18-Day Ecuador & the Galapagos Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Course Description: 18-Day Ecuador & the Galapagos Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Ecuador & Galapagos Volunteer Program for Teens �*

Discover the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Ecuador on this immersive teen volunteer program. You’ll support local communities in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest, then head to the Galapagos Islands to learn about conservation while exploring one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. This service-learning experience for high school students includes guided reflection on the impact of your work, while promoting empathy, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness. Outside of service hours, you’ll explore a UNESCO World Heritage capital, stand on the Equator, raft Andean rivers, and snorkel alongside sea lions, rays, and marine iguanas.

Please note: A limited number of participants depart on Day 12, while 18-day participants continue on to the Galapagos Islands.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Work on a sustainable community project with MEDLIFE.

• Snorkel in the Galapagos Islands and sunbathe near marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay.

• Learn about daily life in the Amazon Rainforest from the Quechua community.

• Whitewater raft the Pastaza River.

• Stand on the Equator at La Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World).

• Help reforest the natural habitat of the giant tortoise.

• Visit Otavalo Market, one of Latin America’s largest indigenous markets.

• Learn about the Quechua people en route to hiking near Cotopaxi, “The Neck of the Moon.”

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Service Projects �*

MEDLIFE Development Project – Quito

Work alongside local community members on a sustainable development project, while learning about the root causes of the challenges they face. Projects may include improving local infrastructure, supporting educational spaces, or other community-identified needs.

About MEDLIFE

MEDLIFE (founded in 2004) supports underserved communities in Latin America and Africa by providing access to medicine, education, and community development initiatives.

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Quechua Community Development – Amazon Rainforest

From a jungle lodge along the Napo River, partner with the Quechua community on a local development project, such as maintaining nature trails. Learn directly from indigenous hosts about life in the Amazon, traditional practices, and the challenges of preserving the rainforest.

About the Quechua Community

The Quechua people live in the Andean Highlands and other regions of South America. They speak Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca Empire, and maintain many of their cultural traditions today.

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Activities �*

Quito, Ecuador

Begin your journey in Ecuador’s capital, exploring its beautifully preserved Historic Center—the first city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit La Mitad del Mundo and experience standing with one foot in each hemisphere at zero latitude.

Otavalo Market

Visit Otavalo Market (Plaza de los Ponchos / Centenario Market), one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in Latin America. Browse textiles, crafts, and local goods while experiencing the rich culture and history of the region.

Amazon Rainforest

Take in the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle. Visit a wildlife rescue center to see toucans, parrots, monkeys, and jaguars, and spot additional wildlife during a float down the Napo River. Learn how to make the local beverage chicha and test your skills in a friendly blowgun target contest.

Baños, Ecuador

Travel into the Andes to the adventure town of Baños. Whitewater raft down the Pastaza River, hike to the powerful Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, and stroll along Ambato Street, choosing from a variety of restaurants and cafés.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Experience the majesty of Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Enjoy the lush forests and stunning vistas, and hike to a refuge area for unforgettable views of Cotopaxi National Park and its glacier-covered summit.

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Visit Santa Cruz, home of the Charles Darwin Research Center. Learn about the volcanic origins of the islands and the giant tortoise breeding program. Plant native trees as part of the reforestation project supporting giant tortoise habitat.

Hike to Tortuga Bay to enjoy white sand beaches and observe marine iguanas. Kayak in a mangrove-protected cove and snorkel among rays, sea stars, and other marine life. Explore natural lava tunnels and walk around the Twin Craters before another chance to snorkel the crystal-blue waters.

Bartolomé Island, Galapagos

Cruise past seabirds to Bartolomé Island, then hike a moon-like trail to the summit for sweeping views of volcanic landscapes, orange sands, black lava rock, and teal waters. Spot blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and herons along the way.

Snorkel in Sullivan Bay, where you may see reef fish, sea lions, starfish, and with luck, even Galapagos penguins.

Floreana Island, Galapagos

Cruise to Floreana Island, the first populated island in the Galapagos. Visit the highlands and explore old caves once used as pirate hideouts in the 17th century. At the pier, keep an eye out for playful sea lions, green sea turtles, and penguins.

Snorkel in the bay between the islets of Champion and Enderby, one of the most exquisite marine areas in the archipelago, where you’ll look for marine turtles, tropical fish, and starfish.

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Accommodations �*

Quito – Hotel Embassy

Located in the lively Mariscal District near museums, theatres, and the historic center. Rooms include Wi-Fi, phone, and a safe.

Amazon Jungle – Liana Lodge

Accessible only by boat, this lodge sits on the shores of the River Arajuno and is part of the “Selva Viva” rainforest project, with its own protected forest and animal rescue center. Rooms have private bathrooms and windows with mosquito mesh, and hammocks are available for relaxing.

Baños – Monte Selva Lodge

Comfortable rooms with TVs and Wi-Fi, plus on-site basketball and volleyball courts and a pool.

Santa Cruz, Galapagos – Villa Laguna

A three-story hotel facing a freshwater pool, with clean, comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, and outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing in the island breeze.

Quito (Final Stay) – Hotel Embassy

Return to the same well-located property in the Mariscal District for your last nights in Ecuador.

Accommodations are a mix of basic hotels and lodges, selected for safety, comfort, and suitability for student groups.

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What It’s Like �*

This program combines meaningful service projects, true cultural immersion, and exciting adventure. Days are active and varied, with a balance of hands-on volunteering, guided learning, and time to explore local markets, towns, and natural wonders as a close-knit group.

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Key Details �*

Accommodations:

Basic hotels and lodges.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Activities:

All listed recreation, excursions, and service activities.

Transportation:

Air-conditioned, professionally driven vehicles (from motor coaches to passenger vans), plus boats and local transfers as needed.

Flights:

Chaperoned group flights are offered for international travel (see Program Specifics).

Internal Flights & Extra Fees:

An additional $595 USD internal flight fee covers flights between the Galapagos Islands and Quito.

Group Size:

Up to 24 participants.

Dietary Options:

Most dietary preferences and allergies can be accommodated (including vegetarian, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher-style).

Service Hours:

Includes 25 hours of community service. A letter of completion summarizing service hours and projects is provided after the program.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to Quito, Ecuador:

A chaperoned group flight is offered from South Florida. Depending on enrollment, an additional chaperoned option may be available from the New York area. Final routes are confirmed in the spring. Participants from other locations may connect into these gateways to join the group.

Internal Flights:

A separate $595 USD fee covers internal flights between the Galapagos and Quito.

Return Flight From Quito, Ecuador:

A chaperoned return flight is offered back to South Florida (and potentially onward to New York, depending on group composition). Participants from outside these areas may connect to the chaperoned flight after the group clears customs and immigration.

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Where We Stay

Accommodations are chosen to be clean, comfortable, and suited to student needs. Volunteer programs do not use luxury resorts or homestays; this helps maintain group cohesion and ensures a consistent environment that supports both service work and healthy rest.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Meals play an important role in the experience. In Ecuador, expect a mix of “typical food” such as chicken, beef, potatoes, ceviche, and local specialties, along with familiar North American-style options. Teens are encouraged to try new dishes while also having access to foods they recognize.

Special dietary needs—including vegetarian, allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher-style—can be accommodated, with prior discussion.

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Drinking Water / Vaccinations / Altitude / Laundry �*

Drinking Water:

Large containers of clean drinking water are provided so participants can refill their reusable bottles throughout the program.

Vaccinations:

Travelers should follow CDC recommendations and consult their physician about immunizations and medications for Ecuador. Updated guidance is provided in March or upon enrollment.

Altitude Adjustment:

The itinerary includes high-altitude locations such as Quito (approx. 9,350 ft) and Cotopaxi Lookout (up to approx. 15,700 ft). All travelers—even those in excellent shape—may feel symptoms of lower oxygen levels at first (increased breathing, elevated heart rate, mild fatigue). The schedule is designed to allow time to acclimate before strenuous activity. Students with circulatory or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor, who may recommend specific precautions or medication for altitude.

Laundry:

Plan for about one week’s worth of clothing. You will have the opportunity to drop off laundry at local wash-and-fold services and pick it up clean, folded, and ready to go.

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What’s Included / Not Included ✅

Included:

• All lodging

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• All scheduled activities and recreation

• All service project materials

• Airport transfers during designated times

• Taxes and gratuities

Not Included:

• Transportation to and from the program (international flights)

• Internal flight fee

• Personal spending money (snacks, souvenirs, laundry)

• Optional travel insurance