ECUADOR

Expeditioners will help community members implement an agroecological farm that has the potential to enhance community tourism, boost the local economy, and improve the income of families in the area.

Fackcha Llacta is an indigenous community in the Otavalo Municipality. Like many rural areas of Ecuador where CHOICE works, poverty levels are high and income levels are low or nonexistent. Two years ago, CHOICE Humanitarian began its operational work in Fackcha Llackta, executing projects involving trainings in entrepreneurship training, industrial safety and occupational health, carpentry, and agricultural production.

Currently, CHOICE is managing a project to strengthen 40 small business owners to promote economic development. The expedition project will be a multi-institutional execution with the participation of the Prefecture, Ministry of Agriculture, Choice and the Municipality of Otavalo. Expeditioners will be implementing an agro-eceology farm to encourage community tourism. They will be cleaning, wiring the area, constructing cement bases for animal pens and wooden sheds for housing animals, and other construction type work.

In addition to serving and working in the rural community, expeditioners will also have the opportunity to visit:

• La Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the Earth) and walk along the equator.
• Otavalo, a largely indigenous town in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador. The town boasts Ecuador’s most famous artisanal market and is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda volcanoes.
• Quito, the second-largest metropolis of Ecuador and the highest capital of the world at 9,350 feet above sea level. Following centuries of indigenous rulers and epic battles, colonial Quito was established in 1534. Its historic center is considered one of the best-preserved cities in all of Latin America.

Expeditioners may be able to purchase additional trip add-ons to popular Ecuador tourist destinations. Contact expeditions@choicehumanitarian.org for more information.

INVESTING IN IMPACT

Your investment in an expedition is maximized to make a difference—it does good for both you and the community.

Around 50% goes towards the costs of running the trip. The remaining 50% goes towards CHOICE’s mission, its operations, and executing projects that address poverty like the one that you’ll be working on.

PRICING

• Expedition fee: $2,395
• Deposit: $300/person minimum deposit is required to reserve your spot.
• Fee does not include airfare.

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

• The expedition fee includes two nights’ hotel accommodations, village meals and lodging, local transportation, in-country preparation, certified Expedition leaders, and all project costs (including materials) to be used both during and following the expedition.
• Expedition fee will not cover any additional accommodation needs if arriving before or after the expedition.

Expeditioners are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel. The expedition fee does not cover airfare.

• Arrive to Quito (Mariscal Sucre Airport, code UIO) any time during the day on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
• Depart Quito (Mariscal Sucre Airport, code UIO) any time after 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian travel, a trusted agency that specializes in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. Agent Blair Greene is standing by to assist you and can be reached at blair@cvtravel.com or by calling 1 (205) 484-2029.

All other transportation that is part of the expedition itinerary is arranged by CHOICE Humanitarian (not including trip add-ons).

Each expedition is led by a Certified Expedition Leader (CEL). The CEL works together with CHOICE's local country team to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.

Jordan Menzel is the CEL for this expedition. He has been leading CHOICE expeditions since 2006 with experience in 7 of CHOICE's countries and areas. Jordan previously worked at CHOICE Central Office in a variety of roles spanning over 15 years including events, corporate grants, The Village Membership Program, and as Director of Expeditions.

Jordan likes spending time with people who are working to improve the living conditions within communities, both at home and abroad. Jordan currently works as the founder of Maple Grove Hot Springs, an off-grid experiential retreat center. Prior to his time at CHOICE, Jordan spent time in the civic-tech industry as the founder of CrowdHall, an online townhall software. With a background in international development, politics, partnerships, and marketing, Jordan has worked as an assistant to Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, at the UN Environment Programme, and at the US Institute of Peace. He holds a BA from the University of Utah an MSFS from Georgetown University. He is a militant bike commuter and a mediocre, yet enthusiastic, rock climber.

Also leading this expedition is Jainee Dial. Jainee has guided trips to Alaska and Nepal, and executed large-scale productions and events through myriad leadership roles in her career.

She's worked extensively as a communications strategist and entrepreneur bringing three businesses and two non-profits to life. Jainee has been featured in Outside Magazine, Forbes, and Adventure Journal and is the co-founder of Wylder, the first female-founded benefit corporation in the state of Utah.

She’s drawn to the power of storytelling in impact strategy and coalition-building at the intersection of culture, creativity, and climate. Jainee has dedicated her career to amplifying organizations tackling inequity, sustainability, and regenerative enterprise.

Great! We'd love to answer them. Check out our FAQs page, or email us at expeditions@choicehumanitarian.org.