Volunteering, Studying and Working in Ecuador

Below are some institutions and organizations working on ecology and sustainable-development projects.

Earthwatch Institute (tel. 800/776-0188; www.earthwatch.org) organizes volunteers to go on research trips to help scientists collect data and conduct field experiments in a number of scientific fields. Expeditions to Ecuador range from studies of cloud-forest birds to aiding efforts to eliminate the exotic species that threaten the ecological equilibrium of the Galápagos Islands. Fees for food and lodging average around $2,500 (£1,667) for a 2-week expedition, excluding airfare.

Ecuador Volunteer (tel. 02/2557-749; www.ecuadorvolunteer.org), a Quito-based organization that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations, usually has positions available at local environmental organizations.

Global Volunteers (tel. 800/487-1074 in the U.S.; www.globalvolunteers.org) is a U.S.-based organization that offers a unique opportunity to travelers who've always wanted a Peace Corps-like experience but can't make a 2-year commitment. For 2 to 3 weeks, you can join one of its working vacations in Ecuador. A certain set of skills, such as engineering or agricultural knowledge, is helpful but by no means necessary. Each trip is undertaken at a particular community's request, to complete a specific project. However, be warned: These "volunteer" experiences do not come cheap. You must pay for your transportation as well as a hefty program fee, around $2,495 (£1,663) for a 2-week program.

Habitat for Humanity International (tel. 229/924-6935, ext. 7530 in the U.S.; www.habitat.org) has chapters in Ecuador and sometimes runs organized Global Village programs here.

The Idealist (www.idealist.org), a Web portal of volunteer and employment opportunities with nonprofit organizations around the world, often lists more than a dozen environmental volunteer positions in Ecuador.

Jatun Sacha (tel. 02/2432-240; www.jatunsacha.org) is an Ecuadorean environmental foundation that manages private biological reserves in various parts of the country and works with local communities to involve them in conservation. They accept a steady flow of volunteers who help with field research, teach English, and perform other tasks for fees that are a fraction of what big U.S. volunteer programs charge.

Maquipucuna (tel. 706/542-2923 in the U.S.; www.maqui.org) is a private biological reserve and ecotourism lodge in the northern Pacific lowlands that is administered by the University of Georgia. They accept volunteers to help with conservation and research projects; volunteers pay $450 (£300) per month for food and lodging. The reserve protects an important expanse of the endangered Chocó rainforest.