Help small businesses & low-income communities develop profitable tourism destinations, which preserve local culture and ecosystems
The Challenge
Guaranda has incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. However, it faces significant challenges as one of Ecuador's least developed areas. With 40% of rural residents living in poverty, many are forced to resort to unsustainable practices such as deforestation for agriculture or migrating in search of better economic opportunities. This has led to the degradation of the local culture and the loss of unique ecosystems. Limited access to education and resources hinders the development of innovative solutions that can provide a dignified living while preserving the region's culture and landscapes.
The Solution
Community and eco-tourism not only offer avenues for income generation but also hold immense potential for the regeneration of native landscapes and the celebration of indigenous cultures. By empowering local communities and businesses to develop their ideas, enhance their spaces, and establish sustainable business models, we can to enrich the lives of both visitors and local residents, while preserving cultural heritage, protecting the environment, and fostering economic growth.
Our Proven Methodology
Our internship programs are built around the transformative Design Thinking methodology, ensuring that every solution meets the unique needs of low-income populations. You’ll engage deeply with local stakeholders to understand root challenges, co-create ideas, and test solutions that drive real impact. Through immersive guided tours, social innovation workshops, and hands-on prototyping, you’ll collaborate to build and refine sustainable initiatives. By the end of your experience, you’ll not only gain professional skills but also create lasting resources that empower communities and future interns to continue this meaningful work.
Recommended by Previous Participants
%202.jpg)
¡Advance Your Career!
Gain more tourism experience with the support of trained mentors to expand your knowledge and build your confidence.
Now more than ever, employers are looking for a resume with diverse experiences, certificates and strong references that an internship provides.
"A wonderful cultural exchange experience from beginning to end!"
One of the best parts of this experience was having the best of both worlds culturally: on one hand, you’re able to live in a less-touristy part of Ecuador and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, but on the other hand, you don’t feel completely like a fish out of water.
My internship involved interacting and collaborating with various stakeholders, from the teachers to the parents. By the end of internship, I felt that I had made a meaningful contribution. I enjoyed my time in the homestay practicing my Spanish and learning about Ecuadorian culture.
The community of volunteers and interns has also found a special place in my heart. Whatever your reason for looking into El Terreno - it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I'm very grateful the universe had led me there.
Isabela from the USA (Ecology & Sustainable Agriculture)
¿What's Included?
Free Discovery Call & Plan
Flexible Start Date & Duration
Educational Documentation Support
Pre-Arrival & Travel Support
Shared Accommodation with WiFi
(Family Homestay also Available)
Lunches Monday to Friday
Weekly Professional Learning/Mentoring
In-Person Coordination
Cultural Immersion
Free-Time Recommendations
Certificate of Completion
Written Reference
Additional Services
Private Room within a Local Family Homestay
Spanish/Kichwa Classes (before or during visit)
Private Transfer from Airport
Additional Professional Mentoring Sessions
Washing Services
Application Process
-
Fill out the online interest form
-
Participate in your discovery call, free of charge
-
Review your personalised internship plan, free of charge
-
Place your deposit & confirm your place
-
Complete any required documents for your education provider
-
Join us for an unforgettable experience in the Ecuadorian Andes!
Gain Experience.
Make a Difference.
Travel the World.
Imagine waking up to the cockerels at dawn as the sun rises over the horizon as you take in Chimborazo volcano over your morning coffee. After breakfast, walk to meet your mentor, stopping to say hello to the friendly neighbours in the community as they take their cows to pasture. Take a trip to visit the tourism project, where you'll meet the owners and get a tour of the project, asking questions and sharing ideas.
On the way back, talk through your plans with your mentor, beginning to make your project plan. Get back in time for lunch, which you spend the rest of the team and workers from the local community, sharing stories and learning about the local culture.
Meet with your coordinator in the afternoon to discuss your plans, share your experience and request any additional support you need, before joining other interns and volunteers to go and watch the sunset, go out to a local bar/restaurant or simply spend the evening learning more from your host family.
Still not sure what a hands-on in the Ecuadorian Andes would look like? Speak to our team who will create you a personalised internship plan to give you a glimpse into the future, all free of charge.
