From deep Amazon rainforest systems to the isolated evolution of the Galápagos Islands, this programme delivers rare exposure to tropical wildlife medicine, endemic species conservation, and real field-based ecological work across two of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Ecuador brings together two of the most biologically intense environments on Earth — the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. This programme moves between dense jungle systems and isolated island ecosystems where evolution is still actively shaping wildlife today.
The focus is on species monitoring, ecosystem health, wildlife rehabilitation context, marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and understanding the pressures facing fragile, isolated habitats.
It is designed for veterinary students, veterinary nurses and technicians, zoology and conservation students, gap year participants, and professionals seeking structured exposure to tropical and island conservation medicine.
You will work alongside field researchers, veterinarians, and conservation teams on wildlife surveys, health assessment exposure, ecological monitoring, data collection, and the logistics required to operate in remote rainforest and island environments.
Programme fee from $3,250. A 50% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due 30 days before arrival.
Population monitoring, injury observation, marine mammal health context, and island conservation records.
Health assessment exposure, population recovery context, movement data, and conservation breeding records.
Endemic reptile monitoring, body condition observation, habitat pressure, and population surveys.
River-based surveys, behaviour monitoring, aquatic ecosystem health context, and population data collection.
Primate troop monitoring, habitat use records, rehabilitation context, and rainforest health indicators.
Nocturnal river surveys, reptile monitoring, wetland health exposure, and field data recording.
Based around rainforest and river systems, this phase focuses on tropical biodiversity monitoring, aquatic wildlife surveys, primate observation, reptile work, and practical field data collection.
Move into Galapagos conservation work focused on endemic species, marine wildlife, island biosecurity, population monitoring, and the veterinary challenges of isolated ecosystems.
Ecuador field work is shaped by weather, river levels, island access, species movement, biosecurity rules, project permits, and conservation priorities.
The programme involves internal movement between mainland rainforest systems and island conservation sites.
River surveys, wildlife monitoring, and island field work may start before sunrise to match safe conditions and animal activity.
You may assist with observation, data sheets, equipment checks, sample handling where appropriate, survey support, and debriefs.
Galapagos work requires strict biosecurity awareness, controlled access, and respect for local conservation regulations.
The programme follows real project needs. Some days are clinical; others focus on surveys, data, prevention, logistics, and monitoring.
Field activities are supported by safety briefings, case context, practical explanation, and debriefs with the team.
This programme does not require athletic training, but participants should be comfortable with humid rainforest conditions, boat transfers, uneven trails, volcanic island terrain, and early field starts.
You should be able to carry a small day pack, follow safety and biosecurity instructions quickly, work calmly around wildlife and field equipment, and adapt between rainforest, river, marine, and island environments.
Participation is adjusted to your training level and the field situation. Safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, and the supervising team's judgement always come first.
This is a realistic outline, not a fixed timetable. Final activities depend on weather, permits, river levels, biosecurity rules, and field conditions.
Arrival in Quito, internal transfer to the Amazon phase, river or road movement, safety briefing, and field orientation.
River dolphin surveys, caiman monitoring, aquatic ecosystem records, canoe-based observation, and data review.
Primate monitoring, forest transects, bird and reptile records, habitat assessment context, and field debriefs.
Return to Quito, onward island transfer, research station or project induction, and biosecurity briefing.
Giant tortoise, sea lion, iguana, or endemic bird monitoring depending on project access and field conditions.
Marine wildlife context, CPD log completion, certificate presentation, final debrief, and return transfer to Quito.
Rolling 14-day cohorts run from June through October. Confirm your place before 1 October 2026 to receive a 20% early-booking discount.
Amazon lodge, field station, or Galapagos accommodation throughout your stay, depending on programme phase.
All meals during the programme, plus a tea and coffee station where facilities allow.
Airport pick-up, return transfer, internal movement, and scheduled project transport.
Required access fees, conservation permissions, and project costs used by the programme.
Planning support before arrival, including packing guidance, arrival information, and programme preparation.
Verified CPD log, certificate on completion, and programme merchandise including cap, shirt, notebook, pen, and USB.
Excluded: international flights, visas, travel insurance, private excursions, optional extra activities, alcoholic beverages, and personal spending money.
Ecuador field work requires internal travel, permits, research partnerships, field staff, boats, safety coordination, accommodation, park access, survey equipment, and the systems needed to operate responsibly in sensitive ecosystems.
Accommodation is arranged across Amazon and Galapagos phases so you can stay close to field operations.
Full board catering throughout the programme to support long field days and early starts.
Programme transport including airport transfers, internal movement, river transfers, and scheduled field travel.
Required access fees, conservation permissions, reserve costs, and Galapagos field requirements used by the programme.
Time with veterinarians, researchers, field guides, and conservation staff who supervise your learning.
Survey equipment, PPE, data systems, communications, boats where scheduled, field supplies, and coordination.
Inductions, daily coordination, rainforest safety, boat safety, island biosecurity, and practical support.
Your contribution supports monitoring, data collection, research partnerships, and ongoing conservation work.
A 50% deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance due 30 days before arrival. Programme fees may vary slightly depending on location and field focus.
"Ecuador made me think differently about wildlife medicine. The Amazon phase was all about field systems and biodiversity, while Galapagos showed how careful conservation medicine becomes when species exist nowhere else."
Programmes start from $3,400. Groups cap at 8, and a 50% deposit confirms your place once accepted.