The Peru-leg of our adventure is now full! But adventures to Argentina and Ecuador are available

Mountain to Ocean: A Four Month Learning Adventure Through South America:
Argentina, Peru, Ecuador

WITH EDUCATORS

COST PER STUDENT:
Full Program (4-Month Journey):
$1900/month
Total: $7600 per student
(including a non-refundable deposit of $1000/student)

Individual Country Segment (5 Weeks):
$2533 per segment per student
(Includes a $500 non-refundable deposit per student)

AGE GROUP:
• 4 – 7 years old (5 students maximum)
• 8 – 13 years old (13 students maximum)

PERFECT FOR:
This adventure is designed for young explorers ready to dive into immersive learning rooted in nature, science, culture, and language. A n adventure designed for families seeking a meaningful long-term experience, this expedition fosters deep friendships, consistent educational growth, and a vibrant, supportive learning community.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime as we traverse the continent, unlocking the wonders of science, literacy, geography, art, and culture through immersive, hands-on exploration. From the breathtaking glaciers of Bariloche in Patagonia to scaling the majestic peaks of the Andes, where the mysteries of the Inca civilization await. Dive into the turquoise depths of the Caribbean, where marine biology comes alive, and let vibrant local traditions ignite your creativity.
Ages 4 – 7: This small group for the youngest kids meets for engaging, play-based learning focused on early numeracy, literacy, and Spanish. Led by Shahanah Matsumura, these sessions provide a warm, nurturing start to foundational learning.
Ages 8–10 and Ages 11–13: These two older groups attend for the full learning day led by Lisé Whitfield with support from teaching assistant Seda DePuy.

The learning day integrates science, literacy, geography, art, and cultural studies through hands-on, project-based exploration.
Bariloche, Argentina (5 weeks)
Nestled in the heart of Patagonia, Bariloche offers stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and ancient forests. Students will explore the role of tectonics and weather/climate in shaping the Andes, and examine how the region’s fertile soils and temperate climate influenced traditional food and clothing. They’ll analyze climate change’s effects on this ecosystem and explore the Mapuche people’s connection to nature through storytelling, music, and dance.
Urubamba, Sacred Valley, Peru (5 weeks)
Students will connect their learning about Andean geology and climate to this new mountain region in Peru studying how glaciers, rivers, and tectonics have shaped the area, and then shift to a focus on the Incan civilization. Learning about ways the Incas altered the land through sophisticated terracing and microclimate farming, they’ll explore how food and farming practices are tied to culture. The Incan worldview and its spiritual ties to nature will be explored through stories, music, and dance.
Santa Cruz Island Galápagos, Ecuador (5 weeks)
Our journey concludes in In the extraordinary volcanic islands of the Galápagos, students will become field scientists, naturalists, and storytellers as they explore one of the most inspiring ecosystems on Earth. Based on Santa Cruz Island, children will investigate the powerful processes of evolution, adaptation, and interdependence that make these islands a living laboratory of life

For more details please download our brochure below.
Description text goes here

- Immersive, place-based, experiential learning designed and led by 2 professional educators and 1 teaching assistant.
- Learning days four days/week, including Mondays & Wednesdays in a classroom setting and Tuesdays & Thursdays on field excursions, where the whole family is welcomed to join.
- Costs for all students for all field excursions.
- Accommodation: Families arrange their own housing
- Transportation: Each family is responsible for all flights, rental car and/or public transportation fees

Mountain to Ocean Brochure

Andean Actors Argentina Brochure

Empire Engineers Peru Brochure

Evolution Explorers Galapagos Brochure

FAQs ABOUT MOUNTAIN TO OCEAN LEARNING ADVENTURE

This program is designed for students ages 4–13, grouped into two small cohorts:
- Ages 4–6 (5–6 students total): Led by Shahanah Matsumura, with play-based learning focused on early literacy, numeracy, and Spanish.
- Ages 8–13 (13–15 students): Led by Lisé Whitfield and teaching assistant Seda DePuy (Argentina & Peru), with integrated science, geography, cultural studies, and arts.
We will have two classroom days and two field excursion days per week. The learning schedule is Monday through Thursday, as follows:
Mon & Wed
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
All students
Classroom-based learning, including math & Spanish tutorials

Tue & Thu
9:00 – 10:00 AM
Ages 8–13 only
Small group Spanish and math lessons

Tue & Thu
10:00 AM onward
All students + families
Field excursions (all-day)
The program spans three locations across South America:
- Bariloche, Argentina — Feb 9 to Mar 13
- Urubamba, Peru (Sacred Valley) — Mar 23 to Apr 24
- Cartagena region, Colombia — May 4 to Jun 5 (exact location TBA)
  
  Each location includes both classroom and field-based learning. Exact classroom addresses will be shared via the trip WhatsApp group prior to arrival in each country.
Families arrange their own accommodations in each base location. Staying near the classroom and field meet-up points is recommended. Most families use Airbnb, local guesthouses, or short-term rentals.
We do not offer direct booking assistance. However, families are encouraged to connect through the WhatsApp group to share leads, recommendations, or coordinate shared lodging.
Each family is responsible for their own local transportation. Depending on the location, this may involve walking, public transport, rental cars, or taxis. Field excursions often require reliable transport.
No. Families are responsible for all daily drop-offs, pickups, and field trip transportation. We encourage families to coordinate carpools or shared rides through the group WhatsApp chat.
This is a hands-on, creative, and active learning journey. Please bring:
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Small ruler (in centimeters)
- Colored pencils or fine-tip markers
- Watercolor paints + several brushes (varied sizes)
- Small roll of Scotch tape
Math Tools:
- Small scientific calculator (for students ages 11+; calculator apps on phones are fine if permitted)
Daily Essentials:
- Refillable water bottle
- Containers for snack and lunch
- A comfortable backpack
- Sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray, and weather-appropriate layers
- Sturdy shoes for walking or hiking
Each student will receive a learning journal in each country—no need to bring one.
While English will be the primary language of instruction, Spanish is spoken in all host countries. All students ages 8–13 will take small-group Spanish lessons twice per week, and younger students will be introduced to Spanish through songs, stories, and games.
Optional Spanish classes for parents will also be offered during learning hours (paid directly to the instructor).
Each program location has access to nearby clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. Specific emergency care information will be shared with enrolled families prior to each new segment of the trip.
Yes! Parents are warmly invited to join Tues/Thurs field excursions and to attend final project showcases at the end of each country segment. Optional parent Spanish classes are also available. Parents cover their own transport and entrance fees for excursions.