12-Day Ecuador Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Course Description: 12-Day Ecuador Service & Adventure Volunteer Program for Teens

Ecuador Volunteer Program for Teens �*

Experience the heart of South America through meaningful service, rich culture, and epic landscapes. On this teen volunteer program in Ecuador, you’ll work alongside local partners on community projects in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest, all within a service-learning framework designed for high school students. Guided reflections help teens understand the impact of their work and build empathy and cultural awareness. Beyond volunteering, you’ll explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Equator, feel the mist of Andean waterfalls in Baños, and meet welcoming Ecuadorian communities who bring this journey to life.

This program is the first 12 days of the longer 18-day Ecuador & Galapagos Service & Adventure program.

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Program Highlights ✨

• Work on a sustainable community project with MEDLIFE.

• Admire the town of Baños from the Bellavista Viewpoint.

• Learn about daily life in the Amazon Rainforest.

• Whitewater raft the Pastaza River.

• Straddle the Equator at La Mitad del Mundo – Center of the World.

• Relax in the Papallacta Hot Springs.

• Visit Otavalo Market, one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America.

• Learn about the Quechua people on your way to hike near Cotopaxi, “The Neck of the Moon.”

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Service Projects �*

MEDLIFE Development Project – Quito

Support a community development project in partnership with MEDLIFE. Learn about the root causes of local challenges and work side by side with community members on sustainable solutions. Projects may include improvements to community spaces, basic infrastructure, or educational environments, always driven by local needs and priorities.

About MEDLIFE

Founded in 2004, MEDLIFE works in underserved communities in Latin America and Africa, helping to provide access to medicine, education, and other essential community resources.

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Quechua Community Development – Amazon Rainforest

From a jungle lodge along the Napo River, collaborate with the Quechua community on a local development project—such as maintaining nature trails or supporting environmental initiatives. While working, you’ll learn about life in the Amazon directly from indigenous hosts, gaining insight into their traditions, challenges, and deep relationship with the rainforest.

About the Quechua Community

The Quechua people live in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador and other South American regions. They speak Quechua, the ancient language of the Inca Empire, and maintain many cultural practices that connect them to their history and the land.

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Activities �*

Quito, Ecuador

Begin in Ecuador’s capital, exploring its beautifully preserved Historic Center—recognized as the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage City. Discover colonial plazas, churches, and narrow streets before heading to La Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World), where you’ll experience standing at zero latitude with one foot in each hemisphere.

Otavalo Market

Visit Otavalo Market, known locally as Plaza de los Ponchos and Centenario Market. As one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America, it’s a hub of Ecuadorian crafts, textiles, and culture, offering a vibrant glimpse into local traditions and daily life.

Amazon Rainforest

Travel into the Amazon to experience one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Visit a wildlife rescue center to see animals such as toucans, parrots, monkeys, and jaguars. Float along the Napo River while spotting additional wildlife, then learn to make the traditional drink chicha and try your hand at a friendly blowgun target-shooting contest with your hosts.

Baños, Ecuador

Head high into the Andes to the adventure town of Baños. Whitewater raft the Pastaza River, hike to the remarkable Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views from the Bellavista Viewpoint. Stroll Ambato Street and choose from a variety of international restaurants.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Be inspired by Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Surrounded by lush forests and capped with a glacier, it’s a dramatic symbol of the Andes. Hike to a refuge area for unforgettable views of Cotopaxi National Park while learning about the region’s geography and ecosystems.

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Accommodations �*

Quito – Hotel Embassy

Located in the lively Mariscal District, close to museums, theatres, the historic city center, and key attractions. Rooms include Wi-Fi, a phone, and a safe.

Amazon Jungle – Liana Lodge

Accessible only by boat on the River Arajuno, this lodge is surrounded by rainforest and forms part of the “Selva Viva” project, with its own protected forest and an animal rescue center. Rooms feature private bathrooms and windows with mosquito mesh, and hammocks offer a relaxing spot to enjoy the tropical surroundings.

Baños – Monte Selva Lodge

Comfortable rooms with TVs and Wi-Fi, plus on-site basketball and volleyball courts and a swimming pool, providing a fun and relaxing base in the Andes.

Accommodations are basic hotels and lodges chosen for their safety, comfort, and suitability for student groups.

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What It’s Like �*

This program offers a thoughtful balance of meaningful service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure. Teens should be prepared for high-altitude environments, simple but comfortable lodging in the Amazon, and a small-group setting that encourages bonding, learning, and stepping outside of their comfort zone.

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Key Details �*

Accommodations:

Basic hotels and lodges in Quito, the Amazon, and Baños.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Activities:

All recreation, excursions, and service activities described in the program.

Transportation:

Air-conditioned, professionally driven vehicles (ranging from deluxe motor coaches to passenger vans), plus boats in the Amazon region.

Flights:

International flights are supported with chaperoned group options (see Program Specifics).

Internal Flights & Extra Fees:

No separate internal flight fee applies to this 12-day itinerary; note that internal flights mentioned in broader materials apply to the extended Ecuador & Galapagos program.

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 needs.

Service Hours:

Includes 25 hours of community service. A letter of completion summarizing service hours and project types is issued after the program.

Local Guide:

A professional local guide accompanies the group to enrich learning and cultural understanding.

Cultural Sensitivity:

An open mind is essential—students will encounter new foods, languages, and ways of life, and will be encouraged to engage respectfully and thoughtfully.

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Program Specifics ✈️

Flight to Quito, Ecuador:

A chaperoned flight is offered from South Florida to Quito. Depending on enrollment, there may also be a chaperoned flight from the New York area. Final flight routes are confirmed in the spring. Participants from other locations can connect into these gateways to join the group.

Return Flight From Quito, Ecuador:

For the 12-day program, leaders assist with airport check-in in Quito and remain in the airport until participants’ flights at designated times have departed. Staff then stay on in Ecuador with those continuing on the full 18-day Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary and later chaperone the group flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 12 days, one staff member may chaperone the return flight as well.

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Meals & New Cuisines 🍽️

Food is a key part of the experience. In Ecuador, you’ll sample “typical” dishes such as chicken, beef, potatoes, ceviche, and other local specialties, alongside familiar North American-style options. Teens are encouraged to try new flavors while still having access to more recognizable foods.

The program has extensive experience accommodating different dietary needs, including vegetarian, allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher-style requests, and is happy to discuss individual requirements in advance.

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Drinking Water / Vaccinations / Altitude / Laundry �*

Drinking Water:

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

Vaccinations:

Travelers should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and consult their physician for current recommendations on immunizations and medications for Ecuador. Updated information specific to this itinerary is shared in March (or upon enrollment, if later).

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 physical condition—may feel some effects of lower oxygen levels upon arrival, such as increased breathing rate or mild fatigue. The schedule is designed to allow time for acclimatization before strenuous activities. Students with conditions affecting circulation or breathing should speak with their doctor, who may recommend additional precautions or medication for altitude.

Laundry:

You’ll only need about one week’s worth of clothing. During the program, you can drop 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)

• Any internal flights associated with extended itineraries (for those who later join the Galapagos extension)

• Personal spending money (snacks, souvenirs, laundry)

• Optional travel insurance