Volunteer in Ecuador for an enriching experience at an affordable price

volunteers in EcuadorHave you always fantasized about venturing off into an unknown land and immersing yourself in a new culture, language, and way of life?

Do you also have a soft spot in your soul that is driving you to engage in some sort of humanitarian work in a place where help is greatly needed?

Global Crossroad offers a great selection of affordable volunteer abroad projects in Ecuador for various interests and budgets. Ecuador is a truly fascinating country in South America.

Between the monumental Andes Mountains, volcanoes, lush forests, pristine and empty beaches, ancient Incan ruins, and of course the world-famous Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is a country of vast and captivating wonders.

It is also a country filled with friendly people and a vibrant culture. While Ecuador has so much to offer a traveler, it is greatly lacking in resources, infrastructure, community funding, and support for the local people and native plants and animals.

There are multiple volunteer projects in Ecuador that are in constant need of compassionate volunteers like you.

Jessica Mills

It was all worth it. I treasured the intimate moments travelling and experiencing together

Jessica Mills

- USA

Roberta Quis

I was not ready to leave when my two months were up. It was an unforgettable experience.

Roberta Quis

- Australia

Kenneth Janes

This was an amazing trip. I was immersed in new experiences, cultures, languages and people.

Kenneth Janes

- Canada

Lindsay Scott

This experience was both exceptional and valuable. Project was extremely enlightening.

Lindsay Scott

- Germany

Please read more reviews of our volunteers' on gooverseas.com

What volunteer in Ecuador programs are available to me?

Global Crossroad has multiple volunteer opportunities in Ecuador for those interested in exploring this amazing country and helping the amazing people and nature there.

Volunteer in an Orphanage in Ecuador Summary

volunteers in Ecuador orphanageWhile Ecuador might be rich in culture and natural beauty, a large portion of the population lives in poverty.

Between the high poverty rates and a number of other unfortunate circumstances, thousands of children find themselves living on the streets and fending for themselves as orphans.

The volunteer in an orphanage project in Ecuador is working around the clock to help these abandoned street children. There is a constant need for orphanage volunteers in Ecuador to help care for, teach, and love these disadvantaged children.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

There are no specific skills or qualifications required in order to join the orphanage volunteer program in Ecuador. Basic Spanish skills are preferred and very helpful, but not required.

Global Crossroad offers a Spanish language course for those interested in learning or improving their Spanish communication skills while in Ecuador.

The ideal orphanage volunteer in Ecuador is someone who is kind, patient, compassionate, enthusiastic, and flexible, and who loves children.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer at an orphanage in Ecuador, you will help care for the children, which includes helping with meal times, daily routines, and personal hygiene. You will also help with creative activities, such as arts and craft and music.

You will play the role of caregiver, mentor, friend, and teacher to these wonderful and deserving children in Ecuador. Your dedication to them will make a world of a difference in their lives.

Volunteer Teaching English in Ecuador Summary

volunteers in Ecuador TeachingObtaining a proper English education in Ecuador is typically reserved for those who come from more affluent families. Private school and private English tutoring is too costly for the majority of Ecuadorians.

However, in order to rise out of poverty, the ability to communicate proficiently in English is often a requirement for higher level and higher paying job opportunities.

As a volunteer English teacher in Ecuador, you will be helping to give students who wouldn’t likely receive English lessons the chance to learn and thrive in their futures.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

There are no specific skills and qualifications required for those interested in volunteering teaching English in Ecuador. Beginner to intermediate level Spanish is very helpful, but not required.

Global Crossroad offers an opportunity to take a Spanish language course while in Ecuador if you are interested in improving your communication skills.

As a volunteer English teacher in Ecuador, you must be responsible, professional, flexible, and eager to teach students of all different ages and levels.

Volunteer Responsibilities

When you volunteer in Ecuador to teach English, you will work at a local school where you will assist as well as teach your own classes. You will teach English to various ages and levels of students.

If you have a specialty or interest in other subjects, such as mathematics, physical education, or art, you can also elect to help teach those classes.

You will be encouraged to bring a variety of teaching methods and engaging activities and games to the classroom. Classes will be held Monday through Friday.

Volunteer with the Conservation Project in Ecuador Summary

volunteers in Ecuador ConservationIf you love nature and love being outdoors, you must check out this extraordinary conservation volunteer opportunity in Ecuador.

You will work in the Los Cedros Biological Reserve, which is a 17,000-acre tropical cloud forest.

This majestic place is home to over 200 species of birds, thousands of butterflies, 900 nocturnal moths, 5 species of wild cats, and tons of other exquisite animals.

The park relies mainly on generous donations and volunteers to help protect and conserve the flora and fauna here.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

There are no specific skills or qualifications required in order to join this exciting conservation opportunity in Ecuador.

You should however love nature and the outdoors, be in relatively good shape, and be willing to lend a hand in a variety of projects and tasks.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a conservation volunteer in Ecuador, you will have different duties everyday depending on the specific needs of the project at the time.

Your jobs can include tasks like helping to maintain trails, checking the reserve’s boarders, assisting with research, developing new projects, maintaining the facilities, feeding the chickens, cultivating fruits and vegetables, and helping to transport supplies.

The work you put into this program will help make a significant difference in the future of this beautiful reserve and all whom reside there.

Galapagos Conservation Project in Ecuador Summary

volunteers in Ecuador GalapagosThe Galapagos Islands is one of the most magical places on the planet. It is here that Charles Darwin was inspired to write The Origin of Species.

It is also a place that has continued to inspire and fascinate visitors and researchers from around the world.

Unfortunately, the islands and its unique flora and fauna are under attack from increased human presence. As a Galapagos conservation volunteer in Ecuador, you will work to protect the local species on San Cristobal Island.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

There are no specific skills or qualifications needed in order to participate in the Galapagos conservation volunteer program in Ecuador. You should however love spending time outdoors and have a strong desire to help protect and conserve the environment.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the Galapagos in Ecuador, you will work Monday through Friday and a half day on Saturday. This will be a hands on and very active volunteer program.

You will help to maintain trails, promote environmental conservation within the local community, assist with organic agriculture production, and lend a hand in the plant nursery, among other important tasks.

Volunteer in Ecuador Program Fees and Dates

Global Crossroad has some of the most reputable and affordable volunteer programs in Ecuador for those interested in teaching English, helping orphans, or working in nature conservation projects.

What makes Global Crossroad really stand out from a financial perspective is that they are transparent about the allocation of your weekly program fees. They distribute the funds directly to your host family and your chosen volunteer program, which is where they are needed and deserved the most.

All volunteers are asked to pay a one-time registration fee of $299, which goes towards the basic expenses Global Crossroad incurs.

Your weekly program fee covers the cost of your meals, accommodations, in-country support, and a donation to your chosen volunteer program in Ecuador.

You are responsible for covering the cost of your flights, visas, comprehensive travel insurance, airport pick up and drop off, and if you decide to take Spanish lessons. Travel insurance through Global Crossroad is only $3.49 a day and Spanish lessons are only $70 a week.

Your airport transportation will cost around $45. Your weekly program fee does not cover any other personal expenses.  

Weeks Quito Galapagos
  1 Week   $316   $535
  2 Weeks   $477   $833
  3 Weeks   $638   $1,131
  4 Weeks   $799   $1,429
  5 Weeks   $960   $1,727
  6 Weeks   $1,121   $2,025
  7 Weeks   $1,282   $2,323
  8 Weeks   $1,443   $2,621
  9 Weeks   $,1604   $2,919
  10 Weeks   $1,765   $3,217
  11 Weeks   $1,926   $3,515
  12 Weeks   $2,087   $3,813

Arrangement of Room, Food, and Supervision

When you join any of Global Crossroad’s volunteering projects in Ecuador, you will reside in either a hostel, volunteer house, or with a host family. All accommodation options will be in a safe area and provide you with basic comforts and amenities.

You will likely share a room with another same-sex volunteer, but you will have your own personal space. Bathrooms, living areas, and the kitchen will be communal. If you end up staying with a host family, you can rest assure that they will have hosted international volunteers before.

Your weekly program fee includes three meals a day. Your meals will be locally sourced and inspired. This is a great way to experience local Ecuadorian cuisine. If you are staying with a host family, they will cook for you and you will dine as a family.

In the other two accommodation types, you will dine with the other volunteers in your group.

During your volunteer abroad project in Ecuador, you will always have the support of an in-country coordinator. You will always be able to get in touch with them should you have any problems or concerns.

Your in-country coordinator will also personally check in with you every 10 to 14 days to ensure your utmost happiness and satisfaction with your volunteer project in Ecuador, your accommodations, and your overall experience.