Ecuador volunteering holiday, Amazon & Galapagos

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
In volunteer projects, we prioritize sourcing food from local markets, ensuring a sustainable and community-centric approach. In the unique context of the Galapagos, our accommodation features a blend of locally harvested products, such as an abundance of freely available oranges for participants to enjoy. We wholeheartedly welcome vegetarians and vegans, accommodating diverse dietary preferences.

To access both projects, we rely on eco-friendly public transportation on the mainland. For the Galapagos Islands, a flight is necessary, marking the only exception to our otherwise eco-conscious travel methods. Once on the island, we promote sustainability by sharing transportation among all group members, both for organized activities and during participants' free time. Taxis are utilized, contributing to a collective effort to minimize our carbon footprint and foster environmentally responsible travel practices.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The Amazon project stands out as a crucial initiative in the region, playing a vital role in safeguarding wildlife that has fallen victim to the illegal wildlife trade or been uprooted from its natural habitat to live as pets in urban areas. Many of these animals, unable to return home, find a refuge in the centers for the remainder of their lives.

Volunteers play a pivotal role in these centers, engaging in diverse activities that range from aiding authorities in rescuing animals living in deplorable conditions to providing intensive care for their rehabilitation. This collaborative effort has a positive impact not only on the animals but also on the volunteers. Daily interactions between them serve as a platform to raise awareness about the repercussions of displacing these creatures from their natural environments. Additionally, volunteers offer essential care to ensure the well-being of each individual animal.

In the Galapagos project, collaboration with the Galapagos National Park authorities takes center stage, focusing on the eradication of invasive plant species that pose a threat to the native flora of the island. Furthermore, the project actively engages in community initiatives as the need arises. This multifaceted approach contributes significantly to the overarching conservation plan implemented in the Galapagos Islands, an integral part of Ecuador's marine reserve.

REDUCING THEIR IMPACTS

Our programs prioritize environmental consciousness through a comprehensive orientation session, providing vital information to enhance your tour experience. We illuminate participants about ongoing conservation efforts led by the Galapagos National Park, instilling a sense of collective responsibility among visitors. Stressing the importance of avoiding plastic bottles and organic food helps mitigate the risk of introducing invasive plants, thereby contributing to the preservation of the island's unique ecosystem. This dual experience empowers you to be a responsible traveler, leaving behind positive footprints, enriching your understanding of diverse ecosystems, and forging connections that transcend borders.

EXPERT NATURE LOCAL GUIDES

In ecologically sensitive areas like the Galapagos, it is crucial for travelers to actively minimize their environmental footprint through waste reduction and recycling. Our Local Guides play a pivotal role in educating travelers about the severe consequences of littering on the local environment, highlighting its adverse impact. Guides effectively convey the participants' influence, creating awareness about responsible tourism practices.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our commitment to community involvement is exemplified in the tangible benefits our programs bring to local residents. We prioritize job creation by employing local guides, and host families, actively fostering their growth within the tourism industry. Instead of directing revenue to large multinational tourism corporations, we reinvest in community-oriented projects like family-run hostels.

In programs without providing food services, we eagerly encourage participants to explore local dining options. Abundant restaurants offer diverse, authentic dishes at affordable prices, enabling travelers to savor exciting cuisines while supporting local businesses.

Before program commencement, our highly informative sessions delve into the specific needs and challenges of local areas, ensuring participants are well-prepared and aware of the positive impact they can achieve during their travels. Choose responsible travel that enriches both your journey and the communities you encounter.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Presently, the Quito office boasts an entirely Ecuadorian female staff. Our volunteer projects warmly welcome individuals of diverse backgrounds, embracing inclusivity for everyone, including children accompanied by their parents, couples, individuals, LGBTQ individuals, and seniors alike. Currently, 97% of our employees and partners are Ecuadorians.
Opting for our programs means not only providing financial support to these communities but also immersing yourself in their lives, and gaining firsthand knowledge of their challenges.

In ecologically sensitive areas like the Galapagos, it is crucial for travelers to actively minimize their environmental footprint through waste reduction and recycling. Our Local Guides men and women, play a pivotal role in educating travelers about the severe consequences of littering on the local environment, highlighting its adverse impact. Guides effectively convey the participants' influence, creating awareness about responsible tourism practices.