Your Outdoor Classroom - Travel
"Ecuador: From the Amazon to the Coast"
July 1 - July 15, 2026
Trip Highlights:
- See the whale migration at Puerto Lopez.
- Explore the rich diversity of the land and waters of Isla de la Plata.
- Vanilla farms, coffee farms, llama farms!
- Explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) in Banos.
- Swing out at the top of the world Casa del Arbol.
- Learn about current research and conservation projects at the Sumak Kawsay in Situ (SKIS), a center for environmental education and research.
- Visit the indigenous community of Guayusa Runa.
- Learn about and tour coastal, jungle and highland ecosystems with their distinct flora and fauna.
- Bathe in natural hot springs and heated mud baths.
- Learn to make (and then get to eat) local foods.
- Visit and explore 3 volcanos.
- Visit Omaere Ethnobiological Park, Botanical Gardens, and National Parks.
- UNESCO World Heritage site: Historic District in Quito.
- Straddle the hemishperes in Quito.
Itinerary Outline: SEE DETAILED DAILY ITINERARY.
Day 1: Arrive Guayaquil and transfer to Puerto Lopez
Day 2: Machalilla National Park and the fish market of Puerto Lopez
Day 3: Explore the waters and beaches of Isla de la Plata including a whale watching tour
Day 4: Travel to Chimborazo Volcano
Day 5: Explore highland ecosystem, llama farming and culinary workshop
Day 6: Travel to and explore Banos. Waterfall sightseeing and dinner at a popular waterfall
Day 7: Swing out over the world at Tungurahua volcano. Range of activity options from ziplining to exploring Banos
Day 8: Travel to Mera and explore the river trails. Visit the Butterfly Museum
Day 9: Visit the Waska community and travel to SKIS, a research facility in the Amazon Jungle. Many available workshops exploring the varied life in and around the facility.
Day 10: Learn to cook (and then eat) traditional food, learn about the current research, newly identified species, and stop at the river swimming hole.
Day 11: Travel to Puyo. Explore the riverfront and tour the Ethnobotanical Park, including a medicinal plants tour.
Day 12: Learn indigenous games, participate in ceremonies and dances with the Guayusa Runa community.
Day 13: Visit the Biopark ad riverfront district in Tena on our way to Quito. Stop for dinner and relaxation at the hot springs in Papallaca.
Day 14: Visit Matad del Mundo on the equator, shop in the artisan market, explore the historic district and the Basilica Cathedral
Day 15: Ride up the side of Pichincha volcano, Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Arrive Guayaquil and transfer to Puerto Lopez
Day 2: Machalilla National Park and the fish market of Puerto Lopez
Day 3: Explore the waters and beaches of Isla de la Plata including a whale watching tour
Day 4: Travel to Chimborazo Volcano
Day 5: Explore highland ecosystem, llama farming and culinary workshop
Day 6: Travel to and explore Banos. Waterfall sightseeing and dinner at a popular waterfall
Day 7: Swing out over the world at Tungurahua volcano. Range of activity options from ziplining to exploring Banos
Day 8: Travel to Mera and explore the river trails. Visit the Butterfly Museum
Day 9: Visit the Waska community and travel to SKIS, a research facility in the Amazon Jungle. Many available workshops exploring the varied life in and around the facility.
Day 10: Learn to cook (and then eat) traditional food, learn about the current research, newly identified species, and stop at the river swimming hole.
Day 11: Travel to Puyo. Explore the riverfront and tour the Ethnobotanical Park, including a medicinal plants tour.
Day 12: Learn indigenous games, participate in ceremonies and dances with the Guayusa Runa community.
Day 13: Visit the Biopark ad riverfront district in Tena on our way to Quito. Stop for dinner and relaxation at the hot springs in Papallaca.
Day 14: Visit Matad del Mundo on the equator, shop in the artisan market, explore the historic district and the Basilica Cathedral
Day 15: Ride up the side of Pichincha volcano, Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
See ECUADOR TRAVEL INFORMATION for tips on pre-trip vaccination recommendations, medications you should bring, and more.
This trip is limited so register as soon as possible. Registration open until April 15, 2026.
Trip is brought to you by "Your Outdoor Classroom - Travel," a program of Camp Bethel led by Beth Wiegandt.
REQUISITES: You are responsible for your passport (valid at minimum through January 2027), your trip insurance, your flights to Guayaquil and from Quito, your packing and tips. This trip is moderately active with some hiking/walking over rough terrain. You know best about your ability. Options of varied activities geared towards different activity levels will be offered frequently. Check the detailed daily itinerary for details on fitness levels for activities. Contact Trip Leader Beth Wiegandt ([email protected]) for questions about daily activities and recommended physical ability. This trip is not guaranteed to be 100% accessible for those with mobility needs/aids.
TRIP PRICE & DEPOSITS: $4500 for double occupancy in hotels. (Limited single occupancy options for additional cost. Contact Beth Wiegandt.) Please see following for a list of what is included and exclusions in this price. $800 deposit is due ASAP and no later than April 15, 2026 to reserve your space, of which $300 is non-refundable at any time and the remaining $500 is non-refundable after April 15. Your balance will be invoiced with one half due by May 1 and the remainder due by June 1. All deposits and payments count toward your total fee. NOTE: $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 is non-refundable after April 15. NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 15. (Trip insurance is required.)
TRIP LEADERS: Beth Wiegandt is the Your Outdoor Classroom Instructor for Camp Bethel (Fincastle, VA). Beth has traveled extensively, including wilderness trips. Contact Beth at [email protected]. Alex Bentley is a co-founder of the organization Waska Amazonia. Alex is a Salem, Virginia native who has lived in Ecuador for the last four years. He specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians, but works in various other projects of conservation and environmental education. Dione Fiallos is a co-founder of the organization Waska Amazonia and a business woman from Mera, Ecuador. She works with indigenous groups and local women to develop sustainable alternatives to destructive land-use practices. Dione also leads spiritual practices including yoga, meditations, and ceremonies.
Registration is open and is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP and before April 15.
QUESTIONS: Contact Beth Wiegandt at [email protected] or 540-556-2594.
This trip is limited so register as soon as possible. Registration open until April 15, 2026.
Trip is brought to you by "Your Outdoor Classroom - Travel," a program of Camp Bethel led by Beth Wiegandt.
REQUISITES: You are responsible for your passport (valid at minimum through January 2027), your trip insurance, your flights to Guayaquil and from Quito, your packing and tips. This trip is moderately active with some hiking/walking over rough terrain. You know best about your ability. Options of varied activities geared towards different activity levels will be offered frequently. Check the detailed daily itinerary for details on fitness levels for activities. Contact Trip Leader Beth Wiegandt ([email protected]) for questions about daily activities and recommended physical ability. This trip is not guaranteed to be 100% accessible for those with mobility needs/aids.
TRIP PRICE & DEPOSITS: $4500 for double occupancy in hotels. (Limited single occupancy options for additional cost. Contact Beth Wiegandt.) Please see following for a list of what is included and exclusions in this price. $800 deposit is due ASAP and no later than April 15, 2026 to reserve your space, of which $300 is non-refundable at any time and the remaining $500 is non-refundable after April 15. Your balance will be invoiced with one half due by May 1 and the remainder due by June 1. All deposits and payments count toward your total fee. NOTE: $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 is non-refundable after April 15. NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 15. (Trip insurance is required.)
TRIP LEADERS: Beth Wiegandt is the Your Outdoor Classroom Instructor for Camp Bethel (Fincastle, VA). Beth has traveled extensively, including wilderness trips. Contact Beth at [email protected]. Alex Bentley is a co-founder of the organization Waska Amazonia. Alex is a Salem, Virginia native who has lived in Ecuador for the last four years. He specializes in the study of reptiles and amphibians, but works in various other projects of conservation and environmental education. Dione Fiallos is a co-founder of the organization Waska Amazonia and a business woman from Mera, Ecuador. She works with indigenous groups and local women to develop sustainable alternatives to destructive land-use practices. Dione also leads spiritual practices including yoga, meditations, and ceremonies.
Registration is open and is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP and before April 15.
QUESTIONS: Contact Beth Wiegandt at [email protected] or 540-556-2594.
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Register in 4 steps NOW for this trip:
1. You must understand the Requisites and Trip Price/Deposits information above. $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 of your initial deposit is non-refundable after April 15, 2026. Total trip fee is $4,500.
2. Make your initial $800 deposit below through our secure "Register Now" PayPal button using any major credit card or a PayPal account. You must pay your deposit to register online. There are no additional fees or surcharges for online registration, and you will be able to review your fee prior to payment. NOTE: $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 of your initial deposit is non-refundable after April 15, 2026. NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 15, 2026. (We require purchasing Trip Insurance from your preferred insurance carrier.)
3. Submit Data: After successfully paying your initial deposit, PayPal will direct your browser to our secure Trip Registration Form. Allow at least 10 minutes to complete, and be as thorough as possible before you SUBMIT the form. If your browser does NOT redirect you to the registration form, scroll to the link below the payment button to complete your registration.
4. Get your Confirmation E-mail: After submitting your Registration Form, instructor Beth Wiegandt will contact you via e-mail. Add "[email protected]" to your contacts so that Beth can send you an e-mail with links to your course information, any additional payments due, and important information about your trip.
1. You must understand the Requisites and Trip Price/Deposits information above. $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 of your initial deposit is non-refundable after April 15, 2026. Total trip fee is $4,500.
2. Make your initial $800 deposit below through our secure "Register Now" PayPal button using any major credit card or a PayPal account. You must pay your deposit to register online. There are no additional fees or surcharges for online registration, and you will be able to review your fee prior to payment. NOTE: $300 of your initial deposit is non-refundable at any time, and the remaining $500 of your initial deposit is non-refundable after April 15, 2026. NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 15, 2026. (We require purchasing Trip Insurance from your preferred insurance carrier.)
3. Submit Data: After successfully paying your initial deposit, PayPal will direct your browser to our secure Trip Registration Form. Allow at least 10 minutes to complete, and be as thorough as possible before you SUBMIT the form. If your browser does NOT redirect you to the registration form, scroll to the link below the payment button to complete your registration.
4. Get your Confirmation E-mail: After submitting your Registration Form, instructor Beth Wiegandt will contact you via e-mail. Add "[email protected]" to your contacts so that Beth can send you an e-mail with links to your course information, any additional payments due, and important information about your trip.
If you already paid, but your browser didn't direct you to our online registration, be sure to complete the registration and submit your data HERE.
Member of OMA
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