Rainforest Tours Programs in 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!

Similarly to other Latin American nations, Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, however in recent times with the onset of globalization and increasing tourism, there has been an increased demand from local people to learn English to enhance their future job prospects. . Work is mainly at schools and directed towards children but there is also demand from community groups and adult groups we work with. Volunteers are placed in community schools or public schools. Many of the students volunteers teach have only very basic English, and it is therefore a requirement for volunteers to have at least a beginner-basic level Spanish to teach effectively on this program. Naturally a volunteer's Spanish will improve over the course of their volunteering but it is highly recommended that the volunteer take advantage of the Spanish lessons offered by our program staff in Ecuador. Volunteers DO NOT need to be qualified teachers or have previous teaching experience for this program.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation project aimed at restoring critical habitats. We’ll gain firsthand experience in wildlife rescue, collaborating with local NGOs to rehabilitate endangered species and contribute to vital environmental initiatives. As we explore the lush landscapes, we’ll whitewater raft down the Río Napo and zipline through the Mindo Cloud Forest, soaking in the natural beauty around us. Our time in the Galápagos will be extraordinary, as we snorkel alongside sea lions and other marine life, while engaging in essential land rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species and preserve native flora. With 25 hours of community service dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s ecosystems, we will develop practical conservation skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Join us for this unforgettable journey filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful contributions to the environment!

Express your devotion for animals at a family-run monkey sanctuary in the center of the Ecuadorian rainforest after a week of cultural immersion and Spanish lessons in Quito! The sanctuary came to fruition in 2006 and currently acts as a safe haven for over 60 animals, mainly monkeys, although other native species that have been injured are represented there as well. Many locals in the area domesticated these animals as pets, and many have been abused or abandoned by previous owners. The sanctuary acts as a rehabilitation center, and animals are often released back into their natural habitat when the time comes. Volunteers working in the sanctuary must have an intermediate level of Spanish, the capacity to be independent and to take initiative over responsibilities, a love for animals, and a desire to improve the treatment of wildlife in the region. Some of the tasks available at the sanctuary include preparing food for the monkeys and other animals; making enrichment toys for the animals; assisting in general maintenance and clean-up around the sanctuary; harvesting yucca, sugar cane, and/or cocoa as part of the animals’ diets; and handling day-to-day care of the animals.

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands-on sustainability and community projects led by local partners, learning through experience, not from a classroom. Designed for gap year students, alternative study abroad seekers, and values-driven travelers, this journey offers leadership development, guided reflection, and deep cultural exchange. You'll build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain clarity for your next steps all in a supportive, close-knit group of like-minded peers. Whether you're looking to grow personally, earn credit, build your resume, or simply see the world through a more intentional lens, this is more than a semester off—it’s a transformative step forward. Travel with purpose. Return inspired. Reach Out to Learn More!

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.