The Most Affordable Volunteer in Ecuador - 25K happy Volunteers Since 2006

Generally, it was an amazing experience for our high school students. They had unforgettable experience doing volunteering in Yunguilla and teaching the primary school students Chinese words.
My students are asking for more hands-on work in the forest which can give them more sense of achievement.
In addition, if a specific daily schedule can be provided before the program getting started, it would be very helpful and also if the volunteers can know how the money being used to help develop this area, it would be great so that we know what should we do for the next time.

This was a meaningful program that I enjoyed immensely. I spent two weeks volunteering. I am mid 60’s, my volunteer colleagues were 18-25 with one other couple in their mid 50’s. Age had no barriers, the commradery was delightful. Each day’s work is different, and each day you see the results of previous volunteers efforts which gives you immediate satisfaction that your own efforts are meaningful. On one of my first days I saw a large grove of indigenous trees planted by previous volunteers.......and I immediately realized the value of the program. Working with the Giant Tortoises was my favorite. We planted, harvested and prepared (chopped different sizes for different tortoise age groups). Our typical day was breakfast around 7:15, work in The Highlands 8:00am-12:30 ish, lunch and free afternoons to explore the island (San Cristobal). We planted, transplanted a variety of indigenous plants and worked toward eradication of invasive non-indigenous plants. The best part was our hosts, Eduardo and Lucia. They provided a warm loving environment staying in their home and solid management of the program. They are 3rd or 4th generation Galápagos natives, they work very hard protecting their islands/environment and they treat volunteers with dignity and graciousness. I wholeheartedly recommend this program.

My husband Greg and I are recently retired professionals who like to combine volunteer work (I am an educator, and Greg assisted me in the classes) with adventure travel. Our month in Ecuador enabled us to do just that. From the beginning our experiences were positive. Our coordinator Jose met us at the airport, introduced us to our homestay (in a comforable apartment), liaised with the school's administration, and was supportive and encouraging throughout. Our hosts Olga and Marcelo were among the kindest the most hospitable people we have ever met: our room was comfortable, the meals were delicious, and their patient help with our Spanish was very welcome. (We even had a friend join us for a few nights.) Our school was poor and bilingual (Spanish and Kichwa), and during our three weeks there we had the opportunity to teach English to students in Grades 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Although there were some discipline issues, these were soon overcome. The kids proved to be gregarious, friendly, curious and uninhibited. The highlights were taking part in a very special indigenous Pachamama Spring Equinox celebration, during which the Administration and staff expressed profound thanks for our volunteer efforts and the teaching materials we were able to bring to them. Finally, during our afternoons, we were able to explore the many parks, squares, museums and cathedrals of vibrant Quito; during the weekends our host drove us to volcanoes, the highlands, the Cloudforest and numerous indigenous villages; and for our fourth week we embarked on an unforgettable cruise of The Galapagos. An amazingly interesting and fulfilling combination of volunteer work and adventure travel!

From the very beginning José did a fantastic job. On the first day he gave me the option between 2 facilities, which we both visited!

I elected the school in the poorest district of Quito as I wanted to face a real challenge and above all help pupil who really needed the assistance, motivation and language classes I could give them.

It was kind of great to every day enter San Roque and its people on the way to the school. Always with the "protection" of my "bodyguard" Fernando oder José!

The children were so hearty that I cannot find words for. Will never forget.

Also the school director was very kind and prepared a great goodbye ceremony at the end of my stay!

I can really recommend the program for male persons, as I am not sure, if women really want to daily go this district from Quito. But if you really want something different, go there and enjoy to the maximum. The children will thank forever, as they are not used to see volunteers!