Backpacking in Ecuador

• In Ecuador there are so many different adventures to experience and people to meet, that you will not be out of backpacking anytime soon. A beautiful, challenging and at the same time accessible destination with jungles, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, culture clashes, nature reserves and nightlife hotspots. All at relatively short distances from each other and in a mixed society.
• Characteristics: an awful lot to do, diversity of peoples and landscapes and everything at a relatively short distance from each other.

Travel in Ecuador

• A country also called the land of four worlds - four worlds of diversity. You will find a beautiful coast, gigantic mountains, the Amazon and, of course, the Galapagos Islands!
• Activities spotting: snorkeling and diving, hiking, spotting animals, attending festivals, visiting markets, cooking workshops, visiting coffee and cocoa plantations.
• Cities spotting: Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Baños de Agua Santa, Otavalo, Manta, Loja.
• Nature Spotting: the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains including Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cloud Forest and many coastal areas.
• Animal spotting: giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed booby, pink river dolphin, sloth, condor, anaconda.

Study in Ecuador

• Education in Ecuador: education in Ecuador, depending on the university, is of average quality. You have the opportunity to choose a variety of fields of study, including specific, country-related studies.
• Language: teaching is mainly in Spanish, and there are some universities that also offer programs and courses in English.
• Studies: there is a wide range of studies available. Uniquely, while being close to the fire, you can also choose studies such as indigenous studies, poverty alleviation and social development, studies specialized in the Galapagos Islands, Andes and Amazon.
• Study cities: Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, Ambato, Loja.
• Language learning: Spanish classes are offered all over the cities, through universities, private and often hostels that partner with schools/teachers.

Internships in Ecuador

• Internships: if you want to learn about biodiversity, wildlife, indigenous cultures and traditional medicine, Ecuador is a good place. Of course, internships can be found in other diverse sectors as well!
• Internship cities: Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Loja, Manta.
• Characteristics: adventure, extensive cultural experience, unique opportunities, learn Spanish quickly.

Volunteer in Ecuador

• Ecuador is developing and at the same time has beautiful nature. So you can do well here for internships in the fields of social care and humanitarian aid, community development and nature conservation, ecotourism and environmental education.
• Animal/nature projects: biodiversity research, reforestation projects, animal shelters, marine life research.
• Features: the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while discovering Ecuador's rich culture and beautiful landscapes.

Working in Ecuador

• Jobs: both the availability of temporary and permanent work varies greatly by sector and it can be difficult to find work as a foreigner. Quito and Cuenca in particular have a fairly extensive expat community. Most jobs can be found in education, the tourism industry, NGOs and the non-profit sector. Usually you do need a network to find something.
• Work culture: what you may have to get used to the most is the concept of Ecuadorian time - so patience and flexibility are important! Also, remember the great importance of hierarchical structures, Indirect communication, hard work and dedication.
• Characteristics: get used to the concept of Ecuadorian time, get a good basic Spanish and use your network to find work.

Working as a digital nomad in Ecuador

• Favorite locations: Quito, Cuenca and Baños.
• Characteristics: there is a nice climate for everyone, there is a lot of nature and culture to discover, Internet connections in the big cities are relatively good and the cost of living is a lot lower than in Europe.

Living in Ecuador

• Whether you are running a lodge in the Andes, a project in the Amazon or a tour company in Quito, with a good knowledge of Spanish, a good dose of love for South American culture, and occasionally nerves of steel, you can live beautifully in Ecuador.
• Language: mainly Spanish is spoken in Ecuador, in addition there are many indigenous languages such as Kichwa and Shuar. 
• Quality of life: quality of life is good, but can vary by location and personal preferences. The cost of living is low, it is relatively safe (though keep in mind minor crime and political developments), there is spectacular nature and infrastructure is well developed in urban areas.
• Characteristics: Ecuador offers an attractive mix of affordability, natural beauty and cultural diversity for people seeking a good quality of life in Latin America.
• Health care: the quality of health care in Ecuador ranges from moderate to good. In urban areas you will find modern clinics and hospitals; in rural areas this is more challenging.

Stories, tips and experiences from Ecuador