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
Ecuador – Food security In the rural highlands of Ecuador, food security is a key focus. One of the biggest sources of income for the community at Kuri Kucho is the sale of milk from their cows. During the dry season, the milk truck can get around collecting produce with ease, but in the rainy season some of the dirt roads become impassable and many people can’t sell their milk as a result. You’ll get involved in projects such as improving road infrastructure to connect communities, creating organic gardens to increase local food production and constructing wood ovens for the community. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Industry, innovation and infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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 running school expeditions to Ecuador for over a decade, with a permanent camp, experienced in-country teams and long-standing relationships with local conservation organisations and community partners that have been built and sustained over many years.
What makes the Ecuador Galapagos Expedition different from other Camps International expeditions? The Ecuador Galapagos Expedition combines community and conservation project work on mainland Ecuador with the rare privilege of visiting the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s most unique and protected natural environments. Students experience hands-on conservation in an ecosystem that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, making it a profoundly educational and unforgettable experience.
What kind of project work will students do on the Ecuador Galapagos Expedition? Students contribute to a combination of community development and environmental conservation projects. On the mainland, this may include building educational facilities, supporting community infrastructure and conservation activities. In the Galapagos, the focus shifts to supporting conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All projects are developed with our long-term local partners to address genuine community-identified needs.
How fit do students need to be for the Ecuador Galapagos Expedition? A good level of general fitness is recommended, as the expedition involves physical project work, travel between diverse locations and time at higher altitudes on mainland Ecuador. No technical mountaineering skills are required. All activities are supervised by experienced staff and designed to ensure students can fully participate throughout the four weeks.
Is the Ecuador Galapagos Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated at Camp Ecuador since 2011 and brings over 23 years of experience running international school expeditions safely. Our Ecuador programme is delivered by experienced locally based teams with comprehensive risk assessments reviewed before every departure. 24/7 in-country emergency support is in place throughout and we follow UK FCDO travel advice at all times. Visits to the Galapagos are conducted through licensed and authorised channels in compliance with all national park regulations.
What’s included in the Ecuador Galapagos Expedition cost? The cost includes international flights, accommodation, all meals, in-country transport including inter-island travel in the Galapagos, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Galapagos national park entry fees are also included. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
How does Camps International work with local communities in Ecuador? Our community partnerships in Ecuador have been developed through sustained collaboration with local communities and trusted partner organisations since Camp Ecuador opened in 2011. All project activities are co-designed to respond to genuine locally identified needs and are built for long-term sustainability so that our positive impact continues well beyond each expedition.
