Ruta Quetzal

The "Ruta Quetzal" ("Quetzal Route") is a trip taken yearly by hundreds of Latin American, Spanish, and other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking students.

History

In 1979, king Juan Carlos I of Spain had an idea to form a trip for teenagers from Spain and Latin America, one which would promote intercultural exchange between the youth of Spanish speaking countries, as well as youngsters from Brazil and Portugal. Half of the students come from the Iberian peninsula, around a quarter from Latin America, and the remainder from Europe.

That same year, the expeditions began.The expeditions are led by Miguel de la Quadra-Salcedo.

Each year, youths from more and more countries become eligible to participate. In 2008, 360 students from 56 countries participated, including the 2 newest countries China and Bulgaria.

Other information

Many different routes have been travelled through the years. Usually, the students chosen to take the trip are among the best in Spain, Portugal, and many of the countries that form Latin America. The selection process usually consists of an invitation to submit an original piece of historical, literary, artistic or musical work covering one of several pre-designated topics, followed by an interview. Students meet at a designated airport, from where they fly to a Latin American country begin their 6 week trip, which always ends up in Madrid. Before returning home, students are taken through Spain to explore that country. They then fly home from Barajas International Airport.

External links

* [http://ws1.grupobbva.com/RUTAQUETZAL/rutaquetzal/jsp/esp/home/index.jsp Official pages]