Ecuador Community Service

Quito, Amazon Jungle, Andes Highlands and Galapagos Islands

Ecuador is famous for the abundant array of plant and animal life, and is one of the world’s most bio-diverse countries. With four distinct geographical zones, there are amazing opporunitites to explore eco-systems and participate in ecologically-focused community service projects.

GHT trips to Ecuador include the historic centre of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its superbly preserved colonial-era architecture. Quito is also conveniently located on the Equator, where visitors can straddle the North and Southern Hemispheres! Travelling through the Andean Highlands past impressive volcanos and hot springs,including Cotopaxi one of the world’s largest active volcanos, travellers reach the headwaters of the Amazon river.

The striking rainforests in the Amazon basin are also home to a large number of Ecuador’s indigenous groups, notably the Quechua, Siona, Secoya and Cofran tribes. While staying at an eco-resort on the banks of the Amazon, GHT groups work with the local tribes on build projects and/or assist in the rustic classrooms. The tribespeople, in turn, provide valuable lessons in ecology and botany while exposing North Americans to the local culture.

Finally, no trip to Ecuador is complete without exploring the Galapagos Islands! For 2-3 days cruise the archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin, and observe the same multitude of species that led him to develop the theory of evolution by natural selection.

See up-close the giant totoises, iguanas, penguins, sea lions and birds that inhabit this spectacular UNESCO World Bioshphere Reserve.