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
Water Security & Developing Community Ammenities (Kuri Kucho)
Lack of water and sanitation is an ongoing problem for the community of Kuri Kucho. Their water source is diverted to commercial farms and areas with a larger population leaving the local community without a reliable source of fresh water for themselves and their livestock. You’ll help by building reliable water systems and toilet systems that will help tackle the poor sanitation and lack of water.
02
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.
03
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 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 style: Eco houses with comfy mattresses & bedding. Modern toilets, hot water bucket showers & sinks
Power: Mains electricity only in social area. US standard plug
Social area: Camp fire, volleyball pitch, Otavalo visit
Signature dish: Cuy – guinea pig
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: American two pin plug sockets in the communal spaces
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 under grassed roofed open sided buildings
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
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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