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 -

February 14-21, 2026


Trips with Intention for Families -

July 19-26, 2025

(Canceled; Check back for dates in 2026)

 

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!


Apr
20

Extraordinary encounters in Ecuador

I’ve always been a plant person. Growing up, my best friend was a silver maple. I’d spend lazy afternoons laying under an old hackberry, making dandelion crowns and searching for shapes in the clouds above. And on laundry day, I always received a talking-to for having an assortment of acorns, hickory nut husks, and other … Continue reading "Extraordinary encounters in Ecuador"
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Apr
13

The circle was us

Mama Cotacachi and Tayta Imbabura, affectionately referred to as “mother and father mountains,” are sacred Ecuadorian symbols of love and protection. On the land between their peaks, we came together to plant food and flowers. Like the seeds and sprouts, we too began to grow. Español Français Before we even left Ohio, we met three … Continue reading "The circle was us"
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Mar
16

My inspiring and impactful encounter with Tandana

I met The Tandana Foundation team members Housseyni Pamateck (Mali Program Manager), Moussa Tembiné (Mali Country Director), and Anna Taft (Founding Director) at a Tandana gala in Columbus, Ohio, as an offshoot of the graduate student work I do on campus at Ohio University. I thought it would be a relatively tame and routine night … Continue reading "My inspiring and impactful encounter with Tandana"
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Feb
9

Stitched together: The making of a special Tandana present

In November at The Tandana Foundation’s Legacy of Hope Celebration, party goers gave many generous gifts to honor the nearly two decades of service and dedication of Hope Taft to the organization and in recognition of her 80th birthday. Español Français Notably, Tandana raised over $100,000 to support four important community projects in the areas … Continue reading "Stitched together: The making of a special Tandana present"
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Dec
22

Looking back on my year supporting Tandana volunteer groups in Ecuador

When I started this new year, there were sad and happy moments. An excellent colleague finished his contract and had to return home, but I met a new colleague that I would work with to support volunteer groups throughout the year. English Français Recordando mi año apoyando a grupos de voluntariado Tandana en Ecuador Cuando … Continue reading "Looking back on my year supporting Tandana volunteer groups in Ecuador"
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