![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 childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you’ll play an important role in supporting childcare projects in the vibrant city of Quito. Alongside making a meaningful impact, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs offer a fantastic opportunity to improve your Spanish. Lend a helping hand to children and local staff by planning activities and games, assisting during meal times, and creating a positive environment. As you engage with the children, you’ll naturally enhance your Spanish skills, making this a rewarding way to volunteer with children in Ecuador while immersing yourself in the local culture.
Childcare Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Practical Childcare Skills Supporting Children Across Projects In Quito
- Engage Children Through Learning, Play, Creative Activities & Daily Care
- Explore More Of Ecuador With Weekend Trips To The Amazon & Cotopaxi
- Experience Ecuadorian Culture Through Salsa, Cooking Classes & Museums
Background to the Childcare Program
In Ecuador, children typically attend kindergartens from ages 1 to 4. Unfortunately, these facilities often lack basic resources and are overcrowded, with a limited number of staff supervising large groups of children. Many of the children come from disadvantaged communities in Quito, meaning they may not receive the early support they need.
As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you can provide much-needed attention and engagement, helping to build the children’s confidence and support their early years development. By working alongside local staff, you’ll play a vital role in giving these children the skills they need to thrive.
For children with disabilities in Ecuador, the challenges can be even greater. Limited resources and a lack of awareness mean many disabled children miss out on the care and support they need, both within and outside the education system. Volunteers can make a significant impact by working one-to-one with these children, supporting them through activities such as occupational therapy. While these roles can be challenging, they are also incredibly rewarding and varied.
PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Ecuador offer a platform to make a real difference. At our childcare volunteer abroad projects, you’ll bring energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to your role. Many of these children will be looking for the care and attention you can provide as a volunteer with children in Ecuador.
To make the most of your time, it’s important to dedicate your skills and energy effectively, ensuring your impact is maximised. If you’re seeking inspiration for gap year volunteering, our programs in Ecuador provide incredible opportunities to contribute meaningfully while gaining unforgettable experiences.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
La Bota Kindergarten - La Bota Kindergarten provides care and support for over 40 children aged 1-4 years. The children are divided into three groups, with daily activities tailored to their age. As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you’ll create recreational activities, organise games, and teach about hygiene. Other tasks include reading stories, playing music, and singing songs to engage the children.
During the project, you’ll build strong bonds with the children, so it’s essential to commit fully for the duration of your stay in Ecuador. Volunteers usually work in the mornings for around four hours, before the children take their afternoon nap. You’ll have the support of 1-2 local staff members in each classroom and may also assist with snacks and breakfast time.
This role is both creative and rewarding, requiring initiative and a positive attitude. Your volunteer work in Ecuador will play a key part in supporting the limited local team. While resources at the centre may be scarce, your contribution can make a significant difference. Volunteers act as role models, instilling values such as care, respect, and a love for learning in the children.
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The presence of horses has a calming effect on the children, stimulating alpha waves that promote relaxation and provide a distraction from pain or depression. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the project, assisting with horse care tasks such as feeding, walking, and preparing saddles and bridles. You’ll also help during therapy sessions with the children and support their parents at the project.
Casa de Angeles – Founded in 1993, Casa de Angeles offers rehabilitation and occupational therapy for children with special needs. Located in southern Quito, the project serves children from low-income families. As a volunteer with children in Ecuador, you’ll assist local staff with activities like physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy, and speech therapy sessions. Under the guidance of staff, you’ll help improve children’s motor skills and support their development.
The centre also features a sensory room for children to enjoy throughout the day. While there are usually 10-20 children attending daily, the project requires significant one-to-one interaction. Your involvement ensures that each child receives more personalised care and attention.
This program requires lots of energy and enthusiasm, as you’ll play a vital role in stimulating and supporting the children. Despite its challenges, this project is highly rewarding, offering one of the most impactful volunteer opportunities in Ecuador.
These placements provide a chance to make a meaningful difference while immersing yourself in the local community. Whether you’re working at a kindergarten, supporting therapy projects, or assisting children with special needs, you’ll leave a lasting impact as a childcare volunteer in Ecuador.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a volunteer in Ecuador, your role involves providing valuable support to local staff with daily tasks. These may include assisting at mealtimes, helping with cleaning, and engaging in creative activities such as singing songs, teaching English, and promoting hygiene skills. Playing with children outdoors in a recreational setting is also a key part of your role, as local caregivers often have limited time to focus on this.
For those volunteering with disabled children in Ecuador, patience, energy, and enthusiasm are essential. Each day is unique, and flexibility is important, as a strict routine cannot always be expected. Daily activities often involve various occupational therapies designed to benefit the children. Your direct support will be vital in assisting the small number of local staff members.
The work schedule is flexible and will be coordinated between you, the centre, and the volunteer coordinator in Quito. Volunteers typically work Monday to Friday for 3-5 hours a day, ensuring you have time to make the most of your experience.
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As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, your contribution will make a meaningful difference, whether you’re assisting with daily tasks, engaging children in activities, or providing essential support to local staff. This is an incredibly rewarding way to volunteer with children in Ecuador, offering both personal growth and the chance to create lasting memories.
Other Things to Consider Working With Children 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.
Placement Settings – PMGY does not offer volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any location. Studies have shown that volunteering in orphanages can inadvertently support an industry that separates children from their families, putting them at risk of neglect and abuse. As a result, PMGY does not work with or support such institutions.
Instead, our programs focus on alternative childcare opportunities where children come to and from the placement daily. Our local teams partner with safe, responsible, and vetted projects that do not provide residential care. These settings allow volunteers to offer meaningful support to local staff while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children.
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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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 childcare 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.
