Andean Cultural Journeys

Experience Kichwa Culture Through Longstanding Connections

Engage with Kichwa Otavalo culture through unique experiences, conversations and hands-on learning. These journeys are designed for those who want to understand and connect—without the expectations of traditional volunteering. Participants are welcomed as guests and learners, and invited to form intercultural friendships while deepening understanding of the Andean worldview as it is expressed in Kichwa Otavalo culture and daily life. You will engage in unique activities that illuminate local perspectives through highlighting the history, insights and culture of Indigenous Ecuadorians.

Upcoming Andean Cultural Journeys:

February 26th-March 5th, 2027

All are welcome!

RegisterRegister

_______________________________________________________________

From your host, Margarita:

"We, the Kichwa Otavalo people, are an ancestral community that keeps our Andean worldview alive—a worldview based on our connection to nature, the cosmos, and the wisdom of our ancestors. Today, we want to share our knowledge, traditions, and way of life with the world so that they may be valued and respected.

We invite you to visit Ecuador and have an authentic experience with our community: learn about our culture, participate in our ancestral practices, and connect with a way of life based on balance, respect, and harmony. It’s a unique experience you’ll remember forever."

-- Margarita Fuerez

_______________________________________________

Overview & Itinerary

Overview

Tandana has been working in the Otavalo Canton for over 20 years—engaging with friends, community leaders and partners. These deep connections give you a unique opportunity to learn and engage with Kichwa Otavalo ways of seeing and being in the world.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why an Andean Cultural Journey

Andean cultural journeys are rooted in curiosity and respect. Experiences are curated by Tandana friends and leaders whose roots are in the local communities. They are passionate about sharing their culture and knowledge.
Put into practice ranti-ranti, the Kichwa concept of reciprocal sharing. As you experience Andean culture, part of your program fee will make it possible for Ecuadorian youth to experience North American culture through the Eagle and Condor exchange program.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

What You'll Do

Learn about Kichwa worldview and ways of being through those who have lived it for generations.
Experience new perspectives on health, food, community, the more than human world, and the human experience.
Participate in activities alongside community members, experiencing how practice is inseparable from worldview in the Andes.
Visit sacred and meaningful sites with local experts.
Reflect together on experiences to deepen understanding.

________________________________________________________________________________

Where You’ll Be

Our program primarily explores connections within the communities of the Quichinche parish, just outside Otavalo in Ecuador's Sierra region. The Kichwa Otavalo are one of Ecuador's indigenous groups most successful at maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. Speaking both Kichwa and Spanish, they have learned to negotiate the power structures of their nation while retaining pride in their Indigenous heritage. The father and mother volcanoes, Imbabura and Cotacachi, stand guard over the valleys and hills where families maintain deep cultural connection to this land and place.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cost

$2,100 for double occupancy, $250 additional for single occupancy. The trip fee covers all the basic expenses (food, lodging, transportation, activities) from when you land at the Quito airport until we drop you off there. We provide one airport pickup on the first evening, and one bus back to the airport, on the last night. If your plans require different pickups or drop-offs, you will need to cover those on your own. Airfare is not included, and you'll want to bring extra money for personal expenses.

We also offer Participant Financial Assistance.

________________________________________________________________________________

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in the evening and settle in. We pick up the group at the airport and bring you to Otavalo.

Day 2

Receive a thorough orientation, enjoy the world-famous Otavalo market; begin to experience the history and culture of the region at the Otavalango Living Museum.

Day 3

Explore the human community. Participate in a minga to experience community work and a pambamesa that embodies sharing among the human community. In the afternoon, speak with elders who have shared their stories in a unique oral history book project to learn about experiences of colonial suffering and community self-determination. Hear about indigenous justice and processes for restoring harmony within a community.

Day 4

Explore the ancestral community. Visit the cemetery and learn about rituals of sharing with relatives who are in the ancestral world. In the afternoon, play funeral games to experience a Kichwa response to death.

Day 5

Explore the wild community. Hike to a mountain water source and learn about the significance of wild plants and animals. In the afternoon, participate in an Andean cooking class while learning about the importance of food and medicinal plants and domestic animals.

Day 6

Explore the spirit community. Visit a yachak (healer/shaman) to learn about Andean perspectives on healing and the spiritual entities invoked. Participate in a ritual that calls on spiritual allies and brings together elements of the different worlds.

Day 7

Visit the center of a renowned yachak who makes connections among worldviews of Indigenous cultures of the Americas. Dive deeper into Andean ways of thinking and experience a ritual cleansing at a waterfall. Experience Andean music and dance.

Day 8

Discover Kichwa arts, including weaving and embroidery. Then spend the afternoon at the sacred Lechero tree for a final group reflection. After a celebratory dinner, head back to the airport and fly out at night.

About Ecuador

In Ecuador, we work primarily in communities of the Quichinche parish, Otavalo canton, in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Just outside the market center of Otavalo, this area is only 2 hours by bus from Quito but offers a rural atmosphere and connection to the land very different from life in the capital.

The father and mother volcanoes, Imbabura and Cotacachi, stand guard over the valleys and hills where indigenous Otaveleño and mestizo families grow their sustenance. Diverse in their customs, residents are united by their need to work together to improve their communities. They farm corn, potatoes, beans, and other crops, weave textiles and baskets, and commute to Otavalo for secondary education or formal-sector jobs. The Kichwa Otavalo are one of Ecuador's indigenous groups most successful at maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. Speaking both Kichwa and Spanish, they have learned to negotiate the power structures of their nation while retaining pride in their indigenous heritage. The people of Quichinche work hard and also love to celebrate. In general, they are very welcoming to visitors and enjoy sharing food, joking around, and discussing their culture with guests. The landscape that surrounds their home, meanwhile, offers high lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks to inspire a sense of nature's grandeur. The region's 9000-ft. elevation and proximity to the equator combine to give it consistently comfortable temperatures (50's to 80's) all year round.

Scroll down through the story map below to learn about the communities we partner with and see their locations on a map.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need vaccinations to go on this trip?

The CDC recommends vaccinations against Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria and measles. Yellow fever is recommended for other parts of Ecuador but not necessary in the mountains where we work. Vaccinations are up to your own discretion.

What are the accommodations like?

Tandana's visitors are provided lodging at a wonderful hotel in Otavalo, Ecuador: La Posada del Quinde. Rooms all have private baths, comfortable beds, and outlets with the same electricity as the U.S. Wi-fi is available in the common area. Breakfast each day is a treat that offers fresh local fruits and juices, excellent coffee, and a selection of hot breakfast items to start your day off right. The garden and patio area are an oasis with a view of 2 inactive volcanos. And the location is perfect for market shopping just 4 blocks away.

Will my electronic devices work in Ecuador?

Yes, Ecuador uses the same electrical currents and plugs as the United States does, so you don't need a special adapter.

What kind of clothing, etc. should I pack?

We will send you a "welcome" packet about a month before your departure, which includes a suggested packing list.

What if I don't speak Spanish?

It's not necessary to speak Spanish in order to do good work and have a good time on this trip. You'll learn the important basics during orientation, and Tandana staff will be able to translate for you.

Who leads the groups? Who do I turn to when I need help?

All of Tandana's programs are led by a team of Program Coordinators who have first-hand knowledge of the region, speak both Spanish and English, have expertise in experiential education and group leadership, hold WFA (Wilderness First Aid) or other certifications that have prepared them to handle emergencies, and are caring and capable individuals. Our permanent local staff is always on hand to help with translation, activities, logistics, and anything else to make sure the volunteers' experience is the best it can possibly be. See here for bios of some Program Coordinators.

What if I can't find the answer to my question on the FAQ page?

Please email your question to us at info [at] tandanafoundation.org, and we'll answer it as quickly as we can.

Stories

Below you can read stories from our blog to get excited about your upcoming trip!

Oct

Showcasing the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo culture at immersive event in Colorado

Last month at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez, Colorado, The Tandana Foundation hosted an exciting event – The Eagle and the Condor Flying Together – that immersed attendees in the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo culture of Ecuador. The Kichwa Otavalo are one of Ecuador’s indigenous groups most successful at maintaining their cultural identity and traditions. Español … Continue reading "Showcasing the indigenous Kichwa Otavalo culture at immersive event in Colorado"

More...

Oct

The indigenous community of Agualongo endeavors to record and share its own knowledge, stories, and voices

To begin to understand one another, we must listen, share, and be heard. But who would venture to speak, when no one has cared to listen? Español Français This question has silenced generations of indigenous Kichwa people from highland Ecuador, but it also has inspired a pioneering effort by members of the Agualongo de Quichinche … Continue reading "The indigenous community of Agualongo endeavors to record and share its own knowledge, stories, and voices"

More...

Mar

From Ecuador to Ohio: Learning about another indigenous people

My visit to the United States was certainly a tremendous experience. English Français Del Ecuador a Ohio: aprendiendo sobre otro pueblo indígena Sin duda mi visita a EE.UU. fue una tremenda experiencia. Miami, este nombre de pelicula, cuando me informaron que vamos allá, estaba seguro del mar, las playas y otras sorpresas más; pero mientras … Continue reading "From Ecuador to Ohio: Learning about another indigenous people"

More...

Jan

Tandana book events showcase indigenous culture and language

In November, members of The Tandana Foundation engaged audiences at several multilingual book readings and conversations around Ohio. The events were centered around two storybooks based on indigenous folklore – Juanita, the Colorful Butterfly and The Hyena, the Hare and the Baobab – that Tandana recently helped to publish and are now available for purchase. … Continue reading "Tandana book events showcase indigenous culture and language"

More...

Jan

Hundreds of Miami University students engage with Tandana during campus events

On Nov. 13, more than 300 students of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, filled the large Heritage Room in the Shriver Center. These were students enrolled in classes offered by the department of Global and Intercultural Studies and they were gathered to attend a talk titled “Transforming Gender Norms: Opening Small Spaces for Big Change … Continue reading "Hundreds of Miami University students engage with Tandana during campus events"

More...

Sep

Triki Traka: It’s not your grandma’s tic tac toe!

I have been hearing more and more over the last few years – from coworkers from The Tandana Foundation and volunteers who have joined us on trips alike – about this fun game in Ecuador with similarities to Tic Tac Toe called Triki Traka. Now, I’ve been a part of Tandana for the past 12 … Continue reading "Triki Traka: It’s not your grandma’s tic tac toe!"

More...

Sep

Tandana invites friends to host Language and Literacy fundraisers based on trilingual storybooks

In November, The Tandana Foundation will be releasing two books – the first-ever storybook in the African language of Tommoso and the second-edition of a beloved Kichwa storybook. Both books, which are being published by Tandana, are aimed at promoting literacy, aswell as maintaining and revitalizing the indigenous languages spoken by the organization’s community partners … Continue reading "Tandana invites friends to host Language and Literacy fundraisers based on trilingual storybooks"

More...