Gap Year South America - Camp Ecuador

Camp Ecuador

Our South American Gap Year volunteer programme offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to work and make a difference in some of the most striking and unforgettable locations on the planet. Nowhere else in South America can you do and see so much in such a short amount of time. Every South America gap year programme includes time in the Andes as well as the chance to learn (or brush up on your) Spanish. If you stay with us for longer than a month, you will also get the chance to work on the stunning Pacific coast and visit the Amazon. Our main camp is based in tropical cloud forest and all our locations offer you the perfect mix of community, wildlife, environment, culture and adventure, all within a day’s drive of the capital. There are unlimited optional activities for the adventurous, from trekking through volcanic foothills, exploring the Amazon by canoe to surfing the waves, or scuba diving.

Highlights

Work on a wide range of important projects and initiatives to improve the standard of living for rural indigenous communities in the Andean highlands
Learn to speak Spanish or build on your existing knowledge
Participate in vital conservation initiatives to protect Andean and Amazonian wildlife and the environment, including spectacled bear conservation
Work alongside a coastal community to improve facilities and help us develop a ground-breaking marine conservation initiative (2-3 month programmes only)
Regular weekend excursions
Opportunities to scuba dive, mountain trek or explore the Amazon.

The Country

Ecuador is Latin America’s best-kept secret. It may be the continent’s second smallest country but its offerings are astounding. Nowhere on Earth can you experience so much natural diversity – and all the excitement that comes with it – in such a small place. Ecuador offers its visitors startling contrasts of scenery, from misty tropical cloud forests and windswept highlands to snow-capped volcanoes and palm-fringed beaches. This microcosm of Latin America really is guaranteed to have something for everyone!

The country is divided into 4 main regions: Andes (Sierra), Amazon (Oriente), Pacific coast (Costa) and Galapagos Islands:

Andes: The majestic Andes mountain range runs the length of the country and comprises grassy highlands (paramo), misty cloud forests home to spectacled bears, turquoise lagoons nestled in volcanic craters, thermal baths and brightly coloured mountain villages with their markets selling hand-woven clothing and hammocks. The capital, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a maze of steep cobbled streets complete with cobbled plazas and lavishly decorated cathedrals.

Amazon: The Ecuadorian Amazon basin is without doubt one of nature’s greatest achievements and makes Ecuador the most mega diverse country, with more plant and animal species per square km than anywhere else in the world! Home to indigenous tribes, jaguars, monkeys, exotic birds, neon-coloured butterflies and other strange insects, the Amazon offers unlimited opportunities for unforgettable adventure and exploration.

Coast: The warm and sunny Pacific coast of Ecuador is a little slice of paradise, offering miles of empty palm fringed beaches, small islands to explore by boat, amazing diving, snorkelling and surfing opportunities and warm tropical waters filled with brightly coloured fish, rays, seahorses, turtles, sea lions and even humpback whales (June-September). The lively people frequenting the thatch roof bars and restaurants here all contribute to its famous nightlife.

Galapagos: The Galapagos Islands are arguably the world’s most prestigious wildlife destination whose extraordinary wildlife played a pivotal role in shaping Charles Darwin’s theories on evolution.

The People

Ecuador is a multi-cultural wonder, with 17 distinct indigenous groups and 27 ethnic groups, many of which preserve their languages, traditions and dress to a remarkable degree. The people of Ecuador are descendants of the Inca Empire and later Spanish conquests. The Indian descendants, known as Quichuas, inhabit the highlands in Central Ecuador and the jungles of Eastern and Southern part of the country. The European descendants, or ‘mestizo’ (mixed Amerindian and white) populate most of the larger northern cities. Spanish is the official language and Amerindian languages are also spoken, especially Quechua.

Included

Meals, drinking water and accommodation
Airport transfers to/from Quito International Airport (within set times)
Orientation of local area
Spanish lessons
Community, wildlife and environmental project work
Cultural visit
Regular trips to the local towns
Wide range of additional optional activities
Fully staffed camps and local guides
Scheduled project transfers
Project costs and coordination
Emergency management plan and 24-hour emergency support

Not Included

Flights including internal flights
Some in-country transfers
Travel insurance
Arrival and departure fees (if applicable)
Visa (free)
Vaccinations
Personal equipment, spending money, tips or gratuities
Personal laundry
Extra activities

Check out the tabs below for more information on our Camp Ecuador programme.

OUR CAMPS

COMPARE OUR PROGRAMMES

Check out the quick comparison below or click on the Trip Comparisonator for the full trip low-down.

CAMP ECUADOR	School & Community Projects	PRICE
2 WEEKS		£995
1 MONTH		£1795
2 MONTHS	Up to 6 Weeks	£2560
3 MONTHS	Up to 10 Weeks	£3295

PROJECTS

OUR PROJECTS

All of our programmes have set itineraries and throughout your time with us you will get involved in several different projects. You will rotate through a variety of our camps working on a range of community and conservation projects. The longer you stay the more project work you can get involved in! Individual projects cannot be booked separately. To find out what is included in which camp check out our ‘Comparisonator’.

ADVENTURE

ADVENTURES

Fancy a challenge? Go that extra mile and push yourself beyond your comfort zone, both mentally and physically with one of our adventure activities. With a summiting success rate of over 90% for mountain treks, a range of scuba diving courses, unique opportunities for whale watching and an Amazon adventure there is something to suit everyone. Boost your confidence and prove that there is nothing you can't do! Contact us for more information and to book your adventure.

GETTING THERE

Flights

Whether you are an experienced traveller or this is your first trip abroad, we are here to help you every step of the way and it really couldn’t be easier. Once you have decided where, when and how long you want to travel for and booked your expedition with us, the next things to organise are your flights and insurance. This should be done at least 2 months prior to travel.

We can help you source some of the cheapest deals on flights through our flight provider STA Travel or alternatively you may wish to shop around and find your own. If you do decide to arrange your own flights, please make sure before you book that you check with us the exact start date and arrival airport. Then please let us know your flight details otherwise we cannot guarantee that you will be met at the airport once you arrive in country.
The dates listed on the website are the official start date of your programme (your first night in country) and the date to arrange your return flight on the final day, unless of course you have alternative travel arrangements or are extending your stay.
If you choose to travel outside the travel dates and collection times, you will be responsible for your expenses until you join the programme or after you leave including getting to and from the airport.

Booking your flight

You will require a return flight to Quito International Airport.
Example Airlines: American Airlines, Iberia, LAN, KLM, Continental, Delta, Condor flights

Insurance

It is essential you have adequate travel insurance as soon as you have booked your expedition and flights so that you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you have to cancel. Make sure that your policy covers you for the full duration that you are abroad, including getting to and from the programme.
If you wish to extend your travelling whilst you are away, don’t forget to extend your insurance before your programme ends.
Please provide us with details of your travel insurance as soon as you receive them. This should include the insurance company name, their contact details, your policy number and the contact details for the Emergency Assistance Provider that will be included in your policy. Make sure that you also keep a record of your policy details with you when you travel. Again, we can provide you with loads of advice and guidance – just let us know!

Briefing Day

Prior to your departure you will be invited to a briefing day held at our offices in Ringwood, Hampshire. Attendance isn’t compulsory but we strongly recommend it as it’s a great opportunity for you to meet other people you will be travelling with as well as receiving more detail on the projects you’ll be working on, final tips on preparing for your trip and a chance to have any last minute questions answered. To find out when the next briefing day will be held, please visit the ‘your trip’ section of the website.

For further help and advice on preparing for your expedition, please visit the ‘your trip’ section of the website for essential information on vaccinations, visas, kit lists, spending money, fundraising and keeping yourself safe on expedition.