(910) 399-8090
(910) 399-8090

NCOAE in Ecuador

The outside of a house in Ecuador, decorated with potted plants.

Take the trip of a lifetime to Ecuador with NCOAE. Working from our homestead at Palugo Farm in Quito, Ecuador, you’ll explore the snow-capped mountains and lush rainforests of “Luz de América” (the “Light of America”). With a unique combination of adventure, lesson in sustainability, and cultural immersion, your expedition will teach you technical outdoor skills and environmental stewardship while you immerse yourself in the local community.

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AMAZON

Breathe in the “Lungs of the Earth” as you explore the world’s most famous river. Your adventure will take you through the cloud forests and greenery of the Amazon River as you develop your skills in outdoor leadership, navigation, basic mountaineering, raft guiding, and more.

Explore Ecuador
Reflection of a sunset by a lagoon inside the Amazon Rainforest Basin.
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COTOPAXI

Develop a sense of community and adventure — and outdoor technical skills — as you explore one of Chile’s beautiful national parks. Found within the Andes Mountains, Cotopaxi National Park is the perfect backdrop as you climb mountain summits and learn about environmental sustainability.

Explore Ecuador
Cotopaxi volcano.
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ANDES MOUNTAINS

While you camp in and trek across the Andes Mountains, you’ll take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Inter-Andean valley as you develop leadership, communication, and outdoor technical skills.

Explore Ecuador
Two people smiling with a view of a mountain in the background.
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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Explore one of the most unique places in the world — the Galapagos Islands! Discover the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos as you learn outdoor leadership, map and compass navigation, flora and fauna identification, snorkeling, and more.

Explore Ecuador
Beach landscapes of the Galapagos Islands.

Continue Exploring

Learn more about how to prepare for your program, from what a typical day looks like to what you can expect to eat while on expedition.

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Read about what a typical day looks like
A woman cooking in a kitchen that has shelves filled with jars.
Learn about meals and camping on expeditions
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Discover how you can get academic credit

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Gallery

The outside of a boathouse in Ecuador.
A young boy and dog at the entrance of a house in Ecuador.
A map and sign for the Antisana ecological reserve.
A lounge area in the NCOAE Ecuador basecamp.
A picnic spread with dishes.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn on an NCOAE program in Ecuador?

You’ll learn about permaculture, sustainability, and community living throughout your time in Ecuador! As you expand your outdoor technical skills, you may also help with farm activities or volunteer with indigenous communities when you do a home stay.

How old do you have to be to go on an NCOAE expedition in Ecuador?

Our Ecuador programs are for those aged 18 years and older.

How long are your Ecuador programs?

NCOAE programs in Ecuador can range from 14-60 days long.