Description

A new world is waiting for you in a small, pleasant country in South America! Ecuador has it all and more, and is nominated for two of the spots as World's 7 New Wonders! Based in the Andes you will experience all of Ecuador - from the Amazon to the Pacific Coast! You will learn Spanish in the jungle, the beach and in the city of Quito, Ecuador's capital. You will experience equatorial magical power, walk on the world's highest active volcano and swim with sea lions in the Galapagos. You will meet wonderful Indian people of Otavalo and experience their enormous markets of both animals and crafts as hammocks, bracelets, all kinds of wool and leather, jewelry, bags and pictures.

The trip will give you oceans of adventure activities and unforgettable experiences! River rafting, canyoning, trekking, mountain biking, surfing, snorkeling, cable cars and kayaks are just a few of all the adventure you will experience on this trip! Look forward to the coziness of Mindo, beautiful mountains and lovely waterfalls in the jungle, Montanita endless beaches and wonderful nightlife, Arutams ethnic Indians right out of the Amazon, Banos' hot springs, huge amounts of adventure and vibrant nightlife, Tena rainforest, river and fantastic caves, Quito's cozy squares, great salsa bars and beautiful old buildings - and last but not least - look forward to paradise Galapagos filled with fabulous animals in beautiful scenery and oceans of opportunities!

With this program you have the opportunity to volunteer at Galapagos Island, which not only gives you beautiful scenery but also extremely giving and enriching experiences as a volunteer. The appreciation and gratitude you will receive is like no other and will truly help you to grow as a person.

There are plenty of exciting and different projects to choose from, whether you choose to work in the mainland or at the dazzling islands of Galapagos. There are projects for you, who would like to work with children, nature or environment. And when you are not working at you project you can exploit the beautiful underwater life to snorkel and meet the many other backpackers who visit the islands.

In Galapagos you can choose to work with the youngest in a kindergarten, playing, caring and reading to kids up to 4 years of age. If you be involved with kids who are a little older, you can test your skills as a teacher and teach English, art, music and math. Due to the gorgeous, but fragile nature at the Galapagos, there are many environment-characterized projects to get involved with.

Also in the mainland you have ample opportunity to work with people, both young and old. Help take care of young kids with parents who do not have the resources to take proper care of them or give new hope to young girls who have been mistreated or had kids way to early. You can also teach at the local schools or do crafts with the handicapped and mentally challenged kids. If you have an urge to be involved in nature-projects you can help out at organic farms, make chocolate at a chocolate factory, help to preserve the rainforest, learn about agriculture or assist at the condor park.

When working as a volunteer it is crucial that you are outgoing, independent and have the urge to help other people, without getting a paycheck. The work demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. In return you will receive life rewarding experiences and gratitude.

The most important thing to remember as a volunteer is you attitude be motivated and humble, show motivation and take initiatives.

Please visit our website for full programme and more information on voluntary work in Ecuador & Galapagos.

Highlights

* Learning salsa from the Natives and trying out your skills as a salsa dancer in the nightlife of Baños

* Flying over the jungle in one of the 13 cable lines in Mindo

* Horseback riding in the Andes

* River rafting, tubing and other exciting adventure activities, that surely will give you a rush of adrenaline.

* Exploring Indian tribes and the fascinating nature in the jungle, while learning Spanish.

* Climbing the world's highest active volcano Cotopaxi and riding down the side of it on mountain bikes

* Rappelling from one of the 5 beautiful waterfalls in Baños

* Exploring the mysterious Inca ruins

* A 3-day trek which will take us through some wonderful landscapes filled with volcanoes, craters and cozy villages

* Relaxing by the beach, taking surf lessons and enjoying the city.

Travel Types

• Cycling (Mountain)
• Dancing
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Hiking
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Sports
• Surfing
• Volunteering

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see "Prices and Travel Dates" on our website for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 - 30

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2 - 8

Application Process Involves

• Other

Year Founded

1984