IntiJourneys
IntiJourneys sponsors quality tours oriented towards
community service for groups, compassionate
individuals and partners in sustainable development.
Facilitating an authentic, in-depth
experience of the people, culture
and ecology of Andean Ecuador.
We involve Andean organizations, schools, youth and
community leaders in the planning process. This
collaboration enables IntiJourney participants to
experience a genuine sharing and to take part in a project
that will have a sustainable impact on the community.
This also gives the community involved the benefit of a
valuable learning experience both in organizing the
project and in working with IntiJourney to fulfill it.
Visits to communities and places of
interest are done with utmost respect
for traditional culture and the ecology.
Take a look at the variety of social service
projects and imagine yourself participating.

Involvement in community development projects,
creative workshops and educational field trips can be
designed to fit an individual or group's focus, such as;
ecological, sociological, educational, anthropological,
agricultural, botanical, artistic or musical.

The following is a sample list of possible
daily activities and projects:

~ Introductory workshop presenting the unique agrarian culture of
Pimampiro, with a focus on identifying its many valuable and
sustainable qualities of life for the Andean peoples.
~ A field-trip to rural environs of Pimampiro and Pre-Inca
archeological sites and a llama cooperative.
~ An excursion to Guagala and our MoH Organic Retreat Center,
a mountain community and family farm cultivating organic
produce, medicinal herbs and promoting a sustainable Andean
life-style. Includes a tour of the gardens and a full-course
delicious meal.
~ Participation with FODI or Amor a la Vida, the regional
pre-school child development programs, visiting and working with
children in rural villages utilizing puppetry, story telling, music, art
and games.
~ Community service project such as the painting and
improvement of a day-care center, preparation and planting of a
community seed bank garden, planting conservation trees,
building a playground, etc.
~ Art or music cultural exchange workshop with local youth,
followed by volleyball and soccer games...
~ Presenting a teacher training workshop that includes donations
of essential educational materials.
~ Teaching/instructing in a classroom setting and giving a lecture
on a specific area of expertise.
~ Demonstration workshop of local artisan weaving, knitting,
embroidery and handicrafts including a crafts bazaar.
~ Enjoy the regional farmers market, indulge at the hot-springs
and celebrate a special evening of Andean music and dance.
For detailed travel information
about an IntiJourney to Ecuador
Fill out and send in an IntiJourney Form
IntiJourney offers comfortable and convenient accommodations
for visiting groups, educators, artists, students and volunteers.
MoH staff will work with you to create a customized meaningful journey.
Program Staff: Paul Murtha - MoH Program Director; Sue Brown - MoH Director of
Education; Eddie Rodriquez - Group Journey Advisor
Community support - Local staff and members of MoH, school administration and
teachers, community leaders and project coordinators.
Contact Mountains of Hope staff for more information.
IntiJourney students play traditional games
A "minga" or group effort to renovate a family's home
Handing out goodiess to village children
Joining in a traditiomal dance at a village festival
Planting a "seed bank" garden
A "tea party" at a gracious rural home
A community sponsored hike to the "top of the world"
Bonding with their Centro Artesanal sisters
Hartsbrook School 2007 IntiJourney
Assistant for the summer arts camp
Making puzzles at the CreAccion workshop
Painting a story mural
Chris, age 16, - "My IntiJourney to Ecuador was a transformative experience. I was able to witness firsthand
how people in other parts of the world live, and see how Mountians of Hope is able to directly help the people. The
two week trip was a perfect balance of hard work and social service, and connecting with the people of the
communities and their culture."

Anne, age 48 - "My two week trip to Ecuador with Pounatains of Hope was an amazing experience. There was a
great mix of serving the Pimampiro community and going up into the surrounding villages. We helped with both
elementary and pre-school programs and fell in love with many children. Having been in the Peace Corp twenty
years ago, this was a little taste of the adventure and joy I had back then, only with my own teenager along to
share it."

Kelly, age 24 - ""My time in Pimampiro was life-giving and life changing to say the least. I feel so blessed to
have been able to live with and work along side such beautiful and caring people the past few months.
I am definitely going home with a much richer perspective on life."