Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel in Ecuador safe?
In our experience, Ecuador is a very safe and welcoming country. You will be accompanied throughout your trip by very experienced travelers who are up-to-date on current political and environmental advisories. If we decide that an area is unsafe for travel, we will adjust the trip accordingly. We do everything possible to assure the safety of our travelers, but students are ultimately responsible for their own safety by following our policies and guidelines. If you have specific questions about safety in Ecuador, please feel free to contact the director at any time at [email protected] or by calling 1-631-423-7329.
What about Zika virus?
According to an epidemiological report by the World Health Organization, there are no reported cases of Zika virus in the province of Pastaza, where you will be staying. Because of the high altitude in the city of Quito, where you will be passing through, transmission of the Zika virus is unlikely.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
Students will be given a free, 90 day tourist visa upon entry to the country.
Do I need to carry my vaccination card?
Yes, students should carry their vaccination card with them. Visit the CDC website to view the recommended vaccinations for Ecuador.
What meals will be provided?
You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks each day of your trip, which are included in the trip cost. Bottled drinking water will always be available. Our staff is well aware of the needs of cooking for tourists and will be preparing delicious traditional food for the duration of your stay in the rainforest. While traveling to and from the airport, we will only be making stops at restaurants where our staff have previously eaten. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Please make us aware of any dietary restrictions on your registration form.
Can I bring snacks?
Yes, you can. We will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday of your trip, and snacks in between, but you are more than welcome to bring snacks of your own.
What should I pack for the trip?
Click here to view the printable packing list.
Should I bring money?
We will provide everything that you need on your trip. If you would like to purchase souvenirs, gifts, or anything at the airport, you will need to bring cash. Ecuador has used the American dollar since the year 2000. Very few locations accept credit or debit cards.
What if I cannot pay full price for the trip?
It is understandable that many students cannot pay the full trip cost out of pocket. The trips that we offer are unforgettable opportunities for personal growth, and the development of lifelong friendships. We want everyone to experience first-hand the adventure and culture of Ecuador, and for that reason we offer online fundraising workshops, and provide videos and flyers to help you meet your fundraising goals. Contact our Director of University Affairs with any fundraising questions, or for access to the fundraising resources at [email protected]m .
What types of donations can I bring for the community?
San Ramon is an indigenous Kichwa community with a population of about 500. There are 150 students in the school in grades 1-10. Used or new clothing, toys, children's books (in English or Spanish) and school supplies are always appreciated. A list of possible donations has been included on the packing list.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Your trip leaders are fluent in both Spanish and English, so it will not be a problem. If you are interested on brushing up on your Spanish before the trip, we recommend trying www.Duolingo.com. Your trip leaders are happy to translate at any time, and will teach you some fun words exclusive to Ecuador. All of our staff loves practicing and teaching both English and Spanish, and it is a great learning opportunity for those interested.
Where will I sleep?
You will be staying at Two Rivers Lodge for most of your stay. It is located alongside the beautiful Arajuno River. Insect nets will be provided, although due to elevation they are usually not necessary. While traveling back to the airport, one night will be spent in Villa Santa Clara in the breathtaking city of Baños.
Do I need a mosquito net?
All beds at Two Rivers Lodge have a mosquito net, although due to the elevation, they are usually not necessary.
Will I have e-mail or phone access?
For most of the trip you will be staying in a small community in the Amazon where there is no WiFi access. Your trip leaders will be sharing updates with your families via e-mail each afternoon and will be available around the clock via Whatsapp.
In the event of an emergency we will immediately contact the primary guardian as listed on the registration form. If the primary guardian is unavailable the emergency contacts will be called. If there is an urgent matter for which a traveler needs to be contacted, call the directors office at 1-631-423-7329. Provide them with a brief explanation and contact number and you will be called within the hour.
Is there clean drinking water?
You should never drink tap water in Ecuador. Bottled drinking water will always be available. You should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the trip.
What is your drug and alcohol policy?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for the use of drugs. Alcohol is prohibited on high school trips.. Alcohol use on college trips takes place in a responsible manner, at the discretion of your trip leaders. In the event that these rules are broken, the student can be sent home at the family's expense if their behavior is endangering themselves or the group. See the release waiver for more information on this subject.
What if I get sick during the trip?
All of your trip leaders are first-aid certified and equipped with a first aid kit to treat minor injuries and illnesses. Should you need to go to the doctor, a staff member will accompany you to the nearest hospital (never more than 30 minutes away) to assure that you get the best medical care possible. Click here for travel recommendations from the CDC for travel to Ecuador. We ask that all participants be up to date with standard vaccines and have proof of immunization history in the event of a medical emergency.
How do you spend the money earned from trips?
Your money goes a long way to help fund community development projects like backpack donations, clean drinking water in the classrooms in San Ramon, and to battle nutrient deficiency on the community by planting community gardens, and providing workshops to community members. Feel free to contact us for a detailed spending breakdown.
In our experience, Ecuador is a very safe and welcoming country. You will be accompanied throughout your trip by very experienced travelers who are up-to-date on current political and environmental advisories. If we decide that an area is unsafe for travel, we will adjust the trip accordingly. We do everything possible to assure the safety of our travelers, but students are ultimately responsible for their own safety by following our policies and guidelines. If you have specific questions about safety in Ecuador, please feel free to contact the director at any time at [email protected] or by calling 1-631-423-7329.
What about Zika virus?
According to an epidemiological report by the World Health Organization, there are no reported cases of Zika virus in the province of Pastaza, where you will be staying. Because of the high altitude in the city of Quito, where you will be passing through, transmission of the Zika virus is unlikely.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
Students will be given a free, 90 day tourist visa upon entry to the country.
Do I need to carry my vaccination card?
Yes, students should carry their vaccination card with them. Visit the CDC website to view the recommended vaccinations for Ecuador.
What meals will be provided?
You will be provided with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks each day of your trip, which are included in the trip cost. Bottled drinking water will always be available. Our staff is well aware of the needs of cooking for tourists and will be preparing delicious traditional food for the duration of your stay in the rainforest. While traveling to and from the airport, we will only be making stops at restaurants where our staff have previously eaten. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Please make us aware of any dietary restrictions on your registration form.
Can I bring snacks?
Yes, you can. We will be providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday of your trip, and snacks in between, but you are more than welcome to bring snacks of your own.
What should I pack for the trip?
Click here to view the printable packing list.
Should I bring money?
We will provide everything that you need on your trip. If you would like to purchase souvenirs, gifts, or anything at the airport, you will need to bring cash. Ecuador has used the American dollar since the year 2000. Very few locations accept credit or debit cards.
What if I cannot pay full price for the trip?
It is understandable that many students cannot pay the full trip cost out of pocket. The trips that we offer are unforgettable opportunities for personal growth, and the development of lifelong friendships. We want everyone to experience first-hand the adventure and culture of Ecuador, and for that reason we offer online fundraising workshops, and provide videos and flyers to help you meet your fundraising goals. Contact our Director of University Affairs with any fundraising questions, or for access to the fundraising resources at [email protected]m .
What types of donations can I bring for the community?
San Ramon is an indigenous Kichwa community with a population of about 500. There are 150 students in the school in grades 1-10. Used or new clothing, toys, children's books (in English or Spanish) and school supplies are always appreciated. A list of possible donations has been included on the packing list.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Your trip leaders are fluent in both Spanish and English, so it will not be a problem. If you are interested on brushing up on your Spanish before the trip, we recommend trying www.Duolingo.com. Your trip leaders are happy to translate at any time, and will teach you some fun words exclusive to Ecuador. All of our staff loves practicing and teaching both English and Spanish, and it is a great learning opportunity for those interested.
Where will I sleep?
You will be staying at Two Rivers Lodge for most of your stay. It is located alongside the beautiful Arajuno River. Insect nets will be provided, although due to elevation they are usually not necessary. While traveling back to the airport, one night will be spent in Villa Santa Clara in the breathtaking city of Baños.
Do I need a mosquito net?
All beds at Two Rivers Lodge have a mosquito net, although due to the elevation, they are usually not necessary.
Will I have e-mail or phone access?
For most of the trip you will be staying in a small community in the Amazon where there is no WiFi access. Your trip leaders will be sharing updates with your families via e-mail each afternoon and will be available around the clock via Whatsapp.
In the event of an emergency we will immediately contact the primary guardian as listed on the registration form. If the primary guardian is unavailable the emergency contacts will be called. If there is an urgent matter for which a traveler needs to be contacted, call the directors office at 1-631-423-7329. Provide them with a brief explanation and contact number and you will be called within the hour.
Is there clean drinking water?
You should never drink tap water in Ecuador. Bottled drinking water will always be available. You should bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the trip.
What is your drug and alcohol policy?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for the use of drugs. Alcohol is prohibited on high school trips.. Alcohol use on college trips takes place in a responsible manner, at the discretion of your trip leaders. In the event that these rules are broken, the student can be sent home at the family's expense if their behavior is endangering themselves or the group. See the release waiver for more information on this subject.
What if I get sick during the trip?
All of your trip leaders are first-aid certified and equipped with a first aid kit to treat minor injuries and illnesses. Should you need to go to the doctor, a staff member will accompany you to the nearest hospital (never more than 30 minutes away) to assure that you get the best medical care possible. Click here for travel recommendations from the CDC for travel to Ecuador. We ask that all participants be up to date with standard vaccines and have proof of immunization history in the event of a medical emergency.
How do you spend the money earned from trips?
Your money goes a long way to help fund community development projects like backpack donations, clean drinking water in the classrooms in San Ramon, and to battle nutrient deficiency on the community by planting community gardens, and providing workshops to community members. Feel free to contact us for a detailed spending breakdown.
