Location
  • Ecuador
    • Quito
    • Galapagos
Length
1 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
295
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $295 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
May 01, 2024
Jul 16, 2024
23 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Ecuador and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Ecuador.

Our affordable projects start from $21/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 18 projects, ranging from Teaching, Environmental Education, Kindergarten, NGO Support and more in the charming capital, Quito, or the picturesque coastal city of Santa Elena. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $21/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

Based in Santa Elena, Animal Care volunteers assist veterinarians in a local animal treatment center within an aquarium. Help to treat marine animals while building on your experience or studies in a relevant field.

IVHQ Ecuador

With projects available in both Quito and Santa Elena, Community Development volunteers assist local organizations to do things like run school meal support programs for underprivileged children, maintain community gardens and help with cleaning and renovation projects at schools, community centers and playgrounds.

Volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

With placements available in Quito and Santa Elena, volunteers on this project teach English to students ranging from 3-12 years old. Tasks include helping with lesson planning, providing classroom support and working one-on-one with students who require it.

Volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

As an Environmental Education volunteer in Santa Elena, you'll help teach local children and adults techniques for conserving the environment and assist with beach clean ups, community upcycling and recycling programs and more.

IVHQ Volunteer in the Galapagos Islands

Looking to volunteer in the Galapagos Islands? Join IVHQ's eco-volunteering program on Isabela Island, offering 6 diverse projects including conservation, agriculture, and teaching. With affordable fees and top-rated projects, IVHQ is a trusted organization for over 126,000 travelers. Apply now!

Program Reviews

4.70 Rating
based on 53 reviews
  • 5 rating 77.36%
  • 4 rating 18.87%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 3.77%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.7
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.55
Showing 1 - 8 of 53 reviews
Default avatar
Bernouche
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great first time Experience!!

This was my first time volunteering with IVHQ. I have to say this was a great first experience. Everything was so organized from beginning to end. I didn’t have to stress about anything while being in Ecuador, the local team was very welcoming and made sure I was taking care of.
I had an amazing time volunteering with kids, with having teachable moments and playing games, lots of laughter. They were so grateful I was there. Exploring Ecuador was fun and safe.The Local team organized a safe transportation for me to explore and I love it!
What I love about IVHQ is that they kept me well informed, and there were step by step instructions for the whole process including virtual meetings with our coordinator. I will definitely continue with this organization for more trips in the future.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Riding the TelefériQo was nerve-racking. I’m not someone that’s afraid of heights but I was going really really high up in a cable car! I have to say the view was amazing.
Pros
  • Exploring the old city
  • Ate amazing food
  • Playing with the kids
Default avatar
Nelson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ The Positive Impact it Has Given Me

What made this experience great was the bonding of people who all chose to volunteer their time as I to help a certain amount of people mainly the children in Ecuador realizing that they are not forgotten, but important to the world we all live in.

The people that volunteered in our circle were mainly from the United States and one person was from the United Kingdom. We all really connected with the common goal to help others and we spent lots of time together when we ate, went to the bakery and when we participated in some of the trips that was offered at discounted rates by the local team who were excellent as we all got together for a dinner away from the place we stayed at.

As me as a Teacher in English Foreign Language, I was able to assist the teachers in the school by helping the students who were 8th, 10th and 11th graders in teaching through the lesson plans, going over questions and answers and listening to them pronounce the words correctly altogether so that not one child would feel as if they were the only one that had an issue. It was all a team effort. The teachers were glad to have me and with my humor, the children embraced my presence with laughter and cheers.

IVHQ is an excellent organization that stands for helping the world be a better place to live anywhere and everywhere with opportunities to specialize in areas that you can gain valuable experience in whether helping the children, adults, animals and the preservations safe.Any area that you may choose to travel to, you will not be disappointed with the team you will get yourself involved with.

What was your funniest moment?
When one of soles of my sneakers almost came off completely when walking to school to teach the children.
Pros
  • Made an impact on children curious to know more about the United States
  • Children asking me if I liked their country which I .
  • Living the life as a local in another country making friends
Cons
  • The water pressure can be different
  • higher elevation
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
liesl
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great local team, great local people in Quito Ecuador

Great local team and local people. From the moment we arrived at the volunteer house, the local team was always helpful and enthusiastic. Even when I got sick and had to go to the hospital, they responded right away, assisted me to the hospital and acted as a translator with the medical team for me. The local people in Ecuador were friendly and always willing to help me with my Spanish translations. The local metro is amazing and a cheap way to get around town fast. The site seeing tours we did, did not disappoint. They were relaxing, with amazing views and fun activities. Just remember to pack some toilet paper, cause not all the bathrooms have some. My only complaint is that the volunteer house is in a local neighborhood and not many taxi drivers knew how to get there so I had to be able to speak Spanish and give them directions to the volunteer house.

What was your funniest moment?
The things that come out of the children's mouths. First day, a child runs up to my blonde haired daughter and says, "Wow you're so white. You're pale just like my mom." Another day a kid asked my 15 year old daughter where her baby was. Apparently it is common for the native girls to start having kids at 15.
Pros
  • Super friendly people
  • Good food
  • They really listen to you
Cons
  • taxis drive fast
  • taxis don't know where the volunteer house is located
  • the water is always cold
23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A month in Quito Ecuador

I stayed for four weeks in Quito Ecuador and worked for an NGO in a street children project. Every day I got to visit a street market with social workers and play with the children so that they could have some free and happy time away from work and their family responsibilities. During the weekend, I traveled around and had great fun with other volunteers. It was a very memorable trip.

They offer various volunteer opportunities. You can choose to volunteer in a homeless shelter, teach English in a local school, or volunteer in street markets. They are very well established and well structured. You also have a lot of flexibility as to how much time you want to devote in volunteering. Choose according to your need and communicate your need as always with the helpful staff there.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with an open heart, try to enjoy yourselves and don’t get too immersed in making impact as it shouldn’t be the sole reason of travel/ volunteering!
Pros
  • Strong support from local ngo and ivhq
  • Fun activities every day and especially during the weekends
  • Meet new people from all walks of life
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

The staff was very helpful before and during my experience. Very well organized and made sure we were safe. It was a great experience meeting other volunteers and helping the local community. Breakfast and dinner were served everyday. All volunteers at a a group. Everyone was friendly, helpful and supportive to the others. I only did one week which I do regret but next time I will definitely sign up for longer. Many volunteers were taking trips and tours together on their time off. Very good way to make great friends and help people

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Cuy, aka guinea pig
Pros
  • New friends
  • Experience new places
  • Helping this in need
Cons
  • Having to go home after
  • Not enough time and money to do more
  • Nothing else
32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Annie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience, would do again

I had a great level of support and communication not only with IVHQ but also the local team that I worked with. They were all so nice and friendly and conscientious of wanting the volunteers to have a good experience. IVHQ staff also has a great level of familiarity with their local teams and make trips to see them and get to know them. This was great to keep in mind as I communicated with the staff, they also held meetings so volunteers had a way to ask questions and know what they are getting into. I had a great experience and I had a lot of time and opportunities to get to know the country I was in. Above all, I got to meet so many local people and get to know their lives which was a really valuable experience. The accommodations were lovely and the food was great. I was really happy to have chosen this company.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Ask questions about life in what life is like in whatever country you go to. It’s your chance to make a difference and learn about people you otherwise would never get to meet. It’s incredible to travel and meet new people.
Pros
  • Meeting locals
  • Getting insider tips on travel
  • Trying new food
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bryant
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Quito Volunteer

The opportunity to interact with the students and the school staff made this experience great. After spending time at the school, I left wanting to spend more time there as a volunteer. I look forward to participating again. During an additional opportunity, I would look to extend the time or possibly participate on different projects to learn if one would be better suited or that I would provide greater impact in the respective communities. I would encourage others to join in volunteer service to help support others and create a better world around us.

Pros
  • Meeting the students and staff
  • Assisting where requested
  • Immersion opportunity
Cons
  • Wanted to utilize more time assisting with English
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Five star !

I had an amazing experience with IVHQ when I decided to travel and volunteer abroad. From start to finish, they provided exceptional support and guidance, making it a truly memorable journey.

Their pre-departure assistance was invaluable, helping me prepare for the trip, from visa applications to packing lists. The orientation they offered gave me insights into the local culture, which enhanced my overall experience.

During my time volunteering, I was impressed by the organization’s commitment to the community. They had well-structured projects and dedicated local staff, ensuring that our efforts were meaningful and impactful.

Safety was a top priority as well. Ivhq took care of accommodation, transportation, and had emergency plans in place, which gave me peace of mind throughout my stay.

The connections I made with both fellow volunteers and the local community are something I will cherish forever. This organization truly fosters a sense of global citizenship and provides a platform for personal growth and cultural immersion.

Pros
  • Meeting problem
  • Childcare
  • Seeing a new culture
Cons
  • Busy work
  • Different culture
47 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Don't overexert yourself. If you do too much too early you'll start to feel sick. But DO be active. Walk about the city with your friends, explore, travel... just make sure to take plenty of breaks as you need to. You will find that slowly but surely you'll begin to acclimate! Also: Drink lots of water! Really, it helps.