Ecuador is a nation steeped in ancient cultural tradition that has recently embraced modernization. These intermingling cultural aspects, along with the nation's natural environment make it a unique volunteer project site. It has a tropical climate along the coast's extraordinary beaches and in the jungle region, with cooler temperatures toward the interior highlands. Ecuador is multicultural environment with indigenous groups representing 25 percent of the population within 14 different ethnic groups. Many of these groups still observe ancient religions and their traditional languages. Rich in biodiversity, Ecuador contains parts of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, as well as the Galapagos Islands, all of which are teeming with a myriad of bird, butterfly, plant and mammal species.

In Ecuador, there are opportunities to hike, bike and mountain climb in every part of the country. Another popular site is Avenue of the Volcanoes-a valley between twin mountain ranges. Visitors can be transported back in time to the colonial town of Cuenca, in full colonial style with cobbled streets, ironwork balconies and red-tiled roofs and a cathedral. The capital of Quito is a modern city frequented by indigenous vendors in their traditional dress. From active volcanoes to snow-peaked mountains, the beautiful Ecuadorian landscape offers a multitude of possibilities.

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Why Does Ecuador Need Volunteers?

In Ecuador the vast majority of the wealth sits in the hands of a very few, with a tiny struggling middle class and more than half of the country's population exists at or below the poverty level. Ecuador's highly inequitable economic and social structure originates from the lack of strong, stable political institutions. Since achieving independence there have been more than ninety changes of power. On average, every two years a new civilian or military government takes control. Governmental institutions, without opportunity to mature, have been unable to address Ecuador's constantly re-emerging problems.

Wide-scale social change, economic growth and the stabilization of its political system can only be achieved if Ecuador considers and learns from its past. In the meantime the poorest people struggle to survive. In the last two decades the population of Ecuador has doubled with growing incidences of abandoned children and teenage mothers in the streets or hospitals. Most of these abandoned children are from poor indigenous families, people whose poverty, lack of education and limited governmental resources results in a continuing cycle of poverty with no hope for escape.

As a volunteer you can make an immediate difference in Ecuador. By teaching in an indigenous community, you will be providing much needed support with little access to other resources. Or volunteer with underprivileged children in Quito helping children overcome their socio-economic disadvantages. If you want to get out of the city, help raise awareness about environmental conversation at the Alto Choco Reserve, where you can be part of a community devoted to an eco-friendly future.

Ecuador holds incredible possibility, experience and help lie its foundations for future sustainability with Volunteer Visions today!

Volunteer Projects in Ecuador