Volunteering in Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador, one of the most exciting and diverse countries in Latin America. In the small country on the equator you will find everything your travel heart desires. Gigantic mountains and volcanoes, tropical rain forests, beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic food and a world of flora and fauna that is second to none. Choose to volunteer in Ecuador and get involved locally to preserve the country's unique nature and address the country's social issues.

Popular projects

Kindergarten in Quito SDG 4 - Quality education
Volunteering
Ecuador | childcare
Kindergarten in Quito
Eco-Lodge environmental protection Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Measures to protect the climate
Volunteering
Ecuador | Eco Village
Eco-Lodge: paths through the cloud forest
Alternative zoo project in Quito SDG 15 - Life on Land
Environmental Education Ecuador Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Measures to protect the climate
Volunteering
Ecuador | environmental Protection
Volunteer work in environmental protection in Ecuador
Teaching at Salinas SDG 4 - Quality education
Volunteering
Ecuador | Teach
Creative teaching project in Ecuador
Plastic-free Galápagos - environmental protection project Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Measures to protect the climate
Volunteering
Ecuador | environmental Protection
Plastic-free Galápagos - environmental protection project

General Info - Ecuador

No country in the world has such a great diversity of species in relation to its area as Ecuador. Although the country in western South America is smaller than Germany, five to ten percent of all animal and plant species on our planet live here. Ecuador owes this diversity primarily to the country's four major geographical regions: the tropical Amazon rainforest, the Andean highlands, the Pacific coast and the Galápagos archipelago.

But not only the nature in Ecuador convinces with its diversity. The local culture is also very diverse. Characterized by influences from Europe, Africa and the country's 13 indigenous nationalities, the result is an exciting and multicultural mix. Unique architecture, fascinating art and great food make the country one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world.

Volunteering in Ecuador

Why you should consider volunteering in Ecuador

But there are also difficulties in Ecuador, especially in the social and environmental areas. Poverty, a lack of prospects and a lack of educational opportunities lead to major problems. To counteract this, there are various local projects and organizations in which you can volunteer. In addition to the good cause that you support, you will get to know the country and the everyday life of the people authentically in this way. You will also have the chance to improve your Spanish skills and gain new experiences that will benefit both your personality and your CV.

Volunteering in Ecuador

In which fields of activity can you get involved in Ecuador?

Your local opportunities are just as diverse as the country itself. Thanks to the unique nature and the abundance of species, the topics of sustainability and environmental protection naturally play a major role. But you can also get involved in the social sector or in education.

Animal and environmental protection

One thing should be clear by now: nature plays a special role in Ecuador. So special, in fact, that according to the country's constitution since 2008, it has had its own rights that are comparable to human rights. The problem with laws is that they are of little use if no one follows them. Pollution and the deforestation of forests for agriculture and industry mean that more and more species are threatened. As a volunteer, you can actively work against the destruction of the environment and educate local people about the consequences. For example in our project Volunteer work in animal welfare.

social work and education

Although the situation of the inhabitants of Ecuador has improved significantly over the past 20 years, around a quarter of the population still lives below the poverty line. This situation has a particularly dramatic effect on the country's children. These are still too often needed as workers. Since there is still a shortage of teachers in some regions of the country, many young people are denied access to adequate education. In our social and educational projects, such as the creative teaching project in Santa Elena, you can help on site to organize educational offers.

At the foot of Cotopaxi in Quito

Our locations in Ecuador

Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, has almost 2 million inhabitants and is a city of superlatives. It is the closest capital city to the equator in the world and was the first city ever to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. In addition, the city, which is 2850 meters above sea level, is the second highest capital in the world and is surrounded by ten volcanoes, some of which are still active. Nowhere else do you have the chance to experience life in Ecuador as genuinely as in the multicultural metropolis. You can get involved here, for example, with our Kindergarten in Quito.

Santa Elena

The coastal town of Santa Elena is a little quieter, but no less worth seeing. Located in the region of the same name, the city is best known for its beautiful sandy beaches on the Pacific coast. Thanks to warm temperatures all year round, it is perfect for surfing, diving or relaxing on the beach. If you fancy something a little louder and livelier, Guayaquil, Ecuador's most populous city, is just over an hour away. If you are interested in working directly on the Pacific coast, volunteering in the Environmental and marine protection in Santa Elena be right for you.

Galapagos

The famous Galápagos archipelago is located in the middle of the Pacific, about 1000 kilometers west of the South American mainland. Benefiting from the isolated location of the islands, animal and plant species have evolved here over thousands of years that you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else on earth. The biodiversity of the archipelago is said to have even inspired Charles Darwin to his theory of evolution. Accordingly, there is also a lot for you to discover. On land you can admire exotic birds, lizards or the famous Galápagos tortoises, underwater you will find rays, sea lions as well as whale and hammerhead sharks. If you want to get involved as a volunteer in preserving this paradise, you can, for example, join our project Plastic-free Galápagos support.

Volunteering in Ecuador: What you should know

Before you travel to another country to do voluntary work there for a longer period of time, you should first familiarize yourself with the local circumstances and conditions. We have compiled the most important basics for you here:

Safety

In a Latin American comparison, Ecuador is considered a very safe travel destination and in this context is even often referred to as a travel destination for beginners. Of course, you should still follow some basic safety precautions. Some basics are for example:

  • Don't walk alone through the city at night
  • Only carry as much money with you as you need for the day. You leave the rest in your accommodation, preferably in a safe.
  • In case you lose your documents, it often makes sense to take some (certified) copies with you.

In addition, Ecuador is located in a seismically active zone where earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides are not uncommon.

Health

There are many great experiences that await you during your volunteer work in Ecuador. One experience you should avoid is getting sick. In order to prevent this or to be as well prepared as possible in the event of an emergency, here are some useful tips:

  • No uncooked food, no street food and no tap water - avoid food poisoning!
  • Pay attention to sufficient hygiene and wash your hands regularly, especially before eating
  • Take care of travel health insurance in advance and find out what services it covers
  • Make sure that your first-aid kit is well stocked - especially if you need special medication
  • Check beforehand whether your vaccination is still up to date

All current information on the security situation, entry and health recommendations in Ecuador can also be found on the website of the Foreign Office.

Volunteer work in other countries in Latin America