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Conservation and Community Work in Ecuador for Volunteers over 50

Travel to the Galapagos Islands with a group your age and do hands-on conservation and community work

Destination

Ecuador

Age

50+ y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

Throughout the year

Accommodation

Lodge

What’s included

Excursions, Socials & Fun

Excursions to famous sights and cultural exploration throughout the programme.

Activities, Training & Equipment

All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

Meals

All breakfast, lunch, and dinners, and always fresh drinking water.

Pre-departure Support

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

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Starting at £2,295 for 2 weeks

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Trip Overview

Protect famous giant tortoises

Participate in vital conservation work inside the Galapagos National Park, supporting the protection of endangered species and their habitat.

Support community development

Deliver conservation awareness workshops and carry out basic renovation work, supporting communities to keep local areas clean and functional.

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture

Experience the rich culture of Ecuador and the communities of the Galapagos Islands, visiting vibrant markets and enjoying delicious local cuisine.

A comfortable and curated experience

Designed specifically for participants aged 50 and above. You’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation and the support of our local team

Connect with others like you

Meet and connect with other older volunteers who share your passion for conservation and travel

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What you need to know

Overview

This programme offers the perfect blend of wildlife protection, community engagement and cultural discovery. Specifically designed for volunteers over 50, you will join a group of like-minded, mature individuals who share your passion for giving back through travel.

Together, you’ll experience the Galapagos Islands in an authentic way while contributing to the protection of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise and other native species like the marine iguana and sea lions.

You will also engage with the community by running lessons and playing games with children at a community centre and creating a mural to raise awareness about environmental challenges.

You don’t need to have any specific qualifications or experience to take part. You’ll assist experienced local conservationists with the full support of Projects Abroad staff.

This project runs over fixed dates during the year and has a set itinerary. Once you arrive in the Galapagos Islands, everything will be organised for you, including sightseeing and social activities.

Aims & Impact

The aim of this project is for adults over 50 to support important conservation efforts and help with basic renovation work in a disadvantaged community.

Due to insufficient funding from the government, the Galapagos National Park is understaffed. This makes it difficult for staff and conservationists to do everything that’s needed. It also means that research projects get delayed. You’ll play an important role in the removal of alien species, monitoring animal populations, and assisting with beach clean-ups. By doing this, you will be helping us promote conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos.

Due to the fact that many of the local communities are disadvantaged, there aren’t always sufficient funds to keep communal areas in tip-top shape. You will be able to help fix up school classrooms, paint murals, and do playground maintenance.

Lastly, this project is also all about giving you the opportunity to travel and do something different with the support of a group of people your age. You’ll also have daily guidance from Projects Abroad staff.

Join us on a Grown-up Special in Ecuador and become part of something positive as you help people and the environment.

Activities

Your first week in San Cristobal, on the three main islands of the Galapagos, where you will be dedicated to conservation work, with a weekend trip to Santa Cruz.

In your second week, your time will be shared between the continuation of your conservation work and community engagement initiatives.

You will:

support conservationists inside the Galapagos National Park
help at the Tortoise Breeding Centre
paint a creative mural to raise awareness about environmental issues
play with children at a community centre and deliver engaging lessons
explore the island and expand your horizons

Your work will focus mainly on the following:

Work in Galapagos National Park

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most species-rich regions on earth, and host many unique species of flora and fauna thanks to their isolation.

During your time in San Cristobal, You will work closely with the Galapagos National Park, assisting on various important ongoing research projects.

Due to a lack of funding, the park is understaffed and relies on volunteers (like you) to continue the conservation research needed and protect this important ecosystem. Help them collect data by conducting surveys on native animals, including sea lions, marine iguanas and different seabirds. This work is vital, as the results are used to advise the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment for policy-making.

To help preserve these species’ ecosystems, you will learn more about invasive flora and participate in the removal of alien plant species to plant native ones in their place. You’ll also learn about invasive animals as you spend time with at a dog shelter where you’ll play and walk with its residents.

Play with children at a community centre and deliver engaging lessons

You will learn how to prepare and run lessons before visiting a local community centre to organise fun outdoor activities and encourage learning through play.

Create a mural

To help your conservation efforts last long after you leave the island, share your new knowledge with the local residents in a creative way. Work as a group to design a mural highlighting environmental challenges and the importance of protecting the island’s natural heritage.

Explore the island and expand your horizons

When you’re not working, you will have time to relax by the beach and immerse yourself fully in the island’s culture and way of life. To ensure you make the most of your stay, our local team has planned exciting activities, including a weekend trip to Santa Cruz, where you’ll visit El Chato Tortoise Reserve and the fascinating underground lava tunnels, tour the Charles Darwin Research Station, and enjoy a swim surrounded by wildlife in Tortuga Bay. You will also explore San Cristobal, learn new moves with a traditional dance lesson, and spend an afternoon snorkelling at Loberia beach.

Living on the island also provides a great opportunity to speak Spanish if you’re interested in improving or picking up some language skills.

Map & Location

The Galapagos Islands are a “living laboratory” and world-famous biodiversity hotspot. Located 1,000 km west of mainland Ecuador, their isolation has resulted in unique species found nowhere else on earth. A real “Bucket List” destination.

With no natural predators, the animals show almost no fear of humans. Get ready for up-close encounters with incredible creatures like Galapagos Giant Tortoises, Marine Iguanas, and Blue-footed Boobies.

San Cristobal

San Cristobal is the fifth largest and farthest east of the Galapagos Islands. Although not the biggest in terms of population, it is home to the capital of the Galapagos Province and oldest settlement on the islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

With a population of around 7,000 people, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a sleepy, tropical settlement with all of the essentials. You’re just as likely to find friendly sea lions lounging around town as you are the welcoming locals!

Food & Accommodation

You’ll live in the heart of the restricted Galapagos National Park with everything you need to enjoy an incredible island expedition. With us, you’ll get a clean bed, fresh drinking water, three home-cooked meals a day, and even high-speed Wi-Fi!

You’ll stay in a comfortable, safe, and secure house with other Projects Abroad participants, where we will try to put you in a room with someone of the same gender and age. There is a large common area with dining space and a pool table, and a large outdoor space with hammocks and sports in the sun.

There is a couple who live on the conservation camp and will cook your meals while you are there. Get stuck in, learn some Spanish, and make friends with like-minded travellers from around the world.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Ecuador Arrival Procedures page.