Summer Adventure Camps
Ecuador 14 Day Summer Adventure Camp
Adventure First
NCOAE’s international summer adventure camps are built for teens who are ready to explore the world beyond their comfort zone. This fully immersive Ecuador experience blends outdoor adventure, cultural connection, and camp-style community—creating memories and friendships that last long after the trip ends.
Travel through Ecuador’s dramatic Andes Mountains, trekking among snow-capped volcanoes in Antisana Ecological Reserve and Cotopaxi National Park. Each day brings new adventures—hiking high alpine trails, learning camp skills, and soaking in sweeping 360-degree views of the Inter-Andean valley.
Along the way, you’ll dive deep into Ecuadorian culture. From local traditions and food to language and daily life, this experience goes far beyond sightseeing. Working with our partners at Palugo Farm near Quito, students participate in hands-on sustainable farming—gardening, cooking, caring for animals, and learning how communities live in harmony with the land.
This is a true adventure camp experience: living together, learning together, laughing together, and forming strong bonds with fellow teens and instructors. Through shared challenges and unforgettable moments, friendships form quickly and often last a lifetime.
NCOAE’s 14-day Andes Mountains & Cotopaxi Summer Camp includes a unique mix of adventure, skill-building, and cultural immersion. Teens gain experience in outdoor leadership, navigation, and environmental awareness while backpacking, camping, cooking outdoors, and traveling internationally—supported every step of the way by experienced instructors.
By the end of the course, students return home more confident, more independent, and inspired to keep exploring the world.
EDUCATION ALWAYS
- Leave No Trace (LNT) principles
- Farming and Sustainability
- Wilderness Camp Craft
Course Details
- Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship: Learn hands-on sustainability techniques—including Leave No Trace principles, conservation practices, and responsible interaction with fragile ecosystems in the Andes.
- Sustainable Farming & Food Systems: Gain real-world experience with regenerative farming through gardening, food preparation, animal care, and understanding how local communities sustainably use land and resources.
- Cultural Awareness & Global Perspective: Develop cultural competency by engaging with Ecuadorian traditions, indigenous communities, local markets, and daily life—building respect, curiosity, and global awareness.
- International Travel & Independence Skills: Learn how to navigate international travel logistics, adapt to new environments, problem-solve on the go, and confidently explore unfamiliar places with a team.
- Communication, Leadership & Teamwork: Strengthen communication skills through group living, expedition decision-making, leadership rotations, and collaboration—building confidence and meaningful connections with peers.
This 14-day Ecuador Summer Adventure Camp is designed as an immersive teen experience and does not offer credit.
Students interested in earning academic or college-level credit should explore NCOAE’s longer 32-Day High School Semester in Ecuador.
Highlights
- Make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories
- Experience Ecuadorian culture firsthand
- Hike among volcanoes in the Andes Mountains
- Visit indigenous markets and local communities
- Learn camp, leadership, and outdoor skills
- Eat incredible Ecuadorian meals
- Soak in remote natural hot springs
- Grow confidence through adventure and teamwork
On the Map
- Quito, Ecuador
- Andes Mountains
- Antisana Ecological Reserve
- Cotopaxi National Park
- Otavalo Market
Talk to Us
Have any further questions about the course location, what you'll learn, or what else to expect? Contact us, we're here to help!
DATES
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 14-day Ecuador – Summer Adventure Camp?
The Ecuador — Summer Adventure Camp is a 14-day outdoor adventure that takes you to the Southern Hemisphere. During camp you’ll participate in backpacking and camping activities while learning how to travel in the outdoors abroad. You’ll also become fully immersed in the culture and work with our partners at Palugo Farm – participating in hands-on sustainable farming, gardening, cooking, caring for animals, and learning how communities live in harmony with the land.
Where will we be staying?
Our basecamp is located at Palugo Farm near Quito Ecuador.
Is the 14-day adventure camp offered in other locations or on different dates?
We offer this adventure camp in a variety of locations and during different periods throughout the summer to accommodate the destination and schedule that works best for you. You can also explore Alaska on a 14-day adventure summer camp and the Pacific Northwest or North Carolina on a 10-day summer adventure camp!
Who should attend this adventure camp?
This camp is best suited for those who want to challenge themselves on a memorable summer adventure abroad!
What do I need to do to physically prepare for this adventure camp?
You do not need to be an “Ironman” to participate in this adventure camp. That said, you will be required to carry your own pack, with your own gear and some group gear. While backpacking, your pack will weigh between 30 and 40 pounds at any given time, while hiking over rugged terrain.
What is the average group size and instructor/student ratio?
Each group has two or three instructors and eight to 12 students. We maintain an instructor-to-student ratio of no less than one instructor for every six students.
What are the ages of participants?
The age for this camp is 15-17 year olds.
What gear and equipment do I need?
NCOAE provides all necessary group gear and food, but you will want, or be required, to bring certain items for yourself. We encourage you to contact NCOAE with all of your gear questions as early as possible. Start planning now by viewing the NCOAE pack list for this camp.
Beyond my tuition, what will I need to pay for during the adventure camp?
Your tuition covers all major costs related to your room, board, lodging, and group international flight, except when specified in the itinerary. You may request an optional meal out when we are in an urban area, which you would need to pay for separately. Additionally, you’ll need to budget a small stipend for your personal items, including souvenirs, extra snacks, and gifts.
What do I need to know about travel to and from the camp location?
For families seeking the safest, most supported international travel experience, NCOAE offers a fully staff-chaperoned group flight to Ecuador, departing from Miami International Airport (MIA).
This option is designed specifically for teenage students traveling internationally for the first time and provides clear supervision, structure, and peace of mind every step of the way.
How It Works
- Domestic Travel to Miami
Students fly from their home airport to Miami International Airport. This portion of travel is domestic, familiar, and easy for families to plan.
Arrival in Miami should be 4 hours prior to our ‘group’ flight—this will help mitigate issues dur to delayed flights and interruptions to the group flight or a student potentially missing the group flight. - Staff-Supervised Meet-Up in Miami
NCOAE instructors meet students upon arrival in Miami. From this point forward, students are under full NCOAE supervision. - Group Flight to Quito, Ecuador
The entire group travels together on an international flight from Miami to Quito, accompanied by experienced NCOAE staff. - Arrival & In-Country Transition
Upon landing in Quito, staff guide students through customs and immigration and transport the group directly to our lodging or program location.
The same process is followed in reverse for the return journey.
Why Miami?
Miami is the primary U.S. gateway to Ecuador and offers:
- Frequent, direct flights to Quito
- Reliable international infrastructure
- Efficient customs and immigration processes
- Reduced total travel time
Using a single gateway allows us to keep the group together and minimize travel stress.
Why Families Choose the Group Flight Option
- No students travel internationally alone
- Continuous supervision during international travel
- Clear hand-off points and structured timelines
- Reduced stress navigating airports, customs, and connections
- Ideal for first-time international travelers
This option feels much more like a traditional school trip—organized, supervised, and predictable.
Safety
- Experienced NCOAE instructors trained in youth supervision and international travel
- Small student-to-staff ratios
- Staff present throughout all international flights and transfers
- 24/7 emergency contact available during travel days
You Are Responsible For
- Booking a domestic flight to Miami within the designated arrival window
- Ensuring students have required travel documents (passport, etc.)
Detailed travel instructions, arrival windows, and packing guidance are provided well in advance.
A Note for Parents
We understand that sending a teenager abroad is a big decision. Our Miami gateway model is intentionally designed to balance independence, structure, and safety, while giving students the confidence-building experience of international travel—without being overwhelmed by it.
FLIGHT BOOKING TIP: When booking flights for your teen’s NCOAE summer adventure camp, prioritize refundable or changeable tickets or purchase trip insurance. Camp schedules, airline changes, or unexpected life stuff can happen, and a little flexibility upfront can save you a lot of stress (and money) later. Look for policies that cover flight changes, cancellations, and delays so you’re protected if plans shift. View more information about travel insurance and booking flights for unaccompanied minors (UM) on our Travel Considerations webpage.
How do I get in contact with an NCOAE participant/student during a course or camp if there is an emergency at home?
If during regular business hours (8am-5pm EST), please call (910) 399-8090 and you will be connected to an NCOAE staff member in the office that will assist in connecting you with the NCOAE participant/student or help you navigate the reason for your emergency contact.
In case of an after-hours emergency and you need to contact an NCOAE student, please call (910) 399-8090 and press 9.
You will be routed to a live NCOAE member or an answering service that will immediately notify an NCOAE staff member who will assist in connecting with the NCOAE participant/student or help you navigate the reason for your emergency contact.
At NCOAE, emergencies are defined as:
- Medical emergencies involving members of the participant’s family.
- Urgent family matters requiring the participant’s immediate attention.
- Unexpected travel disruptions affecting the participant’s return home.
- Any situation posing an immediate threat to the safety or well-being of the participant’s family.
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