Volunteer in Ecuador

The Global Volunteer Network currently offers volunteer opportunities through our partner organization in Ecuador. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the programs of six different biological reserves, contributing to biodiversity conservation, community development and sustainable use of natural resources.

Ecuador is a country of many geographical contrasts, extending from the Amazon rainforest of the Oriente and the high altitude forests of the Inter-Andean region, to the forests and beaches of the northern lowlands and the Galapagos Islands. Biological reserves are located in each of these different regions, many in extremely threatened areas, where the land in the reserve is among the last remnant of an area high in biodiversity.

The principal aims of the reserves are the conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental education and sustainable development projects, and research that promotes the improvement of the quality of life of people living in the zones of influence of its activities. The volunteer program is intended to provide practical experience for people interested in contributing to our partner's conservation activities and project, and volunteers work on a variety of projects under the supervision of the resident researchers, environmental education instructors and administrative staff of each reserve.

The Program

All volunteers will participate in maintenance and development of the infrastructure of these stations, as well as the activities listed below. Volunteers are not tourists and are expected to work full days like all other employees of the station. Interns should be able to undertake strenuous and sometimes tedious labor in a hot tropical climate under primitive living conditions.

The following activities are available in the Ecuador reserves, although what is available varies between reserves and some activities are dependent on season.

Plant Conservation: collecting seeds, reforestation, medicinal plant garden development, nursery work, and clearing areas of invasive species.
Community Work: teaching English in local schools, environmental education and community visits.
Sustainable Income Generation: implementation of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture projects, crafts and agro-forestry.
Supporting Local Research: assisting in collecting data for local research
Wildlife: monitoring projects with birds and bears.

Please read the individual reserve descriptions below for details on what is available at each reserve.

Program Location

There are currently six reserves available. For an overview of what each reserve offers, click here, or read our quick access guide (PDF). From the reserves page you can click for more information on the reserve that interests you.

Amazonia	Galapagos	Andes
Amazon: Teach English and Environmental Education in the local schools, and help develop and maintain the reserve’s infrastructure. Read More	San Cristobal: Reconstruct natural habitats and create sustainable agricultural production processes in the Galapagos Islands. Read More	La Hesperia: Participate in biological inventories and reforestation projects, as well as sustainable farming and interaction with ethnic communities. Read More
Coastal
Bilsa: Reforestation, trekking and research in an isolated area of wet forest. Read More	Congal: Implement sustainable aquaculture, mangrove restoration and work with the local community in this reserve on the mangrove coast. Read More	Lalo Loor: Reforestation and reserve development in this strongly seasonal environment, where there is rain only for a short period each year. Read More

Program Requirements

• Be 18 years or over
• Have no major health problems
• Be moderately fit
• A basic level of Spanish is required for all reserves. If you do not know any Spanish you can choose to attend a 2 week Spanish course in Quito prior to volunteering, arranged through our partner organisation.

*Although there are no restrictions on the nationality of volunteers that wish to participate in this program, you need to be able to obtain your Entry Visa independent of the volunteer organisation.

Program Schedule

The minimum commitment for volunteering is two weeks and the maximum is six months, although it may be possible to stay for longer in special cases. Start dates are flexible and volunteers can start anytime of the month, but all volunteers need to attend an orientation session in Quito before traveling to their reserve of choice. Orientation sessions take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.

A special visa is required to remain in Ecuador for more than 90 days. Volunteers are expected to work 22 days per month. Eight vacation days per month can be used upon approval by project coordinator. Volunteers are expected to work an average of 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on the activities they carry out.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Ecuador Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Ecuador program is:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $527
• Cost for 3 weeks - US $632
• Cost for 4 weeks - US $747
• Cost for 5 weeks - US $842
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $952
• Cost for 7 weeks - US $1042
• Cost for 8 weeks - US $1127
• Cost for 9 weeks - US $1232
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $1322
• Cost for 11 weeks - US $1427
• Cost for 12 weeks - US $1512
• Cost for 16 weeks - US $1892
• Cost for 20 weeks - US $2282
• Cost for 24 weeks - US $2657

The prices for the San Cristobal program are:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $702
• Cost for 3 weeks - US $902
• Cost for 4 weeks - US $1097
• Cost for 5 weeks - US $1277
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1447
• Cost for 7 weeks - US $1622
• Cost for 8 weeks - US $1792
• Cost for 9 weeks - US $1972
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $2137
• Cost for 11 weeks - US $2317
• Cost for 12 weeks - US $2487

** For volunteers who attend both the San Cristobal reserve and a mainland reserve, there is a discount of USD$100.00 for one month and a discount of USD$50.00 for two weeks.

*** These prices are based on volunteers attending one reserve - if volunteers attend multiple reserves, the fee for the first month in each new reserve will be US $455.00 (except for San Cristobal).

The in-country fee covers 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins which are shared with other volunteers and researchers. Please be aware that what you pay to stay at the station is not only for your room and board, but also goes towards the salaries of the forest guards, purchase of land, and to pay land tax.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, visa, shots, accommodation in Quito for two or three nights before you start the program, travel/health insurance, and corresponding airport departure taxes. Also you will need a weekly budget of up to US$20 to cater for all your other expenses like personal items, beverages and entertainment.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Ecuador Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Ecuador program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Online Spanish Lessons

Global Volunteer Network has established a partnership with the Spanish school Instituto Exclusivo, which offers GVN volunteers a 5% discount off their online Spanish lessons. This is not like other courses which give you pages of web material or recordings of various phrases to repeat. You will speak to, and see your instructor as he/she is giving you a private lesson, tailored to your level of Spanish.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently overseas, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Media

Click here to watch a video about the Ecuador program.

Read articles written about our volunteers in Ecuador.
Click here and here.

Book Resources

We have a selection of books available that you may find useful if you decide to volunteer in Ecuador.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here