"I knew I wanted to go somewhere in South America, but had no idea where until I saw the Las Tolas website. That alone

convinced me that Ecuador was where I wanted to spend my summer! I ended up spending a month in Las Tolas and a

further month travelling around Ecuador, and had an amazing time. Living with a family in Las Tolas was wonderful - I felt

like I was really getting an insight into Ecuadorean life. I spoke lots of Spanish, tried loads of new things (not many of my

friends have actually milked cows!) and loved the cloudforest scenery. All in all, an incredible experience. "

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Meg - UK

"This was such a fun experience, and I couldn´t believe that despite my lack of Spanish-speaking abilities I grew so attached to the area and my host family. I loved being surrounded by such beautiful scenery every day, new learning experiences every day and a charming community that was so willing to incorporate this simple Gringo (and that term was used often and affectionately) into their labors and lifestyle."

Gerald - USA

"Our stay in Las Tolas was fantastic! It made the last week of our travel perfect! Livio and Karina were really nice, and made us feel at home. The food was good, the work was varied, and the surroundings were absolutely beautiful."

Line - Norway

"My experience in Las Tolas was more than I could have ever hoped for. The people were incredible! For three weeks, I genuinely felt like part of the community - and part of the family - of Las Tolas. I never imagined that I would learn such profound lessons in compassion, sincerity and friendship."

Brian - United States of America

"Coming to the village of Las Tolas as my first time outside of my own country, was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. I volunteered there for three months, and at the end of that time I felt as though I had a family there. Almost a year later, I still think about them, and call them once in a blue moon. I'm already thinking about when I'll be able to come back to Las Tolas to see the people there. I'll be the first to say that volunteering abroad for a large amount of time is not an easy thing, but my host family and the friends I made there really cared for me, and helped me through difficult times. I left Ecuador wondering whom had really been helping out whom. I recommend the village as a volunteer spot for anyone eager to experience something they will not forget."

Jesse - United States of America