Reforestation & Research in Ecuador

Wake up to your first morning in Ecuador and dive into expedition life by assigning some team roles, and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. Hit the markets to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone, the currency here is US dollars. Quito sits high in the Andes mountains and is brimming with colonial buildings, Inca relics and buzzing markets. Delve into ‘gringoland’, hear the toll of cathedral bells and smell fresh roses in La Carolina park. Feeling hungry? Fill up on fresh ceviche (lime-marinated fish) and arroz con pollo (chicken rice).

Spend the next few days living in the cloud forest reserve on the slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. This lush landscape offers a vast array of plant and animal life. However, decades of deforestation have threatened the forests and their inhabitants. The hosting organisation works to protect 700 hectares of tropical forest through research, reforestation, and community education. They believe that environmental conservation and human development are deeply interconnected. The team also runs an organic farm and develops sustainable production processes. Get hands-on with reforestation, research, and farming activities throughout your stay. There will also be many opportunities to learn about Ecuador’s biodiversity and connect with the local community. Wrap up your stay with a traditional Ecuadorian dinner, celebrate your experience and connect with the local researchers and learn about their lives.

Time for a new challenge, trekking and camping for three days straight through the Amazon rainforest! This is one of the world’s most biologically rich areas, so look out for bats, sloths, river dolphins and more. Set off through thick jungle, tracing rivers and taking care on wet rocks. Pass cascading waterfalls and spot monkeys and parrots in the canopy. Stop to catch your breath while checking out the epic views of the Anzu Basin. When you reach your camp each evening, you’ll fall asleep to the soundtrack of the Amazonian wildlife. After three epic days, wave goodbye to your guides and return to Tena.

Surrounded by lush green hills, Tena is packed with activities, prepare to get your adrenaline fix. You have options for how to spend your time here, so speak to the ground team and make a plan. You could seek out adventure with a white water rafting trip. Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet and ride the Jatunyacu river rapids. Or check out Tena, known as the cinnamon capital thanks to its spice farms. Relax on the river beaches, or explore plazas and parks, like the Parque Amazonica, a botanical garden and zoo.

Travel back to Quito. The capital is packed with culture, and there’s loads to experience. You could ride the cable car for panoramic views of the city, or hit the markets for Arabica coffee, alpaca blankets and handmade chocolate. As your trip wraps up, notice how much your confidence has grown since you first arrived. You’ve achieved so much but you couldn’t have done it without your team, so celebrate in style with a final group meal.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Ecuador has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.