Volunteer Summer Expeditions Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Banos,  Ibarra,  Esmeraldas,  Tena,  Ambato,  Pichincha,  Otavalo,  Tungurahua,  Canoa,  Puyo,  Mindo,  Montanita,  San Pablo,  Atacames,  Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: July 17th to July 31st, 2008; August 7th to August 21st, 2008

Description: Many people come to Ecuador either to visit the natural wonders that our country has to offer or to volunteer in projects around the country.

We now have a new offer that will allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in only two weeks.

With a two-week break on your hands, you can come to Ecuador and spend the first week volunteering and the second week visiting key attractions, and exploring the rich culture and many landscapes of Ecuador, from dense Amazon jungle to the volcanic peaks of the Andes.

* The first Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from July 17th to July 31st, 2008.
* The second Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from August 7th to August 21st, 2008.
* You can also take part of the program any month of the year with minimum two participants.

Or, if you would like to volunteer for a longer period in Ecuador, you can extend your stay in the volunteer program and take part in Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expeditions at the same time.
During your volunteer week you can choose from any of the following projects :

* Health Project
* Teaching English
* Work on Urcu Puyujunda Organic Farm
* Conservation Project
* Environmental research
* Community project in Las Tolas Community
* Orphanage Project in Quito
* Disabled Children project in Quito
* Day Care project in Quito

Highlights: The Amazon: Travel by canoe with your guide on one of the vast rivers of the Ecuadorian jungle. Explore trails covered with lush and diverse vegetation and learn about some of the flora and fauna unique to this region.
Share the customs and traditions of some of the jungle cultures such as the huaorani or tagaeri people. You can join night walks to watch the caimans, fish for piranhas or participate in a shamanic ritual with the indigenous people. Your trip to the jungle will be an unforgettable experience.

The Coast: Besides being one of the most important ports of the country, the province of Esmeraldas also boasts mangroves, exotic islands, some of the best beaches in Ecuador and, best of all for beachgoers, the warm water of the Pacific Ocean. The Choco bioregion is known for its incredible plant and animal biodiversity. You will know the Afro-Esmeraldas culture, swim and taste the best food in Esmeraldas beaches.

The Andes: At 19,347 feet, Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano, and once you've seen this snow-capped wonder you will never forget it. South of Cotopaxi, at the foot of the fearsome volcano called Tungurahua, is the city of baths, or Baños. Baños is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and, of course, bathers! Immerse yourself in this striking landscape and enjoy horseback riding, rafting or mountain biking. Another Andes town, Papallacta, is famous for its natural hot springs. This is an idyllic place to relax, surrounded by the stunning scenery of steep green hillsides and towering mountains. Finally, no visit to the Andes is complete without a trip to Otavalo, the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America where you can browse, bargain and buy items from the locals

FREE Private Spanish Lessons
Market Value up to US$720*

Join Eco-Volunteer UP volunteer program in Ecuador and receive FREE Spanish lessons  2 hours a day (10 hours per week) for up to 12 weeks!
The classes take place in a relaxed, group setting at two different two levels - basic and intermediate (sorry, no advanced level). All the volunteers have the option of attending these free lessons. Volunteers can attend for two weeks (cloud forest volunteers) up to a maximum 12 of weeks (Quito volunteers). Our Spanish lessons are taught by pleasant, young teachers who will give you an orientation in the first day followed by a brief diagnostic assessment. The diagnostic assessment is geared toward determining which of level of instruction best suits your Spanish speaking ability.

Spanish lessons are available to all of our volunteers:
* For those that choose to volunteer in Quito, the Spanish lessons are taught in the city and in the Conocoto valley (just outside Quito  near one of the Quito volunteer locations). Typically, participants in the Quito project take the Spanish lessons in the afternoon after their volunteer work is complete.
* Those that choose the cloud forest project may elect to stay in Quito for the first two weeks in order to take advantage of the free Spanish classes before they begin their volunteer work. Participants who choose this option simply need to account for those two weeks in the cost of their stay (please review our Program Fee information for more details).

This is a great opportunity as volunteers have the opportunity to practice the Spanish they learn while working in either project. However, these Spanish lessons are optional and participants may choose to discontinue their lessons at any time.

*** Spanish classes in Quito generally cost around $6 per hour. Volunteers joining in our programs for the duration of three months can receive 120 hours of free Spanish lessons  a market value of approximately $720.

Cost in US$: (2 weeks) US$ 990

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Eco-Volunteer Urcu Puyujunda's Mission Statement: Urcu Puyujunda is an organization designed to help people and disappearing Cloud Forest near Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Our main objective is to help the children, who are the future of the country, especially those with the fewest economic resources. Urcu Puyujunda is also involved in conservation of 'mother-earth' (pacha-mama), and is working to save the planet one step at a time. There are many orphanages, special Institute for disabled children, they need help, so the volunteers who are interested in these projects are very welcome.

Year Founded: 1999