Volunteer in Quito, Ecuador

Summary
Experience modern urban life in South America in Ecuador’s capitol of Quito, a picturesque historic city.

Programs

   • Teaching
   • Orphanages
   • Healthcare
   • Animal Rescue
   • Journalism
   • Cultural Tour

Location
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and the second highest capital city in the world at 9,252 feet (2,820 m), which can affect visitors for the first few days. The city, with a population of 1.2 million, is divided into three areas, separated by hills: the Center which is the colonial old city; the Southern part which is mainly industrial and residential areas; and the Northern part which is the modern city with high rises, shopping centers and the financial district. We place our volunteers in all sections of the city. Most foreign visitors, including our participants, arrive in Ecuador at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International airport.

Transportation
Transport in Quito is relatively cheap and easy. You can use the trolley bus which is fast and cheap (15 cents) to travel across town. There are also small buses called “populares” that travel around town (12 cents). Yellow taxi’s are available and cost about $1 for a 20 minute ride. Volunteers are responsible for their daily transportation around Quito.

Climate/Weather
Due to its altitude and location, the climate in Quito is mild to cool, fairly constant all year round. The high temperatures are typically around 67 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C) on any given day, and a low around 49 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) at night. There is a short damp season from January-March.

Sightseeing & Activities
You will visit Quito's old city (El Centro historico), which has been declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Old Quito has many colonial buildings and a huge market with a lot of hustle and bustle, agencies and nightlife.

The "Teleferiqo", Quito’s aerial tramway, offers rides from the city center to the hill known as Cruz Loma. The ride takes visitors to an altitude of about 12,000 feet (over 4,100 m) where they find a number of restaurants, coffee shops and stores of different kinds.

Since Quito is located only about 22 miles (35 km) south of the equator, you can take an afternoon trip to "La Mitad del Mundo" (the middle of the world) monument.

For nature lovers, Quito is the perfect base for exploring the Andes mountains or the coastal regions. Big mountains like Pichincha, Cayambe and Cotopaxi are very close by and also Andean towns like Otavalo and Papallacta are popular daytrip destinations. One of the more popular coastal towns is Puerto Lopez, about a 10-hour bus ride from Quito.