Experience Ecuador!

This trip is open to adults 18 years and older who are eager to immerse themselves in learning a new language and culture in one of Latin America's most enchanting cities. This course is open to everyone — no prior enrollment in our noncredit programs is needed! Students can choose from two language learning levels: absolute beginner and beginner/intermediate. Participants must already have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond July 17, 2026.

Registration opens January 2026.

To be added to the wait list, please email WCCELanguages@HowardCC.edu.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:

Full refund for withdrawal from the course before May 17, 2026. 50% refund for withdrawal between May 17 and June 17, 2026. Enrollment is non-refundable after June 17, 2026. Withdrawal requests must be made in writing to WCCELanguages@HowardCC.edu. 

Howard Community College reserves the right to cancel the program if enrollment is insufficient or due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a cancellation, we will notify you as far in advance as possible and issue a full refund.

The cost of the trip is $2,480^{1, 2}

Course fees INCLUDE:

• Pre-departure orientation
• Tuition for Spanish courses
• Airport transfers in Ecuador
• Airfare from Quito to Cuenca
• Accommodations
• All planned excursions

Course fees DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to and from Quito, Ecuador
• Meals
• Travel within the Cuenca historic city center
• Health insurance coverage for international travel
• Out of pocket expenses

¹ Rates are subject to change based on inflation.
² Senior tuition discounts, financial aid, and waivers are not offered.

The travel dates are Friday, July 17 — Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The itinerary below is subject to change as needed.

Day 1: Friday, July 17

• In transit to program, arrive in Quito, Ecuador
• Check in: Hotel Rio Amazonas

Day 2: Saturday, July 18

• Middle of the World
• Historic center of Quito
• Flight to Cuenca
• Check in: Posada del Angel

Day 3: Sunday, July 19

• Orientation and Universidad de Cuenca campus tour
• Lunch in Cuenca’s historic center
• Cuenca city tour
• Welcome dinner with traditional food

Day 4: Monday, July 20

• Spanish class
• Immersion practice: Ave Loja
• Workshop: Cuencan pottery

Day 5: Tuesday, July 21

• Spanish class
• Workshop: musical instruments of the Andes
• Immersion practice: Mercado 10 de Agosto

Day 6: Wednesday, July 22

• Spanish class
• Immersion practice: UCuenca students
• Tour: Pumapungo Archaeological Park

Day 7: Thursday, July 23

• Spanish class
• Immersion practice: botanical gardens
• Workshop: cooking class

Day 8: Friday, July 24

• Spanish class
• Tour: traditional textiles and jewelry in Gualaceo and Chordeleg

Day 9: Saturday, July 25

• Optional activities: El Cajas National Park, Piedra de Agua Spa, or prepare for departure
• Return flight to Quito

Day 10: Sunday, July 26

• In transit home

Arrival and Departure 

• Arrival day is Friday, July 17, 2026. Airport transfers will be arranged for anyone arriving after 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17. Participants arriving before this time will need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel in Quito. 
• Hotel check-in opens at 3 p.m.  
• Activities begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 18. 
• The scheduled trip ends Saturday, July 25 with a late afternoon flight from Cuenca to Quito. Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, connect with your international flight. Please book international flights departing Quito no earlier than 11 p.m. There is no hotel stay included for Quito. 
• Please note: In the unlikely event HCC must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. You may be required to make flight adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline. 

Passport 

Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond July 17, 2026. 

Visa 

U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa for stays in Ecuador of less than 90 days in any 12-month period.  

Currency 

The official currency in Ecuador is the United States Dollar (USD). No currency exchanges are needed.  

Health concerns 

• Vaccinations: While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, the CDC recommends travelers obtain certain immunizations. See the CDC website for more information.  

• Altitude: Both Quito and Cuenca are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.  

• Activity: This is an active trip with a busy itinerary that includes a fair amount of walking. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive if you choose not to walk. 

Accommodations 

Participants are housed in a beautifully maintained, centuries-old colonial building in the heart of the historic center—a prime location perfect for walking to all major attractions. Rooms feature essential amenities, but do not typically include air conditioning due to Cuenca's mild, high-altitude climate. The hotel does offer some accessibility features, including wheelchair access to the entire ground floor. However, due to the traditional colonial architecture where rooms face inner courtyards, keep in mind that upper floors are accessible by stairs only.