I have a break coming up and I want to go to ecuador to explore and learn Spanish. I have been doing a lot of research and found a bartender in Quito that puts out a weekly online newsletter with a lot of information form the people he knows living in ecuador. One thing it mentions is a volunteer trip to the Galapagos doing conservation. I want to know if anyone has been there and how much learning the language counts.

I've heard that Ecuador is a great place to study and am looking for Spanish Schools ro rake Spanish before I go and explore further. I'm still trying to figure out what's what and I would appreciate any advice or input from someone who knows from experience. I tried posting on travel forums but thought I might find someone on this board as well!