A Taste of Ecuador
– Duration: 2 weeks –
Combine adventure with meaningful travel in the diverse and beautiful country of Ecuador on this adventurous 2 week trip.
Live and work alongside indigenous communities right in the heart of the Amazon. Play a vital role in protecting the world’s largest tropical rainforest, supporting the people and wildlife who call this spectacular environment their home. Trek through the jungle to experience true off-grid living by sleeping under the stars in your very own hammock.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and make an impact in a place packed with natural beauty and diversity, this is the trip for you.
Best for:
This programme is designed to impact the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
A Taste of Ecuador
$1,300 per traveller
The impact that you'll make
01
Reforestation (DonBiki)
As the community develops, they cut down more trees to sell the wood and have spaces for crops. The Shiwa palm (native to the community and especially important as fast-growing contacuro trees grown within this palm) has suffered the most from this deforestation and we aim to replant more of these. As well as reforesting with Shiwa, we will be reforesting with medicinal plants, and aiming to engage the younger generations in learning about these and the other plants that surround them.
02
Water Collection (Chilli Urku)
The community at Camp Chilli Urku lies on a ridge which runs through the jungle and therefore doesn’t have much running water. However, there is a perfectly good source of water: rain (it is the rainforest after all). We are working to build rainwater harvesting tanks with toilets, showers, and a washing area for clothes in each of the houses. We also plan to build a reservoir above the village to provide a central communal supply of water.
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Camp Donbiki
The incredible Camp Donbiki offers a unique jungle experience. Situated in the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest, its located next to a wonderful river, so you can be lulled by its peaceful sound as you go to sleep.
You’ll be welcomed by the friendly community here as they teach you their local customs and knowledge of the rainforest, including the traditional use of medicinal plants. You’ll work alongside them to help protect and restore the indigenous trees and improve the community facilities.
Location: In the Arajuno area of the Pastaza province
Accommodation style: Jungle lodge with bunk beds
Power: Two American plug sockets in each room
Social area: The end of each cabin has a chill out space with cushions and there is a small dining room. Lots of open space in camp to enjoy your jungle surroundings.
Signature dish: Maito de tilapia or Maito de pollo – Fish or chicken cooked inside a banana leaf with palmito (roots of a type of palm) and yuca (root veg) and rice.
Camp Chilli Urku
Experience true off-grid lifestyle in Camp Chilli Urku. Situated in a remote area of the rainforest, to arrive at the camp you’ll trek for a couple of hours through the jungle – the journey is well worth it. Surrounded by endless green, you will truly feel at one with nature as you fall asleep in your hammock listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
Location: In the Arajuno area of the Pastaza province
Accommodation style: Hammocks in a wooden house up in a hill
Power: There is no power in the camp but we have solar lights charging every morning
Signature dish: Maito de tilapia or Maito de pollo – Fish or chicken cooked inside a banana leaf with palmito (roots of a type of palm) and yuca (root veg) and rice.
Social area: Big dining room and open space to enjoy incredible views of the rainforest
Day to Day
Day 1
Welcome to Ecuador!
Arrive into Quito airport where you will be greeted by a member of our Camps crew who will take you to your accommodation in the city for your first night’s stay.
Day 2
Head to the Amazon
Get ready for an exciting road trip today as we head to our first camp right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Camp Donbiki is located next to the Arajuno river, so you’ll be lulled by its sound as you fall asleep tonight.
Day 3-7
Environmental project work
Our work at in the Amazon focuses on reforestation and environmental protection. You’ll be getting involved in projects such as seed collection, forest restoration, and learning about forest types and ethnobotany.
Day 8
Jungle trek to Camp Chilli Urku
Head off on an adventurous trek through the jungle, spotting monkeys in the trees along the way, to get to Camp Chili Urku (usually takes around 4 hours). The community here is formed by indigenous Kichwa families that have lots of history. This amazing jungle camp offers a real off-grid experience as you spend the next few nights sleeping in hammocks right in the heart of the jungle.
Day 9-13
Project work at Chilli Urku
Over the next few days, you’ll work alongside the community to build rainwater harvesting tanks with toilets, showers and a washing area in each of the houses. You will also have the opportunity to help build a community reservoir above the village to provide a sustainable water supply.
Day 14
Chau Ecuador
Today is your final day in Ecuador – say your farewells to the team before we take you back to the airport in time for your flight home.
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Top up your trip
If you’d like to add in some extra adventure, we offer the opportunity to book some exciting add-ons which can be included within your trip duration or added on to the start or end of your journey. Speak to our team to find out more about how to add these awesome adventures to your programme.
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Find Out MoreWhat's included
Food
Drinking water
Accommodation
Pre-travel support from dedicated UK team
In-country support from dedicated local team
In-country airport & activity transfers
All project costs & materials
Orientation & language lessons
24-hour emergency support
Camps t-shirt
Don’t forget… flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations. Please note, you must be over 18 years old at time of departure.
Make an enquiry
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