Marine life
Ecuador, Puerto Villamil5(2)
Environmental mission to the Galapagos National Park
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €1,950 for 2 weeks
Ecuador
Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador
Volunteer in Ecuador with Freepackers: turtle, whale or Amazon wildlife protection, or an educational project in Don Juan, from the Andes to the Galápagos.
2 programmes in this country
Ecuador is named after the Equator, the imaginary line around the Earth that splits the country in two. It has very diverse geography, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Galápagos Islands. Ecuador is considered one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries.
Ecuador has nine national parks, including the Galápagos Islands. These 18 islands are 596 miles (960 kilometers) west of the mainland of Ecuador and are home to unique reptiles, birds, and plants. Some of the most amazing creatures to be found on the islands include iguanas and the Galápagos tortoise.
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, located in the northern region. Though Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, many indigenous languages are also spoken, including Quechua and Shuar.
Good to know before you go
- Visa
- No visa is required for Ecuador: upon entry, you will receive a tourist card valid for 90 days.
- Health
- Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.
Our programmes in Ecuador
Animals
Ecuador, Puyo5(3)
Animal sanctuary in Ecuador
- Duration
- 2 to 12 weeks
- Age
- From 18 years old
from €1,166 for 2 weeks
About the Destination and Volunteer Opportunities
Advice before volunteering in Ecuador
It would be wise to familiarize yourself with some Ecuadorian customs before volunteering there, though you will, of course, learn more when you arrive. It is important to respect the local culture in order to build positive relationships with the community. Although many people speak English, especially in the tourist areas, learning some basic Spanish would definitely be useful!
Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you have all the necessary vaccines and keep in mind that if you plan on visiting the Amazon region, additional health precautions may be required!
Ecuador boasts incredible biodiversity, so be sure to respect it and commit to sustainable practices on your trip.
Is it safe to volunteer in Ecuador?
Ecuador is generally considered to be a safe volunteer destination, though you should still be cautious when in an unfamiliar area. Pickpocketing does occur in the larger cities, so be careful when carrying valuables. As with any international travel, make sure you have some way to communicate with the programme, friends, family, etc.
Requirements to volunteer in Ecuador
A visa is not required to go to Ecuador as you will be granted a tourist card valid for 90 days upon entry! However, in order to volunteer in Ecuador, you must be 18+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.
Volunteering Programmes in Ecuador
There are a number of different volunteer opportunities available in Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands. You can volunteer in environmental conservation, wildlife conservation or youth support.
Part of the goal of our volunteer work in Ecuador is to preserve the ecosystem of the Galápagos archipelago. Volunteering opportunities include an educational project in Don Juan and several animal protection programmes. Some of these programmes are the turtle protection programme, whale protection programme, and animal protection programme in the Amazon.
