![My Month in Ecuador… 🇪🇨
Earlier this year, I spent a month in Ecuador with PMGY and I loved it so much that I went back again! Here’s a little snapshot of my favourite parts of volunteering there!✨
🏠 Homestay - Both times I stayed with Monika and her family, along with four other volunteers. We shared meals, practiced Spanish, and enjoyed delicious home-cooked food. The house was super cosy and comfortable — a real home away from home. I even spent my birthday there and my host family made it feel really special! 🎂
🏙️ Quito - Staying in Quito totally exceeded my expectations. There’s so much to do such as visiting cafés with mountain views and many cultural activities too. It’s the perfect base for exploring Ecuador, with great (and cheap!) transport options for exploring further afield.
🦅 Volunteering Projects - I split my time between two projects. First, the Childcare Project, where I helped out at a local kindergarten. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made me feel appreciated right away. Then, I joined the Bird Rescue Project, which was such a unique experience! We cleaned enclosures, prepared food, assisted with medical checks, and even helped train birds to fly!
🏔️ Weekend Adventures - I made the most of every weekend with trips to Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, Otavalo Markets, and Baños — each for around $50 including transport, food, a guide, and entrance fees! But my absolute favourite was a 5-day adventure in the Amazon Rainforest, complete with boat rides, swimming in lagoons, spotting wildlife, traditional cooking, and meeting a Shaman!
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As a bird rescue volunteer in Ecuador, you’ll gain firsthand experience working with a variety of bird species native to this incredible country. Located just outside Quito, this fascinating and inspiring initiative is dedicated to promoting education, respect, and love for bird life. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you’ll play an active role in the daily operations of the project. This is a unique opportunity to support vital conservation efforts while learning about the challenges birds face in Ecuador and the importance of protecting their habitats.
Bird Rescue Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 Through Animal Care
- Gain Practical Animal Welfare Experience At A Bird Sanctuary In Quito
- Assist With Feeding, Enrichment, Sanctuary Care & Bird Rehabilitation
- Explore More Of Ecuador With Weekend Trips To The Amazon & Cotopaxi
- Experience Ecuadorian Culture Through Salsa, Cooking Classes & Museums
Background to the Bird Rescue Program
Ecuador, like many South American countries, is rich in wildlife thanks to its tropical climate, diverse landscapes, and lush rainforests. Historically, this environment supported thriving bird populations. However, challenges such as deforestation, poaching, and domestic bird ownership have made it increasingly difficult for birdlife to coexist peacefully with humans. According to BirdLife International’s 2012 update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, nearly 100 bird species across the Amazon region face a significantly heightened risk of extinction.
Parrots are among the most endangered bird groups, with 28% of species classified as threatened. In South America, parrots and other wild birds have traditionally been kept as pets, leading to their widespread removal from natural habitats. Amazon parrots and macaws are particularly sought after for their vibrant colours and ability to mimic human speech. Despite laws banning wild bird ownership, demand remains high in rural areas, where over half of coastal communities keep parrots as pets.
Between 2003 and 2019, the Ecuadorian Government confiscated an average of 392 wild birds annually. However, with limited care facilities, the government often relies on local initiatives to support the rehabilitation and long-term care of these animals.
A lack of environmental education in Ecuadorian schools further complicates efforts to reduce parrot ownership and capture. Environmental education aims to shift knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours to encourage conservation. When combined with other conservation strategies, these projects can significantly reduce persecution and increase parrot populations.
Urbanisation in Quito presents additional challenges for wild birds, as rapid population growth continues to displace their habitats. Living in close proximity to humans often results in injury and contributes to the decline of bird populations.
As an Ecuador bird rescue volunteer, you’ll support crucial conservation efforts to protect and rehabilitate these incredible creatures. By addressing these issues, the bird rescue volunteer in Ecuador program helps to create a more sustainable future for birdlife in the region.
Bird Rescue Volunteer Placement Example
Jardin Alado – PMGY partners with “The Garden of Birds,” an inspiring project founded by Paul Tufiño in 2013. This initiative tackles the environmental and social challenges impacting birdlife in Quito and beyond. As a non-governmental organisation, the project relies on external donations to achieve its goals of environmental education and the rehabilitation of birds of prey in Ecuador.
The sanctuary provides a safe haven for birds that have been kept as pets, mistreated, or injured in the wild. The ultimate aim is to release these birds back into the wild. To date, the project has successfully released 371 birds. However, some birds cannot be released due to domestication or physical and psychological damage. These birds are lovingly cared for at the sanctuary, which offers a unique “cage-free” environment to allow for a semi-free lifestyle.
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The local staff at the sanctuary oversee the care of the rescued birds, and as an Ecuador bird rescue volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting them. Working alongside the team, your tasks may include:
• Assisting with cleaning and general maintenance
• Supporting feeding routines
• Helping with medical treatments when required
• Assisting with educational programs
• Helping to build new birdhouses on-site
The project also welcomes local visitors, generating revenue and raising awareness about conservation and the care of bird species. This offers volunteers a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local community and promote the project’s mission. Your support is invaluable to the centre, which often operates with limited resources.
On a broader scale, the sanctuary runs educational campaigns in local schools and oversees recovery projects for sick and mistreated birds. The centre is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown Quito and spans one hectare. Other animals cared for on-site include butterflies, farm animals, llamas, and wild cats.
This bird rescue volunteer in Ecuador program provides an incredible opportunity to combine your passion for birdlife with meaningful volunteer work. By contributing to the care and wellbeing of these rescued birds, your efforts will make a lasting positive impact. Whether you’re supporting daily tasks or helping with broader conservation programs, your time as a volunteer will be deeply appreciated by the project team and the birds themselves.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
When you complete volunteer work in Ecuador, your role involves supporting the daily operations at the bird rescue centre. Your tasks will include cleaning enclosures, feeding the birds, assisting with enrichment activities, providing medical support when needed, and offering general assistance to the local project staff. Volunteering hours typically run from 8am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
To reach the bird rescue project, you’ll take a public bus, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bus stop is conveniently located near the host family, and the local team will guide you through the routes to and from the project, ensuring you’re comfortable with the journey.
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Alternatively, you can opt for an Uber for added convenience. However, this option is significantly more expensive than public transport.
This program offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, combining your passion for wildlife conservation with an immersive experience as a bird rescue volunteer in Ecuador.
Other Things to Consider Volunteering in Ecuador
Spanish Requirements - For the volunteer in Ecuador programs, we recommend having a reasonable level of Spanish before your trip. While there are no mandatory language requirements, and beginners are welcome, being able to communicate in Spanish will significantly enhance your experience. English is not widely spoken in Ecuador, so the program should also be seen as a language immersion opportunity. Limited Spanish skills may lead to communication challenges and a more frustrating experience. PMGY also offers Online Spanish Lessons before your trip, providing one-on-one classes with trained Spanish teachers via Zoom.
Additionally, you can enrol in our learn Spanish in Ecuador program, which includes 20 hours per week of Spanish lessons. Both options can be added during the online application process and are highly recommended to help you make the most of your volunteer work in Ecuador.
Once in Ecuador, you can arrange additional lessons with the local team. However, volunteer feedback suggests that balancing language lessons with your Ecuador volunteer programs can be tiring. For this reason, we recommend only extending your Language Immersion Program if you wish to focus on improving your Spanish skills.
Project Requirements - Ecuador is a destination that requires your time and commitment. The projects you’ll join, such as schools, nurseries, bird rescue centres, and hospitals, rely on volunteers to be present Monday to Friday. Some placements are within walking distance, while others may require public transport.
Volunteers can take up to three days off to visit the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands, but this must be arranged in advance. If you are ill, you must notify the project in the morning and provide a doctor’s note if necessary. The local team will outline further expectations and project guidelines during orientation.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Head deep into the Amazon Rainforest for four to five days of unforgettable moments. After an overnight bus ride, you’ll transfer by boat to a remote jungle lodge, which includes three meals daily, private bathrooms, and mosquito nets. The trip features daily boat tours, kayaking, village visits, night walks, and swimming in Amazon lagoons.
Getting There
• 12 hours by private tour bus and boat (round trip included in price)
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in tour price
Things to Do
• Daily Boat Tours – Included
• Kayaking – Included
• Night Walks – Included
• Paddleboarding – Included
• Village Visit – Included
• Sunset Lagoon Swim – Included
Travel through the Andes Mountains to the breathtaking Quilotoa crater lake. Enjoy dramatic viewpoints, hike down to the lake, or kayak on its turquoise waters. If you prefer, you can take a mule taxi ride back up.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private tour bus (round trip included in price)
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Quito
Things to Do
• Viewpoints and Hiking
• Kayaking – 5 GBP for 30 minutes
• Mule Ride – 5 GBP
• Salsa Classes – 5 GBP
• Explore National Parks – 5–20 GBP (unguided)
Hike to the base camp of Cotopaxi, the world’s second-highest active volcano. The trek offers stunning mountain scenery and the option to continue to a 5,000m viewpoint. At base camp, enjoy hot chocolate and a passport stamp as a keepsake.
Getting There
• 2.5 hours by private tour bus (round trip included in price)
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Quito
Things to Do
• Hiking to Base Camp
• Traditional Breakfast and Lunch
• Optional Bicycle Ride
Just a short drive from Quito, Mindo offers lush jungle trails, waterfalls, orchid gardens, and incredible birdlife. This nature escape includes zip-lining, chocolate tasting, and butterfly watching.
Getting There
• 2.5 hours by private tour bus (round trip included in price)
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Quito
Things to Do
• Orchid Gardens
• Zip Lining
• Chocolate Factory
• Butterfly Farm
• Waterfall Hike
Visit South America’s largest Indigenous market in Otavalo to shop for alpaca jumpers, scarves, and souvenirs. The tour also includes bizcocho tasting in Cayambe, a visit to the Middle of the World monument, and the Cotacachi Leather Market.
Getting There
• 2 hours by private tour bus (round trip included in price)
Where to Stay
• Day trip option from Quito
Things to Do
• Market Visit and Tastings
• Middle of the World Monument
• Alpaca Farm & Lake Viewpoint
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- A group of friends enjoying a vibrant glacier hike in Ecuadors stunning icy volcanic landscape.
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- A diverse group of hikers explores a lush Ecuador rainforest trail, surrounded by vibrant greenery and towering trees.
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- Friends enjoy a relaxing swim in a lush river at sunset, surrounded by greenery and golden light, in a carefree outdoor summer moment.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Host Family
During your time on our Ecuador volunteer programs, you will stay with a local host family in Quito. The accommodation is comfortable and provides an authentic opportunity to experience everyday life in Ecuador while living in the city. Staying with a host family also gives you plenty of opportunities to practise your Spanish, with many families speaking Spanish as their main language and varying levels of English.
Host families usually have their own private living areas but enjoy interacting with volunteers and hearing about their experiences in Ecuador. This creates a welcoming environment where you can get to know your hosts, learn more about local life and build your confidence speaking Spanish throughout your stay.
All host family accommodation has Wi-Fi and communal space where you can relax and spend time with your hosts. You will also have access to a kitchen with a refrigerator for storing chilled items, although we recommend checking with your host family before using fridge space. Rooms include single beds, bed linen and cupboard space for clothes and personal belongings.
Host families are located in or just outside central Quito and are generally within a 30 minute bus journey of your volunteer project. Your host family placement is matched with your volunteer project to help make your daily commute as convenient as possible. If you would like to stay in the same accommodation as another PMGY participant, please mention this on your online application.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option is ideal for volunteers who enjoy a more social living experience. Rooms are same sex and accommodate up to 3 participants, giving you the opportunity to share your experience with other PMGY volunteers while also becoming part of your host family’s home.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other participants or members of the household and include showers and western style toilets. This is our standard accommodation option and is particularly popular with younger volunteers looking for a sociable and immersive experience in Quito.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer more personal space, our Comfort Option provides a private room within a local host family home. Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together, with 2 single beds provided.
You will also have a bathroom reserved solely for your use. Depending on the individual host family home, this may be an ensuite bathroom connected directly to your bedroom or a private bathroom located just outside the room. This option offers additional privacy and independence while still allowing you to enjoy the cultural and social benefits of staying with a local host family.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 3 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
45 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Ecuador, meals are not included in your Program Fee. However, you can opt for a popular meal plan at 80 USD per week, which covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, freshly prepared by your host family (Monday–Sunday). Meals typically consist of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, with vegetarian options always available. Payment for the meal plan is made locally upon your arrival, covering the full duration of your stay.
Please note this is a one-time cost, and meals cannot be arranged on a “per meal basis.” Snacks and drinks outside of meal times are not included.
If you prefer to prepare your own meals, the homestay provides a fully equipped kitchen with all necessary appliances. You’ll need to purchase your own ingredients for cooking. However, this option tends to be less popular as it’s often more expensive and requires additional effort to prepare individual meals.
The homestay is situated in a vibrant area with access to both small food markets and larger convenience stores. If you have questions about using the kitchen or finding local ingredients, the host family or local team will be happy to assist.
Program Location
FAQ's
As a Ecuador bird rescue volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the bird rescue projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Ecuador bird rescue program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Saturday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Ecuador, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Ecuador bird rescue volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Many of our Ecuador bird rescue volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Ecuador bird rescue volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Ecuador bird rescue is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
