Service Trip February Vacation 2010 Quito, Ecuador with Pichincha volcano in background

A “valued added” student trip: Community service Authentic use of Spanish Real life cultural experiences Hands on learning

Trip Details: Leave – February 13, 2009 (Boston) Arrive home – February 21, 2009 Day 1 – tour Quito National Cathedral Teleferico to view volcanoes Mirador El Panecillo The Middle of the World

Throughout our time at Rio Muchacho we will be volunteering on community projects alongside village members, as well as helping out in the community school.

Day 2 – Fly to Rio Muchacho/Bahia de Caraquez Tour eco-city of Bahia de Caraquez Visit local market See Miguelito (Galapagos Turtle)

Day 3- AGROECOLOGY- PERMACULTURE Horse trek (or jeep ride) through beautiful scenery to the farm. Visit the Environmental Community School. Tour of the farm to see the recycling systems & tropical crops. Explanation of permaculture and organic agriculture practices. Make Chocolate! “Permaculture is a design system that works toward establishing productive environments - providing for food, shelter, energy, waste recycling, material & non- material need - as well as the social & economic infrastructures that support them. It aims to create systems that will sustain the present as well as future generations. “

Day 4 - EXCURSION UP RIVER Plant a tree. Harvest fruit and vegetables Horse trek to the humid forest and coffee plantation where there are howler monkeys. Pick tree gourds “mate” en route for working with the following day. Lunch at the water fall, swim in the river. Roast and grind coffee over an open fire Rio Muchacho accommodations

Day 5 CULTURAL DAY Milk cows and make flavored cheese. Fish river shrimp. Make cups and spoons from gourds. Cut palm seeds to make rings & pendants. Apply local clay face mask and fresh aloevera shampoo from the farm. ‘Peeling coffee’

Estimated cost to student: Flight: Boston – Miami - Quito $ Quito – Miami – Boston Accommodations & Tour$ (includes local flights) Travel Insurance $48.00 Additional Expenses $ ________ TOTAL: $ Initial deposit for the trip will be due in late Sept.