A must-see destination for adventure seekers, Ecuador is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. With coastal territory, the famous Andes peaks, the Amazon Rainforest, and one of the highest active volcanoes, you will get to experience captivating wildlife whilst making a long-lasting difference to the local community.

Choose to surround yourself with magnificent green mountains at Camp Esmeraldas and explore the unique Afro-Ecuadorian heritage of the welcoming locals or immerse yourself in the tropical jungle at Camp DonBiki where you will learn about medicinal plants and the importance of protecting the forest. We make sure every single one of our projects provides a real opportunity for a positive impact, such as building new medical centres, rebuilding a teacher’s home or helping with reforestation.

We work alongside community traditions and culture, this way you will really experience the local way of life and help it retain its true heritage over time. Not only will you take the rewarding feeling home of having made a true difference, but the unforgettable friendships, unique stories and the vibrant energy of a country that cherishes its diversity will make this an incomparable experience.

You can add an adventure while you are in the centre of the world, like snorkelling in the remote Galapagos Islands called ‘a unique living museum’ by UNESCO, whale watching off the coast or even add time to your travels and go down to Peru for a visit to the Incan Treasure with a trek to the mysterious ancient city of Machu Picchu.  

CAMP ESMERALDAS

Located in the rural village of Chura, Camp Esmeraldas is surrounded by wildlife, a place where waking to the sound of wild parrots or howler monkeys climbing through the lush greenery is day to day. The community at Camp Esmeralda has unique traditions that come from a long and colourful heritage. We focus on helping it maintain and build new infrastructure to improve its rural lifestyle.

Projects:

At Camp Esmeralda you will construct by building playground equipment, communal areas, repairing classrooms, and planning the flood defence system for the village so the locals can protect themselves from future floods that can damage their housing and roads.

Past Success:

Our latest (2 year) accomplishment in this camp was a Medical Centre that allows the community to request a doctor to be stationed there, this benefits not only Chura, but all of the smaller communities across the river with no road access.

The Basics:

Accommodation: Tents in the main camp, and hammocks in Chancama (note: not every group goes to Chancama)

Connection: We completely disconnect at this camp as there is no phone signal (We use a satellite phone to communicate internally) and offer three American plug sockets in the dining area.

Signature Meal: “Encocado de Pescado” - fish from the river cooked in a creamy and traditional coconut sauce with fresh flavours.

Social Area: Shaded space underneath the dining room with cushions and hammocks, perfect for winding down at the end of the day.

CAMP DONBIKI

Located in the Arajuno area of the Pastaza province, Camp DonBiki is the perfect go-to for those who wish to really experience the exotic rainforest. This camp is right in the centre of the Ecuadorian Amazon and the community focuses on the benefits of the plants around them. We work to protect the unique forest and strengthen the facilities.

Projects:

At Camp DonBiki you will not only learn about their traditions of natural medicine and replant native trees but also help by building a communal kitchen where the school children and locals can gather for meals during the week, help to improve their water system and even rebuild a teacher’s house so those who do their rural posting here can have a safer space.

Past Success:
This is one of our newest camps so we are super excited about the new projects to be developed and to make sure we hold a close relationship with the locals so every initiative is truly beneficial in the long term.

The Basics:

Accommodation: Jungle Lodge with bunk beds.

Connection: Phone signal is minimal and we have two American plug sockets in each room.

Signature meal: “Maito de Tilapia” or “Maito de Pollo” - very traditional, energising dish made of either fish or chicken, and cooked inside a banana leaf with regional ingredients like palmito (palm root) and yucca root.

Social Area: Each cabin has a space with cushions for relaxing at the end of the day, we also have a small dining room and a lot of open space around the camp.