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Week One – Introduction to Ecuador
An introduction to Ecuadorian culture, the Spanish language, and your fellow participants. You will be based in the heart of Ecuador’s capital city Quito, within touching distance of markets, bars, museums and salsa clubs.
This week you will:
- Get to know your fellow group members.
- Immerse yourself in the local culture
- Take Spanish classes
- Learn to cook traditional Ecuadorian cuisine
- Visit a local handcraft market
A typical day will involve a 4-hour Spanish lesson in the morning followed by lunch and activities in the afternoon. You will eat dinner with your local family after which you will meet up with your group for a nighttime activity, which may involve a casino night or a trip to a football match. During days 6 and 7 of week one, you will have the chance to take part in a number of activities outside of Quito, or stay and explore more of the city. Possible activities include:
- Visiting Ecuador’s most famous Indian market in Otavalo
- Taking a trip to the town of Mindo – home to an estimated 550 bird species
- Bathing in the hot baths in the town of Papallacta
Week Two – Andes Project and travel
The project is located in the Interandino valley in the western highlands of Ecuador, 45 minutes from Quito. The local area played host to many of the famous battles that led to the beginning of Ecuador’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1822.
The aim of the project is to help the people of the town of El Chaupi by contributing to the development of the community in areas such as teaching, reforestation and community and reconstruction work. You’ll get to know the townsfolk and play a key role in developing their skills and improving the infrastructure of the town.
The final two days at the project are activity days. Your options will include:
- Exploring the Andes on horseback or mountain bike - tours are tailored to both beginners and experienced riders and offer stunning views of the Volcano Avenues
- Climbing volcanoes – there are three volcanoes in the area: Corazon, Ilinizias and the world-famous Cotopaxi (at an extra cost.)
- Visiting an animal rescue centre
Week Three – Amazon Project
From the Andes to the Amazon, in week three you’ll be living in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll be working on a conservation project aimed at preserving the jungle’s delicate ecosystem. The programme coordinators are reforesting an area of 20 hectares with native trees and medicinal plants and plan to expand this activity further into the forest. Your role as a volunteer will involve:
- Collecting plants in the jungle
- Building a plant nursery
- Planting the collected trees, herbs and flowers
- Coordinating with local Kichawa communities who have in-depth knowledge of the plants and their uses
During your free time, you’ll have the chance to take part in a number of different activities, which take place in and around the project. These include:
- A visit to the town of Tena – surrounded by jungle and rivers, the town boasts an abundance of exotic flora and fauna and is home to several handicraft markets where you can buy products handcrafted by artisans from different Amazonian communities
- White water rafting – the Jatunyacu River is reputed to offer the best rafting and kayaking in Ecuador
- Night forest walk
- Cayman and river tour
Week Four – The best of Ecuador
The final week is your chance to experience some of Ecuador’s most celebrated attractions. From your base in Puerto Lopez, you’ll visit important archaeological sites, stunning beaches and vibrant towns. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the real Ecuador and marvel at its beauty. Some of the places you have the option of visiting include:
- Beach Montanita
One of the best surf beaches in South America and the undisputed party capital of Ecuador, Montanita has only really been discovered by travellers in the last 10 years. The town itself has a funky bohemian feel and is packed with cafes, restaurants and bars – almost all done in native bamboo style.
- Los Frailes
Viewed by many as the most beautiful beach in Ecuador, the surrounding area has a host more beaches, many of which are almost deserted.
- Agua Blanca
A hugely important UNESCO archaeological site located just north of Montanita
- Isla Del Plata
A jewel in Ecuador’s crown. Cheaper and less commercialised than the Galapagos Islands, you’ll have the chance to view red and blue-footed boobies up close along with a host of other rare animal and bird species
During week four, you’ll also have the chance to try out a range of activities, including:
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Whale watching (at an extra cost)
- Paragliding
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