Volunteer and Expeditions in Ecuador - Latin America

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Banos,  Esmeraldas,  Tena,  Pichincha,  Otavalo,  Mindo,  San Pablo,  San Cristobal,  Atacames,  Rural Areas

Description: Looking to volunteer abroad, this is the chance to help others in Ecuador - South America. Ecuador is a country of boundless diversity, friendly people and spectacular natural wonders. Eco Volunteer UP will broaden your horizons with gaining an understanding of Latin America culture. You can volunteer and travel at the same time in one of the programs as Ecuadorian Summer Expeditions. The program offers you different projects such as teaching English, working on organic farm, conservation, environmental and scientific research, environmental education, being part of the community living in homestays, working with children in orphanage, day care and children with disabilities. Besides to learn the culture you can study FREE Spanish Lessons, volunteering and extend your stay. The projects are available anytime of the year.

Highlights: We now have a new offer that will allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in only two weeks. With a two-week break on your hands, you can come to Ecuador and spend the first week volunteering and the second week visiting key attractions, and exploring the rich culture and many landscapes of Ecuador, from dense Amazon jungle to the volcanic peaks of the Andes.

Expeditions to:

* The Amazon: Travel by canoe with your guide on one of the vast rivers of the Ecuadorian jungle. Explore trails covered with lush and diverse vegetation and learn about some of the flora and fauna unique to this region. Share the customs and traditions of some of the jungle cultures such as the huaorani or tagaeri people. You can join night walks to watch the caimans, fish for piranhas or participate in a shamanic ritual with the indigenous people. Your trip to the jungle will be an unforgettable experience.

* The Coast: Besides being one of the most important ports of the country, the province of Esmeraldas also boasts mangroves, exotic islands, some of the best beaches in Ecuador and, best of all for beachgoers, the warm water of the Pacific Ocean. The Choco bioregion is known for its incredible plant and animal biodiversity. You will know the Afro-Esmeraldas culture, swim and taste the best food in Esmeraldas beaches.

* The Andes: At 19,347 feet, Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano, and once you've seen this snow-capped wonder you will never forget it. South of Cotopaxi, at the foot of the fearsome volcano called Tunguarahua, is the city of baths, or Banos. Banos is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and, of course, bathers! Immerse yourself in this striking landscape and enjoy horseback riding, rafting or mountain biking. Another Andes town, Papallacta, is famous for its natural hot springs. This is an idyllic place to relax, surrounded by the stunning scenery of steep green hillsides and towering mountains. Finally, no visit to the Andes is complete without a trip to Otavalo, the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America where you can browse, bargain and buy items from the locals.

* You can also take part of the program any month of the year with minimum two participants.

Or, if you would like to volunteer for a longer period in Ecuador, you can extend your stay in the volunteer program and take part in Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expeditions at the same time.

During your volunteer week you can choose from any of the following projects :

- Orphanage project
- Day care project
- Disabled Children project
- Elderly Care Project
- Community in Cloud Forest project
- Community in Galapagos project
- Community in the Amazon project
- Conservation Cloud Forest project
- Conservation Amazon project
- Conservation Galapagos project
- Environmental research project
- Education Galapagos project
- Teaching English Ecuador project
- Hospital Quito project
- Hippotherapy Galapagos project
- Las Tolas Organic Farm project

To learn more about each of our programs, please contact us.

Cost in US$: Contact us for more information.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 5-15

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement: We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.