Volunteer in Ecuador
Discover International Volunteer HQ’s popular Ecuador volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Ecuador volunteer projects, including Teaching, Environmental Education, Childcare, NGO Support and Music. Volunteer work in Ecuador is based in the capital, Quito, or the coastal city of Santa Elena. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 133,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Ecuador.
Highlights:
- 18 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $295 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and dinner and 24/7 in-country support
-
Accommodation in a volunteer house or local homestay
-
Affordable Spanish language lessons available
Key information
Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Ecuador with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in Ecuador? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.
Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador
Protects animals
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $430
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a treatment center in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+
Assist a veterinarian in a local animal treatment center, based in a small aquarium. Help to treat marine and other animals, building on your experience or studies in a relevant field.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in private and public schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in local primary schools or kindergartens that often have large classes. Help local teachers in lessons and with playtime, providing better access to care and attention for children.
Increases access to education
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in kindergartens in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local teachers with early education and lessons in schools for either girls or students from low income families.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in and around Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer on a range of community projects including meal programs in schools, renovation and maintenance work and helping out a community garden. A perfect project for those who like variety.
Supports community development
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based around Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist on a range of tasks to improve neighborhoods and communities in Santa Elena. Assist with construction and maintenance or even help host workshops in contemporary social issues.
Conserves the environment
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $430
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in and around Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to educate locals about environmental issues and living sustainably, while also contributing to clean ups and initiatives to help conserve the local environment.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Lead music lessons in schools for students aged 3-12. Teach music and related skills, including playing instruments, either as lead teacher or with another volunteer.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based with an NGO in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help childcare initiatives to benefit low income families by assisting with campaigns, logistics and administration. Perfect for volunteers who want to assist children outside the classroom.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist with Physical Education in schools, practicing sports, introducing new games and improving students’ fitness and coordination.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Program starts on the first and third Monday in July and August
- Based at school holiday programs in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist on school holiday programs during July and August. Help to run lessons, play games and prepare skits, songs and plays for a final presentation to parents at the end of August.
Increases access to education
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at school holiday programs in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist on a school holiday program during March-April by giving supplementary lessons and helping students prepare a final presentation for their parents.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in and around Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer as a tutor to help students who need learning support. Assist in schools and centers to provide additional attention and supplementary lesson activities outside school hours.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in shelters in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in shelters for vulnerable people, assisting local staff with day-to-day tasks including meal preparation and serving, laundry and running activities for those who come to the shelter.
Improves health & wellbeing
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in schools in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local physical education teachers with lessons and sports activities. Help practice popular local sports or introduce your own from home.
Improves health & wellbeing
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in sports centers and schools in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+
Assist in a local sports center for athletes, helping with body mass and skin fold measurements, diagnosing and rehabilitating injuries, and delivering health workshops. Suited to volunteers with physical therapy or nutrition experience.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in a street market in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Provide care and attention for children so that families can work to provide a sustainable income and a future for their kids.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $295
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools and centers in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist a local English teacher in schools in low income areas. Provide help to both the teacher and students as required and lend your expertise as a fluent English speaker.
Increases access to education
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $390
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in Santa Elena
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local teachers or lead classes yourself in teaching English to locals from low-income communities. Students can be either children or adults, but all benefit greatly from accessible language lessons.
Free-time experiences & tours in Ecuador
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Ecuador! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Ecuador program.
Learn the art of salsa dancing with a professional instructor during a 1 hour salsa dance class.
Spanish Classes Exclusively for IVHQ Volunteers
Spanish Classes Exclusively for IVHQ Volunteers
Spanish Classes Exclusively for IVHQ Volunteers
Learn the art of salsa dancing with a professional instructor during a 1 hour salsa dance class.
Spanish Classes Exclusively for IVHQ Volunteers
Learn how to surf like the pros with a surf lesson from a qualified surf instructor on the beaches of Santa Elena.
Where in the world do you want to make a difference?
”You could tell the children loved coming to the project and their parents expressed their gratitude directly to us. I have grown so much from my experience in Ecuador. My host family were so nice and provided me with a safe environment and would always help me with any questions I had.”
Katherine Barber, American, 18
Street Children Work volunteer in Ecuador - Quito
