The trip will last 7 days, from October 20 to 26, 2025. Below is a tentative agenda: 

Monday, October 20 - Arrival & Welcome

All day: Land at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil and shuttle to the peaceful NovaVita bungalows at Finca Botanica Farm. Settle in, rest from your travels, and get ready for the week ahead. 

Tuesday, October 21

Morning: Kick things off with a warm welcome at the Young Living Academy.

Afternoon: Meet your sponsored student and their family (if you are a sponsor), or spend time getting to know the students and staff.

Evening: Gather back at NovaVita for a shared dinner and reflection.

Wednesday, October 22

Morning: Orientation and introduction to the service project—you’ll learn what we’re building and why it matters.

Afternoon: Begin construction work, guided by local builders.

Evening: Dinner at NovaVita, with space to unwind and share stories from the day.

Thursday, October 23

Morning & Afternoon: Full day of construction. Laying bricks, mixing cement, and seeing visible progress take shape.

Evening: Dinner at NovaVita, surrounded by the sounds of the farm at night.

Friday, October 24

Morning: Wrap up the final touches on construction. Step back and see the difference a week of teamwork has made.

Afternoon: Tour the Young Living Foundation community Center and Farm.

Evening: Dinner at NovaVita, where the group can celebrate milestones and connections. 

Saturday, October 25

Morning: Tour Finca Botanica—walk the aromatic fields, see the distillation process, and learn about Young Living’s roots in Ecuador.

Afternoon: Guayaquil City Tour and shopping.

Evening: Farewell dinner together, honoring the friendships built and the impact created.

Sunday, October 26  

All day: Depart for the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).

Apply now to join us on this trip!

You'll be notified if your application was accepted or denied by September 22. 

If accepted, you will receive more information about how to pay your deposit with your acceptance email.

The cost of the trip is $1550USD for all attendees, 14 and above. Your trip cost includes your accommodations* at the beautiful NovaVita spa, in-country transportation, meals, and activities for the duration of your stay. 

*Flights are not included - You will book your own flights separately.

Once your application is approved, if needed, you’re welcome to pay in installments. To arrange a payment plan, please email Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com to work out the details together.

You will book your flights separately from the trip cost, giving you the freedom to fly with your preferred airline. 

Please plan to fly into and out of José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

• Arrival: Monday, October 20, 2025 — you may arrive at any time. 
• Departure: Sunday, October 26, 2025 — you may depart at any time.

We will coordinate airport pickups and drop-offs based on your flight schedule, unless you choose to arrive at an earlier date or extend your stay. If you plan to travel outside of the main trip dates, please let us know so we can adjust transportation accordingly.

You may apply with a family member when you fill out your application. The cost for your family member to attend is $1550, and they must be age 14 or older.

Because construction-type work will make up a significant portion of this service trip, we are only accepting applicants ages 14 and up.

You’ll be shoulder to shoulder with local builders mixing cement, laying pavers, or stacking bricks.

If you'd like to extend your stay beyond the trip dates, you will be personally responsible for any additional expenses incurred. Please contact Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com with any additional questions.

Most days will include light to moderate physical labor such as painting, lifting, or building activities. Participants should be comfortable standing, bending, and being outdoors for several hours. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate you as best as possible.

We’ll provide a full packing list closer to the trip. Essentials will include:

• Work clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Closed-toe shoes or work boots
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Insect repellent
• A reusable water bottle
• Layers for cooler evenings

Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar. Small bills are best, as change can be difficult to get in rural areas. ATMs are available in larger cities.

We strongly encourage participants to purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. We will have basic first aid available and local healthcare access is nearby.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond your return date. If you are traveling from another country, please check your government’s entry requirements.

Please speak with your provider about your personal health needs for international travel. We suggest bringing any personal medications in their original containers.

A passport is required to enter Ecuador, and must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return.

For the latest entry guidelines to Ecuador, visit the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador. To receive important updates, U.S. citizens should register their travel in Ecuador in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Yes. We will hold a virtual orientation to cover logistics, cultural context, and answer last-minute questions. Details will be shared after your application is accepted.

Please email our events manager Michelle Inchiglema at minchiglema@youngliving.com with any specific questions you may have.

Click the "Sign Up Updates" button at the bottom of this page to receive more information! We’d love to have you join us on our next trip!