Ecuador Action Project

  • Minimum Age

    18

  • Project Dates

    July-August

  • Duration

    6 Weeks

At Lattitude we believe that young people working together in a culture different from their own can create lasting change in a local community and within themselves.

What is Ecuador Action Project?

  • An exciting group-based volunteer project
  • No specific skills or qualifications needed, just the motivation to make a difference (while Spanish language is not required, a basic level would be useful)
  • Assisting on a project in an developing self-sufficient community
  • Contributing to positive change by helping local people to overcome environmental challenges
  • A once in a lifetime opportunity
  • Additional opportunity to learn about and experience different aspects of community development through Lattitude’s network of partners in the locality, with the chance to get involved in existing projects such as jam and cheese farms, and a sustainable restaurant
  • Experiencing a new culture by living and working alongside a local community

Relax in Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that has it all. From Andean peaks, Amazon Rainforest, indigenous markets, colonial towns, beaches and a chain of volcanic islands full of fascinating wildlife it really does have something for everyone. The colonial Spanish influences are evident throughout the country, particularly in the stunning cities of Quito and Cuenca, but once you step out of the cities and into the villages you will get to experience the Native American cultures that still flourish in the Amazon basin. Volunteers get hands-on experience working alongside locals, carrying out tasks that include building, cutting and maintaining trails, replanting and cataloguing species and educating people about the environment.

Conservation Project in Yunguilla

This is a unique opportunity to work in the Andean cloud forest. Yunguilla is a community of about 60 families which have been united to form an association to preserve their environment, promote eco-tourism and produce local products. Yunguilla is situated about an hour and a half away from Quito. Yunguilla is part of an umbrella organisation called the Allianz Jatun Sanchez. It is an ecotourism centre with a rich biodiversity and has a spectacular series of pre Inca trails. Yunguilla is a cloud forest co-operative. They are attempting sustainability and all the food is organic. The community also make ceramics and have a village shop where they sell their organic products like cheese, jam and recycled papers. Learning English is essential for their economic survival.

What to Expect?

Need to Know

  • This is a supported group volunteering project, with a team leader and project staff
  • Pre-departure briefing – all volunteers will attend a compulsory group briefing prior to departure
  • On arrival in Ecuador, teams will take part in a group orientation with training workshops in their new community
  • There will be a project debrief at the end of the 6 weeks
  • Spanish language is not necessary -if your Spanish is a little rusty, there is an option to take a one/two weeks language course in Quito.

Accommodation

Volunteers will live with a host family providing a unique opportunity to live with local people. Ecuadorian society is far more traditional than western society and your hosts will expect you to live as a family member and spend time with them, whilst welcoming you with open arms. Your host family will also provide you with food which is another great opportunity to become immersed in the South American culture.

Free Time and Travel

Free time and travel

Ecuador is far from being the largest country in Latin America but it is arguably the most biologically and geographically diverse. A combination of cheap transport and relatively short travelling distances make Ecuador the perfect country to explore, inch by inch over various weekends.

Discover Ecuador through volunteering this summer

Not far from Quito, you are perfectly located for discovering a whole variety of cultural gems. Discover the life and colour of the Otavalo market, nestled between the volcano peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda or relax in the lush greenery of Mindo’s cloud forest. Quito, the world’s highest capital, is a traveller’s delight in itself. Ride the city’s iconic trolleybuses to the Mitad del Mundo (centre of the world) or scale the top of El Panecillo in a yellow taxi for some stunning 360° views of the capital.

Aside from travel, the open and friendly disposition of Ecuadorian hosts often mean that volunteers are kept busy with family events and gatherings. Past Lattitude Global Volunteering volunteers have formed close friendships with hosts and colleagues and have grown fond of dancing salsa late into the night with their new “siblings”.

Dates & Costs

Dates

July-August 2019

Costs

Lattitude Global Volunteering fee: £1,300

What’s included?

  • Matching process
  • Assigned Volunteer Coordinator to help with all your pre-departure information, advice and guidance
  • Links with returned volunteers
  • Relevant DBS/police check fees
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Airport pickup on arrival
  • In-country 2 day orientation
  • Designated Team Leader
  • Day to day support from your project staff
  • Accommodation and meals with a host family
  • 24/7 support from Lattitude, including in-country support from the Lattitude Country Manager
  • Focus on your personal volunteer learning and development
  • End of Project Evaluation
  • Returned Volunteer follow up in the UK
  • Opportunity to join the Lattitude Alumni
  • Certificate on completion of project
  • Employment reference provided

Other costs:

  • £30 application fee
  • International Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Inoculations (if applicable)
  • Pocket Money for free time activities

Fundraising

As a charity we always recommend our volunteers fundraise to help meet the costs involved in volunteering overseas. In many ways it is part of the whole experience. For more information and fundraising ideas please click here.

Planning your trip

Please sign up for this programme as soon as possible as we have a limited number of spaces.

If you have any questions about Ecuador Action Project, please contact our team on:

Volunteer in the Ecuador Action Project this summer

A magical cloud forest and magical community, it has been so rewarding and I cannot wait to go back!

Hannah

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