Amazon and Andes Adventure

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: January, April, July, October

Description: In this 10 week adventure starts with two weeks of one to one Spanish classes in Quito, with lots of activities to help you settle into this diverse South American country.

You will then head deep down into the Amazon to Jatun Sacha, an Amazonian research station. Here you will join a group of residential scientists and help out with reforestation projects, forest patrol and community forest education. In your spare time there is plenty of opportunity to go rafting and explore the Amazon with the group.

After four weeks at Jatun Sacha the group will return to Quito for the final part of the adventure. Here you will be working on a Red Cross project, helping schools on the outskirts of Quito to increase their resources and give the children space to play and develop.

At the end of the ten weeks, you can join us on an extension to the unique Galapagos Islands.

Highlights: One to one Spanish lessons with a native speaker, and then a real opportunity to practice and develop these skills by working in the Amazon and alongside the Red Cross in Quito.

Qualifications: Volunteers only require enthusiasm.

Cost in US$: From $1900

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Greenforce volunteer, either male or female, aged 17 upwards will have a desire to see outside their countries boundaries. To undertake new experience with a sense of fun and enthusiasm.

Age Range: Age 17 plus

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Gapforce's Mission Statement: We feel that with all of the air travel that is necessary to participate in our global projects it is right for us to take measures to balance out the CO2 that is produced. We have therefore taken the approved measures to ensure your Gapforce adventure is carbon neutral. We aim to have UK qualified medics or doctors on all our expeditions. We utilize BSI 8848; the provision of expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK. We only have a positive impact on our environment. We also adhere to the Year Out Groups Code of Practice for Expeditions and are a part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices Know Before You Go campaign. We are an independent organisation with no corporate shareholders etc. We can therefore ensure your payment goes to where it's needed most: your project. Part of every allocation is specifically provided to help build the future of your selected community.

Year Founded: 1997