Volunteer in Ecuador for a life-changing experience, both for you and for those you help! This exotic, adventurous and picturesque country is the perfect travel and volunteer destination. While Ecuador is the smallest country in the jagged Andean highlands, it has endless tourist attractions including the largest indigenous market (Otavalo), the world's highest active volcano, the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi and the famous Galápagos Islands. Volunteers can go hiking through some of the lushest and astounding hillsides, visit the Amazon, stand on the equator and immerse themselves in a unique South American culture. Rustic Volunteer's programs in Ecuador provide participants with life-changing opportunities as they support development projects and explore the diverse country overflowing with affectionate, welcoming inhabitants and some of the most spectacular wonders in the world. Rustic Volunteer's Ecuador projects are located in Ecuador's capital city, Quito and volunteers can choose from working in an orphanage, school, children's project or hospital/clinic. Regardless of the project you choose, Rustic Volunteer assures that you will have a memorable, exciting and worthwhile experience.
To begin an Ecuadorian adventure, all you have to do is email us for more information. You will not regret your decision to volunteer in Ecuador!
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Fees and Dates
Start Dates:
All volunteer programs start on the first and second Monday of each month.
If you are tired of expensive volunteer programs but want to make a positive contribution in the world, look no further! Rustic is dedicated to offering high quality, well-organized and meaningful programs at the most affordable price in the United States. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible, focusing on the effectiveness of our projects, the safety of our volunteers and the quality of participant experiences. We currently offer the most competitive price possible in today's market including an application fee (of $299) AND a small weekly fee as follows:
| Weeks |
Quito |
Galapagos |
| 1 Week |
$266 |
$573 |
| 2 Weeks |
$427 |
$816 |
| 3 Weeks |
$588 |
$1,059 |
| 4 Weeks |
$749 |
$1,296 |
| 5 Weeks |
$910 |
$1,514 |
| 6 Weeks |
$1,071 |
$1,721 |
| 7 Weeks |
$1,232 |
$1,933 |
| 8 Weeks |
$1,393 |
$2,140 |
| 9 Weeks |
$1,554 |
$2,359 |
| 10 Weeks |
$1,715 |
$2,559 |
| 11 Weeks |
$1,876 |
$2,778 |
| 12 Weeks |
$2,037 |
$2,984 |
Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
Program Fees Cover
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- Airport Pick up/Transfer
- Program Orientation
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude
- Visas
- Airfare
- Airfare Galapagos
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
- Food (if you are volunteering on the Galapagos Islands); Please allot $60-$70 a week to cover the cost of your meals)
The volunteering programs in Ecuador fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
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Volunteer Programs in Ecuador
Orphanage Project
Volunteer in an orphanage in Ecuador to truly make a difference in the lives of destitute children. There are numerous orphans all around Ecuador, especially in major cities such as Quito. Growing poverty, lacking education and limited governmental resources further exacerbate the problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. Rustic Volunteer and Travel urgently needs volunteers who are willing to share their time, effort, personal skills and most importantly, love for the good and betterment of these children. Volunteers/travelers work in numerous “buddy roles” in attempt to care for these disadvantaged children who may turn to the streets or less desirable options which are counter-productive to their education and a brighter future. As a volunteer working in an orphanage in Ecuador, you will have the chance work with children and explore Ecuador and all it has to offer.
Project/Volunteer's Life
As a volunteer/traveler in Ecuador working in an orphanage, responsibilities will vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the orphanage, but may include:
- Teaching English
- Teaching other subjects such as math, science, health, etc.
- Helping home-schooled children in the orphanage
- Assisting/educating children in areas of personal hygiene (i.e. brushing, flossing their teeth)
- In the afternoons/evenings, organizing activities, games, sing-a-longs and dances as well as other creativity-based activities to teach the children
- Helping children with homework
- Observing academic progress
- Playing with children
- Helping orphanage staff with administrative tasks
- Cleaning and helping children with daily chores
- Helping to maintain orphanage garden
- Providing general friendship to children
- Cooking and helping local staff during meal times
Skills and Qualification
There are no specific qualifications needed for this particular program. However, volunteers interested in participating in this program should have a passion for educating masses and addressing fears and the numerous misconceptions of HIV/AIDS. Participants should also have a passion for caring for others and a willingness to share their time, energy and compassion with these in-need Ugandans.
Teaching in Rural Schools
Volunteer teaching English in Ecuador and open doors for your students! With such a high demand for English education in Ecuador, a proper English education produces numerous opportunities for Ecuadorians. In partnership with various local schools, Rustic Volunteer strives to provide an English education (primarily conversational English) to local schools. English-teaching projects in Ecuador are located in the Quito area in both rural and urban communities. As an English-teaching volunteer in Ecuador, you can immerse yourself into Ecuadorian culture, explore the country and at the same time, enhance personal and professional opportunities for your students.
Ecuador has school break in July and August. Other projects that are open for volunteers during this time are rehabilitation program and day care center.
Project/Volunteer's Life
Volunteers in Ecuador's English-teaching projects will either be teaching or assisting in classes at various educational levels such as kindergarten, elementary or high school. As a volunteer teaching English in Ecuador, you may carry out a variety of activities depending your skills and interests and the needs of the local schools. Daily activities may include:
- Teaching basic English to the children
- Planning creative methods of teaching for your lessons (games, quizzes, competitions, songs, etc.)
- Assisting the main English teacher with lessons and activities
- Teaching other subjects such as math or science
- Playing with the children
- Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
- Teaching life skills such as painting, sewing, cooking, etc
- Promoting nutrition and health
- Helping to fundraise for schools
- Working with local teachers on curriculum development
- Assisting school administrations with daily tasks
- Helping with basic maintenance of schools
- Aiding local school staff in any way possible
Evenings and weekends are free for volunteers to experience the immense culture and natural beauty of Ecuador.
Skills and Qualification
Although no formal teaching experience or qualifications are required, volunteers should have an enthusiastic interest in teaching English and be a notable role model for children. Volunteers should be eager to teach and care for these children. Working with children requires patience and flexibility. Volunteers should have a basic understanding of the Spanish language in order to effectively work within these school-based projects. In you have poor Spanish skills, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Program to make your time more beneficial both for you and those you help.
Street Children Project
In the last two decades, the population of Ecuador has doubled—creating a growing population of abandoned children. Growing poverty, disease, poor education and limited governmental resources have increased the number of street children and orphans in Ecuador. Rustic Volunteer collaborates with numerous organizations within rural and urban communities to provide much needed assistance to the growing number of at-risk children throughout Ecuador. Volunteers can assist in reintegrating these children into society, ensuring that they become productive members of their communities. This program is the perfect place for volunteers looking for opportunities to share their love, passion and skills with children who urgently need it the most. Volunteer in Ecuador working with street children now and help to provide the necessities that these children need and deserve.
Project/Volunteer's Life
As a volunteer in Ecuador working with at-risk and street children, there are a wide variety of activities and responsibilities to participate in. Projects will depend on individual skills and interests as well as the needs of the local children projects. Daily tasks may include:
- Teaching basic English to the children
- Playing with the children
- Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
- Keeping children company and provide friendship
- Teaching life skills such as painting, sewing, cooking, etc
- Helping with basic care for the children
- Promoting healthy eating and nutrition with the children
- Helping children with personal hygiene
- Helping to fundraise
- Work with local organizations
- Help project staff with administrative tasks
Skills and Qualification
No specific qualifications are needed to join the street children or disadvantage children project in Ecuador. Working with children requires patience and flexibility. Volunteers should have a basic understanding of the Spanish language in order to effectively work in this project. In you have poor Spanish skills, we recommend enrolling in our Spanish Language Program to make your time more beneficial both for you and those you help.
Conservation project
Do you want to work to make a place that is desperately in need of assistance as the area is highly endangered? Do you have a love for the environment? Would you like to work with a group that tries to ensure the protection of this environment with each passing day? If you answered yes to all of these questions, this project is just for you!
Los Cedros Biological Reserve consists of 17,000 acres of wet tropical and cloud forest. Of this, 2,650 acres is formerly colonized land with the rest of it primary forest. Founded in 1988 it has been able to sustain itself through the generous help of individual and organization donors.
It is estimated that there are around 240 species of birds in the reserve; tanagers, hawks, eagles, parrots, owls, and toucans are only some that you will find. Over a dozen species hummingbirds whizz around throughout the forest, some only an inch long. Not only that, but the Toucan Barbett, the stunning Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and the colorful Golden Headed Quetzal make their home here as well. There are also over 900 species of nocturnal moths with amazing wing patterns and colors. Thousands of butterflies, ants, beetles, spiders, and bees can also be seen whizzing and walking around Los Cedros. The largest cockroach in the world lives here as well as several species of snakes, lizards, and frogs. Five different species of feline friends territorially roam around here in the reserve as well as many other mammals including the nine-banded armadillo, kinkajou, brocket deer, red-tailed squirrel among many others.
Project/Volunteer's Life
Duties at the Los Cedros Biological Reserve vary depending on the day. Typical day-to-day tasks include:
- Trail maintenance and development
- Checking the integrity of the reserve's borders
- Assisting with research project work, when active
- Developing new projects (for the self-motivated)
- Maintaining of the facilities
- Feeding the chickens, cultivating the vegetable patches, picking oranges and cutting down bananas
- Purchasing and transporting additional food and other supplies to the reserve from Quito
The length of the day depends on the specific activities for that day. The volunteer experience is both hardworking and relaxing. Volunteers can count on breaking a sweat with hunger and thirst a common theme, but will also have plenty of time to relax.
Skills and Qualification
No skills or qualifications are needed to volunteer in this project. We just ask that you have a passion for helping protect the environment and are willing to devote your time and energy to the tasks assigned to you.
Galapagos Conservation Project
Travel to world famous Galapagos Island and work in a conservation project that is trying to save indigenous plant and marine life while also promoting sustainable agriculture and reforestation.
Alien plants and animals in the Galapagos Archipelago represent the single biggest threat to the ecosystems of Galapagos. Since the discovery of island, humans have brought many alien species to the islands, some intentionally like goats, pigs, vegetables and fruits, and other unintentionally like rodents, insects and weedy plants. The island still retains 95% native species but the islands isolation makes the native plants and animals extremely vulnerable to new arrivals as they change the biological diversity and compete for light, water and nutrition, often winning the battle. The conservation project is using reforestation, scientific research and sustainable agriculture practices to tackle this problem. As a volunteer, you will learn a great deal about the conservation effort and participate in the project fully. During your stay, will also have time to tour the island and enjoy the unique plant, animal and marine life the island contains.
Project/Volunteer's Life
The activities of the volunteers in the conservation project will vary from day to day and season to season. But there is always a lot of work to be done. Your work can include:
- Reforestation work – planting endemic species and clearing non-indigenous species, collecting seeds, working in a nursery and helping the reserve
- Visiting areas and monitoring growth of plants
- Work in trail maintenance, sign elaboration for trails, basic construction activities and help with supply of clean water
- Help maintain and secure food production with organic agricultural activities
- Various other odd jobs that always crop up
- Enjoying the company of the many giant tortoises, iguanas, lizards, birds and farm animals strolling around!
The length of the day depends on the specific activities for that day. The volunteer experience is both hardworking and relaxing. Volunteers can count on breaking a sweat with hunger and thirst a common theme, but will also have plenty of time to relax.
Skills and Qualification
No skills or qualifications are needed to volunteer in this project. We just ask that you have a passion for helping protect the environment and you must be willing to devote your time and energy to the tasks assigned to you. Volunteers must also be prepared for the remoteness of the island. The facilities will be basic but comfortable. There will be no internet connection but volunteers can travel to a nearby town to go online.
Skills and Qualification
Volunteers will stay inside the reserve in a house constructed with bamboo and cement. There are two houses that accommodation volunteers as well as visiting conservationists, research scientists and other groups. There are 11 rooms and a total of 35 volunteers can be accommodated. Kitchen and dining room are located in a separate house. Volunteers will be served 3 local meals during the stay.
Meals/Accommodations
Rustic Volunteer and Travel arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field support for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In Ecuador, volunteers generally stay with host families and accommodations are simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms are shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. A host family stay is a great chance for cultural immersion and exchange. Orphanage volunteers may stay at their project as many orphanages have special rooms set aside for international volunteers and these accommodations are normally shared with a same-gender volunteer.
Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in a volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.
Rustic offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. Once in Ecuador, there are many layers of support for you. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.
Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.
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Project Locations:
Rustic Volunteer projects in Ecuador are available in Quito (officially San Francisco de Quito, the capital city of Ecuador in northwestern South America). Ecuador straddles the equator, from which it takes its name and is renowned for being one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world with 1600 bird species and 25,000 species of plants. Most of its cities offer most of the amenities you would expect from any city. Volunteers can organize different possible excursions during and after the project to visit places of interest. There is a tourist infrastructure already in place volunteers can take advantage of during weekends. For example: architecture, museums, city tours, fishing, rock climbing, festivals, restaurants, art, music, hotels, and much more.
Major FAQs - Ecuador
- Application Process
Please read Rustic Volunteer's 5-step application
- There are two options for applying to volunteer in Brazil through our program. You can apply online or you can download an application, fill it out and mail it in to us. You will need to submit your application with a $200 application fee. This fee is required to make an application valid.
- Once we get your application, we will immediately send it to Brazil for processing. They go over your application carefully and find the best project possible for you. The decisions for room and food are made at this time. Arrangement for room and food depends on the location of the project. The vast majority of our volunteers stay in full immersion home stays, though some orphanage projects are residential.
- Once we get the details of your placements, we pass it on to you with a final invoice. Your final payment is due six weeks before your start date and in expedited cases, as soon as possible. The placement details have local contact information to use for contacts on your visa application or to get in touch with the local staff and host family.
- Preparation for trips should include reading about Brazil, immunization, travel visa (entry permit) and booking airfare. If you face any problems, our Program Manager is always available for assistance.
- Once you purchase your ticket, send your flight information to our US office by fax or by email. Your flight information will be forwarded to the Brazil staff who will arrange an airport pickup.
- Arrival Information
Arrival Point:
Quito International Airport
Airport Pick-up:
Upon receipt of your flight information, our in-country coordinator or other project staff will greet the volunteers in the airport and take you to your project site. The address and telephone number of the local contact hotel will be given before departure just in case volunteers miss our representative in the airport. Please make sure to e-mail your flight information to both the USA office and the local in-country coordinator's office.
Departure Point:
Quito International Airport
Airport Drop:
Rarely, a few do request an escort back to the airport; this is an extra expense of about $75. Most are very familiar and comfortable with their stay and have great ease taking their own taxi or bus back to the airport.
Internal Transportation:
Rustic Volunteer Travel manages one-way transportation to project. Volunteers will be responsible for their own personal and return travel. We do not cover daily transportation from host family/hotel to the project. Volunteers will be responsible for their personal and return travel. Our program is designed to save you the volunteer as much as possible.
Start Dates:
1st and 3rd Monday of each month
Arrival Before Start Date:
Rustic Volunteers/Travelers coming to Ecuador are advised to arrive one day before their program start date. If you arrive more than one day early or stay after the program, you will be responsible for your room and food expenses.
Working Hours:
30- 40 hours per week
- Visa
Rustic strongly suggest that all volunteers apply for a tourist visa in a timely manner before departing for Ecuador. Please call our office or contact the local Ecuador embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees, and visa extensions. Getting your tourist visa is your responsibility.
- Health & Safety
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
General Health Tips for volunteer in Ecuador
- Publicly available water is not considered safe to drink in most of Ecuador. When traveling to the beaches or very rural areas, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Tap water should not be considered safe at the beaches nor fountain drinks and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an "absolute 1 micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. "Absolute 1 micron filters" are found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
- Buy bottled water from respectable outlets/vendors to guard against an upset stomach. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is intact as it is not uncommon for local street merchants to sell tap water in resealed bottles.
- The most common health complaint in any developing nation is upset stomach/diarrhea/vomiting. In many cases, the illness may be attributed merely to a change in diet, but occasional cases of food poisoning can occur, whereby the symptoms occur very quickly, severely and explosively. These are seldom serious or extended illnesses, but medical treatment should be sought if it occurs.
- Avoid eating food from road side stalls/vendors. Don't eat unpeeled fruits or fruits that have already been cut by unknown handlers on the street. If you are forced to eat food at a place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is served hot.
- If you require any prescription drugs, bring enough for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. They will need to be carried in their original prescription bottle and the prescription must be in your name.
- It is advisable that you carry a small health kit which should include a remedy for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, hydration powder, mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.
- Vaccination
We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov.) Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to South America including Ecuador . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of Hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
- Hepatitis B; especially if you might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series of vaccines as infants.
- Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa , including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription anti-malarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to East Africa .
- Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June, .
- Rabies , pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
- Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
- As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
- Precaution again Malaria
Required Vaccinations
The best prevention of mosquito born diseases is long-sleeves and pants (especially in the early evening) in addition to using insect repellants. This area of Ecuador has no malaria, but there are other mosquito-carried/transmitted diseases, such as dengue, that are just as bad and there is no vaccine, just prevention through clothing and repellent.
Money Matter :
What is the exchange rate? Where should I change my dollars? Can I use a debit card or credit card? Should I bring travelers checks?
Dollars do not need to be exchanged, as Ecuador uses the US dollar. Many businesses accept dollars at the current exchange rate. ATM machines are available in various regions throughout Ecuador, especially in Quito and the airport.
Do not arrive in Ecuador without any cash as ATM machines can be down or fail to accept your card. It is wise to check with your bank ahead of time to confirm that your card will work overseas. Debit cards and credit cards are becoming more acceptable at major stores; however, they are still not accepted as widely as in your home country. Credit card fraud is a big issue in Ecuador. Do not use your cards at any smaller or non-reputable locations. Travelers' checks will have to be exchanged in the banks as most locations will not accept them directly. Debit cards are the best way of getting money and ATM vendors are available in Quito. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some of the large stores and hotels in larger cities but may not be widely accepted in smaller cities and not at all in the villages.
How much money you bring depends on your personal spending habits. Thrifty people can get by on less than $10/day. Your budget should also include money to explore Ecuador in your free time as well as for your personal use.
Field Support and supervision:
How does Rustic Volunteer help me when I am in the field? How can I maintain communication? Does Rustic Volunteer visit volunteers?
Once the volunteer program starts, our local staff stays in touch with volunteers. We visit our volunteers every 2-4 weeks (if possible) and you are always welcome at the office. Your project will have local staff as well, though not our own. The local teachers, doctors, nurses and administrators on your project will be there for you throughout. If your project is very far, then our local staff maintains communication by email and phone.
- Money Matter
- Communication
How do I communicate with my family? Rustic Volunteer staffs? Is there internet?
There are a number of internet cafes located in some of the major cities such as Quito and usually run around $1/hour. There are also international phone cards available to make international calls. Also, please use local phone cards for local calls as every minute of local or international use is billed to the families. If you need to contact the local Rustic Volunteer staff members, the families will generally allow you to use the phone for short periods
- Climate
Ecuador is tropical on its Pacific coast, temperate in the Andes highlands, and shares the jungle climate of the upper Amazon rain forest in the city El Oriente - located on the eastern side of the mountains.
- Materials to Bring
Most items of daily use are available in Ecuador at a reasonably cheap price. However, we suggest volunteers pack the following items:
- Camera
- Mobile phone (you can use your mobile phone after changing the sim card). NOTE: only bring cell phones that have multi-national coverage. You cannot switch to a new card here on the local phone system without being a resident and having a receipt for your phone on you.
- Sleeping bag
- Mosquito repellents
- Insect repellents
- Sun-block
- Some books about Ecuador
- Map of Ecuador
- Toiletries
- First aid kit
- Flash light
- Electricity adapter/converter (electricity is on the same system as in the United States )
- Sunglasses
- Shoes/boots (for work and travel)
- Towel
- Hot weather clothing but not overly-skimpy (conservative clothing)
- Jeans or pants or skirts
- Swimsuit
- Long-sleeve shirt and jacket for cooler areas
- Raingear (especially during the rainy season)
- Gift for Host Family and Project:
What gifts should I bring for my project and/or host family?
It is a common courtesy to bring a small gift for the staff that will be hosting you. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring something it can be pretty simple. We suggest a box of chocolates, a t-shirt with a hometown/country logo, or pictures of your family and local post cards.
If you want to bring gifts for your project and if you are working for an orphanage or a school, please bring pencils, pens and paper, art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, as well as games for the children to enjoy. Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring enough for a number of children
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