AMBATO, ECUADOR The Community Ambato is a thriving city located two hours south of Quito, Ecuador's capital. Situated on the Ambato River and surrounded by the lush Andean highlands, Ambato is the capital of the Tungurahua Province in the heart of Ecuador. Known as the "Garden of Ecuador," Ambato produces the majority of fruits and vegetables for the country and holds the largest Carnival celebration in Ecuador, parading floats decorated with fruits and flowers through the center of town each year. Ambato was home to many ancient indigenous cultures whose descendents still live in nearby regions and create the same textiles, food and goods for market that were made hundreds of years ago. Ambato is also an important business, transport and tourism center, serving as a gateway to the wonders of the Amazonian and Andean cultures in Ecuador. Active volcanoes, natural hot springs and outdoor markets are only minutes away! Project Description In its third year of the ACS program, MYX made its maiden voyage to Ambato, Ecuador, teaming up with the Experiential Learning Ecuadorian Program (ELEP), a nonprofit organization that works internationally to pair students with Ecuadorian communities to help improve schools and orphanages. During the project, American students collaborated with local students at the Cristobal Colon Elementary School, creating an outdoor mural that transformed a dull concrete playground wall into a colorful and lasting record of newfound friendship between Americans and Ecuadorians. © 2002 - 2008 Multicultural Youth eXchange.