Ecuador expedition

Find out about our Gap Year Expedition in Ecuador

If you are looking to experience everything South America to offer on your gap year an Ecuador expedition is an excellent option. An Ecuador expedition gives you the opportunity to explore some incredible jungle, trek in the Andes Mountains, discover the unique wildlife of the amazing Galapagos Islands and also enjoy some of the continent's most beautiful cities.

Real Gap's ‘Gap Year Expedition Abroad - Ecuador' Ecuador expedition is one of our most adventurous and intrepid programmes in South America. This Ecuador expedition incorporates all of the country's essential ‘must see' sights but also finds time to travel to other places and regions more ‘off the beaten track' that few other overland  tours venture to. The aim of Real Gap's Ecuador expedition is to provide an alternative to standard tours and a ‘real' Ecuador experience.

As well as travelling to more remote regions on the Ecuador expedition travellers also receive ongoing Spanish tuition. Being able to speak Spanish on an Ecuador expedition really enhances the overall experience. On a practical level being able to make yourself understood makes things far easier on an Ecuador expedition but, more importantly, it also means you get to know the people of Ecuador on a far more intimate and meaningful level.

Another central feature of Real Gap's Ecuador expedition is that travellers on the programme get involved with a volunteer project of their choice - which can be anything from working with street children to wildlife conservation on the Galapagos Islands. Working as a volunteer on an Ecuador expedition is an ideal way to fully immerse yourself in local life whilst at the same time ‘giving something back.'

Ecuador expedition - Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth in which to study or explore wildlife and Real Gap's Ecuador expedition gives you the chance to work as a conservation volunteer there. One of many unique animal species in the Galapagos is the Giant Tortoise and you could spend part of your Ecuador expedition working on a conservation project dedicated to protecting these beautiful animals.  

Ecuador expedition - Jungle Explorer

If you want to explore the jungles of South America Real Gap's Ecuador expedition probably packs in more jungle experiences than any of our other South American programmes. For example the Ecuador expedition visits the jungle region of Tena - where travellers get stuck in to some kayaking and rafting whilst they check out the incredible wildlife and local Indian tribes. The Ecuador expedition also travels through the jungles of Cuyabeno. In Cuyabeno the Ecuador expedition includes a journey through the pristine virgin rainforest in dug-out canoes (where you might spot anacondas, monkeys or river dolphins), a night walk to view some of the nocturnal wildlife and even a spot of piranha fishing!

Ecuador expedition - Andes on horseback

Many travellers who have been on the Ecuador expedition tell us that one of the stand-out highlights was the horseback ride in the Andes Mountains in the beautiful area surrounding the town of Otavalo.

Ecuador expedition - Fantastic Cities

Quito is arguably the most beautiful capital city in South America and the Ecuador expedition gives you the chance to explore several of the country's beautiful towns and cities - including Quito itself, Otavalo and Cuenca.

Ecuador expedition - Beaches

Real Gap's Ecuador expedition also gives you the chance to visit some great beaches, including Ecuador's main surf town Montanita.

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