3 unique projects in colorful Ecuador

This project is perfect for those who love animals and aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty. The Yanacocha rescue center is located in the Amazon jungle, a short drive from the small village of Puyo. The center works in rescuing and treating abused or abandoned animals, including ocelots, capybaras, parrots and monkeys just to name a few. When possible, the goal is to release them back into nature.

As a volunteer, you’ll be helping for instance with the feeding of the animals and the maintenance of their enclosures. Not only will you get to take part in protecting these animals, but you'll also experience life in the Amazon rainforest and make new friends with the other volunteers.

If you would like to combine your travels with volunteering and you also love to work with children, look no further. Sinsoluka Centre for Street Children is a non-profit organization aiming to help and support children, youth and adults who come from unstable backgrounds or live on the streets of the country’s capital, Quito.

As a volunteer you will work with the children by being involved in different activities. This includes anything from serving food to playing and assisting them with their homework. The goal of the project is to give the children the attention and support they deserve.

While volunteering, you’ll of course also get an insight into life in the vibrant Ecuador capital.

Want to learn Spanish in an authentic environment? Then the Montanita Spanish school is the answer! Here you will participate in daily Spanish lessons, but also get to practice your surfing skills and get to know new people in a beautiful part of Ecuador.

Because the goal of your stay is to learn Spanish, you should try to avoid speaking English with your new friends outside of school hours, in order to get the maximum benefit. So come with an open mind and be ready to get out of your comfort zone!

Tips: If you join this project between July and September, there is also a chance that you'll get to witness the migrating whales passing by. And if you wish to surf more than what the included lessons offer, you can always buy your own surfboard and sell it before you leave!