What’s the only country in the world named after its geographical location? Ecuador! Ecuador, meaning ‘Equator,’ straddles the northern and southern hemispheres; it may be small but it packs a big punch! From the energetic central cities surrounded by the country’s mountain ranges to the hot, humid, and remote rainforests, Ecuador is a perfect location for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of nature.
You won’t be able to resist your dramatic surroundings when you teach English in Ecuador.
With volcanoes sprinkled here and there, the Pacific coast, and biodiverse, protected lands of the Galapagos Islands, teaching English in Ecuador will be rife with adrenaline-fueled weekends. Picture yourself trekking snow-capped volcanoes, rappelling from waterfalls, horseback riding through the mountains, snorkeling with sea lions (and sharks and penguins and marine iguanas), and tubing down rivers in the Amazon. We’re exhausted already!
The country’s cuisine can’t go without mention. Who doesn’t love to explore while taste testing the cultural flavors of the world? Ecuador will have your taste buds happy with fresh fruits (and fruit juices!), savory soups before each meal, hearty meals with rice and fish, and cuy (guinea pig!) for the daring.
Great adventures, great food, and the opportunity to teach English in Ecuador — what are you waiting for? Check out English teaching jobs in Ecuador and take flight to the mitad del mundo!
Where should I look for teaching jobs in Ecuador?
1. Quito
Teaching jobs in Ecuador will elevate your career sky-high!
Big city lover? Quito is your calling! Running long from north to south between the Andes Mountains, Quito is in the process of building out the city’s first metro line to help with the commute.
Quito offers all of the luxuries of city life with the modern day conveniences of shopping malls and supermarkets, to the authentic local food and artisan markets. Friendly faces and plentiful sunshine make Quito a great place to teach English in Ecuador.
Interested in a bit of adventure within the city? For excellent 360-degree views of Quito (and to face your fear of heights!), climb to the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional — just don’t look down while you’re on the stairs!
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2. Banos
A picturesque village with a 360-degree view of mist covered mountains, Banos is as pretty as a postcard. A well-trekked Ecuador destination (for good reason), Banos is sure to deliver new local friends and new traveler friends alike.
Take time after work to enjoy the local restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. On your days off from teaching in Ecuador, explore the nature that surrounds you and take a trip up Casa del Arbol and the famous Swing at the End of the World.
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3. Riobamba
If you have an appreciation for nature, consider passing up the big city for rural teaching jobs in Ecuador.
If you want a city experience but with a little less hustle and bustle, come on down to Riobamba. Riobamba is a small, authentic Ecuadorian city which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and neighboring volcanoes.
Stroll the cobblestone streets and enjoy the local shops and restaurants. When you have a few days off work, take a trip to Chimborazo, where you’ll find yourself closer to the sun than if you climbed Mt. Everest (this has to do with Chimborazo’s geographical location near the equator).
Teaching English in Ecuador doesn’t get any better than this! Pack your sunscreen, but also your winter clothing, and head to where the air is thinner and the views are spectacular.
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4. Mindo
What does it mean to teach in Mindo? Rainforests, river rafting, chocolate factories, butterfly farms, and more! This charming rainforest town lacks nothing in beauty and will win your heart over as soon as you roll into town.
A small but happening town, Mindo is full of friendly locals. There are many new friends to be made and daily or weekly rainforest explorations to be had. Not up for a hike, join a local football game or enjoy a cup of joe in one of the local coffee shops. Mindo is rich in opportunities to allow you the ultimate experience of teaching abroad in Ecuador!
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5. Cuenca
You’ll cherish the time you spend in Cuenca.
Cuenca is yet another great location to teach English in Ecuador. Cuenca, or the Athens of Ecuador, sits in the south of Ecuador and is home to approximately 350,000 people, making it the third-largest city in Ecuador.
A friendly and pleasant city, pass the time wandering the historic city center or hopping on a bicycle and taking advantage of the trail that runs alongside the Tomebamba River. A charming, colonial city, Cuenca is an excellent option for teaching jobs in Ecuador.
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6. Puyo
The gateway to Ecuador’s rainforest and situated along the banks of the Puyo River, Puyo, like so much of Ecuador, is a natural beauty. Use your spare time to trek the rainforest with a local guide, observe Ecuador’s diverse and colorful wildlife species, and cool down in waterfalls. It’s also a great locale for teaching in Ecuador with close proximity to both Banos and Riobamba for further exploration of Ecuador.
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7. Guayaquil
Often passed over by travelers, here are a few reasons why Guayaquil shouldn’t be missed and is an ideal location for teaching in Ecuador: For starters, it’s one of the warmer spots in Ecuador. Despite Ecuador’s location on the map, many cities and towns among the Andes can get pretty chilly so if you readily welcome the warmth, Guayaquil is for you.
Guayaquil is also home to South America’s largest ferris wheel, La Perla (which just so happens to be air conditioned!). Take in spectacular views of the city from above and when you’re done, stroll through the shops and eateries along Guayaquil’s boardwalk.
Other attractions include the Parque Historico, the Museum of Anthropology and Art, and the Monumental Fountains of Dancing Water — all of which are free! Offering many more free or budget-friendly options, Guayaquil is an ideal location for saving a few extra bucks while teaching English in Ecuador.
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Take the next step! Get Matched with 5 TEFL Programs in Ecuador for FREE
You’re ready to teach abroad in Ecuador!
Flock on over to South America for teaching jobs in Ecuador. You won’t regret it!
You can see yourself in front of a classroom, you envision your weekends full of adventure ziplining through jungles and cycling along volcanoes and farmlands, but what about, ahem... finances?
Remember to consider how much travel you plan to do and that while you can expect a lower cost of living, also be prepared for a lower, but still comfortable, salary while teaching in Ecuador. Sounds like everything is in order for teaching jobs in Ecuador and grand adventures. Enjoy the ride while teaching English in Ecuador!
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