3-6 Months Volunteer Programs in Ecuador

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.

This project is perfect for those interested in environmental science and conservation efforts in the stunning Cloud Forest in Ecuador. This family-owned reserve aims to preserve the cloud forest and restore land used for pasture through reforestation and agroforestry efforts. The aim is to create a sustainable forest environment through agriculture and eco-tourism. The program includes a mile-long canopy tour of the reserve, providing a unique bird’s-eye-view of the cloud forest. The local community is included in the reserve’s educational and community-building activities. Volunteers will develop their own environmental conservation knowledge and skills while helping in the socio-environmental development of the local community. If you are studying environmental science or conservation, this project will complement your theoretical learning with practical hands-on experience. This project is geared towards volunteers with a strong background in natural sciences, including biology, ecology, or environmental science. Those with research experience or who have their own independent research projects are especially welcome.

Leave a lasting mark on communities and nature while gaining a broader perspective on global issues through our immersive program. Spanning South Africa, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, this journey offers a unique blend of community engagement, youth development, sustainability, ecotourism, expedition, and leadership volunteer initiatives. Start your 6-month adventure as a Sports Coach in South Africa, igniting a passion for sports among Cape Town’s youth. Then, fly over to Ecuador, so you can participate in sustainable community development, renovating heritage sites and empowering local communities. The final adventure will conclude in Costa Rica, known for its incredible biodiversity, where you'll collaborate with local communities on conservation efforts and community-building projects while also honing your leadership skills. Amidst thrilling activities, like surfing in Coffee Bay Beach and exploring historic Quito, you will live in scenic accommodations with panoramic views and comfortable living. This program fosters not just tangible impacts but also a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, forging a path toward global citizenship.

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.

Travel to the island that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and do more than explore. Help support sea turtle conservation! As a sea turtle nest monitor, you'll walk the 2-km stretch of coastline on beautiful Isabela Island, collecting data for the Galapagos National Park to support the management plan of the local beach. Join a team collecting data on the nesting patterns of the Green Sea Turtle, the species nesting in Isabela. Some of your responsibilities will include the following: - Observing and taking data on nest sizes - Determining nesting patterns of the Green Sea Turtle, the turtle species nesting on Isabela beaches, and marking laid nests. - Removing rubbish and debris to keep the beach clear. - Dedicating 3 hours weekly to removing "kikuyu" (grass) from the turtle nesting area, an invasive plant growing along the beach, thus blocking turtle nesting. - Measuring erosion to compare changes in the beach profile over time. The work schedule is from 6 am to 8 am and between 8 pm and 1 am (the night walk will vary depending on high tide when you are in Isabela).

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Make a direct contribution to positive change by supporting local organizations working to improve lives through community-based projects. Community development internships through Roots Interns take place in diverse regions such as Malawi, South Africa, Brazil, Ecuador, Zambia, and beyond, offering hands-on involvement in grassroots initiatives that focus on education, environmental awareness, youth empowerment, and social justice. Whether you’re leading activities with local youth, supporting refugee programs, or helping launch sustainable tourism efforts, your work will have a meaningful impact. These internships are ideal for students and recent graduates looking to build practical experience in areas such as program coordination, mentorship, communication, research, or nonprofit development. With placements starting at a minimum of 4 to 12 weeks, and flexible start dates throughout the year, you'll find an internship that aligns with your academic schedule and interests. From remote options to fully immersive in-country experiences, each opportunity is tailored to match your skills and learning goals while giving you a deeper understanding of social change from the ground up.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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.

Learn Spanish in group classes and volunteer in one of many projects in the city of Cuenca in Ecuador with The National Registration Center for Study Abroad. Each week, volunteers will attend Spanish lessons for 20 hours. The maximum number of students in each class is five. Group classes are organized in such a way that each will always consists of students with the same level of Spanish proficiency. Each class is 55 minutes in length. To get the maximum benefit from the Spanish course, beginner students must spend four to 12 weeks studying the language, while intermediate and advanced students must spend two to 12 weeks in classes. After at least a week of Spanish lessons, volunteers will be placed in community volunteering projects in the afternoons for at least four weeks. Placement opportunities include teaching English to primary school students, helping senior citizens in their daily routine, assisting the homeless, and serving as tour guides in national parks and reserves.

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best way to meet people from all over the world. Work project types vary by country but may include environmental and wildlife conservation, historic preservation, educational and language learning, archaeology, organic farming, and arts and festivals. We also have social services projects, which could involve working with children, the elderly, or refugees. Projects are designed to combine service with recreational activities and cultural exchange – whether by visiting local beaches, learning local dances, meeting local officials, or volunteering with residents at the place you’re visiting. Each project is unique, but all bring people together for the most meaningful travel experience imaginable. Please note that VFP can only place US Citizens. This is due to our agreements with our international partners.

Looking to volunteer abroad with underprivileged children? If so, then the ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs offer you the opportunity to work with children who have lost their parents, been abandoned, or have no one to love and care for them. Our Orphanage Volunteer program in South America provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the people of Ecuador. At the same time, you’ll gain an in-depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you for the rest of your life! Most importantly, you will help children in need and take on an active role in their lives. As a volunteer, you will serve as a mentor by becoming a 'big brother' or 'big sister' to kids in an orphanage. You will work alongside the local staff to assist with daily routines. Volunteers are also encouraged to take the initiative in their work. We offer great flexibility to our volunteers. You can join the program for 2 to 24 weeks, and start every Monday throughout the year.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

Catch Waves and Protect Ecuador’s Coastline Combine your love for surfing with real conservation work on Ecuador’s stunning Pacific coast. This unique program lets you surf top-rated waves while actively helping protect critical marine ecosystems. What You'll Do: • Protect Sea Turtles by setting up nesting areas, releasing hatchlings, and caring for injured turtles. • Rehabilitate Marine Wildlife such as sea lions and pelicans, preparing them for return to the wild. • Conserve Coastal Habitats by monitoring species, patrolling beaches, and collecting ecological data. • Promote Sustainability through beach clean-ups and collaboration with locals to reduce waste and plastic use. • Raise Awareness by leading educational workshops and designing conservation campaigns in the community. Live alongside local communities, immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, and develop practical skills in marine conservation—all while surfing world-class breaks.

Immerse yourself in sustainable living and community at Río Muchacho! Our volunteer program offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced farmers and contribute to a thriving permaculture project. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious beginner, Río Muchacho welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds. Live alongside like-minded individuals, forge lasting friendships, and gain valuable knowledge about sustainable agriculture. Your contributions will directly support the farm's growth and development, from community outreach programs to innovative permaculture initiatives. We recommend a four-week stay to fully integrate into the farm's rhythms and maximize your learning experience. For those seeking deeper immersion, extended stays of up to a year allow you to gain in-depth knowledge of sustainable practices. Join Río Muchacho and embark on a transformative journey of learning, connection, and positive impact.

Ecuador has plenty of sights to see. Some of its sought-after sites include mountains, jungles, beaches, ancient ruins, and the Galapagos Islands. Its natural, cultural diversity and Inca heritage appeal to many volunteers. Despite tremendous economic progress, Ecuadorians are still working to reduce poverty and the standard of living. As a volunteer, you can work with children from low-income families at a daycare center or center for special needs children, work at healthcare centers, or join environmental/wildlife protection groups.