Park
- Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park
- Day 7: Chimborazo Volcano
- Day 8: Baños, Entrance to the jungle
- Day 9: Community of Indigenous Women
- Day 10: Jungle Excursion
- Day 11: Caves Exploration
- Day 12: Free day in Quito
- Day 13: Transfer to airport for international flight
Please visit the Taste of Ecuador Two-Week Amazon and Andes Itinerary for complete program descriptions, detailed daily agendas, meals, and hotel accommodations.
Physical fitness and experience with outdoor or adventure travel are advantages. Please consider the altitude of Quito (2,850m or 9,350 ft) and other regions visited. There will be a lot of walking, some on uneven terrain.
Please note that travel insurance is mandatory for participation in this program. The cost of insurance is not included and will be determined and communicated at a later date. For reference, travel insurance for a 2-3 week program to Ecuador typically ranges from $75 to $175 per person, depending on a number of factors.
We highly recommend worldtrips.com for your travel insurance. Please note that insurance works differently in Ecuador. In emergencies, you must pay with a credit card and wait to be reimbursed by insurance.
In addition, the willingness to be adaptable is a plus to enjoy the accommodation with host families.
- 2025 Departures: Adults must be at least 18 years of age upon arrival in Ecuador. Anyone born before January 1, 2007 are welcome to apply. There is no upper age limit!
- Younger persons born after January 1, 2007 will not be considered for admission as this is an adult program.
Andes & Amazon 2-Week Program Tuition: $2,750
- Hotel stays (double occupancy, there is an additional fee for single occupancy) and some meals. Please see the itineraries for further details
- Private transportation within Ecuador
- English tour guide
- Entrance fees to various museums
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Arrival seminar and farewell party
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from YFU support staff while on the program
Tuition DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International Flight into Quito (UIO)
- Some meals, as stated on the itinerary
- Tips
- Galapagos entrance fee: $220 per person
- Travel Insurance: $75-$175
Additional Fees
- Individuals can upgrade to their own hotel room (all 11 nights) for $300
Participants may choose to be placed with carefully selected Ecuadorian host families upon request in Quito in place of hotel accommodations.
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito- Meet your fellow travelers in Quito. Transportation from the airport provided by YFU Ecuador staff
- Day 2: Quito City tour and the Middle of the World (Equator Trip)
- Day 3: Andean Cosmo-vision and the Traditions
- Day 4: Cuicocha Lake and meeting with YFU inbound students
- Day 5: Otavalo handicraft marketing and Condor Park
- Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park
- Day 7: Chimborazo Volcano
- Day 8: Baños, Entrance to the jungle
- Day 9: Community of Indigenous Women
- Day 10: Jungle Excursion
- Day 11: Caves Exploration
- Day 12: Free day in Quito
- Day 13: Flight to Galapagos and snorkeling with Sea Lions
- Day 14: Snorkeling excursion to Kicker Rock
- Day 15: Galapagos Giant Tortoises
- Day 16: Boat Excursion to an uninhabited island
- Day 17: Flight back to Guayaquil or Quito and international flight connection
Please visit the Taste of Ecuador Andes, Amazon & Galapagos Itinerary for complete program descriptions, detailed daily agendas, meals, and hotel accommodations.
Physical fitness and experience with outdoor or adventure travel are advantages. Please consider the altitude of Quito (2,850m or 9,350 ft) and other regions visited. There will be a lot of walking, some on uneven terrain.
Please note that travel insurance is mandatory for participation in this program. The cost of insurance is not included and will be determined and communicated at a later date. For reference, travel insurance for a 2-3 week program to Ecuador typically ranges from $75 to $175 per person, depending on a number of factors.
We highly recommend worldtrips.com for your travel insurance. Please note that insurance works differently in Ecuador. In emergencies, you must pay with a credit card and wait to be reimbursed by insurance.
In addition, the willingness to be adaptable is a plus to enjoy the accommodation with host families.
- 2025 Departures: Adults must be at least 18 years of age upon arrival in Ecuador. Anyone born before January 1, 2007 are welcome to apply. There is no upper age limit!
- Younger persons born after January 1, 2007 will not be considered for admission as this is an adult program.
Andes, Amazon & Galapagos 3-Week Program Tuition: $4450
- Hotel stays (double occupancy, there is an additional fee for single occupancy) and some meals. Please see the itineraries for additional details
- Private transportation within Ecuador
- English tour guide
- Entrance fees to various museums
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Arrival seminar and farewell party
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from YFU support staff while on the program
Tuition DOES NOT INCLUDE
- International Flight into Quito (UIO)
- Some meals, as stated on the itinerary
- Tips
- Galapagos entrance fee: $220 per person
- Travel Insurance: $75-$175
Additional Fees
- Individuals can upgrade to their own hotel room (all 11 nights) for $300
Participants may choose to be placed with carefully selected Ecuadorian host families upon request in Quito in place of hotel accommodations.
As a YFU exchange visitor in Ecuador, you will discover the rich heritage of a country home to the descendants of the great Inca Empire! Among a population of 15 million, Ecuador’s indigenous peoples have maintained a strong cultural identity and are known for beautiful textiles and ceramics. You’ll notice the Spanish influence in Quito’s beautiful colonial churches, which have been well-preserved. Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands provide unique wildlife (including the infamous giant tortoise!)
With its beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, amazing wildlife, and rich culture, Ecuador will undoubtedly leave you with a journey you will never forget!
Due to the low pricing of this program, scholarships are NOT available for this YFU Adult Program.
2-Week Program with Andes and Galapagos: $3,550
2-Week Program with Amazon and Andes: $2750
3-Week Program with Amazon, Andes, and Galapagos: $4450
- You must submit a $1000 non-refundable deposit to complete your enrollment.
- The tuition balance is due in full by December 14th. Participants can still enroll after this date until departure but must pay the full tuition at the time of enrollment.
Visa Information
Participants will not need a visa for the short-term adult Ecuador programs. However, you will need a valid US passport with an expiration date greater than six months at the time of your reentry into the United States.
Additional Costs
- Participants are responsible for obtaining a passport before departure.
- Please note that, unlike other YFU programs, airfare to and from Ecuador is NOT included. To keep pricing as low as possible, we have determined that booking individual flights is the most affordable option.
- Travel Insurance: $75-$175
- Some meals (see itineraries)
- Tips
- Single room fee: $300
- Galapagos entrance fee: $220 (Galapagos trips only)
