Ecuador Experience

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Dates: First Monday of each month (aim to arrive into Quito Airport the Sunday before).

Description: Based in the magnificent city of Quito, you'll kick off your adventure with a 5-day Spanish course before volunteering at projects in both the Andes mountain range and Amazon rainforest, where you'll marvel at some of the continent's most sublime landscapes and magnificent animal species.

Your final week will be spent scuba diving, surfing and partying in the towns and villages that have shaped Ecuador's reputation as an outstanding travel destination.

Highlights: Week One Introduction to Ecuador An introduction to Ecuadorian culture, the Spanish language, and your fellow participants. Based in the heart of Ecuador's capital city Quito, within touching distance of markets, bars, museums and salsa clubs you will learn Spanish and local culture.

Week Two Andes Project and travel The aim of the project is to help the people of the town of El Chaupi by contributing to the development of the community in areas such as teaching, reforestation and community and reconstruction work. You'll get to know the townsfolk and play a key role in developing their skills and improving the infrastructure of the town.

Week Three Amazon Project From the Andes to the Amazon, in week three you'll be living in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where you'll be working on a conservation project aimed at preserving the jungle's delicate ecosystem. The programme coordinators are reforesting an area of 20 hectares with native trees and medicinal plants and plan to expand this activity further into the forest.

Week Four The best of Ecuador The final week is your chance to experience some of Ecuador's most celebrated attractions. From your base in Puerto Lopez, you'll visit important archaeological sites, stunning beaches and vibrant towns. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the real Ecuador and marvel at its beauty.

Cost in US$: USD 2099

    * All activities except where stated
    * All accommodation and most meals
    * Five-day language school
    * One week volunteering at Andes project
    * One week volunteering at Amazon project
    * All travel between projects
    * Comprehensive orientation upon arrival

What's Not Included in the Programme

    * Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which must include cover for repatriation (i.e. flying you back to the UK in the case of an emergency)
    * International flight to Ecuador
    * Visas
    * Lunch and dinner while in Quito
    * Meals at beach (Puerto Lopez-Montanita)
    * Meals during the activities and transition project
    * Whale watching and additional Amazon and Andes tours
    * Soft drinks, beer, wines and spirits
    * E-mail/Internet and telephone calls
    * All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement:

Real Gap offer over 350 projects and travel options in over 35 countries over 6 continents. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap.

Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we are pretty keen on making sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisors have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded: 2005