GoAbroad

Amazonian Forest Foods & Culinary Arts Internship – Ecuador

$300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
1Review
2015Year established

Program Overview

Explore Amazonian food systems, culinary traditions, and sustainable agriculture through a hands-on internship in Ecuador’s Napo province. Designed for students and emerging professionals interested in culinary arts and cultural gastronomy, this program connects food with biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural identity.

AMAZONIAN FOOD SYSTEMS & CULINARY INNOVATION

Learn alongside local farmers how ingredients such as cacao, guayusa, yuca, plantains, fruits, and medicinal plants are cultivated, harvested, and used in daily life. Explore how local producers grow, process, and transform these ingredients into food products. Depending on experience and availability, this program can include placement with a food innovation lab developing products with Amazonian ingredients, with a restaurant showcasing contemporary Amazonian cuisine. Other placements focus on local producers and family-led initiatives.

COMMUNITY LEARNING & WEEKLY PROJECT VISITS

Each week, join visits to local farms and community initiatives to learn about sustainable food production and rural livelihoods. These experiences offer a broader perspective on food systems and economic development opportunities in the Amazon.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Live with a local host family in a rural community and experience how food shapes everyday life. Build cross-cultural communication skills, practice Spanish through daily interactions, and learn about the cultural significance of local culinary traditions.

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Beyond Travels provides pre-departure guidance and local staff support throughout your placement, including in-country orientation, weekly check-ins, emergency support and more.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This program is suited to students and emerging professionals interested in culinary arts, gastronomy, sustainable agriculture, food systems, or product development. Gain practical experience while learning from the people and traditions that shape Amazonian food culture.

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Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

DISCOVER AMAZONIAN FOOD SYSTEMS: Learn alongside local families, farmers, and food producers to explore how food connects agriculture, biodiversity, and daily life.
SAMPLE LOCAL INGREDIENTS & CULINARY TRADITIONS: Discover the cultivation, harvesting, preparation, and cultural significance of cacao, guayusa, yuca, tropical fruits, and other Amazonian ingredients.
LEARN ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION: Visit farms and agroforestry systems to understand how local producers grow and use food while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
EXPLORE FOOD INNOVATION & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: Gain exposure to initiatives transforming Amazonian ingredients into innovative food products and contemporary cuisine.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AMAZONIAN CULTURE: Live with a host family and experience rural community life, local food traditions, and the cultural knowledge behind regional cuisine.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Internship Placement
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Emergency Support
Wifi Costs
Certificate of Completion

Exclusions

Travel Insurance
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
International Airfare

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tena, Ecuador

Types & Subjects

  • Fields
  • Agriculture
  • Culinary Arts & Cooking
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science & Nutrition
  • Forestry
  • Sustainable Development
  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Cooking
  • Environment

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Spanish
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Resume
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14+

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 1-3 Months

Starts At

$300-600

Payment Terms

  • Scholarships
  • Upfront Deposit
  • Changes Allowed

Refund Policy

Partial Refund

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Beyond Travels

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Internship Placement
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Work Environment
5.0
Social Life
5.0
Program Administration
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1 of 1 review

Jo GohilUnited Kingdom · July 2026

Once in a lifetime trip

When 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

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Beyond Travels.

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.

Beyond Travels Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Lillian Miks

Lillian Miks

Participated in 2026

Alumni

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...

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. 

Show Full Interview

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