ECUADOR
Where veterinary work meets the Andes.
Ecuador is where Vivere begins.
Here, we're bringing together hands-on veterinary surgery, meaningful community work, extraordinary landscapes, and the kind of experiences that make you remember why you love to travel in the first place.
Our Ecuador journeys are based in the Andean town of Cotacachi, where we'll work alongside local veterinary and animal welfare partners while experiencing the culture, landscapes, food, and adventure that make this region so special.
WHY ECUADOR?
A place worth traveling for.
Ecuador gives us something rare: the opportunity to do meaningful veterinary work while experiencing an extraordinary part of the world.
Our time here isn't limited to the hospital.
We'll walk through local communities, work alongside Ecuadorian veterinary professionals, spend time outdoors, experience local culture, and make room for wellness and simply enjoying where we are.
The result is a veterinary experience that feels like a real journey—not just a trip to a clinic.
MORE THAN SURGERY
There's a whole country outside the hospital.
Our Ecuador journeys are designed to leave room for both meaningful work and meaningful experiences. Depending on the journey, your time in Ecuador might include:
Andean landscapes
Explore the mountains and countryside surrounding Cotacachi.
Wildlife & conservation
Culture & community
Visit the Condor Center and learn more about Ecuador's wildlife.
Experience local towns, markets, food, and communities beyond the tourist path.
Adventure
Hikes, waterfalls, volcanoes, and other experiences are woven into the journey whenever possible.
Wellness
Morning yoga, massage, hot springs, and time to slow down.
Connection
Travel alongside other veterinary professionals who share your curiosity, love of animals, and desire to make a difference.
THE IMPACT
Your trip gives back, too.
UP TO 40%
of your trip cost is donated directly to Amici Cannis, supporting the organization's work in Ecuador. Your experience doesn't end when you board the plane home. By experiencing this work firsthand, you'll also have the opportunity to discover organizations and communities that deserve continued support long after our group has left.
COTACACHI
Our home in the Andes.
Nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cotacachi gives us a beautiful home base for our veterinary work and our adventures. We'll stay at La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa, giving participants a comfortable place to return to after a day of surgery, exploration, or community work. From Cotacachi, we'll have opportunities to experience the surrounding region through planned excursions and optional adventures.
THE WORK
Work alongside local partners.
Vivere works alongside local veterinary and animal welfare organizations rather than arriving with a one-size-fits-all approach. In Ecuador, we're partnering with Amici Cannis and working with local veterinary professionals to provide hands-on surgical care and community veterinary outreach. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute directly through HVSN surgery as well as field work in the community.
CURRENT ECUADOR JOURNEY
Ecuador HVSN Training Retreat
January 2–10, 2027
- Build or refine your HVSN surgical skills while experiencing Ecuador.
- Three days of hands-on HVSN surgery.
- Fifteen hours of CE, RACE approval pending.
- A day of community veterinary outreach.
- Morning yoga and wellness.
- Andean adventures.
- Eight nights of carefully planned travel and experiences.
ECUADOR IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
This is where Vivere starts. There will be more places. More partners. More animals to help. More skills to learn. And more reasons to travel.