Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador
DATES: Courses start the first Monday of each month; other dates on request
*2008 Holidays (no class): Jan 1, Feb 6, Mar 21, May 1 & 24, Jul 24, Aug 10, Oct 9, Nov 1-2, Dec 6 & 25
Cuenca
Cuenca has successfully preserved its colonial past from its cobbled streets, churches, prehispanic ruins, museums and craft shops to its colourful Indian markets. This cultural heritage is found side by side with modern office buildings, art 
galleries and two Universities, all in a world brimming with colors and contrasts.
Cuenca is located in an Andean valley at an altitude of 2,200 metres, and the climate is spring like, with average temperatures ranging between 14° and 24° C. The region is rich in history and tradition -the Ingapirca ruins and picturesque craft villages such as Chordeleg are found nearby. Nature in Ecuador displays all her magnificence- the Cajas Natural Park and Avenida de los Volcanes (Volcano Avenue) are easily accessible.
To reach Cuenca from abroad, one must first travel to Quito, Capital of the Republic of Ecuador. Today there are many airlines which link Europe and the United States with Quito at reasonable prices. Airlines such as Iberia, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Avianca, American Airlines and Viasa fly regularly to Quito with one intermediate stop. Your travel agency can recommend the best prices.
Quito
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, has a population of approximately one and half million people. The city rises 2,850 
meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, with an annual average temperature of 13C/55F. The dry season in Quito is May to October, and brief daily showers occur November through April. Nights are crisply cold, requiring a sweater or jacket, but the daytime temperatures, year round, rarely vary from the upper 60s to the low 70s F.
In addition to its gorgeous landscapes, surrounded by hills and several snowcapped volcanoes in sight, Quito is well known for having a treasure of colonial buildings, paintings, sculptures and carvings. From Quito you can easily explore places such as the indigenous market in Otavalo, one of the largest on the continent. Another side trip might be to the hot springs gurgling from the base of a nearby volcano. Beaches are close, and the surf is great. Night life is very active, with salsa clubs and fine restaurants. The crime rate of Ecuador is lower than that of the United States. Quito is also a metropolitan city that offers almost unlimited opportunities for recreation, relaxation and learning.