Volunteer Programs in Ecuador

Ecuador really should be strutting around in a bikini and calling itself the Miss World of biodiversity; she has it all. Mysterious, wild jungle in the eastern Oriente merges into the thrilling volcanic peaks of the Andes in the sierra before diving into the coastal regions, and across the ocean to the greatest celebrity of the natural world, the Galapagos Islands. For those seeking volunteer work in Ecuador, the startling diversity might make it hard to pick just one project, but you’ll soon fall for this perfect little country. Hook, line, and sinker.

The most popular place to volunteer in Ecuador is on the Galapagos Islands. Snap a selfie with a nonchalant seal or marvel at the size and age of the grandfathers of this land, the Galápagos giant tortoise, some of whom live to be a whopping 170 years old. Thanks to preservation efforts and the designation of the islands as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fascinating ecosystems and strange species that Darwin encountered in the Galapagos in 1838 don’t look too much different for a modern visitor. S-uh-weet.

Further east, if you are lucky, you can stumble upon the charming town of Tena; a must-visit for jungle-lovers wanting to volunteer in the Amazon. Volunteers will encounter life’s two extremes: slow ambles through the rainforest to spot lethargic sloths and chattering monkeys as well as high-adrenaline activities, such as white-water rafting and kayaking. While you may not discover the legendary, precious city of El Dorado while volunteering in Ecuador, jungle days will give you more than enough golden opportunities for getting into close proximity with its incredible wildlife and warm, relaxed locals.

Another top pick destination for volunteer work in Ecuador is the world’s highest capital city, Quito, which has much more to offer than the prospect of altitude sickness. Regarded as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the whole of South America, Quito is a surprisingly metropolitan place, with dazzling architecture and a fascinating mix of old and new cultures. Observe life from a bench in the verdant, tree-lined Plaza de la Independencia and marvel at the ingenuity of the colorful textiles used as backpacks by the local indígenas (indigenous women) to transport anything from groceries to babies. At the nearby Mitad del Mundo (The Middle of the World), volunteers can literally put a leg in both hemispheres at once, because, well, just because.