About Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador

World Endeavors’ Wildlife Conservation program in Ecuador pairs volunteers with local wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers. Ecuador is home to spectacularly diverse wildlife, but a growing human population and increased habitat loss put pressure on the country’s wildlife and natural environments. Volunteers help rehabilitate wounded or sick native species, such as parrots and macaws, and prepare to return them to the wild if possible. Volunteers may also find themselves assisting staff with the daily care of the animals and the grounds, or working with the public to provide information to center visitors and assist with community outreach. This project offers volunteers a unique opportunity to work directly with some magnificent local wildlife and to help protect Ecuador’s valuable biodiversity.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Ecuador

World Endeavors volunteers in Ecuador can expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer in Ecuador.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

8:00 am: Breakfast with your host family.  Breakfast in Ecuador often consists of fresh tropical fruit, toast or a small pastry, and a cup of locally grown coffee.

8:45 am: Travel by city bus to your volunteer placement.

9:00 pm – 12:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Light lunch at work.  Volunteers grab a quick bite to eat—fresh fruit from the market, pan de yuca, etc.

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Work at volunteer placement

3:30 pm: Ride the bus to Spanish class.

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Spanish class.

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: If you’re in Guayaquil, use your free time to explore the city, watch a professional soccer match, visit the Iguana Park, walk along the Malecón (Guayaquil’s riverside boardwalk) to see art exhibits, bands, or other performances. For volunteers based in Quito, use your free time to explore the city, stroll through the Old Town, take in the beautiful panoramas at Parque Itchimbía, or ride the Teleférico aerial tram up to the Cruz Loma viewpoint to take in the beautiful views and sip on coca tea to combat the site’s high altitude of 13,300 feet (4,053 m).

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner with friends at one of the city’s many affordable restaurants.  Dinners in Ecuador often include rice, beans, meat (chicken, beef, or seafood), and vegetables.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Relax at home, practice your Spanish with your host family, read a book, prepare for tomorrow’s volunteering, or plan a weekend excursion to go swimming, hiking, or kayaking along the coast, go backpacking in the Andes, take a tour through the mangroves in Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve, go bird-watching at the San Jorge Biological Reserve, take a hike through the cloud forests of Mindo and Bellavista, or explore ancient Incan ruins.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Ecuadorian culture.