Augustana Summer Spanish Program

June 6 - August 22 2007

Photo Tour

Orientation/Cultural Tour:

The program begins in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito, one of the oldest cities and best preserved cities in Latin America. After a couple days in Quito, the group will go north to Otavalo, stopping at the Mitad del Mundo monument marking the equator. The group will then head south, passing through the Avenue of the Volcanoes on the way to Cuenca.

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Cuenca & Environs:

The city of Cuenca was founded in 1534, but was inhabited for centuries before this date by several groups, including the Inca. While it still retains this diverse history and colonial charm, Cuenca is also a modern city, ideally situated to explore the Southern Ecuadorian Andes.

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The Amazon Jungle:

Even though it lies less then 75 miles from the Pacific Ocean, all the water in Cuenca flows into the Amazon river and eventually to the Atlantic. During the mid-term break, students will make this journey as well, as they descend from the Andes down into the Amazon Jungle, where they will have the chance to hike, swim, and explore this part of Ecuador. (NB - there will be an alternative option for students who would like more comfort)

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Peru:

At the end of the program, the group will travel down the coast of Ecuador into Peru for a 10-day study tour. Students will see the archeological remains of the pre-Inca civilizations of the coast and the bustling capital of Lima. From there, they will fly up to the old capital of the Inca, Cuzco, visiting the Sacred Valley before a final stop at Machu Picchu.

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