Camp Ecuador Trek School Expedition
Ecuador is a biodiversity hotspot with contrasting landscapes from coastal plains, to farmlands and jungles in the Andes. On your 4 week life-enhancing school expedition you’ll be travelling into the Amazon River Basin, you will experience first-hand the wide-ranging issues facing this country and its unique wildlife.
You’ll visit the Otavalo market, a vibrant and multi-cultural shopping experience, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular markets in South America. As you travel around this stunning country, you’ll also get the chance to see amazing mountain landscapes whilst visiting the bustling city of Quito and the surrounding area.
Take on a 5-day three peak trek to the volcanoes Cerro Tolillas, Fuya Fuya and Cerro Negro surrounding Lake Mojanda. As you trek this lesser-known tourist route you’ll have the opportunity to explore ancient Inca ruins and each day will offer you a different and spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings.
Camp Ecuador Trek School Expedition
per traveller
the impact you will make
01
School Kitchen Improvement (Kuri Kucho)
Currently the community school provides lunch for all the children and the food is cooked and prepared in a classroom which is totally unsuitable and poses a real fire hazard. You will help by continuing the alterations on this building to provide the school with a safe and hygienic kitchen.
activities include
- Mixing cement
- Plastering, painting and decorating buildings
- Learn about bio-construction
- Make your own building materials
02
Ethnobotanical Garden (Amazonia)
The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important regions in the world and is home to more than 1000 animal species. However, it’s also one of the most threatened. You’ll help by establishing and maintaining an ethnobotanical garden and tree nursery for the community that can be used for reforestation and preserving cultural medicinal knowledge.
activities include
- Seed collection & harvesting
- Tree planting
- General maintenance
- Occasional construction when needed
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Camp Amazonia
What better place to spend time than in the world’s greatest and most biodiverse rainforest! The journey before you even reach camp is a must-see, as you drive from the Andes (2800m) down to the rainforest (400m) through landscapes of global significance and unparalleled beauty.
Staying at Camp Amazonia is a very special experience as you actually get the chance to live inside the Ecuadorian Amazon. The camp is set beside a small river and is surrounded on all sides by lush jungle teaming with some incredible wildlife that you won’t see anywhere else. You’ll also spend time with the locals and learn more about their fascinating way of life. This really is a true adventurers paradise!
Location: 210 km (6 hours drive) from Quito International Airport
Accommodation: Traditional wooden buildings & tents with comfy mattresses & bedding. Flushing toilets, cold showers & sinks
Power: Generator (between 06:00 – 10:00 & 16:00 – 20:00)
Phone Signal: No
Meals: Three healthy, well balanced and tasty meals a day e.g. toast, cereal, and fruit for breakfast; fish with veg for lunch/dinner & fruit
Signature dish: BBQ Tilapia wrapped in banana leaf. Palm, yucca & banana flower salad
If you’re feeling brave: Try live lemon ants or chontacuro grubs!
Social: Open sided chill out space with hammocks
Camp Kuri Kucho
Kuri Kucho is our highest altitude camp in Ecuador, sitting 3,300 metres above sea level. Its elevated hillside position offers you the most jaw-dropping views of the dramatic highland surroundings. The views across the valley to the glaciated Cayambe (5,790m) are not to be missed and on a clear day you may also catch a glimpse of Antisana (5703m) in the distance.
The camp itself is situated in the heart of this widespread community and it’s not uncommon to see children passing by the camp on horseback on the way to school. Accommodation is made out of ecological materials where possible, making this a very unique and environmentally friendly camp full of rustic charm.
You are also only 40 minutes drive from Otavalo, Ecuador’s most famous indigenous market where you can grab all sorts of handicraft bargains.
Location: 75 km (2 hours drive) from Quito International Airport
Accommodation: Eco houses & tents with comfy mattresses & bedding. Modern toilets, showers & sinks
Power: Mains electricity only in social area. US standard plug
Phone Signal: No
Meals: Three healthy, well balanced and tasty meals a day e.g. toast, sausage and omelette for breakfast; pasta, chicken stew/curry with veg for lunch/dinner & fruit
Signature dish: Chicken & veg
If you’re feeling brave: Try guinea pig!
Social: Camp fire, volleyball pitch, Otavalo visit
camp legends
Local camps crew
Jimena
Our Operations Leader and all round volunteering super star in Ecuador. Jimena ensures the smooth running of all our volunteer projects and spend her spare time raising money for The Camps Foundation, our charity.
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What's included
4 week life-enhancing school expedition
Flights and all in-country transfers
Travel insurance
Food and drink
Accommodation
5 day mountain trek
Project costs
Access to our Travellers Gateway
Ongoing pre-expedition and fundraising support
Dedicated Qualified Expedition Leader and supporting staff costs
Orientation and local language lessons
24 hour emergency support
Reserve location
The option to earn UCAS points
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