Volunteer Programs in Otavalo, Ecuador

You’ll find as much of a variety of choices in programs as you do goods in the Otavalo market. From arts to marketing to biology, you could find something that will relate to your interests and challenge you to work hard. Some programs will need participants volunteering in Otavalo exclusively, and some will need participants to volunteer her and then other areas of Ecuador. 

Popular causes/program types in Otavalo. The Ecuadorian government requires English to be taught in schools, but due to a lack of qualified teachers, volunteers are needed to help bridge this gap in education. Not only would you volunteer abroad in Otavalo to teach English, but you would most likely be teaching other subjects as well. Another large need is medical volunteers due to the lack of clinics and sanitation and health education. Lastly, many opportunities are available in conserving wildlife and plants. 

Short term volunteer programs in Otavalo. Most of the programs offer participants from teens to seniors the chance to volunteer in Otavalo for a couple of weeks up to a three months. Even if you’re just interested in volunteering for a summer, you’ll have several field options and bonus: internship opportunities! Short-term programs are beneficial for those want to save money and don’t have much time to spare, but you’ll end up wishing you volunteered here longer. 

Long term volunteer programs in Otavalo. To maximize your impact in Otavalo, to learn more Spanish, and to immerse yourself more fully in the culture, consider volunteering here longer than three months. You’ll be grateful that you did! If you want to transition from just a general visitor to a meaningful traveler, then volunteering in Otavalo for a longer time is the way to go, especially if you want to compete in the job market back home.

A basket full of never-ending fun activities! The city comes alive on Saturdays with people from all over the world visiting the colorful maze of a market to peruse leather goods, hand-painted platters, dream catchers, indigenous costumes, spices, fruits, vegetables, and more! With a good eye and some bargaining, you could get some serious bang for your buck. FYI: Ecuador uses the US dollar as their currency — score! 

If you’re looking for activities with even more thrills, the surrounding areas offer horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, trekking, and climbing. The 50-foot Las Cascadas de Peguche waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the area that you won’t want to miss as well. For some cultural education, be sure to visit the Museo Viviente Otavalango. It’s a living museum that displays historical and present day life in Otavalo where you can interact with the locals who are producing textile goods and farming.

While Otavalo is a hot tourist destination with several hotels and hostels, you’ll learn more about the culture on a more interpersonal level with a homestay accommodation, so be sure to look for a program that offers this option. It’s a good way to eat home-cooked meals, learn the best places to shop in the market, learn Spanish on a day-to-day basis, and save money! 

Just a tip: It’s best to go to the market before 6 a.m. to watch the locals start their day and to avoid tourists in the best areas. Bring small bills with you, take your time to walk around and assess different prices of goods, start low, and if they don’t meet your price, walk away — the vendor will likely give in! For an authentic Andean lunch, try some juicy pork, chick peas, fruit, and locro de papa soup (cheese and potato) in the market. 

With year-round cool weather, plenty of lakes for activities, relaxed and friendly vibes, traditional art and music, and cheap transportation and goods, you’re sure to enjoy your time volunteering in Otavalo. The rainbow of umbrellas and artisanry at the market will be a memory you’ll cherish for years to come. Because the area suffers from poverty in the surrounding villages, your contribution as a volunteer abroad in Otavalo in any field you choose will be greatly appreciated. 

Read our comprehensive guide on volunteering abroad in Ecuador.