Project Description
This opportunity allows volunteers to stay with and work alongside rural families in their goals to implement eco-friendly agricultural practices such as conserving primary forest, reviving endemic species through reforestation, using organic farming methods, studying and monitoring birdlife, and constructing a botanical garden using orchids and bamboo.
Local families are also involved in the planting, harvesting and processing of the world-renowned, high-quality Ecuadorian cocoa bean. These families also grow extensive collection of exotic tropical fruit. Located within the project site are five hectares of secondary forest in which the reforestation of various native species, especially previously deforested hardwoods, is being carried out.
All volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in all of the aforementioned activities. Volunteers can also give English and/or IT lessons to pupils at a nearby school.
Why the projects need volunteers
The project covers a broad range of tasks, and volunteers are needed to help fulfill the demands of this work. Local families are not able to satisfy reforestation requirements by themselves. Furthermore, volunteers are fundamental in helping to educate the local community in matters pertaining to the environment and more general subjects such as English and computer skills.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
1 week + |
| Project Location |
Cuenca |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre |
| Responsibilities |
Nurseries: • Collect and treat native seeds (twice a month). • Prepare the ground for planting. • Fill seed bags. • Germinate and sow seeds. • Weed nurseries. Please Note: These activities are carried out depending on the current climate and time of year. Every tree has its specific flowering period. Fertilizers: • Make compost (daily). • Tasks associated with Vermiculture (use of organic material, removal of humus). Allotment: • Prepare and plant organic food (weekly). • Manage organic fertilizers. Other agro-ecological tasks: • Harvest and dry cacao (once a month for five consecutive days). • Plant, tend and classify plants for the botanical garden (weekly). • Reforest (plant native plants around project grounds and in communal plots outside grounds; once a month). • Plant and harvest tropical fruits and foods for consumption (Weekly). Recreational activities: • Swim in the river (available inside the project site). • Horse ride (horses onsite). • Make music (musical instruments are available onsite). • Make handicrafts out of bamboo (artisans are available to help make musical instruments, furniture and houses out of bamboo). • Make homemade chocolates and other food typical of the region. • Organize trips to the beach (beach is 2.5 hours away). Volunteers can organize and tailor their own recreational activities to suit personal interests. |
| Hours of Work |
30 - 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
8 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Throughout the year. |
| Prerequisities |
Must be older than 15 years and be interested in conservation. Advanced studies in environmental conservation or related subjects are not necessary. An interest in nature conservation and related activities, especially as this relates to human development, is needed. Intermediate level of Spanish. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Shared or individual rooms in the volunteer lodge.
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| Food |
- 3 meals per day, vegetarian options available
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| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before beginning as a volunteer.
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
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| Insurance |
- Travel insurance and related expenses.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
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What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Practical, informative advice and support before, during and after project from a team of professionals.
- In-country guidance to resolve potential issues that may arise during the project.
- Guidance and evaluation to check on progress during volunteer period.
- Ability to make local calls and receive faxes at the organization's main office.
- Informative visitor guide with information on recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as volunteer.
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Please note
The climate is tropical, and the project site is located 320 meters (about 1,050 feet) above sea level in an area of primary growth forest and cultivated land. The terrain is criss-crossed by numerous rivers and the main locally-grown product is Ecuadorian 'Cacao Arriba-Fino de Aroma', renowned globally to produce the finest aroma and flavor of cocoa in the world. The area is also rich in bird species, similar to the Mindo region of Ecuador.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers should:
• Be interested in nature conservation.
• Be proactive and able to demonstrate initiative.
• Be team-spirited and able to maintain good working relationships.
• Have intermediate level Spanish.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (with at least 40% Deet is recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, First Aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries, box of matches
- Water bottle
- Knife (Swiss army)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm, wind-proof clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Swimsuit
- Hiking boots
- Hat
- Sandals
- Towels
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books (for personal use)
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Steps to follow
Once you have registered...
- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and our projects.
- Select the project in which you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confiming your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out the documents that the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation sends you as part of the registration process.
After you have been selected as a volunteer...
- Get your flight tickets.
- Get travel insurance for the time that you will participate in our projects.
- Obtain your Police Record or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents from the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, filled out completely.
- Verify that you have gotten the necessary vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and bringing malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- If the volunteer is not a Spanish speaker, she/he must plan to take a Spanish course in Quito before entering in the project.
- Take a Spanish exam to check your knowledge of the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter Ecuador.
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