AMAZON SPANISH PROGRAM ACADEMIA SURPACIFICO Spanish and Quichua school in the Amazon rainforest

Transcription

1 AMAZON SPANISH PROGRAM ACADEMIA SURPACIFICO Spanish and Quichua school in the Amazon rainforest AMAZON Spanish and Quichua school is a holistic language learning initiative. We provide Spanish and Quechua language instruction within the natural and cultural environment of the indigenous communities in one of the most biodiverse areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Our participants are thus able to appreciate these resources, their conservation and sustainable use. We cater to individuals and private groups, as well as those affiliated with various university and academic programs. Our Spanish and Quichua language and volunteer programs, with accommodation on our ecofriendly property, are offered in combination with a variety of daily and weekly activities. We offer trekking in the amazon rainforest, tubing, rafting/kayaking and day trips to local museums and an animal rescue center. We also arrange visits with local communities- and exploration of the traditional culture, shamanism and medicinal plants. Become part of the challenge of building a world without frontiers through the learning of a new language and culture, expanding the consciousness of the importance of conserving the Amazon rain forest for the humanity welfare, and having a positive and real impact in the local communities! ABOUT US TEAM We are young professionals in partnership with the local Ahuano community. We are a conglomerate of environmentalists, artists, and entrepreneurs, and are committed to conducting a sustainable language program. Our intention is to become a leading influence in environmentally sustainable language tourism. The guides and staff of Amazon program are all residents of the communities surrounding the project, many of them belonging to the Quechuan communities that have lived in the Ecuadorian Amazon for hundreds of years. While we do train teachers in the area, many of our Spanish instructors come from Quito (internationally recognized as the capital of teaching Spanish). All of our instructors have many years of experience teaching Spanish, and a strong motivation to teach and meet people from all over the world. Quechua is the native language of the majority of the

2 communities surrounding the Amazon program center, and our teachers of this language are professionals with an intimate knowledge of the Quechuan language and culture. The AMAZON PROGRAM Mission: We regard Earth as a living, multi-faceted being, and hope to encourage the integral relationship between our planet's natural resources and its inhabitants. Our objective is to promote a sustainable balance between indigenous communities, traditional cultural values, and the natural environment. And our primary focus is conservation in this Amazon area which is already under so much ecological pressure. We strive to make sustainable use of local natural resources that will improve the living conditions of its inhabitants... LOCATION The Amazon program center is located in the South American Amazonian rainforest of Ecuador. Our exact location is between the banks of the Rio Napo and the route to Campanacocha, 3.5 km east of the town of Ahuano, in the province of Napo. Our residential facilities overlook the Rio Napo, and are surrounded by a forest of cocoa trees. Our privileged view of the forest, the river and the mountains, allows our visitors ample opportunity to admire and listen to the nuances of the rainforest, from day to night. Our strategic location also provides access and mobility to various tourist attractions, as well as cultural and volunteer locations on the river. These locations can be reached by canoe on the river, as well as by bicycle, truck, or even traveling on foot. Amazon Spanish and volunteer program Our center consists of three adjacent properties, which are all next to the protected zone of the Sumaco Galeras National Park. Our residential property is situated on six hectares of land behind our forty hectare island in the middle of the Rio Napo. This island is referred to as "Bird Island" by the indigenous peoples, as many unique species of birds roost and nest there naturally. We also have a forest area of about sixty hectares, which is a reserve rich in biodiversity.

3 ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES Our center was built according eco-friendly practices and materials, all with the oriented to get green certifications. Although we are committed to maintaining a property built on these principles, we are equipped with facilities and amenities necessary for our students to stay for prolonged observation or study periods, in comfort. We offer a variety of comfortable cabins ranging from single to shared rooms. All with secure screens for plenty of bug-free ventilation and ceiling fan ventilation, lighting, and private bathrooms with hot water. Social areas include a dining room, a recreation area with games such as table tennis, billiard and foosball. We also have a reading lounge, a swimming pool and relaxation areas with hammocks and gazebos.

4 FOOD The kitchen staff prepares a wide variety of dishes with local products, most of which exemplify the traditional cuisine of the Amazon region. Vegetarian menu is always available. Purified water, te and coffe at disposal.

5 HOW TO ARRIVE The trip goes from Quito to Tena and then to the Punta del Ahuano (30 min from Tena) From there we pick up our passengers and by canoe* in the Napo river (20 min) we arrive to Amazon program. To go to Amazon program there are some alternatives and all are easy. Usually our participants come from Quito where you can have a semi-private transportation (shuttle) to Punta del Ahuano, with a duration of 4 hours and a cost of approx. US $ 30 each person. Should not this service, you can take a bus from Quito to Tena (approx. US $8), the capital of the province of Napo and from there by taxi (approx.us $15-20) or by bus (approx. US $ 1,5) drive to Punta del Ahuano. Another alternative is to come by plane (approx. US $60 one way). There are three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) from Quito to Jumandy Airport, which is located about 5 minutes from the Punta del Ahuano, rather than where we normally pick up our students. Whichever form of transportation you choose, please contact us with detailed information so that we can organize your transportation and be aware of your arrival. The route from Quito, Andean valley to the Jungle program, Amazon rainforest gives our participants the opportunity to enjoy an incredible mosaic of landscapes. * Depending on weather conditions the ride to the lodge could be also by car. YOU MAY KNOW Health: It is always advisable to consult your physician about health measures and vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country. Although Amazon program is well-isolated from local populations and tropical diseases are extremely rare here, during your stay in Ecuador you may pass through areas of slightly higher risk. Please note that your trip to Amazon program will bring you from Quito, which is located at almost 9000 feet (2850 meters) above sea level, to the lowland tropical rainforest region at less than 1150 feet (350 meters) above sea level. Please take any medication you may need with you, as the selection of medicines in our first-aid kit is limited. Just in case, you need to know there is a medical center in the Ahuano village or a hospital in Tena, 10 or 45 minutes respectively from our lodge. Communication: Amazon program has permanent telephone communication. In case you need to do international calls that is possible with a cost. Internet: Considering our location, our internet service is limited and has cost. It works with programs that do not require a high speed connection. Luggage: For the suttle transfer from Quito, you are allowed to carry on one medium size suitcase. Extra baggage is possible with an additional payment (US $5 approx.)

6 For the flight to Tena, the airlines require that checked luggage be limited to a weight of 30 pounds per person. However, heavier items such as cameras and books may be taken in carry on bags if necessary. Weather: In the tropical rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. A common question we receive is about the dry and rainy seasons of the Amazon, but it is best not to trust such generalizations to plan a trip. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm may appear at a moment s notice during any time of the year. We have ceiling fans in each room for hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt! Clothing: Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant. During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. Plenty of ponchos are available at no charge if you do not have your own, and we also supply rubber boots up to men s size 14 for walks in the forest interior. Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the Lodge during meals and free time. And don t forget your bathing suit! Laundry A reasonably priced laundry service (washing and drying) is available. Bar We have a bar service for our participants with an extra cost. Water All of the water at the school comes from our own water purification system, and is perfectly safe for bathing, washing, and brushing your teeth. Drinkable water is always available in the social area so you can refill your own bottles. Meal Requirements Our cooking staff will be more than happy to prepare vegetarian meals for you upon request. Please make sure to advise us, before you arrive, of any dietary restrictions or allergies you may have, and also let our staff know as soon as you arrive. Packing list Here are a packing list and some recommendations to help you get ready: Passport copy Binoculars

7 Flashlight and batteries Camera Insect repellent Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap) Water bottle Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks Shorts, short sleeve shirts and bathing suit for the lodge Comfortable shoes and extra socks Small day pack Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc from rain SPANISH PROGRAMS ONE WEEK PROGRAM Brief: 20 Spanish group lessons 5 activities 8 days, 7 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 510 Includes and details: 20 academic hours of group Spanish per week (45 min. each hour) In case we don t reach our minimum number of students per class in your ability group, your lessons will be replaced with 12 academic hours of private lessons per week upgrade to private lessons instead of group for US $200 per week

8 one week of activities from Monday to Friday. These change alternately every week, see the picture below activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure optional activities are offered in the weekend with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above TWO WEEKS PROGRAM Brief: 40 Spanish group lessons 10 activities 15 days, 14 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 910 Includes and details: 40 academic hours of group Spanish per week (45 min. each hour) In case we don t reach our minimum number of students per class in your ability group, your lessons will be replaced with 12 academic hours of private lessons per week upgrade to private lessons instead of group for US $200 per week

9 two weeks of activities from Monday to Friday. These change alternately every week, see the picture below activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure optional activities are offered in the weekends with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above THREE WEEKS PROGRAM Brief: 60 Spanish group lessons 10 activities 22 days, 21 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday 4 hours of Kichua Language one week of volunteering (optional) Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 1260 Includes and details: 60 academic hours of group Spanish per week (45 min. each hour) In case we don t reach our minimum number of students per class in your ability group, your lessons will be replaced with 12 academic hours of private lessons per week upgrade to private lessons instead of group for US $200 per week

10 two weeks of activities from Monday to Friday. These change alternately every week, see the picture below activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure optional activities are offered in the weekends with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others one week of volunteering in one of the projects sponsored by the school (optional) 4 hours of Kichua language, basic expressions and vocabulary shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person non-commissionable Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above FOUR WEEKS PROGRAM Brief: 80 Spanish group lessons 10 activities 29 days, 28 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday 4 hours of Kichua Language two weeks of volunteering (optional) Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 1590 Includes and details: 80 academic hours of group Spanish per week (45 min. each hour) In case we don t reach our minimum number of students per class in your ability group, your lessons will be replaced with 12 academic hours of private lessons per week upgrade to private lessons instead of group for US $200 per week two weeks of activities from Monday to Friday. These change alternately every week, see the picture below

11 activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure optional activities are offered in the weekends with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others two weeks of volunteering in one of the projects sponsored by the school (optional) 4 hours of Kichua language, basic expressions and vocabulary shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person non-commissionable Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above EXTRA WEEK PROGRAM WITH SPANISH Brief: 20 Spanish group lessons 7 days, 7 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday one extra week of volunteering (optional) Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 330 Includes and details: 20 academic hours of group Spanish per week (45 min. each hour) In case we don t reach our minimum number of students per class in your ability group, your lessons will be replaced with 12 academic hours of private lessons per week upgrade to private lessons instead of group for US $200 per week

12 optional activities are offered in the weekend with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost

13 EXTRA WEEK, NO SPANISH Brief: 7 days, 7 nights accommodation and meals. Sunday to Sunday one extra week of volunteering (optional) Lots of learning, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 250 Includes and details: optional activities are offered in the weekend with cost ie: rafting, kayaking among others shared mini dorm accommodation (two until four students, same gender), each dorm with bathroom bed linen, towels and blankets dorm cleaning three times per week upgrade to private room for $ 75 usd per week depending on the avalaibility check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner dinner the first day, Sunday and breakfast the last day, Sunday vegetarian menu available purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with reduced cost

14 ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES AMAZON SPANISH SCHOOL Activities week 1 week 2 Sunday Arrival Arrival Monday Tubbing in the river Build your own raft and down the river Tuesday Trekking on the island of birds (this is done every week) Indigenous community visist, blowgun Wednesday and chicha Thursday Gold washing and artisanal fishing Trekking in the jungle (Selva Viva Friday reserve, primary forest) Trekking on the island of birds (this is done every week) Shamanism Visit Amazon animal rescue center Trekking in the jungle (forest Amazon program, primary forest) Saturday Optional with cost: butterfly farm, Optional with cost: butterfly farm, rafting rafting Sunday departure departure Activities change alternately every week PLEASE NOTE: this is a sample itinerary subject to change or modify due to weather conditions, safety and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize wildlife viewing and wilderness enjoyment, cultural interaction with local people, and all possible time at the richest rain forest in Ecuador. Optional activities are offered in the weekend with cost: rafting, kayak, visit waterfalls Sample pictures of activities:

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16 Animal rescue center pictures

17 Butterfly farm

18 TOUR PROGRAMS, NO SPANISH FOUR DAYS, THREE NIGHTS PROGRAM Brief: Sunday to Thursday 5 guided activities 4 days, 3 nights accommodation and meals Lots of nature and culture, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 280 Includes and details: 5 guided activities with bilingual guides activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure Accommodations based on double occupancy upgrade to private room for US $20 per day depending on the avalaibility bed linen, towels and blankets check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner vegetarian menu available dinner the first day and breakfast the last day laundry service with cost purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with cost rain coat and rubber boots (until 44.0 Euro, 10.0 USA, 9.0 UK size) Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon: US $40 per person Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above FOUR DAYS, THREE NIGHTS PROGRAM Brief: Thursday to Saturday 5 guided activities

19 4 days, 3 nights accommodation and meals Lots of nature and culture, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 280 Includes and details: 5 guided activities with bilingual guides activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure Accommodations based on double occupancy upgrade to private room for US $20 per day depending on the avalaibility bed linen, towels and blankets check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner vegetarian menu available dinner the first day and breakfast the last day laundry service with cost purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with cost rain coat and rubber boots (until 44.0 Euro, 10.0 USA, 9.0 UK size) Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above SEVEN DAYS, SIX NIGHTS PROGRAM Brief: Sunday to Saturday 10 guided activities 7 days, 6 nights accommodation and meals Lots of nature and culture, fun and adventure! Cost: US $ 490 Includes and details: 10 guided activities with bilingual guides

20 activities may vary according to weather conditions or other force majeure Accommodations based on double occupancy upgrade to private room for US $20 per day depending on the avalaibility bed linen, towels and blankets check in 14:00 hours; check out 10:00 breakfast, lunch, dinner vegetarian menu available dinner the first day and breakfast the last day laundry service with cost purified water, tea, coffe at disposal laundry service with cost rain coat and rubber boots (until 44.0 Euro, 10.0 USA, 9.0 UK size) Not included: Transfer from Quito to Amazon program: US $40 per person Additional beverages, alcoholic drink, tips Any additional thing not mentioned above VOLUNTEERING Become part of the challenge of building a world without frontiers through the learning of a new language and culture, expanding the consciousness of the importance of conserving the Amazon rain forest for the humanity welfare, and having a positive and real impact in the local communities!