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Family Learning Program
Home / Programs / Worldschooling

Your Children Learn What
No Classroom Can Teach

A safe, personalized learning experience in Ecuador's cloud forest — designed for families who want their children to learn from the world firsthand.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) on-site — safety is never a question
$480/month of childcare & educational support included free
From $800/week for a family of 4 — all-inclusive · Discounts for longer stays
Plan Your Family's Stay
20+ years teaching experience
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) on-site
Families from 20+ countries
Max 15 spots
The Problem

Beyond screens. Away from resorts.

You want your children to learn from the world — not just a screen. But most worldschooling options feel either too chaotic or too touristy. You need somewhere safe, intentional, and meaningful. A place where learning happens naturally, and you can trust the people around your children.

The Solution

The World Is the Curriculum

Programs are designed and led by Alexandra Hoeneisen, who has a background in education and natural resource management. As a mother who homeschooled her own children for over 20 years, she brings together Montessori principles and positive discipline in a way that feels practical and adaptable.

This is not a childcare service, but a learning environment with intention, set within one of Ecuador's most biodiverse cloud forests.

Some activities are also guided by Juan Ignacio Játiva, a lifelong homeschooler and certified Wilderness First Responder, who supports field-based learning.

Whether your family is homeschooling, traveling long-term, or simply looking for a different kind of experience, activities are adapted to different ages and interests:

  • Nature and conservation — exploring wildlife and understanding the forest
  • Farm life — hands-on sustainable and regenerative agriculture
  • Cultural experiences — local traditions and daily life in Ecuador
  • A mix of all of these, shaped around your family

La Hesperia has been self-funded since 1971. Every visit helps support the forest for the long term.

Program Details

Duration5 days – 4 months
Start DatesYear-round (flexible)
ClosedDec 23 – Jan 3
Starting From$800 / week (family of 4)
RoomsPrivate or shared family rooms
SafetyWilderness First Responder (WFR) on-site
InternetReliable WiFi for parents
Capacity Max 15 spots — private rooms
Contact Us for a Quote
Your Family's Experience

A Stay Designed Around Your Family

Every activity is adapted to your family's ages, interests, schedule, and budget — no two stays are the same.

Interactive Learning
Educational walks, nature exploration, workshops, and cultural experiences designed to inspire curiosity and connection with the environment.
Safety & Peace of Mind
Our team includes a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), ensuring health, safety, and rapid response. Your children are in safe hands.
Adventure, Farm & Recreation
Guided hikes, wildlife observation, farm activities for all ages — caring for animals, harvesting, making chocolate from scratch.
Remote Work for Parents
Continue professional work with reliable internet while children engage in safe, educational activities. Focus on your work knowing your family is cared for.
Cultural Immersion
Chocolate and coffee tours, Ecuadorian cooking workshops — your family experiences local culture and traditions hands-on.
Fully Personalized Plan
We design your stay around your family's schedule, budget, and educational goals. Every detail is tailored.
A family day in the garden at La Hesperia
Children learning in the community at La Hesperia
Hands-on farm learning at La Hesperia

Moments from real family stays at La Hesperia.

Included at No Extra Cost

What Your Family Gets (Included — $480+ Value)

Most programs charge separately for these. Here, they are our gift to families who choose La Hesperia for their learning journey.

Childcare & Educational Support
3 hours/day (Mon–Thu), coordinated with parents
$480/mo value
Cultural Workshops
1 chocolate & coffee tour per stay · 2 cooking workshops — family-friendly and hands-on
Included
WFR-Certified First Responder
Certified Wilderness First Responder available on-site
Included
Guided Hikes & Farm Activities
Hikes every 15 days · 1 educational talk per week — plus daily farm activities
Included
Total Value Included$480+/mo — Free
Family Life

Life at La Hesperia for Families

Your family will live in the reserve surrounded by cloud forest, with the comfort and safety you need and the adventure your children will remember.

Accommodation: Private or shared family rooms. Hot water, clean, and comfortable.

Food: Three daily meals prepared with ingredients from our organic gardens. Home-style Ecuadorian cooking. Vegan, vegetarian, and children's dietary needs are always accommodated — just let us know in advance.

Internet: Reliable WiFi for parents and older children — suitable for remote work and video calls.

Safety: A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is on-site.

Transport: Transport from the highway to the reserve is included on arrival and departure. We can also help organize transportation from Quito or the airport for an additional cost.

The main house (casa grande) at La Hesperia
Limited Capacity

Intentionally Small, Personally Designed

We host very few families at a time. Every stay is designed personally around your family's needs, goals, and schedule. This is not a mass experience.

15
Maximum Spots
Private rooms for families
20+
Years Experience
Homeschooling & education
All
Ages Welcome
Toddlers through teenagers
From Our Families

What Families Say

★★★★★

“For the kids, it was incredible. They didn't feel like they were 'in school' but they were constantly learning, asking questions, taking responsibility and being part of something that actually matters. We left very inspired.”

SC
Sandra Cummins
Worldschooling family · 1 week
★★★★★
MH
Michelle Harder
Worldschooling family · 1 week

Want to speak with a family who has been here?

Connect With a Past Family

This is their classroom.

Investment

Customized for Your Family

Worldschooling & Family Travel Learning

Every family stay is unique. We design your experience according to your family's size, children's ages, length of stay, room preference, and goals. No hidden costs — everything is agreed upfront. Discounts apply for duration, number of children, and ages.

Starting from (family of 4)$800 USD / week
Duration5 days – 4 months
RoomsPrivate or shared family rooms
AvailabilityYear-round (closed Dec 23 – Jan 3)

Different family size? Pricing adjusts — contact us for a personalized quote with no commitment.

All Stays Include

Accommodation, meals, and internet
Educational activities and workshops
3hrs/day childcare & educational support ($480/mo value)
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) on-site
Transport from highway to reserve
Travel planning and logistics assistance

Your family's stay directly supports the conservation of the reserve — the same model since 1971.

3 Simple Steps

How to Get Started

1

Tell Us About Your Family

Share ages of children, your interests, desired schedule, length of stay, and any specific goals.

2

We Design Your Plan

Our team schedules a call to design a fully customized plan — safe, productive, and tailored to your budget and goals.

3

Confirm & Arrive

We handle travel guidance, logistics, and everything your family needs for a stress-free arrival.

No Commitment Required

We respond within 24 hours with a personalized proposal — no commitment needed. Want to speak with a past family first? We'll connect you.

Limited Spots · Response Within 24h

Ready to Apply?

Fill out the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.

or
Message Us on WhatsApp
or
alexandra@lahesperia.com
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is this suitable for?

All ages. Activities are fully adapted to your children's ages and interests — toddlers through teenagers.

Is it safe for young children?

Yes. A certified Wilderness First Responder is on-site. The reserve is private, gated, and staffed full-time. We have hosted families with children of all ages safely.

Can parents work remotely?

Yes. We have reliable fiber internet suitable for video calls and remote work. We also include 3 hours/day of childcare and educational support so parents can focus on their work.

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes. International medical insurance covering Ecuador is mandatory for all family members throughout the stay.

What dietary options are available?

All meals are prepared with organic ingredients from our gardens. Children's meals, vegetarian, and other dietary needs are accommodated — let us know in advance.

Explore More

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Remote work at La Hesperia

Remote Work

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 Volunteers working at La Hesperia

Volunteering

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Give Your Family an Experience They'll Never Forget

Limited spots. Personally designed. Contact us today — we respond within 24 hours.

Contact Us on WhatsApp Email Us

Not sure which program is right for you? Reach out — we'll help you decide.