Join Hands with Tandana in Otavalo, Ecuador, or from anywhere in the world!


Go beyond your typical travel or volunteer experience on a "Trip with Intention" with us to highland Ecuador. These trips provide individuals and groups an exciting opportunity to connect with community members and contribute to their projects - all the while learning about the local Kichwa culture and enjoying the region’s majestic natural beauty. We also offer remote opportunities from the comfort of your own home to learn about Ecuador and Mali.

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Trips with Intention to Ecuador:

Trips with Intention for Individuals -

January 27 - February 3, 2024


Trips with Intention for Families -

July 22-29, 2024

 

Remote Opportunities:


Remote Connection

A variety of ways for your class, group, or club to connect online with Tandana

partners in Ecuador and Mali such as Cultural Activities, Speakers Bureau, and more.



"You will go home absolutely overwhelmed by what you saw, who you met, what you've learned, and how your heart has expanded. You will be inspired to exceed your own expectations of yourself." - Jim, volunteer from Montana

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Join Tandana on an adventure of a lifetime! We offer open-enrollment volunteer programs for adults or families as well as custom group volunteer programs for all ages. These trips bring together diverse individuals united by a desire to learn, grow, share, and contribute to the communities they visit. They provide opportunities to experience life in Ecuadorian communities; exchange ideas with locals of different perspectives, ages, and vocations; and give and receive joy.  


Did you know that your trip with Tandana is a net zero-emission trip? Click External link opens in new tab or windowhere for more details.


The results are in! After taking a brief post-program survey:


90% of respondents say that they would participate in a Tandana program again.

 

96% of respondents say that they would recommend a Tandana program to others.

 

97% of respondents say that they feel that this experience has helped them grow in a positive way.


For a taste of what our trips are like, watch this short video...





Below you can read stories from our blog to get excited about your upcoming trip!


Aug
27

Teaching English at Tandana’s Summer School in Ecuador

Embarking on a journey to teach English at the Summer School organized by The Tandana Foundation in Quinchinche was a life-changing experience for me. From the moment I arrived, I knew this adventure would be full of new challenges and rewarding moments. Español Français Shortly after arriving in Ecuador, I participated in an orientation … Continue reading "Teaching English at Tandana’s Summer School in Ecuador"
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Aug
13

Lakeside students engage in community service and culture in Ecuador

Twelve students and three accompanying adults from Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington recently wrapped up an exciting and productive four-week volunteer trip organized by The Tandana Foundation in Cambugan, Ecuador. During their trip, the Lakeside students were immersed in the Kichwa Otavalo indigenous community, staying with local host families and participating in cultural events and … Continue reading "Lakeside students engage in community service and culture in Ecuador"
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Jul
2

Check out what participants have said about their volunteer trips with Tandana this year

In 2023, The Tandana Foundation is expecting to host a dozen volunteer groups – from schools, universities, and organizations around the world – in the rural highlands of Ecuador. Each one of these trips immerses volunteers in the Kichwa Otavalo culture and community, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to various projects and make … Continue reading "Check out what participants have said about their volunteer trips with Tandana this year"
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Jun
11

Experiencing the local food, culture, and history on my volunteer trip to Ecuador

I am Lizzy Tessier, one of the students from Saline High School that had the privilege of working with The Tandana Foundation this March. Getting to travel to Ecuador and encounter the beautiful culture of the local indigenous community in Otavalo was an experience I will never forget. Español Français Our main purpose on this … Continue reading "Experiencing the local food, culture, and history on my volunteer trip to Ecuador"
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May
14

All about Saline High School’s intercultural volunteer trip to Ecuador

Saline High School (SHS) senior Michael Moore stood by and smiled as a group of enthusiastic kindergarten students painted golden sand dunes on a beach. The children were energetic helpers and worked quickly to depict a young Ecuadorian boy walking by the sea at sunset as a crab, whale, and fisherman look on. Español Français … Continue reading "All about Saline High School’s intercultural volunteer trip to Ecuador"
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