- Home
- Providers
- Back
- Beyond Travels
- Amazonian Forest Foods & Culinary Arts Internship – Ecuador
Amazonian Forest Foods & Culinary Arts Internship – Ecuador
by: Beyond Travels
Explore Amazonian food systems, culinary traditions, and sustainable agriculture through a hands-on internship in Ecuador’s Napo province. This program is designed for students and early professionals interested in culinary arts, food systems, sustainability, agriculture, and cultural gastronomy. Participants work with local families, farmers, and community initiatives to learn how ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yucca, fruits, and medicinal plants are cultivated and used in daily life. Activities may include food preparation, traditional cooking, agroforestry visits, and farm-based learning. Depending on placement and experience, some participants may gain exposure to a food innovation lab developing products with Amazonian ingredients for consumers, including collaboration with a restaurant showcasing contemporary Amazonian cuisine. Others may work directly with local producers and family-led food initiatives focused on sustainable production. Interns live with host families in rural communities, gaining insight into how food systems connect biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Weekly visits to farms provide broader exposure to sustainable food systems.
Explore Amazonian food systems, culinary traditions, and sustainable agriculture through a hands-on internship in Ecuador’s Napo province. This program is designed for students and early professionals interested in culinary arts, food systems, sustainability, agriculture, and cultural gastronomy. Participants work with local families, farmers, and community initiatives to learn how ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yucca, fruits, and medicinal plants are cultivated and used in daily life. Activities may include food preparation, traditional cooking, agroforestry visits, and farm-based learning. Depending on placement and experience, some participants may gain exposure to a food innovation lab developing products with Amazonian ingredients for consumers, including collaboration with a restaurant showcasing contemporary Amazonian cuisine. Others may work directly with local producers and family-led food initiatives focused on sustainable production. Interns live with host families in rural communities, gaining insight into how food systems connect biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Weekly visits to farms provide broader exposure to sustainable food systems.
Program Highlights
Learn about Amazonian food systems through hands-on experience with local families, farmers, and community food producers in rural Ecuador.
Explore the cultivation, harvesting, and preparation of Amazonian ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yucca, plantains, fruits, and medicinal plants.
Gain exposure to traditional cooking methods and the cultural significance of Amazonian gastronomy and food traditions.
Depending on experience and availability, some participants may engage with a food innovation lab and restaurant developing contemporary Amazonian culinary products.
Live with a host family and experience daily life in a rural Amazonian community centered around food, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
Media Gallery
Quick Details
- Tena, Ecuador
- 1-3 Months
- Agriculture
- Culinary Arts & Cooking
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Forestry
- Sustainable Development
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Once in a lifetime trip
July 14, 2026by: Jo Gohil - United KingdomWhen I first arrived in tena, I immediately felt so welcomed by Megan, and the 1-1 induction helped me settle in and get familiar with the town, going to the markets and finding my way around which was super helpful! I stayed with Clemente and Alena, who were both so welcoming, and I settled into daily life quickly, helping them in the house, working in their chakra and then working in the nearby town. Their house is in a really beautiful area, when I first arrived I thought that their back garden was the chakra as there were so many beautiful trees and plants around- waking up to the sound of nature was amazing! Whilst I did miss home occasionally over the 7 weeks, the weekly activities with other interns and 1-1s with Megan were great to just have someone to chat with- I also feel like without Megan I wouldn't have got the most out of my stay, knowing what new foods to try, and places to go in my free time was invaluable! Getting to eat soo many new fruits, and things like chontacuro was great, I might not have had the guts to do it without her!! Overall it was a great experience, that weekly activities were fun and I learnt a lot, the family and where I stayed was amazing and I really felt like I was integrating into their life- not just someone on holiday. The people, views and experiences are something I will never forget, I already want to go back <3
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Tena, Ecuador
Types and Subjects
- Fields
- Agriculture
- Culinary Arts & Cooking
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Food Science & Nutrition
- Forestry
- Sustainable Development
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 1-3 Months
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families
Starts At
- 2 weeks: $1,200
- 4 weeks: $2,200
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Training
- In-Country Orientation
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- All Program Activity Costs
Program Cost Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
- International Airfare
- Vaccination Costs
Accommodation Options
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- Associate degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Some college credit, no degree
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
- Doctorate degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Resume
- Phone/Video Interview
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I do during the program?
Participants learn about Amazonian food systems through hands-on activities such as food preparation, ingredient sourcing, agroforestry visits, and cultural cooking practices. Depending on placement, some may also gain exposure to a food innovation lab or work directly with local producers and family-led food initiatives.
Do I need experience in culinary arts or food studies?
No prior experience is required. This program is open to students and early professionals in culinary arts, food studies, sustainability, agriculture, nutrition, and related fields. Participants are guided by local families, farmers, and coordinators throughout the experience.
Do I need Spanish proficiency to participate?
We welcome participants with beginner to advanced Spanish levels. Spanish is helpful for daily communication with host families and local partners, but beginners can still participate. We recommend learning basic Spanish before arrival to enhance engagement and learning.
What support is provided during the program?
Participants receive pre-arrival guidance, a local orientation in Ecuador, placement support, and ongoing assistance throughout the program. This includes weekly one-on-one check-ins and access to emergency support from our local team whenever needed.
What are the living conditions like?
Participants live with host families in rural Amazonian communities. Housing is modest but includes basic amenities such as electricity and running water. Living with a host family provides cultural immersion and insight into daily life centered around food, agriculture, and community traditions.
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Lillian Miks
Participated in 2026
Lily is from the United States and is currently completing a Bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in food science. A few years prior to this tr...
Lillian Miks
Participated in 2026
A few years prior to this trip, I went to Peru with my family. Ever since that trip, I knew I wanted to visit the Amazon again, but I didn't think it would happen so soon afterward.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore Amazonian food systems, culinary traditions, and sustainable agriculture through a hands-on internship in Ecuador’s Napo province. This program is designed for students and early professionals interested in culinary arts, food systems, sustainability, agriculture, and cultural gastronomy. Participants work with local families, farmers, and community initiatives to learn how ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yucca, fruits, and medicinal plants are cultivated and used in daily life. Activities may include food preparation, traditional cooking, agroforestry visits, and farm-based learning. Depending on placement and experience, some participants may gain exposure to a food innovation lab developing products with Amazonian ingredients for consumers, including collaboration with a r...
Beyond Travels
Beyond Travels
Ready to Learn More?
Explore Amazonian food systems, culinary traditions, and sustainable agriculture through a hands-on internship in Ecuador’s Napo province. This program is designed for students and early professionals interested in culinary arts, food systems, sustainability, agriculture, and cultural gastronomy. Participants work with local families, farmers, and community initiatives to learn how ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yucca, fruits, and medicinal plants are cultivated and used in daily life. Activities may include food preparation, traditional cooking, agroforestry visits, and farm-based learning. Depending on placement and experience, some participants may gain exposure to a food innovation lab developing products with Amazonian ingredients for consumers, including collaboration with a r...
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like