Ever feel the need to give back on your travels and spread a little love? Helping others to improve their lives is one of the greatest gifts us humans can give, and ME to WE have found the perfect sweet spot between travel, volunteering, and one mega lush experience deep in the heart of the Amazon.
ME to WE is a social enterprise that creates socially conscious products and experiences that allow people to do good through their everyday choices. These guys bring people together, creating a movement that shifts our mindset away from ‘me’ to ‘we’. Pretty genius, huh?
Alongside creating products that encourage people to change the world with their everyday consumer choices, ME to WE also offer unique volunteer trips that allow young people and adults to participate in health, education and economic development projects.
That’s where we come in. ME to WE and Contiki have teamed up to create an unforgettable volunteering experience deep in the heart of the Amazon that offers the opportunity to meet the local communities who live here, and work on a sustainable development project that literally changes the lives and futures of the people you work alongside.
And the best part? 50% of the profits from your volunteering experience goes straight back to the WE villages development plan, aka guilt-free travelling at its best.
Still not enough of an incentive for you? Here’s what this unforgettable Amazon experience has to offer…
Sleep in the Amazon rainforest
Ecuador’s ME to WE trip will have you unwinding in the heart of the rainforest at Minga Lodge, an eco-lodge complete with luxe bedrooms, slick bathrooms, killer views and unparalleled sunsets, all within the shade of the rainforest canopy. And for food? Expect daily prepared fresh meals made from local ingredients, cooked up by skilled on-site chefs.
Go on an Amazon Night Walk
If sleeping in these super trendy lodges isn’t enough for you, the Amazon night walk sure will give you that outdoor, at one with nature experience. This place comes alive at night with all kinds of sounds and creatures. Expect to see snakes, spiders, frogs, owls, and pretty much every other type of species as you go on a jungle guided tour to remember.
Meet the locals
Let’s not forget the main reason for this once in a lifetime trip – getting stuck in with the sustainable initiatives. Once you’re all settled into jungle life, you’ll meet the local community members and get involved in whichever sustainable development programme is on the cards. Maybe it will be giving a hand with building new classrooms or perhaps helping out the local women with their many daily choirs.
RELATED: 5 WAYS VOLUNTEERING ABROAD WILL CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK
Give salsa lessons a whirl
Once you’ve spent a few days hard grafting in the topical environment it’s time to unwind, salsa style! Whilst in Banos you’ll have an included salsa experience with a local teacher. So, make sure your hips are ready to shake it!
Have your pick of outdoor adventure activities
Adrenaline junkie or outdoor enthusiast? You’ve got your pick of experiences with zip lining, canyoneering and horseback riding all at your fingertips. The skies, heights and lands all have something in store whilst you stop in Banos, Ecuador.