Adventure Tours in Banos, Ecuador

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

Home to majestic volcanos, gorgeous islands, and incredible wildlife, Ecuador is an adventure enthusiast’s dream! On this program we will visit both the Galapagos and the Amazon, two natural wonders that put this tiny country straddling the equator at the top of every traveler’s list! The first highlight of this adventure is our visit to the magical Galápagos Islands. This volcanic island archipelago is home to world famous wildlife viewing and is not to be missed! Discover tortoises, sea lions, eagle rays, penguins, and more, all in their natural habitat. There really is no other place in the world like it! And what journey to South America would really be complete without exploring the infamous Amazon Rainforest? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we travel by canoe down a mighty river, marvel at giant waterfalls, hike a volcano and discover quaint and colorful towns along the way.

Embark on a two-week Amazon Wildlife Expedition in Ecuador, specifically designed for teenagers aged 15-17. This program, accommodating 6 to 18 participants, offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife conservation and cultural experiences. Volunteers will engage in hands-on activities at an Amazonian animal refuge near Puyo, contributing to the rehabilitation and care of various animal species. The adventure extends beyond conservation, with a rich exploration of Quito's cultural heritage, salsa lessons in Baños, and exhilarating outdoor activities like mountain biking and canopy tours. Participants will also visit the stunning Quilotoa crater lake and experience a thrilling cycling expedition to Cotopaxi. This program promises a comprehensive and memorable journey, combining meaningful conservation work with the exploration of Ecuador's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

There is no better teacher than the great outdoors! For many years, ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs has been coordinating and providing unique adventure education through its international service and experiential learning opportunities. Its student programs are designed to be more than just entertainment or recreation. They help students learn new concepts, develop interpersonal relationships, and gain personal growth, knowledge, skills, and educational experience through meaningful and rewarding outdoor settings. Past participants have described this journey as "challenging, inspiring, relaxing, exciting, and fun." ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs work to foster an environment in which students can learn through experience. It specializes in designing educational community service experiences (childcare, healthcare, animal care, environmental conservation, teaching/education, veterinary service, human rights, legal aid, micro-enterprise, microfinance, elderly care, sports coaching, etc.) combined with fantastic cultural adventures for students from all over the world and ages. Programs are available year-round and start every Monday.