Global Citizens Network (GCN) Project Site:
Turucucho, ECUADOR
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A Quechua Village
Ecuador – the middle of the world - is divided into four regions: the Costa, the Sierra, the Oriente, and the Galápagos Islands. One of the world's most famous mountain ranges- the Andes, bisects Ecuador from north to south. Ecuador is a land of geographical extremes, with the Andes mountain range with peaks rising almost 20,000 feet. Ecuador enjoys tremendous tourism and notoriety gained from the world famous Galápagos Islands which are approximately 660 miles (1000km) off the coast. A leading country in community participatory tourism, Ecuador is well known for its wide array of flora and fauna, cultural diversity, and strong, independent indigenous groups.
The Provincia of Carchi is Ecuador’s northernmost province, in the Sierra region, with an average alpine temperature of 12ºC. Most people speak Spanish, but many continue to speak Quechua as well. The Quechua are a group of indigenous tribes throughout South America, living primarily in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru, with language and customs that have survived in spite of European conquest and domination.
Respecting Indigenous Community Development
The villagers of Turucucho have invited GCN to partner with them on a variety of community projects, to be determined by the community in advance. The villagers are accustomed to working voluntarily in teams, and are very organized in their approach. On the exploratory trip summer of 2006, team members helped to assist two ongoing projects having to do with irrigation and a clinic. Often disenfranchised from mainstream Ecuadorian society, this Quechua village has extended their trust by inviting future GCN teams to live and work in partnership.
Travel Itinerary
The first day of the trip is a travel day; team members should schedule to arrive in the capital city of Quito on the first day, where they will meet the other team members and spend the evening. The team will have the next day and half in Quito, to acclimatize, rest or explore. Quito is a fascinating colonial capital with extensive markets, historical buildings and museums. Sunday the team will travel via public bus about three hours to Turucucho, and get settled into their lodging, meet community members and plan the work project. Generally work on the project will be conducted Monday through Friday, with plenty of time available to interact in numerous other ways with community members. At the end of the trip, team members will return via the same route to Quito, where they will spend the last evening of the GCN experience. Participants are free to extend their stay past the end date of the GCN trip in order to leisurely explore some of Ecuador’s captivating areas.
Accommodation and Meals
Team members will likely room as a group in a community building such as a school or community center, although home stays may be possible. Team meals will be eaten as a group and prepared by a local woman; team members can assist with cooking and cleaning. Purified water will be made available at all times for drinking and cooking.
Time to Explore
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Ibarra, the nearby colonial capital of Imbabura. In the immediate area you will find several waterfalls, rafting, hiking, horse-back riding opportunities or relaxing natural hot springs, not to mention the paramos of El Angel Ecological Reserve and the Gruta de la Paz (Grotto of Peace). This area is most famous for artisan markets -the biggest is in Otavalo, where indigenous people from dozens of local villages meet in the Plaza de los Ponchos to display their handcrafted textiles.
Many participants build in time before or after the GCN experience to explore the country even more. In the environs there are many options, such as Tena, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, several hours from Ibarra and Cayambe. Moreover, Mindo-Nambillo Forest Reserve is just one hour west of Quito, offering cloud forest tours and access to a delightful butterfly reserve. Quito is easily connected by air or land to other major attractions such as Esmeraldes, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.
Health and Safety Issues
Participants are required to be in sound health. Potential participants with significant physical limitations are encouraged to check with their physician and discuss the situation with GCN staff beforehand. Some inoculations as well as provisions for high altitude may be required. Check with your local travel clinic or the Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for accurate information.
Ecuador is a developing democracy, and its political situation is stable. The United States State Department web site http://www.state.gov/travel/is a good place to get updated on travel advisories in Ecuador and other countries.
Costs
The program cost for this two week trip is $1,725. A one week option is available for $1,400. Program costs covers on-site accommodations (lodging and meals), in-country travel, training materials, donation to the project, emergency medical and evacuation insurance, t-shirt, and a portion of the team leader’s expenses.
Airfare to Ecuador, and costs relating to activities outside of the village, are additional and the responsibility of the individual participant.
All trip related costs are tax-deductible in the U.S.
Discounts available (one per person/group)
For further information contact us:
Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St., St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292
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