Biological Research Volunteering 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.

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.

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 the ranks of forward-thinking healthcare professionals through International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physician Assistant and Pre-PA Internships. Our program, rooted in the educational standards of Johns Hopkins University, is designed to propel undergraduate students, PA school attendees, certified PAs, and high school students into the heart of global health care. IMA, a non-profit entity, extends beyond traditional borders to bring essential medical aid and education to underserved regions in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The internship, underscored by an ethics-based approach to care, enhances clinical skills and lets you explore the cultural and societal nuances of healthcare, facilitated by our seasoned mentors. IMA's commitment to improving global health while also enriching the educational journey of each intern is evident in our comprehensive support system. From day one, interns receive personalized guidance, from field-specific orientation to admissions consulting for PA school, ensuring a seamless transition into international medical settings.

Conduct in-field research on endemic species of flora and fauna in the Cloud Forest. This is an incredible opportunity for aspiring conservation workers and biology students. Since 2009, the organization has been operating in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve. This is an area of unique significance to cloud forest conservation. It is the meeting point of two of South America’s biodiversity hotspots and home to an incredible number of endemic species. They conduct long-term research on specific species to identify important habitats to protect and develop sustainable farming practices. They also function in a number of advocacy and community outreach capacities. As a participant in this program, you’ll help maintain and develop their various research projects. The organization tends to have a few different projects in operation, so there's great scope for a variety of work. You could be setting camera traps to study large cats or capuchins, working on sustainable chocolate production initiatives, or assisting with other projects. You can also develop your own projects and propose them.

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.

Projects Abroad Ecuador is based on the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most incredible island chains. Spending some time here on a volunteer project will let you experience both the unique nature and the welcoming people of the islands. Our volunteer opportunities in Ecuador are available for anyone interested in volunteering overseas including those on a gap year, career break, or anyone interested in conservation work. In Ecuador, we have Teaching, Care, Sports, and Conservation projects. The Teaching and Care projects are based in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The town is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands and is located on San Cristobal Island. Volunteers also have the chance to take Spanish lessons with Projects Abroad to help them communicate and become part of the local community. If you join our conservation project, you’ll work with conservationists at the Galapagos National Park to help protect endangered animals and plants, and we are currently caring for Giant Tortoises. This certainly will be a truly unique opportunity to learn, help and explore.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Considered one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, Ecuador makes for an ideal setting to widen your knowledge of relevant topics and sectors. Offered through World Internships, this placement allows you to work alongside farmers, local citizens, and educators in Quito, the Galapagos Islands, or Bahia. The land in these locations is some of the most well preserved and least altered in the world, making it perfect for internships in Conservation, Botany, Wildlife, Ecology, and more. Also open to volunteers, these placements are located in the Andean city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its being "the best-preserved, least-altered historic center in Latin America".

Many people dream of visiting foreign countries for various reasons. Volunteering abroad to serve communities can be one of the most rewarding reasons to see the world. Service Learning engages students in valuable experiential learning through service opportunities that benefit the community. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs provide students with unique service-learning volunteer opportunities abroad in Ecuador at non-profit organizations, public institutions, community associations, and many others. All the work performed benefits the local community or environment, and these real-life experiences enhance academic studies and increase their personal growth and interpersonal skills. Our philosophy is learning by doing! Our valuable program takes learning outside the classroom and into real-life situations. Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that helps students to enrich their learning experience. Community services and learning opportunities include children and senior welfare, art, sport, teaching, healthcare, building, sustainable conservation, sport, and animal welfare. Put theory into practice through a variety of activities. Learn while serving!

The Ceiba Foundation offers a variety of internships in conservation, research, education, and community development. These internships are a great way to combine your academic background with hands-on field experience. Broaden your horizons and gain valuable experience as you lend a hand to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation. As a Ceiba Intern, you will utilize your knowledge and skills to support habitat conservation, reforestation, environmental education, community development, and scientific research. The internships can be accredited through the University of Wisconsin, though you do not have to seek university credits in order to participate.