Newsletter: ¡Carnaval Spirit & Community Impact!
- Joshua Holmes

- Mar 30
- 2 min read
The following is an El Terreno newsletter published on 30th March 2025

The ever present annual anthem and singing "Que Bonito es Carnaval!" is finally fading after many weeks of cultural festivities here in Guaranda.
But aside from the fun, we've been hard at work with a great group of interns taking advantage of the wet season to plant many trees to mitigate the long, dry summer to come - we just need your help to get us over the finish line!
Joshua Holmes
Founder, El Terreno


Help Bring the Forest Back
JOIN US IN RESTORING NATIVE FORESTS
As a result of low income farmers deforesting land in their desperate attempt to make ends meet, freshwater sources have been disappearing at an alarming rate over the past 30 years.
Consequently, most communities only get two hours of water a day during summer, which further fuels migration as the land struggles to sustain these rural communities.
But there is hope - trees restore ecosystems, increase rainfall, and replenish water reserves and our interns - Molly, Carlotta, Noah, Nathan, Andy, Gus, Dana, Paul and Aine - have already planted 4,000 trees alongside local communities and farmers.

Despite this amazing achievement, there are still 1,300 more tree to plant before the rainy season ends! We also need to continue monitoring them throughout the dry season to give them the best chance of survival. That's why the interns have created a fundraising page to make this possible!
Nature needs us. Your support doesn’t just plant trees—it revives ecosystems, protects biodiversity, and ensures long-term water security for low-income communities. Every contribution helps regenerate Ecuador’s native forests and create lasting change.

Top Internship Abroad Provider 2024

Great news! We’ve been recognized as a Top Internship Abroad Provider for Housing in 2024 by Go Overseas! This award is community-driven, based on reviews from past interns. Out of 13,000 providers, we stood out for creating a welcoming, immersive home away from home.

Go Overseas' Community Choice Awards highlight top programs based on real participant experiences. Winners are chosen for excellence in areas like growth, support, fun, housing, and safety. We're proud to be recognized and committed to providing meaningful, high-quality internships abroad!
You Can Also Stay with us a a Visitor
Book Your Spot in your Award-Winning Housing Today!

Caranaval 2025 - Celebrating Culture and Community

Celebrated every February, Carnaval in Guaranda is Pure Energy—music, color, and community coming together in celebration! From water fights to dance parades, it’s all about joy and connection. Our volunteers and interns had a blast!

While Carnaval has come and gone, its energy still lingers! Every year, this long-awaited celebration unites communities. It’s a time when streets come alive with dance, laughter, and shared moments, reminding us of the deep cultural roots and hospitality of Ecuador.
If you want to travel the world this summer and experience Ecuador’s vibrant culture, now’s your chance!
Join us as an intern to connect with local communities, support meaningful projects, and keep the spirit of cultural exchange alive.





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