Volunteer and Expeditions in Ecuador - Latin America

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Dates: July and August 2008

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 Spanish, 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 Baños. Baños 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.

** The first Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from July 17th to July 31st, 2008.
** The second Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from August 7th to August 21st, 2008.
** 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 :

- Teaching English to children in Las Tolas, inside Ecuador cloud forest
- Work on Urcu Puyujunda Organic Farm
- Conservation Project
- Environmental research
- Community project in Las Tolas Community
- Orphanage Project in Quito
- Disabled Children project in Quito
- Day Care project in Quito
- Health Project

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

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and 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 Urcu Puyujunda's Mission Statement: Urcu Puyujunda is an organization designed to help people and disappearing Cloud Forest near Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Our main objective is to help the children, who are the future of the country, especially those with the fewest economic resources. Urcu Puyujunda is also involved in conservation of 'mother-earth' (pacha-mama), and is working to save the planet one step at a time. There are many orphanages, special Institute for disabled children, they need help, so the volunteers who are interested in these projects are very welcome.

Year Founded: 1999