Volunteer in Ecuador

About Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and the country’s second largest city. Nestled amongst the snowy peaks of the Andes and situated between the Pichincha Volcano and the Machángara River Canyon, the city flaunts beautiful panoramas and breathtaking views in every direction. Ecuadorian history comes alive in Quito; the city is a wonderful mix of colonial and modern architecture, and its historical center has been distinguished as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito also does not lack for a fantastic cultural element. The city hosts a variety of museums, festivals, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and cafés for its lively and engaged population. Visitors to Quito are fortunate to have a variety of outdoor opportunities at their fingertips; from hiking in the Andes, to paragliding from a volcanic peak, to archaeological or bird-watching tours, the area has something for the cautious as well as the most adventuresome explorer.

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Ecuador program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 2 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Ecuador, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

*Please note there is an additional fee for Environmental and Wildlife Conservation projects. Contact World Endeavors for details.

• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
• Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
• Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Volunteers stay with host families, where they share space, build relationships, practice language, and learn about traditional culture, food, home rituals, and customs. Host families are welcoming and friendly, usually middle class, and are hand-picked by the World Endeavors team to ensure that placements provide a safe and positive environment for the volunteer. Housing accommodations are modest, safe, and clean, but may differ from Western norms in terms of space or amenities.