El Terreno / Ecuador

El Terreno is a cultural exchange centre and foundation rooted in the Andean highlands of Guaranda, Ecuador — in full view of the majestic Chimborazo volcano, the world's closest peak to the sun. For five years, El Terreno has brought together international participants and rural indigenous communities to co-create more vibrant, prosperous and regenerative communities, where migration is a choice — not a necessity.

Working across community development projects and leadership development, El Terreno has hosted over 250 international interns, volunteers and professionals. Their programmes are built on the Andean philosophy of randi randi — reciprocal exchange — placing cultural dialogue at the heart of everything they do.

In 2025 El Terreno collaborated with In Place of War's EarthSonic Archives to capture the living soundscape of the Andes. Local creative Inti (meaning "sun" in Kichwa) recorded and brought the sounds of the Chimborazo to international audiences as part of the EarthSonic Fund.