Volunteer and Travel in Ecuador
Volunteering in Ecuador
Volunteer in Ecuador to help in the fight against an ever expanding urban population which is unfortunately placing a number of threats on the country’s natural, environmental, cultural and wildlife resources. Your time as a volunteer in Ecuador is vital to give back to willing and open communities and whether you are volunteering for a gap year, or just for a number of weeks, you can make a difference to the incredible people and beautiful land of Ecuador. Our environmental projects include an Organic Farming Initiative, a number of Environmental Conservation Projects based in the Andes, the Amazon, the Coast, and the stunning Galapagos Islands as well as a fantastic Wildlife Centre in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.
We are also in need of compassionate and caring volunteers to work on a number of community development projects based in Quito. These include an educational program with child labourers on the streets of Quito, as well as an orphanage project, a day care centre project for child garbage scavengers, and even the chance to work in the offices of an Ecuadorian NGO.
If you are looking to compliment your studies or CV/Resume how about joining one of our internship programmes? Share your skills and knowledge with the local community by joining our economics or media internships in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, working towards building sustainable livelihoods and preserving the environment on this Fair Trade initiative.
If you would like to volunteer in Central or South America then you can also look at our projects in Belize, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru.
About Ecuador
No where else on earth will you find so much natural diversity in such a small country. Ecuador is in fact the second-smallest country in South America lying between the equator and the Pacific Ocean, but its extremes are no less than astounding. In one day’s drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and arrive at a seaside village on the Pacific coast, where the water is warm.
Traditionally the impoverished have resided in rural areas but with rapid urbanisation over the last 25 years with over 67% of the population living in cities and towns. The urban population in poverty has risen from 1.5 million to around 3.5 million. In total around 4 million Ecuadorians (35%) live in poverty. Some of the characteristics of poverty in urban and rural areas include low educational achievement, informal sector employment, family breakdown, prostitution and children living on the streets. A number of community and environmental projects need your help to achieve their goals.
$500 scholarships for Latin American Volunteers. Click here for more information.
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Ecuador Travel Highlights
Mount Chimborazo
Mount Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Ecuador at 20,565 ft. It is also the farthest point on the planet from the Earth's core. It is a day's climb to the summit from base camp and the awesome towering ice-capped peak is a major incentive to reach the summit.
Paragliding in the Andes
View the spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes through the thrilling experience of paragliding. Carry out a tandem flight and no experience is required. The best places to paraglide are Crucita beach, Pichincha Mountains and the cliffs above Canoa.
Andean Biking
Ecuador is a premier mountain biking destination with its diversity of biking terrain and scenery. From Quito there are a number of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes, cloud forests and jungle upon hundreds of miles of traffic-free trails.
