I first traveled with IVHQ in May of 2019 to Guatemala. After an extended hiatus and building my own life I returned to them in April of 2026 for a trip to the Galapagos. Both times they exceeded expectations on adequately preparing me for my journey. Staff is extremely responsive, instructions are incredibly clear and equally helpful when navigating foreign lands. Homestays will vary by region and available resources, but IVHQ leaves no surprises. I have always felt well informed on what to expect from my trip. I am very confident in IVHQ’s trustworthiness and dependability by now, I can’t wait to make my next journey with them. I will not be waiting nearly as long as I did the last time.

I've done a lot of traveling and volunteering over the years, but this experience was far more rewarding than I'd anticipated. I chose IVHQ after a friend mentioned it to me. The more I read about the opportunities, the more I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The Galapagos projects available were unique and impactful. I loved the fact that we would be helping the islands remain as they always had been with regards to wildlife, ecosystem, and the environment. IVHQ checked all the boxes to make my experience safe and easy. I encourage EVERYONE to volunteer with them at least once. I met many like-minded people in the program that I will be friends with for life.

Fun! Very great people. Enjoyed them all except for one. He was literally a dangerous person. Cant believe he passed background check. Very threatening to younger folks. I am 65 and he was afraid of older women, we had to protect them. It was devastating to realize a fellow American was such a pig. The local group was responsive however as a retired nurse I felt he should have been sent away.

My host family was incredible, totally felt cared for in their home. The culture was so beautiful. The local group was incredible, they were responsive and supportive 👏

I spent two amazing weeks in the Galápagos volunteering at the Giant Tortoise Center in Isabela Island. The experience was truly unforgettable. I learned so much about the islands’ unique biodiversity and local culture by staying with at a local family and working with locals. The project was well organized, and I received great support from IVHQ and with its local partners throughout my stay. I am very grateful for this experience and I am already looking forward to my next volunteering project with them.

The programme was very interesting and worthwhile. We were well informed before we went, well briefed and supported during the activity/programme.

I participated in the IVHQ Sea Turtle Nesting Program on Isabela Island from March 31 to April 15, 2025, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This program combines practical conservation efforts with cultural immersion in one of the most ecologically unique places on earth.

Meaningful Conservation Work
Our daily tasks included monitoring sea turtle nests, searching for nesting turtles, collecting scientific data, cleaning up beach debris, and removing invasive plant species that threaten the nesting areas. I worked alongside a wonderful group of international volunteers, knowledgeable local staff, and a park ranger from the Galápagos National Park. The collaborative environment made every day engaging and educational.

Scientific Discovery in Action
One of the most emotional and memorable moments came during a nest excavation. As we carefully unearthed the nest, we discovered a single hatchling still making its way out. Watching that tiny turtle begin its journey to the ocean was breathtaking—and witnessing how the scientific data was gathered during the process made the moment even more powerful.

Cultural Immersion and Hospitality
The accommodations exceeded my expectations. Staying with a local host family not only gave me a comfortable and welcoming home base but also offered a rich introduction to Ecuadorian culture and daily life. They were incredibly helpful, and the food was fantastic.

Eye-Opening Environmental Realities
One of the more surprising aspects of the experience was the amount of trash we encountered on the beaches during our morning patrols. Even though the beach looked clean at first glance, the tides brought in a constant stream of microplastics and debris. It was a stark reminder of the global scope of marine pollution.

Highly Recommended
I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone passionate about marine conservation, sustainability, or environmental science. It’s also ideal for those seeking an adventure that blends purpose with exploration. The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder, and this program offers a hands-on way to help protect them while learning from dedicated professionals and making lifelong memories.

Where do I even start? Volunteering for three weeks in the Galapagos Islands working on Environmental Conservation could not have been a more rewarding experience. I met so many amazing people (whether it be other volunteers from all over the world or locals), I made a positive impact on the environment by working side-by-side with the National Park Rangers, I grew in countless ways, and I immersed myself into the culture of the islands. While I was nervous to go solo as a 19 year old female (mostly because it was my first solo trip - not at all because of fear of safety), but I am so thankful I put myself out of my comfort zone. My local team was incredibly responsive and supportive, and IVHQ was the most fantastic provider I could have asked for. If you are debating going with IVHQ, definitely do it!!

This was my first time volunteering and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! Pre-departure all my questions were answered by IVQH and local team on a timely matter and on the project there were always people ready to help with anything that came up. The whole experience was just great, from the project itself (helping at the giant tortoise breeding center - note: it's hard work) to just enjoying life in a remote paradise (Galapagos - Isabela) with other volunteers. Beach, bars, explore, repeat. Totally recommend!