Ecuador Travel Writing & Spanish Immersion Expedition
American Writers & Artists Inc.
Ecuador Travel Writing & Spanish Immersion Expedition

Meet the Instructor

 Kyle Wagner is the Travel Editor at the Denver Post and for 15 years was a renowned Denver food critic. Kyle is extremely well-respected in foodie circles and was an award-winning food writer, as well. She’ll share her invaluable insider knowledge of what makes travel editors tick, how to write an attractive query, how to break into newspaper travel sections, and how to add a food element -- ever more indispensable these days -- into your travel stories, making them irresistible to editors.



Testimonials:


"The workshop was well done in every way and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to photographers (even hobbyist and amateurs). I will definitely be interested in taking other AWAI workshops."

-Pam Spivey


"Rich came to the workshop with his own expertise and because of his journey, he had a unique understanding of our needs. He was the perfect man for the job."

-Nancy Cappo


"Great experience – both in learning photography and seeing a new place in a different way"

-Cathy Metzinger


"I am always amazed at how adept you are at making others feel valuable! Thanks so much for all that you did to make us feel welcome, as if we were with old-time friends! As I mentioned to you at the workshop, I thought everything went so smoothly, and I know when that happens, lots of work has to be done beforehand! I could hear and feel the excitement from those in attendance throughout the workshop. The expertise shared with us will make all our lives so much richer!."

-Lily Torrez

Cotacachi, Ecuador, February 18-25, 2012
The Schedule


To attend this workshop you’ll need to fly into Quito airport (airport code: UIO) on the night of February 18th. We’ll pick you up at the airport and escort you to Mansion del Angel, your hotel in Quito.

There’s no meeting on February 18th because we’re all arriving at different times. But we’re all staying at the same hotel so you’ll see everyone at breakfast.

On the morning of February 19th breakfast will be served on the patio...

(Note: Your hotel room on the night of the 18th is included in your conference fee.)

After breakfast Lori Allen, the Director of AWAI's Travel Division, will be in the lobby to greet you. We’ll board our private bus to travel together to Cotacachi… the charming Andean village where we’ll be based for the next six days.  If there’s time and the weather is nice, we’ll stop at the equator for a group picture and a chance to see if you really can balance an egg on the equator.

When we arrive to Cotacachi we’ll check into the charming Hotel Tierra del Sol. Your accommodation, along with a hearty and delicious breakfast every morning is also covered in your conference fee. 

Over the next few days in Cotacachi, you'll hear from Kyle Wagner about travel writing. You'll have time to write about what you're discovering in the surrounding villages, take a luxurious spa massage break (on us) and go shopping in a nearby leather village. Kyle will guide you through your articles each day.

On February 25th, we'll head to Otavalo to peruse the largest indigenous market in South America, and at 4:00pm we'll head back to Quito. Or you can extend your stay or visit other parts of Ecuador.

Accommodation in Quito on February 25th is not included in your conference fee but it will be affordable. Hotels in Quito are not expensive and if you let us book it for you, you'll get a reduced, group rate.

(Note: Though we plan to be back in Quito by 7:00 p.m. February 25, you can risk a late night flight out of Quito. However, I personally recommend you overnight in Quito and leave the next day if you're not continuing on.

Though we plan to be back in Quito by 7:00pm, you just never know in a developing-world country if the traffic will be bad or not. Ticket changes and missed-flight fees are at your own expense.) 

** Classes during this workshop include both travel writing lessons and Super Thinking Spanish courses. No prior knowledge of writing or Spanish is required.

In all honesty, you'll never have a chance to experience Ecuador like this again.

There’s no other travel writing workshop out there that will offer you this... the opportunity to learn Spanish in six days while you explore the Ecuadorian countryside, photographing traditional markets and colorful villages while you practice your Spanish skills along the way.

"SUPER THINKING" is a breakthrough Bulgarian learning technique that pairs the musical tempo found in certain Baroque music with memorization -- plus a formula that will automatically "convert" thousands of English words into Spanish. It's relaxing, stress-free learning that encourages clear thinking, improved health, and limitless creativity. 

The UNESCO did a study of Dr. Lozanov's "Super Thinking" in the late 1970's.  They found it effective and advised that it be used the world over. Now you have the rare opportunity to try it for yourself. 

With this system, you will discover how to think and learn more powerfully in just a week. And it won't just be for Spanish. In fact, you'll gain seven easy intuitive techniques that you can continue to use throughout your life to gain any type of skill -- from using computers to athletics to conversational languages and even photography -- in much less time than with traditional learning techniques. 

You'll be in the classroom everyday as well as out and about in the markets, visiting the villages and enjoying the hot springs, too. You'll have fun with each Spanish lesson- customized to an event to enjoy that day...plus you'll take your notebook along to work on your articles at the same time. You get to put what you have learned into immediate action!

With "Super Thinking," your whole body and mind will be stimulated to work at its best... in harmony. And you may find you're doing things you never thought possible -- like speaking Spanish in just days and taking photographs so stunning, you'll be amazed.

Plus, each day will begin with a travel writing session. You’re invited to share your article ideas from the previous day’s excursion and have them reviewed. These sessions are invaluable in helping you improve your writing while you’re out and about each day.

And as a special treat you'll get to experience a spa treatment at the jaw-droppingly elegant, La Mirage Hosteria. This beautiful hotel is set in luxuriant gardens full of tropical flowers and wildlife and you're invited to spend a half day relaxing at the elegant covered pool and spa area.

Balance is an important part of this workshop. When your body is in balance and relaxed, you learn more. So you'll spend an entire half day here, relaxing and putting your body in balance.

La Mirage Spa offers 11 different types of massages and treatments, including some with local flavor, like the Shaman Purification Treatment, or the Amazonian Bamboo Massage (who knew rolling sticks of bamboo across your back and feet could feel so good) plus other well-know treatments. Whatever you choose, the treat is on us... just suspend your cares and soak up the tranquility while you luxuriate in this elegant Ecuadorian one-of-a-kind spa.

Activity Level
High activity. A good portion of this workshop will be spent out-and-about on foot visiting local craft markets and villages as well as some of the natural attractions of the region, like Crater Lake. You should pack some comfortable walking shoes for these excursions.

Ecuador is at a high altitude, some people may experience altitude sickness. If you have a heart condition, you should consult with your doctor before you travel to find out about how best to adjust to the altitude when you arrive.

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites. This workshop is for people of all skill levels and experience and the travel writing and language concepts discussed are doable by anyone.

Dates
February 18-25, 2012

Ecuador Photography & Spanish 
Immersion Expedition
Cotacachi, Ecuador
February 18-25, 2012
Where: We'll be staying in Cotacachi, a small, picturesque village about two hours north of Quito.
Pricing and 
What's Included:

Full Price: $3,299 per person

Early Bird Discount: Save $300 and pay just $2,999 when you sign up today. 

Lock in your spot now, and you can save hundreds of dollars with our Early Bird discount. 
(Note: Additional discounts may apply. You can click through to the registration form at the link below to learn more)
Your Registration Fee Includes:
  • Airport pickup and transportation to Mansion del Angel in Quito on your arrival, February 18th
  • Your hotel room in Quito on February 18th
  • Transportation to and from Cotacachi
  • Instruction with freelance travel writer, Kyle Wagner
  • Six days of Super Thinking + Spanish course

  • Seven nights hotel accommodations with a delicious and healthy daily breakfast using only the freshest local produce.
  • Daily coffee breaks with freshly baked delights from the kitchen at Hotel Tierra del Sol.
  • Hands-on practice taking photos and using your newly-acquired Spanish skills to speak with and photograph the people living in Cotacachi and and surrounding villages.
  • A luxurious spa treatment, of your choice, at La Mirage Hosteria.
  • A trip to South America’s largest indigenous market in Otavalo.
  • Visiting the leather market in Cotacachi and the village of the weavers plus other markets where you’ll see lots of beautiful artisan crafts.
  • A welcome drink on your arrival into Hotel Tierra del Sol
  • An extravagant farewell dinner on the last night at a 5-star Relais & Chateaux hotel.
  • Transportation to and from all excursions.
  • Professional instruction and assistance throughout the entire program from Kyle Wagner

Note: Schedule, speakers, and locations are subject to change.

Your Registration Does NOT Include:

  • Airfare to and from Ecuador
  • Hotel fare on February 25th (if you are not flying out until the morning of February 26th)
  • Transfers from your hotel in Quito to the airport for your flight home on February 25th (taxis are plentiful, though, and the hotel has an airport shuttle for just it’s only a $5-$10 ride).
  • Meals not listed on this flyer 
To register now please click below or call our office toll-free at (866) 415-1425 or (202)370-6459 Eastern Time. You may also email at: lori@thetravelwriterslife.com


Cancellation Policy:

 All our workshops and expeditions are non-refundable. If, however, you are unable to attend – and you give us at least 30 days notice – we will be happy to apply your payment toward a future workshop, minus a $200 processing fee for overseas expeditions or a $50 processing fee for state-side workshops. Cancellations with less than 30 days notice may be subject to extra fees. 


Copyright . Lori Allen. All rights reserved.
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