Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

Volunteer programs in Ecuador often take travellers to distant towns and villages. Volunteers get to witness the magnificent Amazon rainforest and spot beautiful animals and birds that call it home. Visitors can also walk away from the forests to witness the serene beauty of the Ecuadorian highlands. For those who are seeking exciting volunteer projects abroad, the city of Porto Viejo offers several wildlife conservation programs that involve taking care of rescued wild animals. Volunteers can also visit the highland town of Quito located at the base of the Andes to join several environmental and educational projects.

Ecuador is one of those rare countries that can be visited all year round. Different regions of the country have different climatic patterns but nothing too drastic that would warrant rescheduling a travel date. From January to May, the country experiences sporadic afternoon showers as the temperature remains cool. The period between June and September is a great time for hiking and bird watching as the Ecuadorian sky remains bright blue and the weather stays dry and warm. The high season starts from October and ends in December. The weather remains pleasant at this time but tourist spots can be a tad crowded.

Foreign citizens who want to work abroad in Ecuador need to apply for a temporary resident volunteer visa. To apply, volunteers need to submit a visa application form, a copy of their valid passport, a criminal record check from their country of origin as well as the nonprofit's registration documents. Ecuadorian people predominantly speak Spanish. However, people in hospitability and tourism sectors can usually communicate in English. Ecuador is generally considered a cheap destination with a lunch meal costing around $3.86 in the city.