Wildlife Volunteering in Ecuador

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rules and regulations and other necessary tasks at the center, depending on individual skillset. Requirements for this program are: - Basic to intermediate level of Spanish - A genuine passion for animal conservation - An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists and follow instructions - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Physical ability to work outdoors with a potentially high allergen, sun, and temperature exposure IOI encourages all volunteers to stay as long as possible to maximize local and personal benefits. We encourage longer commitments by heavily discounting each additional week. The minimum stay is two weeks, with a maximum stay of three months. All volunteers must arrive in Isabela on Mondays.

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!

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.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

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.

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

Visit the center of the earth! Ecuador’s capital is Quito, the closest major city to the Equator line on the planet! Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and discover the country’s essence amidst its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re engaging in sustainable initiatives or connecting with locals, our travel programs provide impactful adventures in the heart of South America. Wild Galápagos Eco-Service: Come face-to-face with the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution on the Galápagos Islands. Join this adventure that combines wildlife conservation and cultural immersion, plus explore the breathtaking capital, Quito!

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation project aimed at restoring critical habitats. We’ll gain firsthand experience in wildlife rescue, collaborating with local NGOs to rehabilitate endangered species and contribute to vital environmental initiatives. As we explore the lush landscapes, we’ll whitewater raft down the Río Napo and zipline through the Mindo Cloud Forest, soaking in the natural beauty around us. Our time in the Galápagos will be extraordinary, as we snorkel alongside sea lions and other marine life, while engaging in essential land rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species and preserve native flora. With 25 hours of community service dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s ecosystems, we will develop practical conservation skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Join us for this unforgettable journey filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful contributions to the environment!

Ecuador is one of South America’s greatest undiscovered countries. With a friendly and welcoming culture, beautiful food and incredible environmental diversity, it is the most wonderful place to visit for those looking for something off the beaten track. Volunteer in a beautiful sanctuary located on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, which is home to over 200 animals. You will help care for animals that have been kept illegally as pets or in poorly run zoos as well as those used through illegal pet trade trafficking. Where possible, these animals are rehabilitated and those that don't undergo rehabilitation live out their days in an eight-hectare beautiful Ecuadorian woodland. The sanctuary provides for over 35 different species that require handling, feeding, and appropriate enclosure. Volunteers will provide enrichment, structure building, and monitoring for animals living on more isolated islands within the enclosure. Volunteers are accommodated in the heart of the sanctuary, in one of three lovely log cabins. The cabins offer shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and communal living spaces including hammocks on the veranda. There is WiFi and access to a swimming pool.

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

Wild animals are illegally captured from their natural habitat in different parts of Ecuador and sold to collectors. However, most of these animals have been neglected and/or maltreated. Thus, this project aims to collaborate with rescue centers, sanctuaries, and zoos throughout the country that are hosting wildlife species, some victims of unhealthy and illegal situations, others with birth defects, and a few born in these facilities. The rescue center provides shelter to animals and, if possible, reintroduces them into the wild. However, many of the animals brought to the center or rescued from their current plight have permanent disabilities, which means they can't survive on their own in the wild. As a volunteer in this program, your tasks include the following: - Feeding and caring for the animals - Cleaning and repairing enrichment areas - Improving facilities to create a more natural environment You may also be responsible for training the animals to feed and fend for themselves. While doing so, monitor their progress and determine if they could be reintroduced to the wild.

The Ceiba Foundation offers a variety of internships in conservation, research, education, and community development. These internships are a great way to combine your academic background with hands-on field experience. Broaden your horizons and gain valuable experience as you lend a hand to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation. As a Ceiba Intern, you will utilize your knowledge and skills to support habitat conservation, reforestation, environmental education, community development, and scientific research. The internships can be accredited through the University of Wisconsin, though you do not have to seek university credits in order to participate.

Experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure awaiting you on the pristine Galapagos Islands! Join our team of volunteers and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of these islands while making a tangible difference. We welcome you to join collaborative efforts to safeguard the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary region. You will work side by side with park rangers, conservationists, and other volunteers to promote species protection measures on Isabela Island by engaging in one or both of the following projects: 1. Tortoise Breeding Center: Assist park rangers in the essential care of adult tortoises and hatchlings, ensuring their safe growth and daily care. 2. Sea Turtle Conservation: Participate in beach patrols dedicated to protecting sea turtle nesting sites. Gather valuable nesting data, mark nests for follow-up monitoring, and contribute to the preservation of their threatened habitat.