ECUADOR

Travel with purpose to rural Ecuador and work together with community members on a project to reduce poverty. Celebrate your Christmas holiday doing service.

TRIP DATE: DecEMBER 23-30, 2023

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PROJECT: HELP BREAK THE CYCLES OF POVERTY IN A RURAL COMMUNITY

Limited to 30 expeditioners:

Welcome to Ecuador, a captivating South American gem that boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from stunning lakes to lush rainforests. Here, you will work side by side with locals on a community-led project that will help break the cycles of poverty, while also engaging in meaningful cultural exchange.

Itinerary

Enjoy an incredible opportunity to learn about rural Ecuadorian culture while also experiencing international development and humanitarian work firsthand.

DATES	DAY	ACTIVITIES OF THE DAY	LOCATION
12/23/2023	Wednesday	Arrive to Quito (Mariscal Sucre Airport, code UIO) any time, settle into hotel	Holiday Inn
12/24/2023	Thursday	Depart for community, Mitad del Mundo, village welcome, settle in, orientation dinner	Village homes
12/25/2023	Friday	Project Work/Community Activities	Village homes
12/26/2023	Saturday	Project Work/Community Activities	Villages homes
12/27/2023	Sunday	Project Work/Community Activities	Village homes
12/28/2023	Monday	Project Work/Community Activities, Christmas celebration	Village homes
12/29/2023	Tuesday	AM: Otavalo market, lunch. PM: Waterfall hike, Lake Cuycocha, check into hotel, farewell dinner	Hotel Medina del Lago
12/30/2023	Wednesday	Early departure for Quito, free time in Quito, return flights home (via Mariscal Sucre Airport, code UIO), or begin GPS tour	Flights/tour begins

BEFORE YOU GO

Everything you need to know before booking your life-changing adventure.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY’S NEED?

Expeditioners will help community members with a locally-led project that has the potential to reduce the many dimensions of poverty.

Like all areas where CHOICE serves, poverty levels in rural Ecuador are high and income levels are low or nonexistent. CHOICE works with and through the communities to implement systemic changes that expand options and provide paths out of poverty for individuals and families.

More information regarding the project to come.

WHAT WILL I EXPLORE WHILE I’M THERE?

In addition to serving and working in the rural community, expeditioners will also have the opportunity to visit:

Discover the historic charm and breathtaking beauty of Quito, Ecuador's captivating capital, nestled amidst the Andean peaks, where colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and awe-inspiring landscapes await your exploration.
Experience the fascinating wonder of Mitad del Mundo, where you can straddle the equator and take part in the unique blend of science, culture, and history at this iconic site in Ecuador.
There will also be leisure time to explore Otavalo, a largely indigenous town in Imbabura Province of Ecuador, which boasts the most famous artisanal market and is surrounded by the gorgeous peaks of the Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda volcanoes.

Expeditioners may be able to purchase additional trip add-ons to popular tourist destinations. Contact expeditions@choicehumanitarian.org for more information.

HOW MUCH DOES THE EXPEDITION COST?

INVESTING IN IMPACT

Your investment in an expedition is maximized to make a difference—it does good for both you and the community.

Around 50% goes towards the costs of running the trip. The remaining 50% goes towards CHOICE’s mission, its operations, and executing projects that address poverty like the one that you’ll be working on.

PRICING

Expedition fee: $2,395
Deposit: $300/person minimum deposit is required to reserve your spot.

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

The expedition fee includes two nights’ hotel accommodations, village meals and lodging, local transportation, in-country preparation, certified Expedition leaders, and all project costs (including materials) to be used both during and following the expedition.
Expedition fee will not cover any additional accommodation needs if arriving before or after the expedition.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Expeditioners are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel. The expedition fee does not cover airfare.

Arrive to Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre (UIO) anytime on December 23rd, 2023.
Depart from Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre (UIO) anytime on December 30th, 2023.

CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian travel, a trusted agency that specializes in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. Agent Blair Greene is standing by to assist you and can be reached at blair@cvtravel.com or by calling 1 (205) 484-2029.

All other transportation that is part of the expedition itinerary is arranged by CHOICE Humanitarian (not including trip add-ons).

WHO LEADS THE EXPEDITION?

WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?

WHAT MAKES CHOICE EXPEDITIONS DIFFERENT?

With a CHOICE expedition, you’re investing in an experience that is meaningful and responsible. Our country teams and Certified Expedition Leaders (CEL) work together to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

We prioritize meaningful interactions, increased empathy, and connection between expeditioners and community members.

SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS

We only support ethical projects which are needed by the community and provide sustainable, long-term poverty solutions.

EXPERIENCED TRIP LEADERS

We are led by Certified Expedition Leaders (CEL) who coordinate extensively with CHOICE local country directors and staff.

CONSCIOUSNESS OF IMPACT

We are intentional about the impact of our expeditions to ensure trips infuse beneficial resources into the community.

MAXIMIZED IMPACT

About 50% of your expedition investment goes to CHOICE’s mission to help execute projects that address poverty like the one that you’ll be working on.

Explore all of our available expeditions, or contact us to arrange a custom expedition to one of the areas we serve.

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