Project Description
The work in the community of Chico Copataza focuses on helping a native Kichwa family who wishes to maintain its culture and traditions. The Chumapi – Siguango family includes the father, a native Shuar, his wife who is a native Kichwa, and their 9 children.
Chico Copataza is situated in the province of Pastaza. The community is located approximately 25 km (one hour and 45 minutes by bus) from the town of Puyo. There is electricity but no running water in the community. The water must be fetched from a river near the volunteer house and must be boiled before consumption.
Puyo is the biggest town in the province, and can be reached from Quito in 5 hours by public bus. There is no electricity or running water in the community. The water must be fetched from a river near the volunteer house and be boiled before consumption.
The climate in the zone is humid subtropical, with rainfall throughout most of the year. In the month of August, rain is less frequent. The temperature is quite pleasant; some days will be hot, and one should remember to take into account the humidity of the zone. Chico Copataza will give the volunteer the opportunity to observe and learn to recognize a large variety of medicinal plants, jungle animals, waterfalls and several bird species, including swallows, parrots, raptors, etc.
Why the projects need volunteers
The project requires assistance because it needs people who can offer new ideas and techniques to improve the community, assist the community in making itself more self-sustainable, and enable the community to support itself and develop independently. The aim is to improve the education of children and adolescents in the community. When you understand the culture and traditions of others, the preservation of that culture can persist and grow.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
1 week + |
| Project Location |
Pastaza |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
The community work varies greatly, based on the needs of the family. The main responsibilities are: • Establishing and maintaining trails and tourist infrastructure • Helping in the cultivation of broom fibers and other marketable crops • Helping with traditional farming • Assisting in the cultivation of ornamental and medicinal plants • Assisting in the construction of houses • Helping with the cooking when there are a lot of volunteers • Making pottery (women) • Teaching English • Participating in mingas on Mondays (community work day) • Developing a garden for new crops such as peppers and cucumbers • Installation and maintenance of a trash collection system Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn a lot about the Shuar and Kichwa cultures, including their languages, typical dishes, harpoon fishing, legends, medicinal plants, and many other things. |
| Hours of Work |
35 - 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
8 volunteers |
| Project availability |
From January to December |
| Prerequisities |
Minimum age 18 years old – A great interest in the conservation of nature, new cultures and activities related to human development, a willingness to learn and work, and a positive attitude. All the volunteers need to have an intermediate knowledge of the Spanish language before starting their volunteer work. If the volunteer is not at this level, Ecuador Volunteer could help your to find the best language program to improve your Spanish skills before starting the project, without it you will not be able to make a significant contribution to the project; the people of the community speak only Spanish and their native Kichwa or Shuar. The volunteers must be able to hold conversations and participate in discussions in Spanish. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Volunteer House with shared rooms
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| Food |
- 3 meals per day / vegetarian apply
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| Support |
- Before the trip - 24/7 support in the country
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before starting your project
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- Plane tickets
- Daily transportation within the country
- Airport taxes
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| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance
- Costs associated with obtaining travel insurance
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa fee
- Visa documentation fee
- Costs related to the visa application paperwork
- Costs related to obtaining vaccines
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What is also included?
- Pick up service from the airport to the organization or accommodation place in Quito.
- Support from professional staff.
- Practical information and support to the volunteer before, during, and after participation in the project.
- Orientation in Ecuador for all volunteers in order to highlight aspects of the project.
- Coordination to evaluate your progress during the volunteer period.
- Ability to make local phone calls and receive faxes from our organization's office.
- A guide with information on activities you can do in your free time.
- Certificate of participation once the volunteer has completed the project.
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Please note
Each volunteer will be able to go to the jungle to observe plants, fruits, animals, rivers and the waterfall of Chinimp Tuna (in Shuar: “Swallows of the Waterfall”), from which the project has taken its name.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers do not need any specific training or knowledge to help with this project. All they need are the willingness and ability to donate their time, creativity, and support to the community. Volunteers should be eager to work with the community and nature, to work with children and young people and to teach languages to the children and youth. Depending on the volunteer's profession or specialty, the project coordinators can design specific courses and activities for his/her stay in the community.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (40% DEET is advised)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries, matches
- Canteen/ water bottle
- Swiss army knife
- Rubber boots
- Rain coat
- Plenty of socks
- Warm clothes
- Long sleeve shirts
- Summer clothes
- Bathing suit
- Trekking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Sleeping bag
- Flip-flops
- Work gloves
- Towels
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books to read (for personal use)
- Ziplock bags
- Pens/journal
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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 where you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confirming 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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