Ecuador

Gateway to South America and an eco-traveler's dreamscape

Ecuador is home to the incredible Andes Mountains, the wild Amazon Jungle and the spectacular Galapagos Islands! Ecuador’s colonial architecture, impressive glaciers, indigenous cultures and amazing jungles will leave you more socially and environmentally aware.

As you volunteer, you may find yourself working in an organic farm, a rural community or a natural reserve; doing species monitoring or participating in children's educational programs. Adventure tour activities may include glacier instruction on Cotopaxi volcano, visits to native indigenous villages, scenic biking in the Andes, whitewater rafting on the Pastaza river and surfing. "Puenting", jumping off a bridge for a 30 foot pendulum swing over a raging river is a fan favorite!

Before you return home, take the opportunity to explore the exotic Galapagos Islands or trek to ancient Machu Picchu. Both excursions allow you to witness the expansive beauty and natural history of the region; one that has endured for centuries. Do not miss your chance to broaden your horizons in both space and time.

Volunteer Projects

First 2 weeks
Most projects incorporate elements of both conservation and community development

• Humpback whale research and community education
• Teaching English and community building with native Indian tribes
• Reforestation in Amazon and cloud forest reserves
• Building playgrounds and schools for children
• Community recycling programs
• Painting educational murals
• Developing sustainable organic farming initiatives
• Surveying and monitoring of threatened species and ecosystems
• Environmental education programs for children

Adventure Tours

Second 2 weeks
Travel from the Andean mountains and tropical glaciers to the Amazon and Pacific coast of Ecuador

• “Puenting" - jumping off a bridge for a 30' pendulum swing over a raging river
• Rock climbing in the Andes, beginner through advanced
• Waterfall rappeling down a 90 ft waterfall
• Whale watching off the Pacific Coast
• Relaxing at a traditional holistic Spa with steam boxes
• Glacial treks on one of the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi
• White water rafting from the Cloud Forest to the Amazon Jungle
• Exploring Otavalo, Latin America's oldest Andean market
• Personalized surfing instruction in the surf capital of Montanita

Machu Picchu Excursion

Be sure to explore nearby lost Inca lands, colonial Cusco and Machu Picchu before returning home

After your adventure in Ecuador, you'll have the opportunity to spend 8 days and 8 nights in Peru experiencing stunning peaks and lost Inca lands, discovering colonial Cusco and exploring ancient Machu Picchu- one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Machu Picchu Excursion is available for May 25, June 22, and July 20 departures only.

Galapagos Islands Excursion

Embark on a journey of discovery through the jewels of the equatorial Pacific!

After your adventure in Ecuador, you may want to explore Galapagos, The Enchanted Islands! Enjoy a 7 Day and 7 Night journey of discovery through the jewels of the equatorial Pacific! The ISV Galapagos excursion will show you the highlights of these "Jewels of the Pacific" as you get up close to sea lions, giant tortoises, sea turtles, marine iguanas, frigate birds, boobies, pelicans, and more! The Galapagos Islands Excursion is available for May 11, June 08, July 06 and August 03 departures only. Note: After the final day of their Adventure Tour, ISV Ecuador participants signed up for the Galapagos Excursion will enjoy a city tour of Guayaquil and then meet up with ISV Costa Rica participants, spending the night in ISVís selected accommodations in Guayaquil before departing to the Galapagos the following day.

Spanish Language and Culture

Live with a host family while taking Spanish language, cooking and dance classes

In every Latin country, ISV offers incredible Spanish Language & Latin Dance Lessons that take place prior to the Volunteer Project. These Spanish Lessons are a MUST as they enhance your total ISV experience and enable you to converse with the locals. This is an invaluable opportunity for you to develop and/or improve your Spanish language skills prior to beginning your ISV Volunteer Project. This course includes dance and cooking lessons and is an exciting introduction to your host country's culture. You will arrive in your host country for your Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Program on a Friday , 7 days before your ISV Program begins. You will be met at the airport by your host family or staff from the Spanish School (varies by country) and taken to your host family home for the weekend to settle in before classes begin on Monday. Orientation will take place on Saturday, followed by an excursion/activity and some time on Sunday to get to know your host family. Please note that exact itineraries vary by country. You will be speaking the basics of Spanish in a matter of 7 days while having great fun practicing with your host family and learning about the Latin American lifestyle.