Venture West // Ecuador

Schools Community Project & Trekking, Ecuador

The Land of Fire and gold!

Ecuador may be small but it certainly packs a lot in! During this expedition teams will experience the stunning topography of mountains, volcanoes, jungle and beaches, as well as the fascinating history and culture of this incredible country. This experience is topped off by the unforgettable friendliness of the Ecuadorians.

This expedition combines a community project and trekking element, giving students great development opportunities. Teams will manage many of the elements of the expedition themselves, including navigation on the trek, budgeting, booking accommodation and food supplies. Teams are supported throughout by our experienced expedition leaders and our in-country team.

The community project phase not only enables us to assist in a project that directly benefits the host community, but also gives students the opportunity to really get to know what life is like living in rural Ecuador.  In Ecuador we work with Cielo Azul, a local NGO who are committed to helping remote villages. Teams will work on a much needed project for a local community. 

Every project is a collaboration, with decisions on which projects to tackle based on what the local community feel is a sustainable resolution to a problem they’ve highlighted.  Our projects benefit not only our host communities, but everyone that takes part. A true collaboration of cultures and global citizenship!

Our expeditions include local interest visits, providing educational opportunities, adventure, as well as an insight into the country’s heritage, history and people and so.  These can include;

  • Whitewater Rafting near Bańos – teams will journey along the river, discovering exciting rapids and magnificent views (up to whitewater level 3)
  • Isla de la Plata – a boat trip to explore the isle, which is often compared to the Galapagos becuase of the rich biodiversity found here.  Plus the exciting chance for some whale watching!
  • Quito visit – Ecuador’s capital city, located high in the Andes. A visit gives students the opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Our focus on development means teams lead on planning, managing food and navigation during the trek phase. Teams need to work together to successfully meet this challenge.

The Condor Trek is a remote 5 day route, passing by several volcanoes in the Antisana and Cotopaxi national parks.  This spectacular trek through the Andes gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in this breath-taking landscape.

Trekking opportunies abound in this area of Ecuador, so there is the possibility to substitute the Condor trek for others of varying challenge here or in other areas of Ecuador.

Expedition Project

The community project phase not only enables us to assist in a project that directly benefits the host community, but also gives students the opportunity to really get to know what life is like living in rural Ecuador.  In Ecuador we work with Cielo Azul, a local NGO who are committed to helping remote villages. Teams will work on a much needed project for a local community. 

Every project is a collaboration, with decisions on which projects to tackle based on what the local community feel is a sustainable resolution to a problem they’ve highlighted.  Our projects benefit not only our host communities, but everyone that takes part. A true collaboration of cultures and global citizenship!

En Route

Our expeditions include local interest visits, providing educational opportunities and adventure, as well as an insight into the country’s heritage, history and people.  These can include;

  • Whitewater Rafting near Bańos – teams will journey along the river, discovering exciting rapids and magnificent views (up to whitewater level 3)
  • Isla de la Plata – a boat trip to explore the isle, which is often compared to the Galapagos becuase of the rich biodiversity found here.  Plus the exciting chance for some whale watching!
  • Quito visit – Ecuador’s capital city, located high in the Andes. A visit gives students the opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Trekking

Our focus on development means teams lead on planning, managing food and navigation during the trek phase. Teams need to work together to successfully meet this challenge.

The Condor Trek is a remote 5 day route, passing by several volcanoes in the Antisana and Cotopaxi national parks.  This spectacular trek through the Andes gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in this breath-taking landscape.

Trekking opportunies abound in this area of Ecuador, so there is the possibility to substitute the Condor trek for others of varying challenge here or in other areas of Ecuador.

Embrace the challenge and remember the unique experience!

Our aim is to take our student teams out of their comfort zone as this is an integral component of developmental expeditions. Don’t expect air conditioned rooms and coaches with waitress service.  We don’t provide luxury tours, knowing from experience that best way to get to know Ecuador, cannot be found there.

Our accommodation is always basic but clean and will be a mix of camping and hostels. We encourage all team members to get involved in every aspect of expedition life and, can guarantee, they’ll be amazed by what they can achieve!

KEY INFORMATION

All our expeditions are bespoke and tailored to your team's needs

Community Project

Trekking

Cultural Visits

Whitewater Rafting

Duration

23 days (UK to UK)

THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE ...

Get in touch to find out more