Volunteer in Ecuador

Ecuador, a small South America country, is bordered to the north by Colombia, to

the east and south by Peru, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country is
divided into four distinct regions; the Amazon, the Highlands, the Coast, and the
Galápagos Islands.

Compared with many South American countries, Ecuador is very small. Nevertheless
in this limited area there are at least 50 types of natural terrestrial
vegetation, diverse ecosystems and an immense variation in wildlife. Ecuador is
one of 17 mega diverse countries in the world according to Conservation
International. With 1600 bird species (some 15% of the world's known bird species)
in the continental area, and 38 more endemic to the Galápagos. There are also
25,000 species of plants recorded; it has 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic
amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterflies.

Today, Ecuador remains a multiethnic and multicultural nation, where more than 14
indigenous groups maintain their own traditions and ways of life, to the delight
of visitors. The country has a plentitude of national parks, wildlife reserves,
natural springs, volcanoes and ecological reserves and beautiful cities. Ecuador
gives the tourists a mega bio-diversity and a chance for great adventures in the
mountains, volcanoes, jungle, white beaches and exotic islands.

Although in recent years Ecuador has benefited from a rise in tourism offer some
economic relief, millions of people live below the poverty line, mainly children.
Governmental statistics estimate that over one million children work to survive
and maintain their families. Growing poverty, lack of education and limited
governmental resources further worsen the problem of street children and orphans
in Ecuador. A government study* concluded that 45% of the population between the
ages of 10 and 16 are working, 60% of the children under the age of five are
malnourished and a third of the population has not completed the first part of
their basic education. (*First Congress on Nutrition Development, Quito 2000)

Our volunteer projects allow you to help street children and orphans in Quito,
teach English in a local Andes village, work at one of the numerous
ecology/conservation bio stations or animal welfare reserves located throughout
the Amazon, coastal and Andes regions. Our programs allow you to discover the
wonders of Ecuador, while doing meaningful community work. This is a great
opportunity to enhance your Spanish knowledge, live with the locals and realize
one person can make a difference.

Volunteer with us and see A Broader View of the World.

“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay
you" - Anonymous.

Location pages:

Quito
Cuenca
Cayambe
Esmeraldas North Coast
Amazon Rainforest
Salinas South Coast