Travel with purpose to rural Ecuador and work together with the local people on a community-led project to reduce global poverty. 

Welcome to Ecuador, a captivating South American gem that boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from stunning lakes to lush rainforests. Here, you will work side by side with locals on a community-led project that will help break the cycles of poverty, while also engaging in meaningful cultural exchange.

Enjoy an incredible opportunity to learn about local culture while also experiencing international development and humanitarian work firsthand. Along with your fellow expeditioners, you will expand your view of what it means to be a global citizen.

Project Information

Once we find out more information about the community and project you'll be working on during this Expedition, we'll be sure to include that information here. Until then, trust that the project will be a sustainable, locally led project identified by the community. No matter your abilities/skill-level, there will be accessible options for you to participate every step of the way!

Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of CHOICE expeditions. When people of different backgrounds come together to exchange ideas, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge, the world becomes a more connected place. These authentic and meaningful interactions can generate empathy and foster open-mindedness.

Ethical & Sustainable Service

CHOICE employs qualified local country staff who work with community members to organize and lead projects designed specifically for the needs of their community. By focusing on the causes rather than the symptoms, our projects can create multidimensional, long-lasting solutions which increase the community’s capacity to build a path out of poverty.

For more information, view our Expedition Philosophy and FAQ's!

Each Expedition is led by a Certified Expedition Leader (CEL). The CEL works together with CHOICE's local country team to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.

Jordan Menzel will be the CEL for this Expedition!

Expeditioners are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel. The Expedition Fee does not cover airfare.

We recommend booking your flights two to eight months before departure for the best pricing and availability! 

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Date: DAY 1

Time: 6AM-6PM Local Time

DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Date: DAY 8

Time: Anytime

CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian travel, a trusted agency that specializes in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. If you would like to work with one of their trusted agents, please find their contact information below:

Agent: Blair Greene 

Email: blair@cvtravel.com

Phone: +1 (205) 484-2029

For any other questions, please visit our FAQ's page, or contact the CHOICE Expeditions Team.

CHOICE Humanitarian requires all expedition participants to purchase medical evacuation insurance. This insurance covers transportation to a clinic or hospital during medical emergencies. It must cover at least $25,000. Proof of coverage must be provided to CHOICE as part of registration. 

Medical evacuation insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a travel health insurance policy. It can cover emergency transportation from a remote area to a high-quality hospital, which could otherwise cost more than $100,000.

In addition, CHOICE encourages all expedition participants to purchase standard travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage due to unforeseen circumstances that might cause trip disruptions or unexpected flight cancellations. 

Suggested Policy Providers:

Travel Guard 

(800) 826-1300

Gateway Connexions 

(800) 282-4495

Travelex 

(800) 228-9792

Insure My Trip 

(800) 487-4722

Major credit card companies also provide free and/or low cost travel insurance to cardholders. Please be sure that such coverage is actual insurance and not just insurance consultation.

If you are a student or faculty member, the least expensive way to acquire emergency evacuation/medical insurance is the international youth/student/faculty I.D. card ($20). Most universities offer these through their study abroad office. You will need to provide proof of current school enrollment or faculty employment and a passport-sized photo.

There is also an International Student Card that is a $25 plan and covers our medical evacuation requirement. See if you qualify and more information on their website below.

CHOICE Registration Materials

• CHOICE Registration Materials
• Medical Evacuation Insurance
• Book Flights + Upload full Flight Itinerary

Ecuador Arrival Requirements for U.S. Citizens

• Passport (Valid for 6-months beyond Expedition return date)
• Travel Affidavit for a Minor **

**Required for volunteers under 18 years of age traveling without a parent. For more information see here. For CDC Travel Guidelines see here.  

Extra Suggestions and Recommendations

• Did I read all important pre-departure materials (accessible on this site)?
• Did I check local weather reports before departure?
• Did I make copies of passports and insurance policies to take with me (or save digital copies to a device)?
• Did I receive recommended and/or routine vaccinations? (For updated recommendations see here.)
• Did I pack proper electrical adapters/converters?
• Did I contact my banking institution before departure (to use credit/debit cards abroad)?
• Did I grab some spending cash for personal expenses? (~$250 for souvenirs and extra food/drink.)
• Did I leave phone numbers with friends and relatives?
• Did I check with the airline(s) regarding baggage weight limits and potential excess baggage fees?
• Did I reconfirm flights and/or check for changes in flight times?

Travel Information

CURRENCY

US Dollar (USD) It is recommended to bring small bills, bills $20 or less, as getting change can be difficult with a large bill. There are ATMs available in the hotels when we are in Quito as well as in Otavalo. However, we recommend taking out some cash before traveling to the village as access to ATMs in the village is very limited.  

ELECTRICITY

110-120 volts AC (60 Hertz)

Plugs: standard 2-prong (same as United States)

WEATHER: IBARRA (NORTHERN REGION)

DRY SEASON: June – September (warm in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings)

*rain is occasional

HIGH: 75°F – 80°F / LOW: 50°F – 55°F

RAINY SEASON: October – May (warm in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings)

*rain is frequent

HIGH: 70°F – 75°F / LOW: 50°F – 55°F

FOOD

During the expedition, CHOICE will provide 3 daily meals to all volunteers while in the village. The local diet consists of corn, rice, cheese, and various potatoes (plus occasional meat). Expedition participants can expect to eat standard American foods combined with local elements: cereals, breads, salads, soups, chicken, fruits, salsas, etc. CHOICE will also provide drinks such as milk, fruit juices, and soda pop. Participants are encouraged to bring personal food and snacks that will not be available in the villages (supplement bars, sweets, etc). Drinkable water will be provided in the village. We encourage each participant to bring a reusable water bottle. 

PACKING LIST

This comprehensive packing list has been prepared as a convenience. The recommendations reflect the experience of CHOICE as well as recommendations from previous expedition participants. If you have questions about anything on the packing list, feel free to ask the Expedition Staff, the Expedition Leaders, or post a question in the expedition Facebook group.When reviewing this list, please refer to the weather information provided above to coordinate which items to pack and take on a specific expedition (according to the month/season). 

CHOICE recommends that all volunteers check the weather forecast prior to departure to ensure appropriate packing. It is wise to think in LAYERS when preparing for a service trip abroad. All volunteers are expected to bring a comfortable sleeping bag. Foam pads will be provided in the village.  

CHOICE recommends that all volunteers pack as light as possible (since brief hikes might be required before entering and/or departing from the village). CHOICE also suggests duffle bags and camping backpacks as ideal packing equipment (instead of suitcases). Please check with the airlines regarding baggage allowances and excess baggage fees. CHOICE will not be responsible for such fees.  

Participants have found that packing everything in large ziploc-style bags makes it easier to find socks and shirts during the expedition, but also keeps clothes clean and odor-free. CHOICE suggests also bringing such a bag to store dirty clothes throughout the expedition.  

One golden piece of advice: Leave behind a clean change of clothes at the hotel or keep a clean change of clothes inside a bag during the entire expedition. Why? So that there is a fresh outfit to wear when boarding the international flight home! You’ll thank us later! 

NECESSARY ITEMS

Clothing

• durable walking shoes (hiking boots or well-built tennis shoes)
• sandals or flip-flops (for use in shower and inside sleeping area)
• swimsuit (for use in shower)
• multiple pairs of socks (lightweight long socks protect ankles from insect bites)
• three (3) pair of work pants or knee-length shorts (casual, quick-dry – not jeans)
• four (4) or five (5) t-shirts or work shirts (casual, quick-dry – not sleeveless)
• sweatshirt and/or light jacket
• one (1) long-sleeve shirt for the evenings
• simple rain poncho/waterproof jacket
• underclothing (enough for entire trip without washing)
• pajamas appropriate for group sleeping
• hat or sun visor

Toiletries/First-Aid

• antibacterial wet wipe packets (80-100 per person) and/or antibacterial hand gel
• toothbrush/toothpaste
• deodorant
• pocket size packs of tissue
• water bottle (plastic or aluminum)
• inexpensive durable watch
• camera (plus extra battery and extra film/disk)
• extra prescription medicine (packed in carry-on luggage)
• sunscreen
• lip balm
• minor blister/wound care (band-aids, moleskin, triple antibiotic cream etc.)
• pain reliever (ibuprofen, etc.)
• diarrhea medication (imodium, etc.)
• constipation medicine
• decongestant or allergy medication
• personal prescriptions
• mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET
• chigger cream

Other Items

• medium to warm sleeping bag (lightweight bag is easier to manage and pack)
• travel pillow
• headlamp with new batteries
• good work gloves
• jumbo and mid-size ziploc bags (for dirty/wet clothes, garbage, organizing and packing)
• personal hygiene items: towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.
• day bag (to transport water, jacket, hat, gloves, camera, snacks to worksite)
• personal journal and pen
• passport

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

• sleep aids (ear plugs, etc.)
• travel pocket guide
• cultural sharing items (small musical instruments, photo albums, etc.)
• supplies and games for village activities (fingernail polish, materials for necklaces and
• bracelets, frisbees, soccer balls/ pumps, etc.)
• small multi-tool or pocket knife
• compact travel games or cards

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• bandana (used around head or neck)
• sunglasses
• snacks (granola bars, fruit leather, etc.), sweets, powder juices
• compact indoor games or projects