Located in the Northwestern part of South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador is a small country with diverse landscapes and warm people. Volunteering Solutions provides a wide range of volunteering opportunities including Women Empowerment, Street Children and Volunteering at Animal Rescue Centre. Unique enough, this country was a Spanish colony for a considerably long period of time, and the effects of the colonial masters can still be traced in the lives of the locals. Our volunteering projects in Ecuador are located in the capital city of Quito as well as in other locations such as Puyo, Intag Valley and in the western coast. Participants traveling through VolSol are mostly gap year travelers, backpackers, as well as college/ university students on their summer break or spring break. It'll be a great learning journey for all the participants, who'll also get to create an impact through their contributions.
Excited to embark on a life-changing volunteering trip to Ecuador ?
Apply Now Enquire Now- Start Dates : All Year Round
- Duration : 2-24 Weeks
- Program Locations : Don Juan, Pedernales, Intag Valley, Puyo & Quito
- Minimum Age : 18 years+
- Certificate - Offered after Program completion
Ecuador - Quick Facts
Program: Street Children Project
I stayed in volunteer house and cooked own meals. house companions were great. Food at project was very tasty. I enjoyed our day trip to the swimming pool with the kids and putting a smile on their faces everyday. I liked meeting the other people and seeing the background of a subject I had no experience. The organization has some great people working for you and I did really enjoy the experience and Ecuador is an amazing country.
Projects available in Ecuador
Volunteers in this project work at an animal rescue center in Amazon region and help in taking care of animals as well as a variety of other tasks
Experience the feeling of empowering children and young people in a vulnerable situation and enjoy the magic of life in an authentic fishing village.
This project is ideal for anyone who wants to be inspired by how-to live-in harmony with nature and empowerment of women. All activities carried...
Volunteer in a project that gives a second chance to the local street children and youth. Volunteer in a non-profit organization for children who...
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!
Cotopaxi – 
Does 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 – 
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.
Volunteer in Ecuador - Faq's
FAQ - Ecuador, Quito
FAQ's Application and Program Details
-Confirmed booking/placement.
-Application Fee is valid for a year and you can choose to do two three programs in the same year without paying an additional application fee.
-You can make the payment for program fee in parts.
Also, we abide by the first come first serve policy.
Intermediate or Beginner Level of Spanish is required.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.
Participants must have a Clean Police Record (Criminal Background Check).
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
On the first day of the project, our volunteer coordinator accompanies the volunteer to his/her project and shows how public transport works to and from the project. On the site, the coordinator will introduce the volunteer to the project and the local project staff and help with basic induction.
Flights and Visa
American
Avianca
Aeromexico
From Europe to Quito, the recommended services are:
Iberia
Taca
KLM
Health and Safety
Here are some guidelines from the project:
When using public transport keep your bag and valuables with you and not on the shelves or under the seat.
Do not bring things which are not required or are extremely expensive: jewelry, credit cards, more money than you're spending money for that day, etc.
When it gets dark, take a taxi, they are cheap here in Ecuador and will guarantee you a safe ride home.
Do not drink in the company of the strangers, until you are with your volunteer group or company.
Accommodation and Living
In Volunteer house, there is the provision of the fully functional kitchen but no meals. Volunteers can prepare meals for themselves. Meals are provided by the host family, thrice a day.
You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as local transport, telephone, the internet, shopping, weekend trips etc. However, you should carry around $50 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on weekend sightseeing tours.
Connect with Past Volunteers
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
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