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Volunteer Projects in Ecuador

Introduction

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America yet it has an enormous biodiversity. Many people believe it is one of the easiest and most pleasant South American countries to travel in on your Career Break.

About Ecuador

The Andes form the backbone of Ecuador whose borders are Colombia to the north, Peru on the south and east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country has a fabulous coast line as well as tropical jungle, snow capped mountains and volcanoes; which makes quite a feast for volunteers keen on outdoor opportunities!

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lying at 2850 meters above sea-level in a valley at the foot of the active volcano Pichincha, it is a real architectural jewel. Walking through the streets of the historical part of the town seems like visiting a giant museum! The town is divided into two distinct parts: the colonial centre, and to the north the modern city.

Apart from Quito, Ecuador has plenty to offer, especially for nature lovers: with its volcanoes, the famous Galapagos Islands, the Jungle, the Andes, there are so many opportunities to explore and discover!

Life between cities and rural areas is very distinct. Whilst big cities such as Quito or Guayaquil have all the usual services including public transport and a rather western life-style, rural areas are still far from developed and rely on non-paved roads and moto-taxis.

Mondo In Ecuador

MondoChallenge Volunteers in Ecuador get involved in teaching projects, child care or conservation projects. We work in three different regions in Ecuador, in the Andes (which include Quito and some small villages in areas listed among the ten most biologically important in the world); in the Central Highlands, tucked away in the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ (known to be one of the most beautiful car journeys in the world); and on the coast, around beautiful and touristic Puerto Lopez.

Volunteers mainly work in government schools, which receive very little funding. The pupils have little or no knowledge of English. We also work in an orphanage and a children hospital in Quito. MondoChallenge is also supported a National Park in the Pacific coast which has the benefit of being on main land, but also includes some islands.

Things to see and do in Ecuador

The best way to see the Andes is to fly. Flying in Ecuador is affordable and also convenient; you can get to where you want to go in usually no more than half an hour's flying time. The country's main airlines offer daily services to the main towns and cities, usually departing from Quito or Guayaquil. Flying is also the best way to get to the Oriente jungle region, with other modes of transport unable to access the area. Flights to the Galapagos Islands, can be pricey and flying time from Ecuador is around 3 hours. Depending on your destination but particularly for flights to the Galapagos Islands and the Oriente, there is a system in place whereby foreigners are required to pay more than double what Ecuadorians pay. It's also worth noting that seats are not reserved and are given on a first come, first served basis. Reconfirming a flight 24 hours before is imperative as it's not unknown for airlines to refute your reservation if it hasn't been confirmed ahead of departure.

Buses are a cheaper option and although most long distance journeys take a day or less, it can feel longer due to the road conditions. Buses usually leave from central terminals and it's best to buy a ticket at least a few hours in advance to reserve a seat. Local buses are often very cheap but also very crowded. Taxis are a good option for short journeys or day tips out of cities if hired for the day and can be cheaper than car rental. Taxi meters are in existence but not always switched on so it's best to agree on a price before the journey begins.

Living in Ecuador

While living in Ecuador is generally very safe, we always recommend visiting the FCO website for up to date information. Big cities, like anywhere else, have pickpockets and thieves but by being careful you should avoid any problems. Don't put any valuables in a backpack where they are easily reachable by anyone, avoid wearing fancy/expensive jewellery, exposing expensive video, camera or computer equipment, and never count your money in a public place.

Volunteer Programmes in Ecuador require you to have or acquire some knowledge of Spanish either prior to your departure, or by joining a Spanish course upon arrival in Quito. Volunteer Project co-ordinators have highlighted this as something which needs to be taken very seriously, as people in Ecuador in general, and in the areas in which we work in particular, do not speak English. The volunteer's ability to speak and understand Spanish is in direct relation to the sense of accomplishment and usefulness enjoyed by the volunteer in their respective assignment. The higher the level of Spanish, the higher the level of satisfaction that will be experienced by the career break volunteers in Ecuador. If you need Spanish classes before you start your volunteer programme in Ecuador we will be able to help set this up as part of your programme.