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Get Free Quotes From 6 Best Cheap Ecuador Volunteer ProvidersAre you thinking of a trip to Ecuador? Do you dream of giving back to the needy communities while you explore the country’s exquisites? Are you open to reading about the most trusted, highly rated, and affordable volunteer organization in Ecuador?
Ecuador is a great place to volunteer for many reasons and is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the world. This coastal country offers travelers many unique and amazing outdoor adventures. From gorgeous beaches, the Amazonian jungle, the Andes Mountains, the Galapagos, to an endless array of wildlife, visiting and volunteering in the country can truly be an enriching experience.
Although volunteering in Ecuador is an amazing opportunity, finding the best affordable provider can be overwhelming. A simple search on internet will bring up hundreds of organizations. It can be confusing for you to identify the most affordable, reliable and trustworthy organization.
At TravellersQuest, we want to see you join a reputable, safe and affordable program where you you’ll make a lasting difference. So, we did the hard work for you. Based on company reputations and histories, reviews and price points, we examined hundreds of organizations and narrowed it down to the very best.
Here we present to you an impartial selection of 6 best and most affordable volunteering providers for Ecuador.
| Company Name | Starting price | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Global Crossroad | $644 | Go overseas: 93 reviews |
| International Volunteer HQ | $689 |
Go Overseas – 2,226 reviews Go Abroad – 1,657 reviews |
| IFRE Volunteers | $644 |
Go Overseas: 116 reviews |
| Love Volunteers | $668 |
Go Overseas – 140 reviews Go Abroad – 271 reviews |
| A Broader View Volunteers | $895 | Go Overseas – 178 reviews |
| Oysters Worldwide | $1,220 |
Go Overseas – 83 reviews Go Abroad – 106 reviews |
Table updated: April 9, 2024
Global Crossroad is a non-profit US based organization established in 2003. It is a BBB accredited organization. Global Crossroad is involved in abroad volunteering experiences with international volunteers in 18 countries and 200 projects across the world. Highly rated by most of its volunteers, Global Crossroad offers experience, professionalism and expertise - enabling you to gain once in a lifetime volunteering experience in Ecuador.
Global Crossroad offers the perfect balance between volunteering and leisure. Amongst their low-cost and enriching programs in Ecuador, you can pick the best one that matches your skills, interests and experience.
Volunteering as an English teacher and helping to change the life of impoverished Ecuadorian children is indeed a life-changing opportunity. With GCR, you will share your English skills to students studying in under resourced community schools in Ecuador.
Due to several tragic circumstances, thousands of children are living on the streets in Ecuador having been orphaned. Global Crossroad’s Orphanage volunteer program in Ecuador offers these orphans the love, care, and attention they truly deserve. You can participate and make a difference.
Global Crossroad’s conservation program is a perfect fit if you love nature and want to contribute to biodiversity preservation efforts. The program is situated in Quito and your major roles in the project include trail maintenance, participation in scientific research, and work in organic gardens and much more.
Similarly, GCR’s conservation program in Galapagos Island is the perfect mix of volunteering and vacation. As a volunteer, you’ll help local farmers with sustainable farming practices. You’ll help to plant seeds in coffee plantations, maintain trails and plant native species of fauna. You can roam about the amazing island on you free time and make some wonderful memories!
Global Crossroad is one of the best volunteer providers in Ecuador and it is quite clearly shown through excellent past reviews, transparent fees and a healthy provision of services. Global Crossroad has 93 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Global Crossroad on Go Overseas.
Global Crossroad offers Ecuador volunteer programs at an extremely affordable rate. The price for Quito starts as low as $345 per week and Galapagos project starts at $575 for a week.
In addition, you will need to pay a $299 application fee that covers the administrative costs of Global Crossroad in terms of promotion, staff, office expenses etc. Spanish courses are offered in addition to the volunteering program, which is a great way to immerse yourself into the soulful culture of the country while you’re there.
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Founded in 2007 and based in New Zealand, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is probably the world’s leading volunteering company, offering hundreds of volunteer projects worldwide. IVHQ was founded by Dan Radcliffe in 2006 after a volunteer trip to Africa. Dan began working on the company with the aim of making volunteering abroad more accessible by providing affordable and responsible volunteer programs. Their volunteer in Ecuador programs are situated in Quito and Santa Elena, and the quality and usefulness of their programs has earned them the second position on our list.
International Volunteer HQ runs 10 meaningful programs in Ecuador and all programs are located in Quito and Santa Elena. Here are some of their most meaningful programs in terms of impact on community.
Their community development program in Quito calls for volunteers who wish to work in a variety of projects. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you can help disadvantaged children, work in community gardens, actively participate in school renovation works and run various types of workshops in schools.
IVHQ’s Kindergarten volunteer program in Quito empowers you to gain teaching experience while caring for children. You will mainly spend your time teaching kids math, art, writing and more. On top of everything, you will provide these kids with valuable exposure to the English language.
The shelter support program is a great opportunity to help disadvantaged people lead a better life. You’ll provide help to the elderly, sick and homeless in shelters by preparing meals, helping with laundry and hosting educational workshops and other activities.
If you’re someone that is interested in music, we recommend checking out the music education volunteer program. You’ll help teach music in local schools and engage the children in helpful music lessons. Common instruments in Ecuador are the guitar, melodica and recorder but volunteers are welcome to bring their own!
Many volunteers have had life changing experiences because of International Volunteer HQ’s ability to set up projects where volunteers can truly witness the change they bring. Volunteering in Ecuador is well worth a shot – check these past volunteer reviews for further affirmation. IVHQ has 2,226 reviews on Go Overseas and 1,657 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of IVHQ on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of IVHQ on Go Abroad.
IVHQ’s volunteer programs in Ecuador are fair-priced and affordable for the level of quality work they offer. Their program fees for Quito, Ecuador being at $360. There is also an application fee of $329 and besides that; you will need to pay for airfare, transportation costs and your personal expenses yourself when you arrive in Quito. They have a well-developed network in Quito and the host families are reliable, kind and helpful.
IFRE Volunteers was founded in 2005 and the company is based in Dallas, Texas. It is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization and nearly 20,000 volunteers have participated in their volunteer programs across the world. IFRE offers one of the best volunteer works in Ecuador – they are extremely experienced, professional and have more than 100+ field employees in their well-developed network. Moreover, all of IFRE’s projects are grounded to fit the needs of the locals so you’ll have a truly impactful experience on your volunteer journey.
IFRE Volunteers’ Ecuador volunteer programs are located in Quito and Galapagos Island. According to your interest, you can work with children, teach English and other subjects to students, and work on conservation programs.
IFRE’s Quito orphanage volunteer project is best for those who love taking care of orphans and street children. You will be placed in an orphanage or childcare center, where you will cook, clean, teach and help in administrative works.
Working as an English teacher volunteer in Ecuador with IFRE is indeed an amazing opportunity. You will teach English and other subjects to impoverished students in a community school. You can also assist regular teachers if you cannot handle the class on your own.
IFRE’s Galapagos conservation program is unique and indeed a truly enriching program. When you join, you will have a once in a life time opportunity to conserve the eco-system and bio-diversity of the scenic Galapagos Archipelago.
There aren’t any negative reviews for IFRE’s Ecuador programs, and volunteers are quite grateful for their experiences. IFRE’s experienced team support and the quality and diversity of their Ecuador volunteer programs fascinates thousands of volunteers to join their program and make a difference. You can even read through some volunteer reviews on their website. IFRE Volunteers has 116 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of IFRE Volunteers on Go Overseas.
Volunteer prices provided by IFRE Volunteers vary depending on whether you choose Quito or Galapagos Islands as your destination. The prices for Quito are significantly lower, while the Galapagos Islands offer a stunning and unique nature experience for a bit pricier fee.
Each application for volunteering has a fee of $299 which is intended for the staff and office expenses; but most importantly you will pay the weekly fees directly to the projects and the host families you will be volunteering for.
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Love Volunteers is a New Zealand based non-profit organization that was founded in 2010. It is one of the fastest growing volunteer organizations with one of the largest assortments of destinations and programs worldwide. Love Volunteers impact on international volunteering has marked a positive change and thousands of volunteers join their program each year to make a difference in the world. Volunteering opportunities in Ecuador are plenty but with Love Volunteers, you will get the best of the best!
Love Volunteers offers 7 seven amazing internship and volunteer opportunities in Ecuador. They have mainly focused on animal conservation, environment conservation and community development programs in Ecuador.
The Amazon Animal Conservation is a program specially designed to help preserve the wildlife of the Amazon. You will mainly help to rescue animals; provide medical treatment to injured and sick animals and work on programs to improve their natural habitats.
One of Love Volunteers’ most unique programs is the Animal Therapy Program. This project treats physical, mental and emotional patients using animal therapy techniques, including Hippotherapy (horses) and canotherapy (dogs). Help improve the lives of Quito’s citizens while also taking care of animals.
Childcare volunteer program in Quito is a fun filled program that supports poor and disadvantaged families by taking care of their children. When you join, you will take care and teach the children of poor families so that they can work to earn and leave the poverty cycle.
Cloud Forest Environmental Protection is located in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you will have the incredible opportunity to work at the biological station located in the reserve. You will carry out various projects that will undoubtedly preserve the exceptional tropical Ecuadorian forest for future generations.
Love Volunteers remains at the very top, among the best volunteer providers in Ecuador. Volunteers praise the great support from Love Volunteers. Their unbelievably fun and rewarding projects makes it one of the top choices for budget volunteer opportunities. If you don’t believe us, you are welcome to check some of their past volunteer reviews for yourself. Love Volunteers has 140 reviews on Go Overseas and 271 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of Love Volunteers on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Love Volunteers on Go Abroad.
Your volunteering experience in Ecuador will go smoothly with Love Volunteers. Their affordable and inexpensive program fees make volunteering accessible to all. Their program fees start out at $369 per week with an additional registration fee of $299. This cost will cover airport pickup and transfer, accommodation, meals, in-country support, program orientation and stay with a host family.
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A Broader View (ABV) is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit charity organization operating from the USA. The organization was founded in 2007 and is based in Pennsylvania. Although they are one of the youngest organizations to offer volunteer work in Ecuador, their programs hold the highest standards of care, service and impact for both volunteers and community. ABV’s mission is to expand their volunteers’ horizons and help them become a better person.
ABV offers 12 meaningful volunteer programs in Ecuador. Their program mainly focuses on community development and child/elderly care.
They have a Premedical / Prenurse program where you will work with a non-profit medical institution to improve the health and education of children and poor families. Generally, you work in the areas of General Medicine, Rehabilitation, Odontology, Clinical Laboratory, Gynecology and Permanent First Aid Course.
Their orphanage volunteer program in Ecuador is located about an hour outside of Quito city. You will help children who have suffered violence, physical and psychological abuse or other forms of trauma previously in their life.
If you love taking care of senior citizens and learn valuable life lessons with them, this is the best available option for you. As a part of the elderly care program, you will be placed in Fundación Abuelitos. Your major responsibilities in this institution are to promote, support and realize efficient attention to senior citizens residing there.
Are you a dental student or dental professional thinking of gaining hands-on experience in the beautiful country of Ecuador? Join ABV’s amazing dental care volunteer program in Ecuador. You will be placed in a public hospital in Quito, where your major tasks include writing down medical history, assisting the dentist when necessary during a patient visit, assistance and observation for maxillofacial consultations and aiding with medicine and supplies.
A Broader View has been highly praised by their volunteers and all those that have worked with the company. Their past volunteers in Ecuador talk quite fondly of their experience and are thankful towards ABV for providing such a great opportunity. ABV has a separate reviews section that you can quickly scroll through to get more information on their efforts. This fantastic organization has 178 reviews on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of A Broader View on Go Overseas.
Volunteer programs can last from 1 to 4 weeks, although for some programs there is a 2-week minimum stay. The price depends on the project and location. You may pay anywhere from $895 for 1 week, to $1050 for two weeks.
Costs will cover support from ABV staff, program marketing costs, information pack, administration costs, ABV donation Fund, travel costs to inspect programs and communication costs with volunteers and the volunteer program fee.
Oysters Worldwide is one of the most experienced companies in the gap year and volunteer aboard sector. They are a highly experienced travel and volunteer organization with more than 18 years of experience. They are known for their ethical and sustainable approach to projects, ensured quality experience and for providing personalized care to their volunteers. The company’s volunteer work in Ecuador has been remarkable to the community and you can get involved and help make an even bigger impact!
Oysters Worldwide has a singular volunteering program in Ecuador where you’ll work to rescue and care for endangered species of the Amazon.
The wildlife sanctuary volunteering program offers volunteers a unique opportunity to interact with an amazingly diverse range of animals and birds in a large-scale wildlife sanctuary. A volunteer’s primary duties will include food preparation, feeding, general maintenance, monitoring animals’ behavior and cleaning enclosures. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of animal care.
Oysters Worldwide is a renowned organization and has earned its stately reputation by caring for its clients and volunteers as best as it can. As a volunteer provider in Ecuador, their facilities create a platform for growth and development for both – volunteer and community. Oysters Worldwide has 83 reviews on Go Overseas and 106 reviews on Go Abroad.
Read all reviews of Oysters Worldwide on Go Overseas.
Read all reviews of Oysters Worldwide on Go Abroad.
Granted, Oysters Worlwide’s fees are a bit pricier than other companies on our list but, their services are absolutely top-notch and you’ll be guaranteed a high degree of safety and care on your volunteer trip to Ecuador. Their program fee for the wildlife sanctuary program is $1,220 and covers accommodation, meals, staff support, program services and donations.
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Ecuador has a lot of volunteering opportunities, with most of them being based around Quito or the Galapagos Islands. You can help out in childcare, teaching and medical programs in Quito. Galapagos Islands hosts a series of nature conservation programs that you may also be interested in.
Yes, you need a valid Temporary Resident - Volunteer Visa to volunteer in Ecuador. You cannot volunteer on a normal tourist visa. In fact, no income-generating activities can be conducted on a tourist visa.
There is an intricate process involved in acquiring a volunteer visa for Ecuador. You need to have a valid passport, must not be considered a threat to the Ecuadorian state, must pay the visa fee and you must also have a sponsor invite you to Ecuador.
Ecuador is relatively safe for female travellers but we do recommend exercising caution. There is some civil unrest and high crime rates in some areas so do be careful and conduct proper research before traveling to Ecuador.
If you search on the Internet right now, you wouldn’t find a better offer for budget volunteer opportunities in Ecuador than the programs above-mentioned. Although, the most logical choice would be to choose the cheapest one, be aware of the additional fees and talk with the customer support before you sign or pay for any application.
Usually, most of these non-profit organizations have great customer support and we advise you to talk with them before making any decision. They can also help you in determining your needs and which programs to choose. Also read reviews of the programs on popular volunteer program review websites that can enable you to get a feel for what your volunteer experience might be like.
