A final word

We came as strangers, we leave as friends. After three weeks, Ecuador has taught us much. We take memories with us and we leave behind concrete examples of how travelers can give back and not just take from a foreign country-- a cleaned up town square in Mindo, a freshly painted playground with new swings, dozens of new trees planted near Cotopaxi, and a newly constructed orquidiario that will be used to teach locals about the beauty of nature around them.

Many thanks to all our fantastic students, wonderful local guides, and to our expert Kitty Coley for making this trip one to remember.

Saludos,
Elie, Alex, and Jes