Volunteering Projects in South America - Ecuador

• Placement location: Galapagos Islands
• Project lengths: From two weeks
• Accommodation: Host families, Shared volunteer housing for Conservation Project
• Prices: from €0
• Top places to travel: Santa Cruz Island, Charles Darwin Research Station, Volcán Chimborazo
• Projects available: Care, Conservation and Environment, Teaching

The Galapagos Islands where Projects Abroad is based are one of the world’s most incredible island chains. Spending some time here on a volunteer project will let you experience both the unique nature and the welcoming people of the islands. Our voluntary projects in Ecuador are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a gap year, career break or as an alternative eco-holiday.

The Teaching and Care projects are based in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The town is the provincial capital of the Galapagos Islands and is located on San Cristobal island.

San Cristobal island is also the base for our Conservation Project. The Galapagos Islands are known as nature’s wonderland and volunteers here will be contributing to the conservation of a unique island ecosystem.

Volunteering on a Placement Overseas in Ecuador

Ecuador is South America’s second smallest country, yet packs a huge amount into its limited area. With coastal beaches, snowy Andean peaks and tropical rainforest it is home to a wide variety of habitats.

Ecuador is on the Pacific coast of South America, bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the east. The Galapagos Islands are found off Ecuador’s Pacific coast. Its people are friendly and welcoming.

Ecuador suffered its worst economic crisis in the late 1990s, with natural disasters and sharp declines in world oil prices devastating Ecuador's economy. In 2000 Ecuador adopted the US dollar as legal tender, which stabilised the economy, however, prices have inevitably risen and for the typical Ecuadorian, costs remain high. Ecuador still has a long way to go, with approximately one third of its population still living below the poverty line.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism in Ecuador

Living in Ecuador will certainly provide you with plenty of interests and entertainment when you’re not working. At the weekends you can explore the Galapagos Islands by island hopping. Santa Cruz Island is usually top of the list; the island is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the famous giant tortoises. On San Cristobal Island you can try diving or snorkelling or just hang out in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with the sea lions and pelicans.

You may choose to spend some time in mainland Ecuador too; the distances between the main towns and tourist sites are relatively small. Discover Ecuador’s colonial past on a weekend trip to the capital, Quito, a Unesco World Heritage site where the colourful markets are overflowing with hand-woven clothes and blankets. Or take a hike up Volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest summit and the closest point on earth to the sun.

Adding some extra travel time at the end of your placement will give you an exciting choice of onward travel options, including easy access to neighbouring Peru and Colombia.