Ecuador Gap Year

Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America, but with its range of offerings a gap year here will be no less than astounding.

Journey from the heady heights of the Andes across glaciated volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forests and into the sunset for a dinner of ceviche on the balmy Pacific coast.

One day you’ll pick through hand-woven wool sweaters at a chilly indigenous market in Otavalo; the next you’ll sweat all over your binoculars while spying on howler monkeys in the Rainforest...the contrasts are huge.

For nature lovers Ecuador is a dream: exotic birds, bizarre jungle plants, strange insects, windswept grasslands, dripping tropical forests and the fearless animals that hop, wobble and swim around the unique, unforgettable Galápagos Islands – unbeatable.

The Leap has projects in all these environments so rest assure your travel bug will be well fed.

Gap Year Ecuador Project Locations

Quito
The capital and overall base where you‘ll pass through between projects.

Pacific Coast  - Caimito Village  
One of your phases will be spent at a beach-side community in the heart of pristine coastal rainforest - a short stroll away from isolated beaches and coves.

Andes - Chilcabamba Village, near Otovalo
A second phase in a small village high in the Andes, about 3 hours drive from Quito.  Experience true high-altitude living at nearly 14,000 feet, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and snow capped volcanoes.

Rainforest  - Bua  Village
Third phase will be in the small village of traditional Taschilla families, accessible only by canoe through meandering rivers.

Ecuador Gap Year Trips