Spanish Gap Year Programs in Ecuador

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rules and regulations and other necessary tasks at the center, depending on individual skillset. Requirements for this program are: - Basic to intermediate level of Spanish - A genuine passion for animal conservation - An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists and follow instructions - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Physical ability to work outdoors with a potentially high allergen, sun, and temperature exposure IOI encourages all volunteers to stay as long as possible to maximize local and personal benefits. We encourage longer commitments by heavily discounting each additional week. The minimum stay is two weeks, with a maximum stay of three months. All volunteers must arrive in Isabela on Mondays.

Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities access clean drinking water through education and infrastructure projects. THE CHALLENGE Safe drinking water is a human right, yet nearby communities face contamination, deforestation, and poor storage and filtration. Many rely on open streams carrying soil and chemicals from uphill farming. With no filtration and little storage, gastrointestinal issues are common, and water shut-offs occur during summer or pipe breaks. THE SOLUTION Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach—from public health initiatives to domestic filtration, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance of our experienced team, you’ll engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean, secure drinking water. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Volunteer in Ecuador and discover a country with more biodiversity per square kilometer than any other country in the world: whether it's whale watching on the coast, trekking through the Andes, swimming with giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands or discovering the diversity of the Amazon rainforest - this country has it all! You are a true animal lover? Work at an animal rescue center and care for injured wildlife. Why not join a project to protect the sea turtles that nest on Ecuador's beautiful beaches? Releasing sea turtles into the ocean is an once-in-a-lifetime experience!