Volunteer Programs in Ecuador

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

Spend a week getting to know the beautiful city of Quito, Ecuador! Partake in a week of touring and Spanish lessons. Travel highlights include a visit to the Equator and a salsa dance lesson. Volunteer work will take place in Puyo, where volunteers will be working at an animal shelter that has rescued injured wild animals. As a volunteer on this project, you will be involved in several hands-on tasks, such as helping to maintain the animals shelter as well as preparing fruit meals for the animals.

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Conduct in-field research on endemic species of flora and fauna in the Cloud Forest. This is an incredible opportunity for aspiring conservation workers and biology students. Since 2009, the organization has been operating in La Hesperia Cloud Forest Reserve. This is an area of unique significance to cloud forest conservation. It is the meeting point of two of South America’s biodiversity hotspots and home to an incredible number of endemic species. They conduct long-term research on specific species to identify important habitats to protect and develop sustainable farming practices. They also function in a number of advocacy and community outreach capacities. As a participant in this program, you’ll help maintain and develop their various research projects. The organization tends to have a few different projects in operation, so there's great scope for a variety of work. You could be setting camera traps to study large cats or capuchins, working on sustainable chocolate production initiatives, or assisting with other projects. You can also develop your own projects and propose them.

Projects Abroad Ecuador is based on the Galapagos Islands, 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 volunteer opportunities in Ecuador are available for anyone interested in volunteering overseas including those on a gap year, career break, or anyone interested in conservation work. In Ecuador, we have Teaching, Care, Sports, and Conservation projects. 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. Volunteers also have the chance to take Spanish lessons with Projects Abroad to help them communicate and become part of the local community. If you join our conservation project, you’ll work with conservationists at the Galapagos National Park to help protect endangered animals and plants, and we are currently caring for Giant Tortoises. This certainly will be a truly unique opportunity to learn, help and explore.

This incredible environmental project places volunteers in the magnificent Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. They have the unique opportunity to work out of a biological station in the reserve and take on tasks that help preserve this amazing tropical forest for future generations. The program aims to restore and maintain the reserve as well as work with the local community on educational and agricultural projects for future sustainability. International participants are essential to the success of protecting Ecuador's Cloud Forest and many of the goals could not be achieved without their willing labor. The project scope is broad and volunteers could find themselves involved in maintenance and reforestation tasks, agricultural work on a small organic farm in the reserve, data collection and research-related activities, or environmental education initiatives and community service.

Ecuador's vibrant culture, dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and picturesque beaches make it the premier destination in South America. Volunteers with World Endeavors are based near the beautiful southern Pacific Coast. By choosing one of the several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, special education, deaf education, and wildlife conservation. Eligibility for this program includes English language fluency; a desire to help the people of Ecuador; flexibility and self-motivation; openness to a new culture, and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities access clean drinking water through education and infrastructure projects. THE CHALLENGE Safe drinking water is a human right, yet nearby communities face contamination, deforestation, and poor storage and filtration. Many rely on open streams carrying soil and chemicals from uphill farming. With no filtration and little storage, gastrointestinal issues are common, and water shut-offs occur during summer or pipe breaks. THE SOLUTION Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach—from public health initiatives to domestic filtration, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance of our experienced team, you’ll engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean, secure drinking water. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Experience the rich culture and history of Ecuador's vibrant capital city while learning about the healthcare challenges facing the region. One of Child Family Health International's longest-running programs, the Andean Health program offers a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses both unique cultural opportunities and the chance to work at a variety of clinical sites. This program is open to those who possess: * Minimal Spanish * Conversant Spanish or * Fluent Spanish This program is open to individuals who are 20 or over at the time of participation. We accept students of all nationalities with interest in international health and relevant educational background. Participants may be any of the following: * Medical Residents, MD & DO * Medical Students, MD & DO 1-2 * Medical Students, MD & DO 3-4 * Pre-Medical Students * Post-bacc pre-medical students * Gap year pre-medical students * Graduate nursing students * Nursing Students * MPH Students * Physicians Assistants Students * Naturopathic students If you do not fit into one of these categories, please contact us to see if you would be eligible to apply.

Peru and Ecuador are two countries in South America that are both rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Join us on this 22-day adventure as we discover what makes each country so vibrant and unique! In addition to exploring majestic volcanos, gorgeous islands, sacred sites, and vibrant markets, we will visit the jewels of each country as we take in the splendor of the sacred Machu Picchu and view the world-famous wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. We will also have the opportunity to volunteer and give back to several communities throughout our adventures for a total of 60 hours of community service. In Peru, we will be welcomed into a community where we’ll form bonds with the families and children, teach English, and help out with light maintenance projects and farming. In the Galápagos we will help out with a variety of projects at a local daycare, elementary school, and sustainable farm.

Travel from Ecuador’s Andean highlands to the Galápagos Islands on this immersive high school service adventure. Settle into a longtime Putney partner community to collaborate on construction, water-access, and agricultural projects shaped by local priorities. Spend afternoons practicing Spanish, visiting markets, and joining cultural celebrations. Explore the cloud forest and hike to Cotopaxi’s high-altitude refugio before flying to the Galápagos, where you’ll snorkel with sea lions, spot iconic wildlife, and experience one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates and rainforest ecology in the Amazon. Then get ready to explore the Galápagos, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, on this 20-day adventure for high school students 16 and up. Tropical ecosystems exhibit an amazing degree of biodiversity and species richness, and this program brings you into the heart of it all - the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands. Conduct biological surveys while you track Andean mountain bears, jaguars, and the elusive tapir. Head into a remote part of the Amazon jungle where the world's most biodiverse region is right at your fingertips. Snorkel and explore the pristine islands of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the widest array of flora and fauna on the planet. We are offering two sessions for 2026 (while space lasts): June 22 - July 11, 2026 July 13 - August 1, 2026

Learn Spanish in group classes and volunteer in one of many projects in the city of Cuenca in Ecuador with The National Registration Center for Study Abroad. Each week, volunteers will attend Spanish lessons for 20 hours. The maximum number of students in each class is five. Group classes are organized in such a way that each will always consists of students with the same level of Spanish proficiency. Each class is 55 minutes in length. To get the maximum benefit from the Spanish course, beginner students must spend four to 12 weeks studying the language, while intermediate and advanced students must spend two to 12 weeks in classes. After at least a week of Spanish lessons, volunteers will be placed in community volunteering projects in the afternoons for at least four weeks. Placement opportunities include teaching English to primary school students, helping senior citizens in their daily routine, assisting the homeless, and serving as tour guides in national parks and reserves.