VentureCo experts in gap years in South America

I write this one year to the day of arriving in Ecuador with the excitable VentureCo Inca and Amazon 76, anticipating new experiences, culture and excitement. My time in Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru absolutely exceeded those expectations. I decided to do my gap year with VentureCo who specialise in Gap Years in South America. From the blistering cold beauty of a 6000ft Mt Cotopaxi sunrise, to the glorious, otherworldly heights of Machu Picchu, my 15 weeks were packed with highs, made all the better for the warm, accommodating locals met along the way. Starting in Quito, Ecuador, I soon became fast friends with my fellow Venturers; sharing dorms, food (and most importantly toilets!) Traveling with 19 others creates a special bond and I left Heathrow those months later eager for their company again.

VentureCo issues each traveling group with a local guide - for us it was the unbeatable Wilson Garcia, who is not simply a leader, but a friend, a confidante, and a very wise man. Local leaders know all the haunts and will undoubtedly have a friend in every village, town and city. This proves a great asset along the way; whether warning me against the old man's Bolivian bar, or guiding us towards the best Alpaca meat in town, Wilson really added to my VentureCo experience.

But VentureCo is not all about nature. Far from it! Interaction with locals is essential for understanding a country and its people; lessons in Spanish helped us communicate with locals and this makes so much difference, whether in chatting up the Ecuadorian barmaid or sharing with host families in home stays. I must warn you; a basic understand of Spanish is invaluable working with the Book Bus. The words "Listen" and "read" quickly became a key part of my vocabulary.

The Book Bus is a deserving volunteer project that serves to encourage children in jungle community schools to read and gain a proper education. 2010 was the Book Bus' South American debut. While the Book Bus can be tiring, it is rewarding and a worthwhile cause. To help those without opportunities in education also made me appreciate what I have, cheesy as it sounds. Despite language barriers, the kids were so responsive to our visits; be that in an elevated love of reading, or simply a new found love of glitter is hard to know!

So...favourite moments of the trip? Getting spat at and breathed fire on by a witch doctor/Shaman on my third day. Served as a nice introduction to Ecuador! A night time monkey infestation of our Bolivian jungle lodge (note: don't leave Mars Bars near hungry monkeys). Trekking for four days in the same set of clothes then the joys of a WARM SHOWER. All nighters in LaPaz, Bolivia. Llamas. Waking up after a few too many mohitos/pina coladas/ pisco sours laughing at the nights antics. Horseriding in the Atacama Desert in what looks like an alien landscape. The infinite whiteness of the Bolivian Salt Flats. House parties in the VentureCo house in Puerto Lopez...you've gotta love the reggaton. Meat with two carbs every night. Dancing with the locals. Salsa! Inca Kola. Construction work - digging those foundations in the baking sun. Rafting in Tena, Ecuador; the cause of severe sunburn and blisters but what a laugh. Being unashamedly clad in Gringo attire. Market towns and enthusiastic locals, who love to share their culture with you (for instance, in Ecuador you get whipped on your birthday...apparently!). The unavoidable "when I was in South America..." moments that seem irresistible for months after your return. Friends met along the way. Swimming near the dolphins in brown water.  I could go on...

My South American gap year has left a big impression on my life and I would encourage anyone to take a visit. VentureCo's organised itinerary (whilst not including all the activities I've talked about) gives someone like me, who was hesitant about traveling alone, but knew she had to go, the chance to make new friends and explore a remarkable continent. Good luck to you!

Camilla Davies 15 week expedition in South America was arranged with VentureCo Worldwide.