Diploma/Certificate
The Rumiñahui Spanish School is recognized by the state and certified. An officially certified diploma will be issued by the Department of Education after reaching level 10 and passing the final exam for this diploma. The Rumiñahui Spanish School can issue at any time a certificate documenting your level of competency.Flight to Ecuador from Europe
A round trip ticket to Ecuador costs approx. CHF 1600.- off season and approx. CHF 2000.- in high season (tourist class). There are several airlines to choose from such as KLM, Iberia, and Continental Airlines. A travel agency can give further information.Money
The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. Ecuadorians seldom have change so small dollar bills are the ideal currency to use in public. Small amounts are recommended, many one dollar bills, fives and tens, but maximum $20. Of course, big amounts can be paid with big dollar bills. Please also bring traveller cheques (American Express) or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard).Clothing
Atahualpa and Quito lie in the Sierras where the nights can get cold. Warm clothing is necessary. During the day the sun warms things up and t-shirt weather is the rule. Houses are not heated.Weather
Since Ecuador is on the equator there are no big seasonal changes. However the sun is so strong that a strong sunscreen is highly recommended. The sunniest months are July-August and December-January/ FebruaryTraveling
Ecuador has a network of bus routes that is serviced by different companies. It is easy to travel in Ecuador. Departure point is the Terrestre Terminal (bus station) in Quito. It is easy to reach by trolley.Climbing Volcanoes
In order to climb the volcanoes in Ecuador you need time (a minimum of one week) to adjust to the elevation of Quito. We recommend you hire an approved guide for the more demanding volcano climbs from the ASSEGUIM recommended mountain guides (Ecuador mountain guide organization). Careful! Not all agencies arrange serious mountain guides! One internationally renowned mountain climbers agency in Quito, Ecuador is Moggely Climbing. It is run by a Swede named Morgan and his wife Ely. More information at www.moggely.com.Security
Ecuador does not have the same safety standards as most western countries. After dark we advise you to take a taxi or only go out in the company of others.Bus to Atahualpa
The terminal of the bus company "Transminas" is situated at calle Rios in the area called "Tola" (east of the old town of Quito). Buses to Atahulapa leave generally at 5.45, 8.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 16.00. The trip costs regarding to its way USD 1.80 or 1.90.In Atahualpa the Rumiñahui Spanish School is situated about 1.5 km after the village center in "Casa Flores". If the arrival of the students is communicated, representatives of the school will be stopping the bus.