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Established in Montreal in 1982.
Outstanding summer programs for teens since 1982
Ecuador & Galapagos Volunteer Program for Teens
Experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of South America on this summer volunteer program. Work on a diverse set of community service projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest and unwind in the spectacular Galapagos Islands. This teen community service program in Ecuador and the Galapagos uses a service-learning framework tailored for high school students, where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. When not volunteering, explore Quito – the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. You’ll be one of the privileged travelers to visit the Galapagos Islands where we explore the home of Darwin’s theory of evolution and observe many endemic species of animals, including the giant land tortoise. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the dense rainforest & rushing waterfalls in Baños. This program will also awaken your sense of adventure as we whitewater raft and snorkel past stingrays, sea lions, sea stars, and more in crystal blue waters!
Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 12 while the 18-day participants continue on to the Galapagos Islands.
Program Highlights
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Work on a sustainable community project with MEDLIFE.
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Snorkel in the Galapagos Islands & sunbathe with the marine iguanas at Tortuga Bay.
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Learn about life in the Amazon Rainforest.
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Whitewater raft the Pastaza River.
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Straddle the Equator at La Mitad del Mundo - Center of the World.
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Help in the reforestation of the giant tortoise natural habitat.
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Visit Otavalo Market -one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America.
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Learn about the Quechua people on your way to hike Cotopaxi – “The Neck of the moon”
Service Projects
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MEDLIFE Development Project – Quito
Learn about the root causes of the issues facing the community. You’ll work hand-in-hand with local community members to create and work on sustainable solutions.
About MEDLIFE
Founded in 2004, MEDLIFE works in undeveloped communities in Latin American and Africa to provide medicine, education and other community needs.
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Quechua Community Development - Amazon Rainforest
From a Jungle Lodge on the bank of the Napo River, participate with the Quechua on a community development project. Learn about life in the Amazon from the indigenous people. Help locals with a project such as maintaining a nature trail.
About the Quechua Community
The Quechua people live in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador and other regions of South America. They speak the ancient language of Quechua, which was the ancient language of the Inca Empire.
Activities
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Quito, Ecuador
Kick off your summer in Ecuador's capital city, Quito, where you'll explore the famous Historic Center and quickly discover why it was designated as the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit La Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World) and experience zero latitude together.
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Otavalo Market, Ecuador
Otavalo Market, locally known as Plaza de los Ponchos and Centenario Market is one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America. It's the capital of Ecuadorian crafts and is rich in culture and history.
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Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle. Visit a wildlife rescue center to see toucans, parrots, monkeys and jaguars. Spot even more wildlife during a float down the Napo River. Your welcoming hosts will show you how to make the local beverage “chicha” and challenge you in a blowgun target-shooting contest (don’t worry, a friendly one).
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Baños, Ecuador
Travel high in the Andes to the small town of Baños. Whitewater raft down the thrilling Pastaza River and enjoy a beautiful hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfalls. Stroll down Ambato Street choosing from many international restaurant options.
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Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Be amazed in the Andes by Cotopaxi. An active volcano, Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest volcanoes and is known for the lush and beautiful forest that surrounds it, as well as the glacier-covered summit. Hike to the refuge for an unforgettable view of Cotopaxi National Park.
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Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Visit the most popular island and home of the Charles Darwin Center. Learn about the volcanic formation of the islands and the giant tortoise breeding program. We will plant a few indigenous trees as a token of our support and appreciation for the reforestation project while we visit with the island's giant tortoises.
Hike to Tortuga Bay known for its beautiful white sand beach and multitudes of marine iguanas. Kayak in the mangrove-protected saltwater cove and snorkel among amazing marine life. Climb, crawl and hike through natural lava tunnels and walk around the edge of Twin Craters. Snorkel the crystal blue waters and see abundant natural life.
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Bartolomé Island, Galapagos
After your cruise past exotic birds to Bartolomé Island, hike the moon-like path to the highest point of this volcanic island. The reward is an amazing view over some of the youngest islands in the Galapagos, contrasting orange sands, teal blue waters and black lava rock. Spot blue-footed boobies, Sally lightfoot crabs & herons on your way to the top.
Snorkel in Sullivan Bay, home to hundreds of reef fish, sea lions and starfish. You might be lucky enough to see a Galapagos penguin dart past you as well!
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Floreana Island, Galapagos
Take a relaxing cruise to Floreana Island, the first populated island of the Galapagos. Go to the highlands and feel how the real pirates must have felt in their old, dusky caves that they used in the 17th century as a hideaway. At the pier, playful sea lions, green sea turtles and penguins may pass by.
You’ll snorkel one of the most exquisite marine areas of Galapagos, the bay located between the islets of Champion and Enderby. We'll be able to spot marine turtles, tropical fish and starfish.
Accommodations
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Quito, Ecuador
The Hotel Embassy is strategically located in the lively Mariscal District, an exclusive area of the city near museums, galleries, theaters, historic city center, and other tourist attractions. Each room features Wi-Fi, phone and a safe.
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Amazon Jungle, Ecuador
Surrounded by rainforest, on the shores of the River Arajuno, the Liana Lodge is only reachable by boat. Experience the rainforest with indigenous guides and enjoy some chill time in your hammock in tropical surroundings. Your lodge forms part of the rainforest project “Selva Viva” and boasts its own protected forest and an animal rescue center. Every room has a private bathroom and all windows have mosquito meshes.
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Baños, Ecuador
The Monte Selva Lodge offers comfortable rooms with TVs and Wi-Fi. The hotel facilities include basketball and volleyball courts, and a pool.
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Santa Cruz, Galapagos
The Villa Laguna is a three-story hotel set in front of a fresh-water pool. The rooms have Wi-Fi and are clean & comfortable with spaces to take in the majesty of the islands. Poolside, there are plenty of spaces to lounge in the rich Galapagos breeze.
About This Program
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What It’s Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
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25 Service Hours
A letter of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the program.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Service Projects
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Accommodations
Basic hotels & lodges.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Transportation
Air-conditioned, professionally-driven vehicles (from deluxe motor coaches to passenger vans).
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
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Flights
On this program, all airfare is arranged by Westcoast Connection.
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Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.