Ecuador Gap Year, Volunteering & Tours

Ecuador really is a country that has it all. From Andean peaks, Amazon Rainforest, indigenous markets, colonial towns, beaches and a chain of volcanic islands full of fascinating wildlife it really does have something for everyone.

Volunteer Programs & Backpacking Trips in Ecuador

Ecuador Backpacking & Travel Guide

Ecuador is a world famous travel destination but is still relatively underrated with people planning gap year itineraries. There are lots of beautiful places to visit and amazing things to do in Ecuador, including tours, volunteering programs, teaching jobs and Spanish language courses.

Though it may be a small country, Ecuador has a lot to offer. In the east lies the Amazon rain forest, full of a large, diverse amount of species. Towards the middle lie the Andean mountains, whose terrain are perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and plenty of other outdoor adventures.

Relax on the coast as you watch whales swim by in the summer seasons, and enjoy refreshing fruit as you lay in the sand. Just off the coast of Ecuador lie the Galapagos Islands, which are full of incredible and unique wildlife. It may sound too good to be true, but Ecuador has it all.

The colonial Spanish influences are evident throughout the country, particularly in the stunning cities of Quito and Cuenca where our placements are based, but once you step out of the cities and into the villages you will get to experience the Native American cultures that still flourish in the Amazon basin.

One of the biggest perks about travelling through Ecuador? You can get by with little money. Firstly, they use American dollars, so it’s easy to actually realize what you’re spending. This is perfect if you suck at maths. Meals go for $3-$10 USD depending on how much you want to spend. But tasty street empanadas go for $1.

Just sayin’. Beer, we mean, cervezas you can get for $1 or $2 (we’re talking those big bottles too). And if you live in North America, you can often get flights for $500 USD or less. Considering how epic Ecuador is, your total trip cost will seem like a bargain.

Work in Ecuador

If you are looking for paid work in Ecuador you could teach English. Jobs are available with language schools in places like Quito. For work experience, some local companies offer internship placements but you might need to know Spanish.

Volunteer in Ecuador

Gap Year volunteering placements provide a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of children and communities in Ecuador, and assisting people’s English skills will really transform lives. You can join volunteer placements all over Ecuador; in the Highlands, on the Coast, in the Amazon region and the Galapagos Islands.

Volunteering in Ecuador is a unique experience in that it offers the opportunity to complete various placements; like conservation and caring placements in places like Quito, Cuenca and Yunguilla. You’ll join up with a local team of staff (who by that stage you’ll know really well!) providing you with familiar faces, great social life and team camaraderie.

There are lots of non-profit local organisation offering you the opportunity to assist some of the most underprivileged and needy children in Ecuador and at the same time, learn Spanish and explore this diverse, spectacular and exciting country. Few countries can boast such cultural and physical diversity.

Study in Ecuador

There are considered to be some of the best Spanish schools in South America located in Quito. Choose between Spanish lessons for any level. You can attend the institution at reduced prices if you register book classes and accommodation combos.

Some Spanish language programs are paired with a homestay and meals for around $20 per day (minimum two weeks). The price of the Spanish classes usually includes additional hours of conversation groups and also sightseeing and social activities. You will improve your conversational skills, immerse yourself into the local culture and have a lot of fun.

Ecuador Tours

Ecuador is home to the Amazon jungle, Andean snow capped mountains and volcanoes, serene Pacific beaches and the word renowned Galapagos Islands.

Ecuador is far from being the largest country in Latin America but it is arguably the most biologically and geographically diverse. A combination of cheap transport and relatively short travelling distances make Ecuador the perfect country to explore. You could travel independently or book an organised small group tour.

If you do visit you will be able to discover a whole variety of cultural gems. From the life and colour of the Otavalo market, nestled between the volcano peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda or relax in the lush greenery of Mindo’s cloud forest.

Quito, the world’s highest capital, is a traveller’s delight in itself. Ride the city’s iconic trolleybuses to the Mitad del Mundo (centre of the world) or scale the top of El Panecillo in a yellow taxi for some stunning 360° views of the capital.

Gap Year & Volunteer in Galapagos Islands

Spend time helping conservation and community projects in the famous Galapagos Islands and enjoy amazing road trips along the finest surf beaches Ecuador’s Pacific coast has to offer. These trips offer you a complete contrast in both challenge and location providing you with a balanced and fulfilling gap experience.

Calling all animal lovers. if you dream of lolling on a pristine beach alongside a family of sea lions, galavanting with giant tortoises and exploring paradise on earth then the Galapagos is the perfect destination for you.

Here you’ll stay at either the Hacienda Tranquila or Volunteer Galapagos Farm, volunteer stations on San Cristobal, the easternmost island in the famous archipelago.

An island characterised by its charming local culture, beautiful white sandy bays and turquoise seas, not to mention the obligatory curious sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, pelicans and crabs! This is a fantastic base to experience the unique environment of the Galapagos.

Conservation:
You’ll work with local experts on a number of different projects and help to improve the lives of all its inhabitants who aim to have rehabilitated all of the Haciendaís 50 hectares back to its former, natural state. Once all the land is restored the plan is to reintroduce the endangered Galapagos tortoises.

Community:
You’ll also work with local special needs children who are referred by social services to horse ride and play games as a form of therapy. In addition, as its really dry, (100 mm of rainfall annually) we are helping the local farmers with irrigation projects to improve their agriculture.

You might also like to view more gap year opportunities in South America.

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