Gap Year in Ecuador
Volunteering opportunities for gap years in Ecuador. No gap year trip to South America would be complete without spending some time in Ecuador. For such a small country, it is remarkably diverse and offers much for gap year travellers – from the peaks of Cotopaxi to the colonial charms of Quito and out across the Pacific to what many consider to be the crowning glory of travel in Ecuador – the Galapagos Islands.
By choosing to travel Ecuador with i-to-i as part of your gap year, you will gain a deeper cultural understanding of the country and make a positive contribution through volunteering with locally run projects.



Volunteering on your Gap Year in Ecuador
Due to the diversity and importance of Ecuador’s natural resources, we work with many gap year volunteer conservation projects across the country, including placements in the Galapagos Islands and in the Amazon. There are also gap year opportunities to get involved with community development, health care and English teaching in Ecuador.
Take a look at the gap year projects and resources below to find out more about volunteering during your gap year in Ecuador. Visit our Ecuador Travel and Ecuador volunteer sections.
12 trips have been found based on your choices
Conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands boast one of the world's most incredible natural habitats and amongst the lagoons, forests and beaches you'll be right at the heart of the fight to protect it.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 2 to 10 weeks
Latest trip review:
Couldn´t have been a better travel experience - totally chilled...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Animal wildlife rescue in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Join this important rescue centre and help animals like monkeys, crocodiles and macaws as well as gaining a comprehensive education in wildlife rehabilitation.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Wildlife
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
This gave me some of my favorite memories yet!...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Ultimate Ecuador
Spend four amazing weeks in Ecuador exploring volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests and craters in search of incredible wildlife and experiencing the world famous Galapagos Islands!
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Meaningful Tours
- Duration: 4 weeks
Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Teach English in the Galapagos islands
Live the island life and teach English language skills on the stunning Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Teaching
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
Immersion in another culture is such a privilege....
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Community work with children in the Galapagos Islands
The phrase 'small but beautiful' could have been written for these amazing islands which are teaming with animal and plant life. Learn more about the island from its youngest inhabitants and play a part in the continuing preservation and development of one of the world's natural wonders.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Work with children
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
"a wonderful cultural immersion experience"...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Conservation work in Ecuador
Throw on your hiking boots and join this project deep in the breathtaking rain forest and help protect this fragile natural habitat.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 1 to 8 weeks
Latest trip review:
A new perspective for life....
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Community work with children in rural Ecuador
Ecuador is known for its incredible natural landscapes but on this project you'll also enjoy the equally colourful culture of its young people.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Work with children
- Duration: 4 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
A fantastic opportunity that can not be beaten!...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Amazon rainforest preservation in Ecuador
Work with a community based conservation project in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on Earth and see for yourself why protecting this habitat is so important.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 2 to 12 weeks
Latest trip review:
A chance of a lifetime...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Conserve the rich biodiversity in Mindo, Ecuador
Lush forest covering mountains hidden by clouds and an abundant wildlife provides plenty of inspiration to protect the rich biodiversity in this stunning region.
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 1 to 8 weeks
Latest trip review:
It was truly a great experience, as i came back...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
Explore Ecuador and the Galapagos
On this amazing tour you will start in Quito and journey through stunning scenery to help conserve lush rainforests. Then it's off to the magical Galapagos Islands!
- Location: Ecuador
- Continent: South America
- Type:Conservation
- Duration: 2 weeks
Latest trip review:
Unreal...
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Secure your place for only $100 - Book today!
If you want to volunteer in Ecuador but can’t find what you’re looking for don’t forget we have a range of other exciting projects on the continent in Peru, Honduras, Costa Rica, Brazil and Ecuador.



