While service is the purpose of a Global Volunteers program, ample time is available after the work day and on weekends is available to discover the natural, historical and cultural attractions of the host country.
Covering just under 100,000 square miles, Ecuador is about the size of the state of Colorado. Yet, it is home to four major geographical regions: the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific Coast, and the Galapágos Islands. That is pretty incredible if you think about it — four vastly different regions and ecosystems within such a […]
Volunteers in Peru lodge in Ancón, some 25 miles north of Lima, and a short van trip up the mountain to our partner community of Ventanilla. Originally a humble fishing village, it evolved in recent decades to become a quiet Peruvian resort town away from the urban throng. But 4,000 years ago, it was a […]
The equator — the invisible line dividing the Earth in half north to south — has been studied by scientists for centuries. And the infamous line is made even more famous by the proud Ecuadorians who boast about it — and rightfully so — being one of the several geographical aspects that makes their country […]
With its gorgeous mountainous landscapes, the city of Quito offers tons of beautiful places to explore. Its juxtaposition of colonial architecture and outdoor markets with modern buildings, classy dining, and exciting nightlife have something for everyone. Because a picture speaks a thousand words, we’ve put together this collection of photos of this beautiful Andean city […]
It’s understandable that many individuals choose to return to volunteer in Italy two, three, four, sometimes five times. This service program offers the opportunity to teach conversational English to engaged middle school and high school students while enjoying the spell-binding Sicilian coastline and blue skies in Italy’s Trapani region. Here are just three simple reasons many of our alumni […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, presents this list of the top three crazy things Peruvians do on Christmas. This is #2: Panettone on Christmas. #2. Peruvians love their Panettone on Christmas: For some reason, Peruvians love to eat certain foods during particular times of the year or holidays. We will talk about that later. For now, […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about the top three crazy things Peruvians do on Christmas. This is #1: Hot Chocolate During Christmas. #1. Hot Chocolate During Christmas Another Christmas tradition in Peru is drinking hot chocolate. Hot chocolate in Peru is made out of cacao melted with milk and sometimes mixed with coffee and spices. Of […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about “three crazy things Peruvians do to celebrate Christmas.” This is #3: Fireworks on Christmas. #3 Fireworks on Christmas: Everyone loves fireworks – except for dogs. You might have nice memories of fireworks on the 4th of July or on your trip to Disney. That is nice, but Peruvians take […]
Quito, Global Volunteers’ host community in Ecuador since 1996, boasts one of the highest aerial lifts in the world. Here, Global Volunteers Ecuador Country Manager Maggie Bjorklund describes a trip up the TelefériQo, which is a favorite attraction of volunteers to enjoy during their free time while on a service program in Ecuador. Quito, the […]
After days filled with meaningful work with children who need extra care and attention, in the evenings and on weekends Global Volunteers in Ecuador have the chance to explore the highest capital city in the world – Quito, where Global Volunteers has partnered since 1996. For those who love culture, gastronomy, architecture, history, and nature, […]