Volunteer Teaching in Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon your arrival today, your local guide will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel or host family home.

The afternoon is yours to explore the area, rest after your journey, or chat with some locals.

In the evening, you’ll meet with your group and guide for authentic local cuisine. Your guide will share details of your schedule as well as provide tips about local customs and safety.

Today you will make your way into the city center where you will be teaching your classes. Following a short orientation and training, you will meet the students you will be teaching. Classes will be every morning with free time every afternoon.

This afternoon, you will set off on a walking tour of the historic center of Cuenca. Learn the history of the city and its development. Spend some time relaxing in one of the many parks or enjoy a delicious ice cream.

As you get to know your students and their struggles, you see how lives are really not so different in different parts of the world. And how they are different!

Following a morning of classes, you will head out to Giron to see the magnificent waterfalls. The hiking trail is relatively easy.

This evening, if you like, you may enjoy one of the many musical performances in the city.

After classes today, you will head to the Pumapungo Museum, built around Inca ruins that are located in the city center. Visit the museum to learn more about the Incas in Ecuador, walk through the remaining ruins behind the museum and venture further into the many gardens and aviary below the museum. It will be a very pleasant and relaxing afternoon.

After another fun day of teaching, you will visit the small towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Here you will have a chance to visit the local marketplace, visit local artisans — the city is known for its filigree jewelry artisans and weavers — and partake of local cuisine.

Today is your final day of teaching. After classes this morning, you will visit Cajas National Park and Las Tres Cruzes for an amazing view of the area. Learn how early settlers to Cuenca had their belongings carried by mule and guides across these high mountains.

Today you have a free day to explore, relax, or shop before your return trip home tomorrow. Your guide will provide suggestions if needed, or you can do as you please.

One suggestion would be to visit Ingapirca. These Inca ruins are in incredibly good condition considering their age. Wander through the paths and imagine what life was like during the times, then enjoy a typical lunch at a local finca before your return to Cuenca. On the way back, you might stop in Biblian to the Santuario de la Santísima Virgen del Rocio, built into the side of a mountain.

We hope you have had an educational and fun week. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides while you share your favorite memories and what you have learned. It is time to head to the airport for your departure flight home.