Ecotourism in Ecuador: This 4-week program consists of two parts – 2 weeks of exploration and 2 weeks of animal volunteering!
It’s a blend of cultural activities and discoveries, along with a mission at the animal refuge project in the Amazon rainforest.
With a maximum group size of 16 participants, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Ecuador while making a positive impact on its ecosystem!
No need to speak Spanish as you’ll be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and will receive Spanish lessons in Baños based on your level.
Duration in weeks | Registration fees |
|---|---|
4 weeks | 2490 € |
After landing in the capital, you will be taken to the Selina hostel in Quito, where you can settle into your dormitory and meet your fellow travelers. Later, you will have your first dinner together, which will be a great opportunity to get to know each other.
Keep in mind that you will be at high altitude (2800 meters), so take it easy in the first few days and limit alcohol consumption and parties to avoid altitude sickness.
You will immerse yourself in ancient buildings and historical sites, full of fascinating stories (some of which are spine-chilling), and learn that Quito was the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, you will explore La Carolina, Quito’s “Central Park,” a green area where you can learn more about the local culture. Return to Selina hostel.
After breakfast, you will leave Quito behind and head to the picturesque town of Lasso, where you will spend the night in a comfortable dormitory at the charming Chuquiragua Lodge.
Lasso is a small town in the Ecuadorian highlands and serves as one of the main entrances to Cotopaxi National Park.
Here, you will discover the basecamp of Ecuador’s most active volcano, Cotopaxi, the second-highest summit in Ecuador.
Get ready for a high-altitude hiking experience! Remember to stay hydrated and wear warm, waterproof clothing. Eating a sweet snack during the hike can help prevent altitude sickness.
Additionally, prepare for one of Ecuador’s most adventurous moments as you bike down from Cotopaxi!
Lunch and dinner will be provided on this exciting day.
You will first stop at Quilotoa, a magnificent crater lake, before continuing to Baños.
Your visit to the highlands will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable impression with its captivating colors and environment.
Once you arrive in Baños, the gateway to the jungle, you will head to Hostal Chimenea, where you will once again stay in a comfortable dormitory.
Lunch will be provided.
Get ready to improve your oral expression and salsa skills: 4 hours of Spanish lessons and 1 hour of intensive salsa lessons!
After some Spanish classes in the morning, it’s time to leave the classroom!
The Pailon del Diablo, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Ecuador, and the Rio Verde will be reached after a mountain bike ride. Be prepared to get wet!
After taking Spanish classes in the morning, you can enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring the adventurous neighborhoods of the city or relax in one of the charming cafes in Baños.
Get ready for an adrenaline rush today! You will go on a Canopy Bridge excursion after breakfast.
Last evening in Baños!
In the afternoon, you will say goodbye to Baños and head to Puyo.
You will notice the change in scenery between the lush jungle vegetation, temperature difference, and thicker air.
Here, you will join the Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon rainforest!
Prepare to leave the hustle and bustle of the outside world behind and explore the jungle for two weeks in this crazy and marvelous paradise, filled with breathtaking views and activities that you will remember for a lifetime.
Your first day here will be spent getting to know everyone at Yanacocha, including its most important members: the animals!
Volunteer missions here include feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures, and general interaction with them.
Meals are provided during the week at the refuge. You will have free time on Saturday afternoon and Sunday to relax at the center (without meals) or explore the town of Puyo.
After breakfast, you will travel to a very different region, the coast, specifically to Montañita, the country’s most famous and enjoyable surf spot.
Get ready for a long day of travel (approximately 9 hours) during which you will witness a rapid and astonishing change in vegetation and temperature.
Once you arrive in Montañita, you will settle into Hostal Casa del Sol, a dynamic and fun hostel!
Enjoy your first free day in this charming seaside town and take the time to relax.
Two days of yoga sessions (on the 24th and 25th, one hour per day), three days of surf lessons (on the 24th, 25th, and 26th, two hours per day), and free time at the beach!
You will even have the opportunity to enroll in optional Spanish classes.
Program for the eco-volunteering day in the community of Las Tunas: beach cleanup, monitoring turtle nests, and a special mission!
Lunch will also be provided.
Did you know that the tiny island known as Isla de la Plata, located off the coast of Puerto Lopez, has the same type of vegetation as the Galapagos Islands? It is known for its abundance of seabirds, including the Galapagos albatross.
You will have an even more incredible experience on this full-day discovery of Isla de la Plata between June and October because you will have a high chance of seeing humpback whales!
Humpback whales travel over 7,000 miles from Antarctica to the coast of Machalilla National Park in Ecuador. The length and weight of a humpback whale can reach 15 meters, making it the fifth largest animal in the world.
You will have the opportunity to spot active groups of whales, where multiple males mate with females, as you are in a humpback whale breeding area.
Before leaving this beautiful place, take advantage of your last free day in Montañita to admire one last sunset and share a farewell meal and celebration!
End of the tour.
