MEDLIFE is an independently operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working alongside low-income communities across Latin America and Africa to improve access to medicine, education, and community development. All resources are reinvested in advancing our mission and impact.

Through your Service Learning Trip (SLT) in Tena, Ecuador, you’ll experience this mission firsthand by learning from and working alongside local communities. At the heart of MEDLIFE is developing leaders—both students and community leaders—who create meaningful, lasting change.

Day 1 & 2 · Arrival in Quito + Journey to Tena

Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) between 5–11 PM, where a MEDLIFE representative will meet you for your transfer to the hostel in Quito. On Sunday, travel to Tena on a scenic 5-hour journey from the mountains into the Amazon rainforest. After arriving, settle into the hostel, enjoy some free time, and attend your SLT orientation and safety briefing in the afternoon.

Day 3 · Reality Tour

After breakfast, join the Reality Tour to visit the communities of Ahuano and Shiripuno, meet local families, and learn about traditional medicine, education, and life in the Amazon rainforest. Visit a local school and women’s co-op, experience traditional dance, and learn how cacao is made into chocolate. Return to the hotel for an afternoon presentation on MEDLIFE’s work and receive your Mobile Clinic station assignments for the week.

Days 4–6 · Mobile Clinics & Project

Each day, travel to a different community for Mobile Clinics, working alongside local health professionals at rotating stations such as Triage, Education, General Medicine, OBGYN, and Pharmacy. During the week, you may also support a community development project based on local needs, such as wells, school renovations, or bathroom complexes. Evenings include interactive Post-Clinic Activities, with free time to explore Tena when available.

Day 7 · Inauguration

Spend the first half of the day supporting either a Mobile Clinic or the community development project. In the afternoon, gather at the project site for an inauguration celebration with community members, marking the completion of the week’s work together.

Day 8 & 9 · Optional Baños Day Trip + Transfer to Quito/Departure

Make the most of your trip! Join your fellow participants on a Full Day to Baños, or choose one of our Immersion Add-Ons and continue your journey in Ecuador. Sunday is departure day, unless you’ve chosen to extend your stay.