Spanish Language & Ecuadorian Culture Retreat

Join us for a fun, three-day Spanish and Ecuadorian Culture Retreat designed to enhance your language skills and cultural understanding. Focusing on grammar and basic vocabulary, this retreat is designed to introduce participants to the Spanish language and the culture of Ecuador.

Your retreat will be held at the rustic Cruisetas Lodge, located 3 hours from Quito and just 20 minutes from the town of Baeza, at the gateway to the Amazon. This family-owned lodge in the Napo province is situated right in the heart of nature, east of the Andes Mountains at approximately 2200 meters, or 7200 feet above sea level. The lodge, built 30 years ago by the de Silva family, provides the cozy comfort of home and a relaxed learning environment. Your accommodation will include private rooms, shared bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. You will be surrounded by unique flora and fauna, as well as diverse wildlife including many different species of birds.

Led by an experienced language facilitator, their teaching approach combines adult learning theory with hands-on experiences to ensure effective language acquisition. Throughout the course of the retreat, the language facilitator is assisted by other local experts in cooking, ecology, and biology, providing you with opportunities to engage in practical language practice and cultural activities. Your time spent on this retreat will prepare you for the subsequent Ecuador “Crash Course” Tour, improving your language skills and easing your cultural adaptation.

If you decide to embark on this retreat, be prepared to experience the cool, wet weather of the Amazon at high altitudes. We suggest packing warm clothes, as temperatures will remain between 12-18 degrees Celsius (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit). Rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided for your use, if desired. This is an opportunity to experience what life is like in the rural areas of Ecuador, immersing yourself in the simple lifestyle led by many who live in the Amazon.

Harness your adventurous spirit and embark on this Spanish learning journey, enriching your experience in Ecuador!

Need more information? Let us answer your questions!

Sample Itinerary

Please Note: This is a sample itinerary only. We occasionally make changes to the actual itinerary depending on hotel availability, holidays, road conditions, and other factors. However, once we have sent out itineraries for each tour, we strive to maintain that schedule. Thanks!

Arrival Day

Arrival to Quito Airport & Transport to Local Hotel
Lodging will be at the Hotel Cumbaya Sanvy
Relax and Prepare for your journey into the Cloud Forest

Day 3

Optional Early Morning Bird Watching
Cuencano Breakfast with Useful Vocabulary Lesson
Session 4: Survival Spanish & Culture
Lunch
Preparation for and Departure from Cruisetas Lodge
Visit to Papallactas Thermas, local hot springs
Depart for Quito
Arrive at Quito Hotel & Prepare for Crash Course Ecuador Tour or your travel home

Day 1

Embark on our journey to the Gateway of the Amazon, enjoying spectacular scenery and crossing the Continental Divide
Arrival at Curisetas Lodge and Welcome Lunch
Introductions, program overview, and First Survival Spanish & Culture Session
Visit to the Cosanga River
Dinner & Guayusa Welcome
Optional Fireside Chat with Sharing of Local Legends & History

Day 2

Optional Early Morning Bird Watching
Amazon Breakfast with Useful Vocabulary Lesson
Session 2: Preparing an Ecuadorian Lunch, including picking your vegetables and cooking your lunch
Eat your Ecuadorian Lunch
Siesta Time
Session 3: More Survival Spanish & Culture
Afternoon Coffee - Cafecito de la tarde
Outing to town on Cosanga River to practice your Spanish
Dinner & "Who is Your Friend?" Presentation

Cozy living room at Cruisetas Lodge for socializing group activities.

Daytime walk through the surrounding rain forest.

Cooking class at Cruisetas Lodge.

Sleeping accommodations at Cruisetas Lodge.