



El Terreno
Why choose El Terreno?
El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to ...
El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to learn and practice sustainable methods of developing and improving their economy while preserving their heritage. They bring together local Ecuadorians and other tourists across the globe to collaborate towards ecosystem regeneration, promote indigenous culture, propose employment opportunities, and provide a wide range of eco and community tourism experiences. El Terreno offers a variety of pr...
El Terreno Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Physio in Healtcenter
June 25, 2026by: Noah Attmanspacher - GermanyMy experience at El Terreno was truly recommendable. During my time there, I had the opportunity to participate in physiotherapy projects and work closely with the community, which allowed me to apply my knowledge while learning from the people around me. This experience gave me a better understanding of the importance of accessible healthcare, human connection, and community-based support. I appreciated the welcoming environment, the cultural exchange, and the opportunity to contribute through my field of study. It was a valuable experience both professionally and personally, and I would highly recommend El Terreno to anyone looking for a meaningful learning journey.
Restoring Atandhua
June 25, 2026by: Harrison Cadle - United KingdomProgram: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
El Terreno was an incredible experience, one that is difficult to fully explain because it is something that can only truly be understood by living it. My time there allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, connect with new perspectives, and experience a way of life that completely changed how I see the world. Through the people, the community, and the daily experiences, I gained a deeper appreciation for simplicity, collaboration, and the value of meaningful human connections. This journey expanded the small bubble I once lived in and gave me a renewed perspective on life, personal growth, and the impact we can create when we engage with others. If I had the opportunity to relive the entire experience again, I would do it without hesitation. El Terreno will always remain a meaningful chapter of my life.

Building with Purpose
June 25, 2026by: Ashley Dever - United StatesProgram: Architecture & Sustainable Construction Internship - Ecuador
Learning traditional construction methods with native materials, and working directly with community residents provided the ideal cultural immersion and educational experience to expand my knowledge of vernacular architecture.

El Terreno Programs
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El Terreno
4.67
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Join our Architecture Internship in the Ecuadorian Andes, where you'll engage in hands-on projects that blend traditional building methods with m...

El Terreno
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El Terreno
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Research the key development needs of low-income indigenous communities and propose integrated solutions that preserve their culture. THE CHALLE...

El Terreno
4.88
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Start your adventure to the Ecuadorian Andes through a meaningful internship that connects people, learning, and local action. Based in the rura...

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Help low-income Indigenous communities transition from deforestation and agrochemical use toward sustainable, regenerative farming. THE CHALLENG...

El Terreno
5
4 reviews
Dive into this hands-on, personalized internship and gain experience while helping low-income, indigenous communities live healthier lives throug...
Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Cristian Daniel Vargas Altamirano
Interviewed in 2023
Cristen is a mechatronics engineer with experience developing industrial projects from electrical designs for hospitals and public schools to robots, ...

Cristian Daniel Vargas Altamirano
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
El Terreno, in Bolivar's province in Ecuador, is the poorest province in the country and the last province in every statistic. It has the worst economy, education, technology, environmental policies, social development, etc.

Sebastián Araya
Interviewed in 2023
Originally from Guaranda, Sebastián is a Zamorano agricultural school (Honduras) graduate. He has participated in agricultural & development projects ...

Sebastián Araya
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
The main thing that inspired me to work with El Terreno is to be of service. This means in service to the interns, the communities we work with, and the natural world. Here we work on ecological issues, using community principles and values.

Lucía Carolina Mayorga Naranjo
Interviewed in 2023
Lucía began teaching English 15 years ago in the Central area of Ecuador. Now Lucia is supporting an important project called "El Terreno" in the comm...

Lucía Carolina Mayorga Naranjo
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
First of all, the impact of being a teacher on the lives of students inspired me. The best reason to be a teacher was that I wanted to have a positive, inspiring impact on children's lives. I achieved this by being kind, caring, empathic, passionate, and funny.
Ready to Learn More?
El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to learn and practice sustainable methods of developing and improving their economy while preserving their heritage. They bring together local Ecuadorians and other tourists across the globe to collaborate towards ecosystem regeneration, promote indigenous culture, propose employment opportunities, and provide a wide range of eco and community tourism experiences. El Terreno offers a variety of pr...

El Terreno

El Terreno
Ready to Learn More?
El Terreno is an Ecuadorian organization, based in Bolivar—one of Ecuador's smallest, poorest, and most ecologically diverse provinces. Communities in this province suffer from low education, health, economic and living standards, with hundreds of families relying primarily on conventional agriculture and livestock. In line with this, the organization aims to create opportunities for locals to learn and practice sustainable methods of developing and improving their economy while preserving their heritage. They bring together local Ecuadorians and other tourists across the globe to collaborate towards ecosystem regeneration, promote indigenous culture, propose employment opportunities, and provide a wide range of eco and community tourism experiences. El Terreno offers a variety of pr...
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions El Terreno has received




