Imagine waking up each morning surrounded by majestic mountains, ancestral farmlands, and communities that preserve centuries-old traditions. ANDES TEEN CAMP is far more than a trip — it is a transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador designed to inspire leadership, social awareness, and genuine human connection.
In the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, you will take part in meaningful projects focused on rural education, community development, and sustainability. Through hands-on challenges, teamwork, and authentic cultural experiences, you will strengthen your personal growth, self-leadership, and global perspective. Surrounded by volcanoes, Indigenous culture, and breathtaking Andean landscapes, a new version of yourself begins here.
Many rural communities in the Andes face challenges such as limited access to educational opportunities, youth migration, the loss of cultural traditions, and the impact of climate change on local agriculture. At ANDES TEEN CAMP, you do far more than volunteer — you become part of a meaningful experience that creates real social and human impact.
From theory to real-world action: welcome to an experience where community service, cultural connection, and personal challenges become powerful tools for discovering your full potential. In the Andes, every activity is designed to help you develop resilience, meaningful connection, and adaptability while collaborating with local communities and learning new ways to see the world. Each challenge and mission is intentionally created to activate your leadership through action and generate positive impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador is not about changing who you are… it is about helping you discover everything you are capable of becoming.
Are you ready to take on real-world challenges in the Andes? At ANDES TEEN CAMP, you will participate in four immersive missions focused on cultural preservation, community sustainability, collaborative teamwork, and leadership experiences alongside local Indigenous communities.
Learn sustainable farming techniques by creating organic fertilizers alongside Andean families from the local community.
Take part in building compost beds that support eco-friendly practices and sustainable agricultural production.
Help preserve traditional homes by participating in the restoration of ancestral straw roofs, an important part of Andean heritage.
Experience the spirit of Andean community work by collaborating in collective projects alongside local leaders and families.
Welcome to the Andes!
The adventure begins as we journey to an Indigenous community in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. You will meet your team, discover the Andean worldview, and participate in group activities designed to help you adapt to this new experience. Together with local families, you will collaborate in the creation of adobe blocks while learning about sustainability, teamwork, and community connection. Get ready to step outside your routine and begin a truly transformational experience.
Guardians of the Earth
We will begin the day learning about sustainable agriculture, animal care, and ancestral organic fertilization techniques. You will enjoy a hands-on experience alongside women from the community while exploring the forest and discovering how every action impacts the environment. In the afternoon, you will strengthen the value of responsibility through leadership training, community sports, and a campfire beneath the Andean sky.
Courage in the Highlands
Today’s mission takes us into the Andean páramo, where we will collect natural materials and learn traditional techniques for building community growing beds. You will share experiences with local students and reflect on the future of rural communities facing climate change. Through challenges and team dynamics, you will discover that courage is born the moment you choose to act beyond your comfort zone.
Ancestral Connection
We will travel to the communities of Pambamarca to participate in ancestral construction activities alongside local Indigenous families. Surrounded by mountains, straw, and collaborative work, you will experience authentic cultural preservation firsthand. Later, we will explore the impressive Pambamarca archaeological ruins, discovering the history and greatness of ancient Andean civilizations.
Creativity with Purpose
You will discover the ancestral art of natural dyeing alongside women artisans from the community, transforming elements from nature into unique colors for traditional textiles. Later, you will put your creativity into action by crafting Andean musical instruments using natural materials. During leadership training, you will learn how initiative can become a powerful tool for creating positive impact.
Your Footprint in the Andes
On the final day, you will experience a true community minga by supporting agricultural activities alongside the local community. Afterwards, we will take part in a conservation hike to an Andean viewpoint where you may observe condors and native wildlife in their natural habitat. We will close this transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador with a reflection on priorities, impact, and everything learned throughout this unforgettable journey of leadership, culture, and personal growth.
Welcome to the Andes!
The adventure begins as we journey to an Indigenous community in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. You will meet your team, discover the Andean worldview, and participate in group activities designed to help you adapt to this new experience. Together with local families, you will collaborate in the creation of adobe blocks while learning about sustainability, teamwork, and community connection. Get ready to step outside your routine and begin a truly transformational experience.
Guardians of the Earth
We will begin the day learning about sustainable agriculture, animal care, and ancestral organic fertilization techniques. You will enjoy a hands-on experience alongside women from the community while exploring the forest and discovering how every action impacts the environment. In the afternoon, you will strengthen the value of responsibility through leadership training, community sports, and a campfire beneath the Andean sky.
Courage in the Highlands
Today’s mission takes us into the Andean páramo, where we will collect natural materials and learn traditional techniques for building community growing beds. You will share experiences with local students and reflect on the future of rural communities facing climate change. Through challenges and team dynamics, you will discover that courage is born the moment you choose to act beyond your comfort zone.
Ancestral Connection
We will travel to the communities of Pambamarca to participate in ancestral construction activities alongside local Indigenous families. Surrounded by mountains, straw, and collaborative work, you will experience authentic cultural preservation firsthand. Later, we will explore the impressive Pambamarca archaeological ruins, discovering the history and greatness of ancient Andean civilizations.
Creativity with Purpose
You will discover the ancestral art of natural dyeing alongside women artisans from the community, transforming elements from nature into unique colors for traditional textiles. Later, you will put your creativity into action by crafting Andean musical instruments using natural materials. During leadership training, you will learn how initiative can become a powerful tool for creating positive impact.
Your Footprint in the Andes
On the final day, you will experience a true community minga by supporting agricultural activities alongside the local community. Afterwards, we will take part in a conservation hike to an Andean viewpoint where you may observe condors and native wildlife in their natural habitat. We will close this transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador with a reflection on priorities, impact, and everything learned throughout this unforgettable journey of leadership, culture, and personal growth.
Welcome to the Andes!
The adventure begins as we journey to an Indigenous community in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. You will meet your team, discover the Andean worldview, and participate in group activities designed to help you adapt to this new experience. Together with local families, you will collaborate in the creation of adobe blocks while learning about sustainability, teamwork, and community connection. Get ready to step outside your routine and begin a truly transformational experience.
Guardians of the Earth
We will begin the day learning about sustainable agriculture, animal care, and ancestral organic fertilization techniques. You will enjoy a hands-on experience alongside women from the community while exploring the forest and discovering how every action impacts the environment. In the afternoon, you will strengthen the value of responsibility through leadership training, community sports, and a campfire beneath the Andean sky.
Courage in the Highlands
Today’s mission takes us into the Andean páramo, where we will collect natural materials and learn traditional techniques for building community growing beds. You will share experiences with local students and reflect on the future of rural communities facing climate change. Through challenges and team dynamics, you will discover that courage is born the moment you choose to act beyond your comfort zone.
Ancestral Connection
We will travel to the communities of Pambamarca to participate in ancestral construction activities alongside local Indigenous families. Surrounded by mountains, straw, and collaborative work, you will experience authentic cultural preservation firsthand. Later, we will explore the impressive Pambamarca archaeological ruins, discovering the history and greatness of ancient Andean civilizations.
Creativity with Purpose
You will discover the ancestral art of natural dyeing alongside women artisans from the community, transforming elements from nature into unique colors for traditional textiles. Later, you will put your creativity into action by crafting Andean musical instruments using natural materials. During leadership training, you will learn how initiative can become a powerful tool for creating positive impact.
Your Footprint in the Andes
On the final day, you will experience a true community minga by supporting agricultural activities alongside the local community. Afterwards, we will take part in a conservation hike to an Andean viewpoint where you may observe condors and native wildlife in their natural habitat. We will close this transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador with a reflection on priorities, impact, and everything learned throughout this unforgettable journey of leadership, culture, and personal growth.
Welcome to the Andes!
The adventure begins as we journey to an Indigenous community in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. You will meet your team, discover the Andean worldview, and participate in group activities designed to help you adapt to this new experience. Together with local families, you will collaborate in the creation of adobe blocks while learning about sustainability, teamwork, and community connection. Get ready to step outside your routine and begin a truly transformational experience.
Guardians of the Earth
We will begin the day learning about sustainable agriculture, animal care, and ancestral organic fertilization techniques. You will enjoy a hands-on experience alongside women from the community while exploring the forest and discovering how every action impacts the environment. In the afternoon, you will strengthen the value of responsibility through leadership training, community sports, and a campfire beneath the Andean sky.
Courage in the Highlands
Today’s mission takes us into the Andean páramo, where we will collect natural materials and learn traditional techniques for building community growing beds. You will share experiences with local students and reflect on the future of rural communities facing climate change. Through challenges and team dynamics, you will discover that courage is born the moment you choose to act beyond your comfort zone.
Ancestral Connection
We will travel to the communities of Pambamarca to participate in ancestral construction activities alongside local Indigenous families. Surrounded by mountains, straw, and collaborative work, you will experience authentic cultural preservation firsthand. Later, we will explore the impressive Pambamarca archaeological ruins, discovering the history and greatness of ancient Andean civilizations.
Creativity with Purpose
You will discover the ancestral art of natural dyeing alongside women artisans from the community, transforming elements from nature into unique colors for traditional textiles. Later, you will put your creativity into action by crafting Andean musical instruments using natural materials. During leadership training, you will learn how initiative can become a powerful tool for creating positive impact.
Your Footprint in the Andes
On the final day, you will experience a true community minga by supporting agricultural activities alongside the local community. Afterwards, we will take part in a conservation hike to an Andean viewpoint where you may observe condors and native wildlife in their natural habitat. We will close this transformational leadership travel experience for teens in Ecuador with a reflection on priorities, impact, and everything learned throughout this unforgettable journey of leadership, culture, and personal growth.
In the mountains of the northern Ecuadorian Andes, near the Cayambe volcano, lies a small Indigenous community where life moves in harmony with nature. Cariacu is surrounded by highland páramos, ancestral farmlands, and breathtaking landscapes where traditions remain alive through community work, agriculture, and a deep connection to the land.
Here, participants of ANDES TEEN CAMP do not arrive as tourists, but as part of an authentic experience of cultural exchange, leadership, and learning. They will share daily life with local families, discover ancestral knowledge, and witness the resilience of a community working every day to preserve its identity and create a better future for the next generation.
3 meals
Mon – Sat
Vegetarians
4 to 5 pax
Shared
Mon – Sat
Vegetarians
4 to 5 pax
Shared
At ANDES TEEN CAMP, we understand how important it is for families to stay connected. For this reason, we maintain daily communication with parents or legal guardians through a direct line with our coordinators, who provide regular updates about participants’ well-being, memorable moments, and the activities completed throughout the day.
To encourage a truly immersive experience, students will have restricted access to mobile devices during the program. This approach promotes genuine connection with the environment, the group, and themselves, reinforcing the camp’s focus on personal growth, meaningful integration, and conscious leadership development.
In our ANDES TEEN CAMP, the physical and emotional safety of every participant is one of our highest priorities. Throughout the entire experience, students are supported with 24/7 supervision and a close mentorship system, maintaining one coordinator for every 10 participants to ensure personalized attention, continuous guidance, and immediate support whenever needed. Our team includes youth leadership coaches trained in first aid, local coordinators, community guides, and established emergency protocols.
Before activities begin, all participants receive a complete orientation covering community guidelines, hiking safety, adaptation to the Andean environment, and respect for local culture. Every activity is carefully planned and supervised to provide the ideal balance between adventure, learning, and well-being. We also maintain ongoing communication with families and have clear protocols in place to respond quickly and effectively to any situation. Our goal is for every teen to enjoy a safe, enriching, and deeply transformational experience.
Payment must be made no later than 1 month before the start of the program
Once you complete this form, one of our coordinators will reach out to discuss your volunteer experience and answer any questions you may have.
Discover the experiences of our participants in the TEEN CAMP!
Before traveling to this program, I thought it would just be another camp, but it ended up becoming one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. I learned leadership in a real and meaningful way by connecting with indigenous communities, working as a team, and stepping outside of my comfort zone every single day.
The program in the Andes helped me discover strengths I didn’t even know I had. The leadership activities, the hikes through the Andes Mountains, and the time spent with local communities made every day unforgettable.
This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. I made amazing friends, learned leadership skills, and discovered how strong and independent I can be. The mountains, the culture, and the activities made every day unforgettable.
TEEN CAMP Andes was such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. I learned how to be immerse in a different culture. A special thank you to Isabel for welcoming us with so much kindness and for sharing the traditions and values of her community with us. She truly made this experience feel authentic and inspiring.
The program is intentionally designed to challenge participants in positive and transformative ways beyond their everyday routines. Teens strengthen values such as responsibility, courage, initiative, and the ability to prioritize effectively. They also develop greater confidence, social adaptability, teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills through real-life experiences.
ANDES TEEN CAMP integrates all three elements. Each day combines community projects, leadership training, exploration of the Andean landscapes, group dynamics, and hands-on cultural experiences. The goal is for participants to learn through action while developing valuable life skills that support their personal growth, academic journey, and future careers.
No. For many participants, this is their first transformational experience or first teen leadership camp. Our team supports each student throughout the entire adaptation process, creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating environment for teens with different levels of experience and confidence.
Participants are teens interested in adventure, leadership, community service, sustainability, cultural exchange, and personal growth. This summer leadership camp for teens brings together both national and international students seeking a meaningful experience with real human impact.
Participants collaborate on sustainable projects alongside local Indigenous communities, including natural fertilizer production, restoration of traditional structures, community agriculture, mingas, and cultural activities. Every project is designed with an educational, hands-on, and socially impactful approach.
Because we believe the most meaningful learning happens when young people connect with realities different from their own. Andean communities preserve ancestral knowledge related to sustainability, agriculture, cooperation, and harmony with nature — offering deeply valuable lessons for future generations.
Yes. Authentic cultural exchange is an essential part of the experience. Teens share activities, meals, and community experiences with local families, always under supervision and within a safe, organized environment.
We work exclusively with initiatives developed in collaboration with local community leaders. Activities are based on real needs identified by the community itself, with the goal of strengthening self-sustainability, cultural identity, and local development while avoiding superficial or symbolic volunteerism.
Students learn sustainability through direct experience: organic farming, composting, ancestral construction techniques, community collaboration, and responsible use of natural resources. Beyond theory, they gain a deeper understanding of how human decisions directly impact both the environment and local communities.
Yes. Safety is one of our highest priorities throughout every stage of the program. We provide 24/7 supervision, coordinators experienced in youth group management, staff trained in First Aid, and established safety protocols for mountain activities, transportation, and community living.
We maintain small group sizes to ensure personalized attention and close supervision. In general, we work with one coordinator for every 10 participants, in addition to leadership coaches and local coordinators who continuously accompany the group throughout the experience.
All activities are carefully planned to allow gradual adaptation to the Andean environment. Our team continuously monitors the physical and emotional well-being of participants and responds quickly to any symptoms or medical needs. We also recommend proper hydration and preparation before traveling to the Andes.
Yes. We have immediate response protocols, available transportation, and nearby access to local medical centers and clinics. In addition, all participants are required to have valid national or international medical insurance throughout the program.
All outdoor activities are led and supervised by experienced coordinators and local guides who are highly familiar with the Andean environment. Before every activity, participants receive safety instructions and a review of the group’s physical condition to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Our program is intentionally designed to encourage gradual integration and create an inclusive environment. Group dynamics, collaborative challenges, and close mentorship help even the most reserved students build confidence and form meaningful friendships quickly.
It is completely normal for some teens to miss home during the first few days. Our team provides ongoing emotional support and maintains close communication with participants to help them adapt in a positive, safe, and supportive way.
We encourage active participation because each experience is designed with a specific educational and leadership purpose. However, we always prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every participant and make adjustments whenever necessary.
Participants stay in the volunteer house located in a safe area of the community near the project sites. Rooms are shared and include beds, blankets, hot water, and supervised common areas where teens can relax, connect, and interact with the group.
Meals are locally prepared and include traditional dishes from the Andean region made with fresh ingredients. The program includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, along with vegetarian options and unlimited access to purified water.
Yes, the accommodation has electricity available. Internet access may occasionally be limited depending on the location and weather conditions. We also encourage digital disconnection during the camp to strengthen immersion, personal connection, and the overall transformational experience.
Yes. Many international participants travel independently each year. Our team supports families throughout the entire pre-travel process and coordinates airport pickup, transportation, and logistics to ensure a safe and organized arrival.
The program generally includes accommodation, meals, community activities, leadership workshops, internal transportation during the program, permanent supervision, and a certificate of participation with 50 community service hours (CAS). International flights, insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
Our team maintains communication with families from the moment participants arrive. Once the group reaches the destination, parents receive confirmation updates as well as general communication throughout the camp experience.
Yes. Although we encourage presence and digital disconnection to support immersion in the experience, there are scheduled opportunities for family communication. Parents will also always have direct access to the coordination team in case of any important situation.
Becoming a volunteer is easy and exciting. Just follow these four steps and get ready for a life-changing experience:
Choose a place that resonates with your passions and skills.
Contact an EVF Coordinator
