Things to see and do
Ecuador is a tourists paradise. You can use your time before, during or after your gap year project here to explore the beautiful country. There are literally hundreds of different things to do, catering for varied tastes scuba diving, hiking, climbing, trekking, the list is endless. Some activities that made it to our list for gap year volunteers in Ecuador and which you may want to check:
Hiking in the Andes High-altitude walks in the Cotopaxi and El Cajas national parks require some stamina due to the lack of oxygen, but this is your chance to see the stunning scenery of the grass-covered Paramo plateaus, surrounded by volcanoes.
Amazon Tour If you think you need to take a gap year trip to Brazil to see the Amazon Rain Forest, think again! Although Ecuador's share of the Amazon Rain Forest only accounts for some 2% of the forest's total size, that 2% is also home to one-third of its total species diversity! As you can no doubt imagine then, a trip to Ecuador's part of the Amazon Rain Forest means that you'll be visiting one of the richest places in the world for species diversity!
Scaling volcanoes Cotopaxi - the world's highest active volcano - is one of the best mountains for any gap year traveller to Ecuador to start their climbing career. The climb doesn't require previous experience, but you need to be very fit and accustomed to high altitude.
Jungle The wet equatorial forest of the Oriente is teeming with wildlife. Some areas are dotted with eco-lodges from where gap year travellers embark on canoe expeditions through the intricate network of rivers and creeks that form the Amazon basin.
Cruising in the Galapagos One of the world's most enticing destinations, the remote Pacific islands are full of unique creatures that you can't find anywhere else in the world. The ultimate experience for any gap year in Ecuador is swimming with the giant Galapagos tortoises. Cruises should be booked in advance.
Surfing The Pacific coast of Ecuador has sandy beaches that draw crowds of surfers. The village of Montaita has grown into a surfers' enclave with plenty of cheap accommodation and active nightlife.
Devil's Nose Riding on the train's roof is not forbidden by the local tourist authorities in Ecuador - it's more encouraged. The famously precipitous Devil's Nose' train route takes you from Riobamba to the Alausi station, with most passengers opting to ride on top of the carriage.
Indian shopping Indigenous markets are an ethnologist's wonder, but also a cheap and efficient way to stock up on gifts for your friends and families. While the Otavalo market mostly caters for tourists, the market in Saqisili is a authentically local affair.