Health and Safety in Ecuador

From departure to arrival home, your safety is our highest priority.  Ecuador and the Misahualli area were chosen as our destinations because of the location security and the friendliness of the people. We are very aware that for some of our volunteers this may be their first experience abroad, or away from family. We want to assure you that should you have any questions or need any assistance while on project, there will always be someone nearby to help. Never hesitate to ask any question at all! Our leaders and staff are there to ensure that our volunteers have the best possible experience.

Travel

If you choose to travel on the group flight, you will be travelling with your fellow project volunteers and soon-to-be friends. Your flight will be met at Quito International Airport and we will have a coach to take you to your accommodation. At the end of the program you will be transferred to the airport and accompanied to your flight. You will travel home with your new friends, a real sense of accomplishment and many amazing travel stories!

Accommodation

You will be living in a shared same sex room, in a lovely hostel located in the community of Misahualli. You will be in a safe and secure environment with facilities to lock up your valuables. Your facilities will include:

• Dorm accommodation separated into male/female
• Bed linen, mosquito netting where required
• Fully equipped bathrooms
• Electricity
• Internet available in the town
• Laundry service available
• Close to shops and medical clinics

Food and Water

VESA staff will prepare all your food, and you will have access to unlimited supplies of bottled water where necessary.

VESA Group Leaders

Each day you will be accompanied to and from the worksite by canoe. You will be accompanied at all times by one of our Group Leaders, and any activities you are involved in will be conducted under the supervision of qualified local tradespeople and/or teaching staff. All VESA Group Leaders are first aid qualified. There is a medical centre in Misahualli and a major private hospital in Tena, a twenty minute drive away.