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Travel Stories from Ecuador
Though Ecuador is the smallest of the Andes countries, it is no less exciting than its neighbours. Here, you can visit South America's most famous marketplace in Otavalo, see penguins on the Galápagos Islands, and learn how to fish piranhas in the jungle! A country of contrasts, Ecuador boasts coastal banana plantations and snow-covered volcanoes, yet most destinations are within a day’s journey from the capital city of Quito.
Travel Stories from Ecuador
I not only improved my Spanish, I also met a lot of fantastic people.
I really enjoyed my time in Ecuador, although (or maybe precisely because) I worked with needy children in the most basic living conditions on location. I not only improved my Spanish, I also met a lot of fantastic people. I worked together with a Swiss girl at a kindergarten, where no volunteers had worked before. We cared for children ages 1 to 7. All of the children were from poor backgrounds, and we were told that they experienced violence at home. Accordingly, the children were either very clingy or intimidated. Our job consisted of playing with the children, feeding them, and settling their disputes. We did a lot of crafts, and always tried to give them the self-confidence, that they could do things all by themselves.
At the weekends, I went on a lot of excursions. We hiked to the waterfalls in Mindo, visited the cattle market in Otavalo, and strolled through the huge weekly market. I would definitely recommend the train ride from Riobamba to Guamote, where you sit on the roof of the train. Ecuador and its culture are one-of-a-kind – I am so happy that I had the possibility to get to know them a bit better.
Marie-Louise Stegen
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