Volunteer in Galápagos

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Volunteer in Galápagos

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.

Volunteer in Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands, that famous archipelago whose diverse finch species inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, is truly a unique phenomenon. Nowhere else on earth will you find the tropical penguins or marine iguanas which inhabit this small chain of islands, and a myriad of other bizarre forms of wildlife – from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies - call Galápagos home. Since there’s so much wildlife here to protect, tourism is strictly regulated. About 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, nature conservation is the main priority on the Galápagos Islands.

As a volunteer in Galápagos, you need to approach the islands with a responsible and respectful attitude. Our programme gives you the extraordinary chance to experience this spectacular island world through conservation, social, and educational volunteer work.

Volunteer in Galápagos: Spanish course & accommodation

After a four-week language course with accommodation in Quito, you will be on your way to volunteer in Galápagos. You will be accommodated with a host family or in an apartment in Galápagos - depending on availability and project placement. Volunteers are placed on the Islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, in projects such as:

• A recycling project
• Children's day-care facilities
• A primary school
• Or an organisation which monitors the introduction of non-native products to the group of islands.

As a volunteer in Galápagos, you can help out during lessons and free time activities for children, cleaning the beaches, and with other tasks.

Volunteer in Galápagos: Overview

• Activities: In the projects for nature conservation, you can provide assistance on an ecological farm or work as a tour guide. With projects for children, you can accompany children on daily excursions and assist with school lessons, among other tasks.
• Time off: Normally at the weekend.
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
• Starting Dates: Every Saturday, except on public holidays. It is not possible to start your programme from December through February.
• Practical experience: Not mandatory, but this would certainly make your stay easier, especially if you work on a social project as a volunteer in Galápagos.
• Other: Since you are going to enter a completely unfamiliar cultural region, a great deal of independence, flexibility, initiative, and adaptability are vital. You should also be aware that some of the ecological projects lie in very isolated locations.