![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 an Ecuador medical volunteer, you’ll gain invaluable first-hand experience and insight into the Ecuadorian healthcare system. Additionally, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs offer a fantastic opportunity to enhance your Spanish skills. Explore the traditional healing practices and beliefs of the local people while dedicating your time to specific hospital departments. This program allows you to make a meaningful contribution as a medical volunteer while deepening your understanding of Ecuadorian culture and healthcare.
Medical Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 For Improved Health
- Gain Clinical Experience Across Wards At A Large Public Hospital In Quito
- Observe Local Doctors, Patient Care, Consultations & Medical Procedures
- Explore More Of Ecuador With Weekend Trips To The Amazon & Cotopaxi
- Experience Ecuadorian Culture Through Salsa, Cooking Classes & Museums
Background to the Medical Program
In the late 1990s, Ecuador faced significant challenges, including a weak government and one of the poorest financial systems in South America. Healthcare services were severely underfunded, offering care comparable to medieval standards. For most people, the cost of healthcare was far beyond their reach, with over 10% of the population unemployed and 20% living in poverty. The system was failing, leaving the population with few solutions.
In 2000, Rafael Correa took office and began implementing major reforms, even amidst ongoing crises. One of his notable achievements was establishing one of the strongest healthcare systems in the region. At the start of his tenure, Quito had limited hospitals and medical providers, with healthcare services resembling those of rural clinics.
To address this, Correa invested over 2 billion USD into the healthcare budget. His efforts led to the commissioning of 18 new hospitals in major cities and the construction of 250 healthcare centres and clinics in rural villages across Ecuador.
These reforms created a healthcare system described by locals as consistent nationwide. Whether visiting a rural village clinic or a large hospital in Quito, patients now receive nearly equal quality care, with the only difference being the availability of specialists in smaller facilities.
The system is divided into four categories: private, public, social care, and no coverage. The private system serves the working class under purchased insurance plans. Social care is similar to the US Social Security system, providing healthcare coverage to citizens who contribute a portion of their income to the government care plan. The public system offers free care to those with terminal illnesses, children under 10, adults over 60, and individuals living in poverty.
PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs offer a unique platform to gain valuable exposure to medicine and healthcare within a different cultural setting. As an Ecuador medical volunteer, you’ll observe facilities, procedures, and operations that are often completely different from those in your home country.
To make the most of your volunteer work in Ecuador, it’s essential to manage your time and skills effectively. This will ensure you maximise your exposure and learning opportunities during your project.
If you’re looking for additional or alternative medical projects, our medical volunteer projects in India are highly recommended. These opportunities provide extensive exposure and involvement across a variety of settings, making them our leading medical volunteer program.
Medical Volunteer Placement Example
Pablo Arturo Suarez Hospital - PMGY’s medical volunteer program in Ecuador places participants in Pablo Arturo Suarez Hospital, a government hospital located in the north of Quito, near the former Mariscal Sucre airport. Inaugurated in 1951, the hospital was named in honour of Pablo Arturo Suarez, a respected medical professional and public health advocate. Today, it serves primarily low-income families and plays an important role in providing accessible healthcare to the local community. Volunteers may have the opportunity to rotate through different medicine wards, depending on hospital needs and their level of Spanish. Examples include:
Internal Medicine (specialty departments), Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Occupational Therapy, Trauma, Out-Patient Services, Surgery Consult Department.
The hospital welcomes university students, school leavers, and volunteers without prior medical education. However, having some volunteer work experience in a community care or clinical setting is recommended. School leavers with no experience are also accepted but should come prepared with questions and learning objectives, as well as a positive attitude to maximise their time in the program.
Learn More...
Medical volunteers should note that hospital staff primarily communicate in Spanish, with little to no English spoken. Having a good level of Spanish is essential for efficient communication with staff and patients. Without it, volunteers may face significant language barriers, which could lead to a frustrating learning experience.
Daily Schedule
Volunteers join the program Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30am to maximise exposure during busy mornings. The average working day lasts five hours, typically finishing in the early afternoon. Below is an example of a typical day in the paediatric ward:
7:30am-8:30am – Report to the paediatric ward and observe inpatient rounds, including medication administration, consultations, and patient observations.
9:00am-9:30am – Observe children receiving injections to update vaccine records.
9:30am-10:30am – Assist care providers by engaging children in games or play while treatments for wounds, infections, or disabilities are administered.
10:30am-11:00am – Break time.
11:00am-12:00pm – Shadow a doctor during rounds, observing consultations and patient admissions.
12:00pm-12:30pm – Assist care providers with discharge planning, counselling, and care coordination with families.
While volunteering, you may encounter various illnesses, including acute respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, depression, malnutrition, physical abuse, and altitude sickness. As this facility serves low-income and unemployed individuals, the severity of illnesses can vary greatly.
You may also meet indigenous patients who practise holistic healing methods rooted in Incan beliefs of living in harmony with Mother Earth. These patients often arrive in critical condition, requiring urgent intervention with antibiotics or other medications. The hospital’s healthcare system is centred around Western medical practices, providing an interesting contrast to traditional healing methods.
Student Elective Opportunities
PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in Ecuador, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine or nursing, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in Ecuador, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY Ecuador team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.
Medical – Embark on a medical elective in South America to enhance your clinical skills. Experience a healthcare system different from your own and gain new perspectives on traditional beliefs. You can specialise your time across up to eight wards in the public hospital, working alongside department heads during inpatient rounds, assisting care providers, and shadowing consultations. As most staff speak little English, a good level of Spanish is highly recommended for effective communication.
Nursing – Complete your nursing elective at one of Quito’s largest public hospitals. Rotate across various hospital wards on a weekly basis and gain insight into all aspects of nursing. Partner with local nurses to explore Ecuador’s healthcare system in depth. Depending on your Spanish proficiency, you may also assist with counselling programs and help doctors develop care plans. Additionally, you’ll learn about holistic treatments used for patients from indigenous communities.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As an international volunteer in Ecuador, you’ll primarily spend your time observing on the wards, working under the guidance of nurses and doctors. Occasionally, you may also assist by engaging young children in activities while they undergo treatment.
Your volunteer work in Ecuador typically runs Monday to Friday, starting at 7:30am. This early start ensures you can be part of the hospital’s busy morning schedule and provide appropriate support to the medical staff. Each day lasts an average of 3-5 hours, with projects usually wrapping up in the early afternoon.
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Other Things to Consider as a Medical Volunteer in Ecuador
Spanish Requirements - For the medical program in Ecuador, it is strongly recommended that you have a conversational level of Spanish. Communication is essential for a productive experience at the project. Speaking Spanish and showing a passion to improve your skills will greatly enhance your overall experience, as English is not widely spoken at the project. Without a sufficient level of Spanish, communicating with healthcare professionals may prove challenging, resulting in a frustrating and unproductive 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.
Volunteers are also advised to bring 2-3 ID photos for their hospital ID, which will be issued on the first day. This ID allows greater access to departments and ensures a smoother experience. Volunteers are required to sign in and out of the hospital department each day they attend.
Please note that healthcare provisions may differ from the standards of your home country. In South America, volunteers may encounter situations such as domestic violence or physical assault cases. We encourage volunteers to maintain an open mind and be prepared for experiences that may differ from medical studies at home.
Hands-On Involvement – The level of hands-on involvement at medical volunteer abroad projects depends on several factors, including your medical background, the length of your program, and your willingness to participate. The medical staff overseeing your work decides upon the extent of your involvement, ensuring all procedures are carried out responsibly.
Some previous participants in the medical volunteer in Ecuador program have been allowed to administer IV injections, dress wounds, and perform other basic tasks. However, hands-on involvement cannot be guaranteed, regardless of your experience. Volunteers without medical training typically take on observational roles, while those pursuing medical studies may have the opportunity for more direct participation under supervision.
Trained Professionals – This program is not designed for trained professionals looking to practise medicine overseas. It is specifically tailored for school leavers and medical students who wish to learn about healthcare systems abroad and gain experience in a supportive environment.
Photos – Please note that photography is not allowed in clinical areas. Patients are often in vulnerable situations, and taking photos can compromise their privacy and dignity. Even if you witness something memorable or medically interesting, capturing images is not appropriate. You are welcome to take general photos outside of clinical settings, but always follow local guidance and respect the privacy of staff, patients, and the wider community.
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 medical 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 medical projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation! However, please note that medical and healthcare projects often require additional documentation before participation begins in-country.
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 medical 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 medical 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 medical 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 medical 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 medical 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.
