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Volunteer in Ecuador
Volunteer in Ecuador

Volunteer in Ecuador

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Quick Facts

Start Dates : All Year Round

Duration : 2-24 Weeks

Program Locations : Quito and Puyo

Minimum Age : 18 years+

Certificate : Offered after Program completion

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At a Glance

Currency Used : US Dollars

Language : Spanish

Travel on Weekends to : Explore the areas around Quito, visit the UNESCO Sites and the volcanic peaks

5 Days Volunteer Work

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Volunteer in Ecuador with Volunteering Solutions

Program Overview

Volunteer in Ecuador with Volunteering Solutions with projects in Quito as well as Puyo, located in the Amazon region. 

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a historic Andean city that showcases the country’s vibrant heritage and the fusion of Spanish and indigenous cultures. Although much of its Inca heritage has faded, Quito's historic center stands as the largest and most well-preserved in Latin America, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. 

Puyo is a relaxed jungle town located in Ecuador's Amazon region, making it an ideal base for adventurous jungle excursions. Situated in the Pastaza province, Puyo is easily accessible from Baños and holds a strategically important position. It marks the start of Route E30, which connects the Amazon to the highlands, facilitating the trade of goods like cacao beans and yucca to other regions, including the Pacific Coast. The town is home to a rich cultural diversity, with indigenous tribes such as the Waorani, Kichwa, Zapara, and Shuar. The Zapara tribe, which extends across both Ecuador and Peru, has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage and oral traditions, designated as a masterpiece of the "Intangible Heritage of Humanity." Puyo provides visitors with a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of these native tribes while exploring the stunning beauty of the Amazon rainforest.

Volunteering Solutions offers safe and affordable programs in both the locations. Programs are available all year round and volunteers are given extensive pre departure support, orientation, accommodation as well as reliable in country support during their program period in Ecuador.

Highlights

  • Option to choose from 2 interesting and meaningful project options
  • Low-cost volunteer projects including meals and accommodation
  • Incredible weekend add-on tours for jungle trekking, the Andean plateau to see active volcanoes or exploring the amazing archipelago of the Galapagos
  • Accommodation in a hostel in Quito or at project site in Puyo
  • Comprehensive in country and UK based support

Suggested Weekend Travel Options

Quito is actually the highest capital city in the world standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet above sea level. It is a beautiful town with magnificent architecture, gorgeous landscapes, warm people and much more. Go for exploring the city with your hosts and peers. You can also take a trip to the Amazon Basin and walk through the forest trails. This is an ideal place for jungle trekking and you will get to spot beautiful birds and other animals. Visit the Andean plateau and see a series of active volcanoes. You can also discuss with your coordinator and take a trip to the amazing archipelago of Galapagos to experience the beauty of nature, gaze at the purple sunsets and soak in the freshness!

CotopaxiCotopaxiDoes the thought of exploring an active volcano thrill you? Because Quito’s Cotopaxi Volcano is actually the 2nd largest active volcano in this world and on a clear day, you can see this snow-capped volcano in the distance. Spend the whole day hiking and taking in volcano views. You can also take a hike up Cotopaxi towards a summit ranger station to race down on a thrilling bike ride. What’s more? There are horseback riding excursions that are available around the volcano and the National Park!

Mitad del Mundo – Attention, please! This could be your Middle of the World Tour in Mitad del Mundo! The whole Quito area actually sits along the equator and right outside the capital is now a newer monument to mark that location. But you should know a rather funny detail too. In reality, the location of the actual equator line was miscalculated by about 250 meters from the “official-real” Middle of the World monument. Then this former monument was shifted to the official location of the equator in a small village called Calacali. Now, when you visitors the newer monument, you will be able to stand on the “Equator” line and have your passport actually stamped from the Equator.

Mindo Cloud Forest Mindo Cloud Forest This forest is only a couple of hours from Quito and can offer you the adventures of tubing, zip lining, and biking. This cloud forest stretches along the Andes. Mindo’s valleys get the perfect gentle winds and exactly the optimum amount of moisture in them. The result of such weather conditions is an ideal nursery for birds & butterflies. So if you have interest in birds then go flock to Mindo to see 350+ species of birds. Apart from this, Mindo’s butterfly exhibition and the chocolate tours are also some popular things to look forward to.

Quilotoa Crater – The Quilotoa Around volcano erupted 800 years ago and collapsed inwards on itself. The crater lake that was formed as a result of this, is now one of South America’s most radiant natural wonders. For all the water-lovers, the water in the Quilotoa crater has a gorgeous turquoise color. A Quilotoa day trip from Quito will allow you to part ways and hike down into the crater. Although, you will also have the option to explore around the rim and if you hike down then you can hire a mule to ride back up. You must also remember to visit the nearby villages to get a glimpse of the local life there.

If you have anything else in your bucket list or planning to go & explore any of the above-mentioned places, you can simply get in touch with our Travel Experts, who can guide you better in planning your weekend tours. Drop us a mail at [email protected] mentioning your choice of weekend adventures, and we shall cater your needs.

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