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:

 

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!


Mar
17

Part 1: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends

On Day 1 of the Ohio Master Gardener Volunteer’s trip to Ecuador with The Tandana Foundation, I had one big question: “What’s a chocho?” Learning the answer to that question ended up as the first of several important lessons I took away from the recent trip. This is the first of two blogs I wrote … Continue reading "Part 1: Lessons learned while discovering new things and making new friends"
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Mar
10

The power of human connection and the unstoppable force of a minga

Nine near strangers transcended upon the quaint town of Otavalo, Ecuador with a common goal. Each of us carrying a heart to serve and willingness to connect. We were so warmly greeted on day one by our fierce and loyal guides Omar and Kuri with the support of Gaetan, Margarita, and Anna the leader and … Continue reading "The power of human connection and the unstoppable force of a minga"
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Mar
3

‘This trip blew me away’: My second Tandana volunteer experience

I am just back from my second trip to Ecuador with a group of fellow Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteers which was hosted by the Ohio-based Tandana Foundation. The foundation, whose mission is to support the achievement of community goals and address global inequalities through caring intercultural relationships that embody mutual respect and responsibility, … Continue reading "‘This trip blew me away’: My second Tandana volunteer experience"
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Jan
28

Finding kindness and a willingness to help others in Ecuador

In El Panecillo, a Kichwa community roughly 20 minutes away from the beautiful city of Otavalo, Ecuador, we learned how important food really is to most Ecuadorian individuals. As Claudia walked us through a delightful process to make an exquisite Ecuadorian meal, every member of the group made some sort of contribution. As Ecuadorians thrive … Continue reading "Finding kindness and a willingness to help others in Ecuador"
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Jan
14

Engineering effective solutions through strong community relationships

“Welcome, do you want to go to Ecuador with us?” Español Français That was the question posed to Molly Savage on her first day as a graduate student instructor at the University of Dayton’s ETHOS Center. Savage, who is pursuing her master’s degree in renewable and clean energy engineering at the university, said “yes” to … Continue reading "Engineering effective solutions through strong community relationships"
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