Volunteering in Ecuador

Léa’s solidarity travel experience on the Ecuador tour & her animal volunteering at the refuge!

 

In March, I went to the animal refuge in Ecuador thanks to the tour offered by Freepackers.

 

WHAT WERE THE TASKS ASSIGNED AT THE REFUGE?

The tasks mainly involved training the animals, preparing food, feeding the animals, and doing additional work.

The days were quite similar; here’s how they were organized:

• 8:00 AM: Meeting to learn about the animals we were taking care of and the volunteers we would be with

 

• 8:30 AM: Training the animal we chose upon arrival

 

• 9:00 AM: Meeting at the “cutting room” to prepare food for the animals in our group

 

• 9:45 AM: Tour of the refuge with the group to feed the animals

 

• 11:00 AM: Additional tasks: adding sand to muddy areas, cleaning pools, cleaning bird cages, building toys…

 

• 1:00 PM: Lunch

 

• 2:30 PM: Afternoon tour of the refuge to feed the animals again

 

• 3:30 PM: Additional tasks

 

• End of day: Free time

 

WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH ECUADOR, WHAT DID YOU GET TO DO?

The tour included various activities; here are the discoveries we made:

• Visit to Quito
• Hike to Cotopaxi + bike descent
• Hike to Quilotoa
• 5 days in Banos: Spanish lessons + bike ride to see the Cascada el Pailon del Diablo + Canopy Experience
• 2 weeks at the animal refuge
• 1 week in Montanita: Surfing and Yoga

WHAT DID THIS PROJECT BRING YOU?

This stay first helped me improve my language skills (English and Spanish). I also met new animals with whom I had the opportunity to spend time.

It also allowed me to discover a new culture and try new activities.

 

DO YOU RECOMMEND THIS PROJECT?

I recommend this mission because it allows you to be close to the animals and take care of them. It’s also an opportunity to meet and talk with people from all over the world.

 

…AND FREEPACKERS?

I thank Freepackers again for giving me the opportunity to take part in this solidarity trip to Ecuador. The support and communication with the entire team were really great.

I am proud to have been an ambassador for the association. I will do other projects without hesitation! I’m heading soon to Sri Lanka!!