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

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

Activities, Training & Equipment

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

Certification

Certified record of volunteering activities.

Request Info

Starting at £2,260 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments

Risk Free Booking Guarantee

1200+ verified Trustpilot reviews

Trip Overview

Protect famous giant tortoises

Participate in vital conservation work in the exclusive 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 to help disadvantaged communities 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 volunteers aged over 50, you will get comfortable accomodation and the support of Projects Abroad staff throughout.

Connect with others like you

Meet and connect with other mature volunteers sharing a passion for conservation and travel and stay in touch for your next adventure.

View Itinerary

What you need to know

Overview

Have you always dreamed of visiting the fascinating Galapagos islands? Are you passionate about conservation and sustainability? Are you over 50? Then our Conservation & Community Work Grown-up Special is perfect for you!

You don’t need any prior experience in either conservation or community work. All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard, and an adventurous spirit.

This project was designed for volunteers over the age of 50. We have a set itinerary in place and our staff are there every step of the way for guidance and support. At the same time, there will also be enough leisure time to do some exploration on your own, or with the rest of the group.

Use your time as a volunteer in the Galapagos Islands to immerse yourself in nature and support the community. It’s sure to leave you feeling connected and rejuvenated!

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

Conservation work in Ecuador for seniors is divided into two parts. You will spend one week supporting our conservation initiatives in the Galapagos National Park. Another week will be spent doing basic renovation work in the local community. You’ll help with these activities:

Work with conservationists at the Galapagos National Park
Run educational workshops in the local community to raise awareness about conservation
Help with basic renovation work in the local community
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. Due to their isolation, they are home to many unique species of flora and fauna. You will work closely with the Galapagos National Park during your conservation work, assisting on various important ongoing research projects.

The park is understaffed because of a lack of funding. Because of this, it’s difficult for staff to do a lot of the research needed by themselves. As an extra pair of helping hands, you’ll help them with collecting data during surveys. This is important work, as the results are used to advise the Ministry of Environment for policy-making.

You might get involved in removal of alien plant species, reforestation of areas with indigenous plants, and monitoring animal populations.

Run educational workshops for the local community

Another important aspect of your volunteer work is to raise awareness about the importance of conservation in the local community. You can do this through running educational workshops about the projects you’re helping out with in the national park. Alternatively, you can arrange something a little more interactive, such as a beach clean-up.

Help with basic renovation in the local community

Your main role during the community part of your placement in Ecuador will be to take part in basic renovation activities. These activities include renovating and painting classrooms, painting murals, and playground maintenance.

Explore the island and expand your horizons

You will have plenty of free time to spend with the other volunteers. To ensure you make the most of your stay, a few exciting activities have been planned for you. This includes a trip to one or two of the neighbouring islands and a tour of the various sites in the Galapagos.

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

Despite living in the heart of the restricted Galapagos National Park, you will have 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.