Ecuador – Amazon rainforest regeneration As the communities in the Amazon develop, deforestation of this important rainforest is increasing at an alarming rate. You’ll work alongside local people to understand the complex relationship between the environment and community development and you’ll assist with important environmental projects, collecting saplings and replanting trees in the jungle. There are also some community infrastructure projects building toilets and sanitation for local houses in the village and a community centre as well as keeping up the maintenance of the local school. UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Ecuador? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Ecuador in 2011. We have been delivering school expeditions to Ecuador for over a decade, building long-term partnerships with local community organisations and conservation groups across the Amazon and the Andes that underpin everything we do there.
What environmental project work is included on the Ecuador Trek Expedition? Students take part in environmental project work in the Amazon rainforest, which could include planting food trees, regenerating the local forest, building a community centre or working on projects focused on the balance between the needs of local people and conservation of the rainforest. Students sleep in hammocks and bunkbeds in the rainforest, fully immersed in this extraordinary environment throughout the project phase.
What community project work is included on the Ecuador Trek Expedition? Students take part in a community development project phase in a rural Andean community. Young people leaving rural communities for the city has left many villages fragmented and isolated with a labour and skills shortage. Projects support education by giving maintenance to local schools and taking on environmental and social initiatives. Evenings include Ecuadorian language lessons and cultural dances performed by local people, and students also acclimatise for the trek during this phase.
What is the Two Peaks Challenge and how demanding is it? The Two Peaks Challenge is the adventure highlight of the expedition. Students attempt to summit two volcanic peaks in the Andes, Pasochoa at 4,200 metres and Ruminiahui at 4,564 metres. The route begins with a scenic hike to the Cascada de Fuego waterfall before continuing through rich cloud forest and into the high-altitude Andean paramo around Cotopaxi National Park. Students ascend steep trails, navigate rugged terrain and contend with high-altitude conditions throughout. It is a demanding multi-day challenge requiring a good level of fitness and determination. Students will have already spent several days at altitude during the Andes project phase, significantly aiding acclimatisation before the trek begins.
What cultural experiences are included in the Ecuador Trek Expedition? Cultural immersion runs throughout the expedition. Evenings during the Andes project phase include Ecuadorian language lessons and traditional cultural dances performed by local people. Students also visit the Otavalo market, home to Latin America’s largest artisanal market and the world-famous indigenous Otavalo community, where they can try their hand at bartering and purchase unique gifts and souvenirs.
How fit do students need to be for the Ecuador Trek Expedition? A good level of cardiovascular fitness is essential. The Two Peaks Challenge involves ascending two volcanic peaks at over 4,200 and 4,564 metres, navigating steep and rugged Andean terrain over several days. Students should prepare physically before departure. The expedition also begins in the Amazon rainforest with physically active project work, and the Andes community project phase provides several days of altitude acclimatisation before the trek begins.
Is the Ecuador Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Ecuador since 2011 with experienced locally based teams and structured risk assessments reviewed before every departure. The Two Peaks Challenge is led by experienced local guides familiar with the terrain and altitude conditions of the Andes. 24/7 emergency support is in place throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the Ecuador Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation including the Amazon rainforest camp, Andes community camp and city accommodation in Quito, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, Otavalo market visit, Two Peaks Challenge with experienced local guides, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
