The program includes a 3 to 5 day orientation tour of Quito, Otavalo, Riobamba and Chimborazo, overnight excursion to Cuenca and Inca ruins, a Guayaquil city tour and a field trip to Parque Historic. Transportation, housing and group activities are included. Students must budget for meals and personal expenses. Most excursions are organized in cooperation with UEES and often include other international and UEES students.

KEI reserves the right to change planned excursions for destinations of equal value and interest. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals and interest. Academic year and multiple term students participate on planned excursions during one of their terms.

Quito, Otavalo, Riobamba & Chimborazo (extended excursion)
Quito derived its name from the Quitus tribe who inhabited the area in pre-Inca epochs. Quito became a major stronghold of the Incas Empire under Huayna Capac, who triumphed over the indigenous peoples. During the Spanish Colonial era, Quito served as the main administrative center for the region. Today, the City is the political capital of Ecuador.

Quito's Old Town is characterized by museums, galleries, cathedrals, colonial buildings, balcony furbished homes and outdoor markets with narrow cobbled streets. In 1978, UNESCO sanctioned it as a World Heritage Site.

The city is situated on the slopes of Volcano Guagua Pichincha, flanked by the Andes mountains and canyons, at an elevation of 4,790 meters (the second highest in Latin America). On a clear day you see snow capped volcanoes in the far distance adding to this truly unforgettable city.

This excursion is usually organized during the orientation period. Students start in Quito and travel through Otavalo, Riobamba and Chimborazo on their way to Guayaquil.

Cuenca & Inca Ruins (overnight excursion)
Cuenca in the South Andes is the third largest city in Ecuador. The city’s colonial architecture dates to the 18th century. Cuenca is known for its cobble streets, cathedrals and monasteries, and considered the cultural hotspot of Ecuador.

The group will also visit Cajas National Park and Ingapirca (Inca ruins). Temple of the Sun, is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Inca Empire. Built entirely without mortar, the bricks were chiseled to fit tightly. Like Stonehenge in England, the temple was positioned so that the sun's rays shine through the center of the doorway during the summer and winter solstices.

Guayaquil City Tour (day activity)
Discover the city of Guayaquil by visiting downtown, River Walk and Las Penas. The purpose of this excursion is to orient students to Guayaquil and the transportation system (bueses).

Parque Histórico (half-day activity)
This living park showcases Ecuadorian culture and nature. The park consists of four sections:

• The nature reserve has walkway bridges to observe animals and birds in their natural swamp habitats.
• The historical area showcases life in the 1900s.
• The traditional area showcases indigenous life, with performances on Sundays.
• The gardens feature a variety of medicinal plants native to Ecuador.

KEI reserves the right to change listed excursions for destinations of equal value and interest. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals, and interest.

Independent Travel
The International Office at UEES also organizes excursions to different locations in Ecuador based on student interest. These excursions are not part of the KEI program, and all costs must be paid directly to UEES. In the past, UEES organized excursions to the following locations.

• Galapagos Islands (3 nights)
• Amazon Basin (3 nights)
• Route of the Sun (2 nights)

Students who plan to travel independently in Ecuador and South America during holidays and school breaks MUST inform the Onsite Coordintor and provide their itinerary and contact information.