Ecuador Trip FAQ’s
How much money do I need to bring?How much money do I need to bring?
For the student program, you only need money for souvenirs and for snacks. $200 is a good minimum. The scholarship will take care of your airfare, hotel, some meals, tours (the equator) and country exit tax.
For regular travelers, plan on $400 minimum in addition to the airfare. You will be responsible for hotel ($50), country exit tax ($40), possible tours (like to the equator - $25), snacks & water ($30) and one meal ($50-$100). We usually take turns picking up a meal cost for the whole group. You may want to bring more funds depending on your desire for souvenirs – people usually buy more than they planned.
What immunizations do I need?
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, TDAP (new tetanus). Typhoid is optional. Bring antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea. Anti-malarials and yellow fever are NOT required.
What about airline arrangements?
Your tour leader will let you know the exact dates and the flight number/time for the flights to and from Ecuador. Typically we leave on a Friday with a connection through Houston on Continental and return via the same route on the following Saturday. However, we have used other airlines and connections so wait for your leader to let you know the details. Then book it online and copy the leader. For the student travel – your leader will take care of this. Typical cost is $650 - $800
What should I bring with me?
Your leader will send you a detailed packing list
What is my role in Ecuador?
Make friends in the communities! Participate in all activities. Share your knowledge with Bruce (our engineer in Ecuador) and the water technicians. Other activities include: inspecting already installed systems, performing water quality testing, celebrating a new system, selecting the next community to receive assistance, providing training to the communities (such as leak detection, chlorination). Consistently demonstrate good hygiene – you will spend a lot of time washing you hands. Have fun!
What is the travel itinerary?
You will receive an itinerary before or when you arrive in Ecuador. Of course, this is Ecuador so we seldom stick to it. Always be ready for changes in plans. We just go with the flow. A typical itinerary is:
Friday: travel
Saturday: sightseeing and visits to markets, dinner
Sunday: church or rest, travel to communities
Monday – Friday: community visits
Friday: some free time, trip to Equator
Saturday; Travel
What are my responsibilities after I return?
For the student, there are specific responsibilities – see the application for details. For the rest – we expect you to help with presentations, participate in the committee, assist with fund raisers, and just pass along the word about your experiences.
What about sleeping arrangements?
We spend a couple of nights in Quito at a guest house. You will be sharing a room with someone of the same sex. Accommodations are nice and inexpensive, including breakfast. In the communities you will be sleeping on a wood floor and it will be co-ed. Privacy is non-existent – you will be the center of attention of all of the community kids.
What about toilets and showers?
You will find a wide range, most of them…..interesting? There are no showers in the communities so plan on not showering for 5 days. At least we all smell bad together.
What about physical requirements?
This is a rigorous trip. You will be at high altitude the whole time (9,000 – 12,500 feet). If you are not altitude tolerant, this is not the trip for you. There are medications that doctors can prescribe to help with altitude effects. You need to be in excellent physical shape. You should be able to run one mile or preferably two.
Does anyone ever get sick on this trip?
Yes it does happen- gastro intestinal bugs.
What about drinking the water?
Nowhere in Ecuador is the water safe to drink. We buy and use only bottled water.
What about photography?
You should always ask before photographing people. Some, particularly the older ones, do not want to be photographed and you need to respect this. The kids however, will mob you requesting photos. Bring a digital camera – they want to see themselves and you will spend hours (literally) taking pictures in some of the communities. We also usually pick one community where we take family photos using Polaroid film so that we can leave them with the picture. You may be asked to contribute to this effort. It is a lot of fun.
Will this change my life?
Absolutely! Everyone comes back with a new outlook on life. This can be one of the greatest experiences you will ever have. But do seriously read the FAQ’s and make sure this trip is right for you. Bring a good attitude, open perspective, smiling face and you will have a great time.