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Ecuador Volunteer | Changing Lives |
| Alternative Spring Break: Beach Conservation on the Coast |
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 Project Description
This Alternative Spring Break Program takes place in the community of Puerto Lopez on the coast of the Manabí province of Ecuador’s Pacific Coast. The Manabí coast is an area rich in unique flora and fauna, including humpback whales, monkeys, and a multitude of bird species. Off the coast, one can visit the famous Isla de la Plata, an island with species similar to those of the Galapagos, including the blue-footed booby. The region also includes dense forests, which put the area in great danger of deforestation because of logging interests as well as efforts to expand agricultural and pastoral lands. This project began as a response and commitment to the urgent need to conserve the ecosystems and marine resources that the province of Manabí provides, mainly concentrated in the area in and around the Machalilla National Park. Machalilla National Park protects some of the last remaining areas of dry forest and “misty forest” (bosque de garúa) along the Pacific Coast. These areas are ecosystems in eastern Ecuador that are in great danger of destruction. In particular, they are under continual pressure to be cut down by people looking for new agricultural land or looking to commercialize the forests through the logging industry. The problems generally result from the lack of sustainable planning in the extraction of non-renewable resources, the unregulated use of natural resources for tourist activities, and the unregulated or illegal expansion of cattle raising and pasturelands. Other regional development initiatives also pose an imminent threat to the forests, including the indiscriminate use of the park as a corridor for services such as electrical lines and petroleum pipes. Currently, another threat is tourism, concentrated in archaeological sites near the community of Agua Blanca and along the beaches of Los Frailes near Puerto Lopez. In the region’s marine environment, wildlife has been threatened due to commercial fishing and the destruction of the few protected nesting areas for sea turtles in continental Ecuador. In addition, the development of tourism threatens the crucial nesting sites for birds on the Isla de la Plata and on the beaches of Los Frailes. For these reasons, the beach conservation project plays an important role in keeping these vital and vulnerable areas out of danger. Volunteer projects help to implement integral conservation and sustainable development projects. Volunteers will work in Puerto Lopez and along local beaches to help monitor animal species, clean up and maintain the beaches, and assist with tourist activities and environmental education in the nearby communities. Volunteer efforts are essential for the conservation of the beaches and the environment, the protection of endangered species, and the preservation of the region’s precious forests and plant and animal life. This project began as a response and commitment to the urgent need to conserve the ecosystems and marine resources that the province of Manabí provides, mainly concentrated in the area in and around the Machalilla National Park. Machalilla National Park protects some of the last remaining areas of dry forest and “misty forest” (bosque de garúa) along the Pacific Coast. These areas are ecosystems in eastern Ecuador that are in great danger of destruction. In particular, they are under continual pressure to be cut down by people looking for new agricultural land or looking to commercialize the forests through the logging industry. The problems generally result from the lack of sustainable planning in the extraction of non-renewable resources, the unregulated use of natural resources for tourist activities, and the unregulated or illegal expansion of cattle raising and pasturelands. Other regional development initiatives also pose an imminent threat to the forests, including the indiscriminate use of the park as a corridor for services such as electrical lines and petroleum pipes. Currently, another threat is tourism, concentrated in archaeological sites near the community of Agua Blanca and along the beaches of Los Frailes near Puerto Lopez. In the region’s marine environment, wildlife has been threatened due to commercial fishing and the destruction of the few protected nesting areas for sea turtles in continental Ecuador. In addition, the development of tourism threatens the crucial nesting sites for birds on the Isla de la Plata and on the beaches of Los Frailes. For these reasons, this Alternative Spring Break Program plays an important role in keeping these vital and vulnerable areas out of danger. Volunteer projects support integral conservation and sustainable development projects. Volunteers will work in Puerto Lopez and along local beaches to monitor animal species, clean up and maintain the beaches, and assist with tourist activities and environmental education in the nearby communities. Volunteer efforts are essential for the conservation of the beaches and the environment, the protection of endangered species, and the preservation of the region’s precious forests and plant and animal life. In addition to volunteer activities, volunteers will get the chance to visit the breathtaking Isla de Plata, where the exotic animal species are like nothing they have ever seen before. In the small fishing village of Pital, a short bus ride from Puerto Lopez, volunteers can interact with local fishermen and costeños to experience the unique local culture, one that is extremely different from that of the rest of Ecuador. Volunteers will get the chance to visit local schools to give a presentation about environmental education, visit local archaeology museums, and take salsa lessons to truly experience the Ecuadorian coast. Most importantly, volunteers will have an Alternative Spring Break experience that they will never forget!
Spring Break Daily Activities
Volunteers are crucial to this Spring Break Program because they contribute to improving and increasing the knowledge and awareness of the natural resources of Ecuador in order to be able to focus, plan, execute, and evaluate actions that benefit conservation and the sustainable use of these local resources. In this manner, volunteers collaborate to reduce the impact generated by people who are unaware of or indifferent towards the natural wealth that abound in the marine ecosystems of Ecuador. Such efforts work towards an environmental equilibrium and avoid the destruction of the environment itself.
Your participation in this Alternative Spring Break Program is very important. Each time that a volunteer takes part in an adventure such as this one, he/she builds awareness in other people about the need to preserve fragile and vulnerable marine habitats.
The projects and activities are subject to change. Given the nature of the work, there may be circumstance out of our control, such as a change in the weather. Because of this, we thank you for keeping a positive attitude and for understanding if such an event occurs. Your flexibility and cooperation are the greatest asset.
Alternative Spring Break Program Itinerary (Based on 8-Day Trip)
Day 1: Arrival at the airport in Quito, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), from where you will be transferred to your respective accommodation. Many international flights from the United States arrive in the evening, so be sure to rest and give yourself time to adjust to the altitude during the first evening and be ready to begin your adventure the next day!
Day 2: You will be welcomed at our main office in Quito, where you will be given a short introduction about security and safety tips and information about living and traveling in Quito and Ecuador. Following this introduction, you will receive a presentation about the history, culture, lifestyle, and politics of Ecuador. In the afternoon, you will board a flight from Quito to the city of Manta on the coast. In the late afternoon, you will take the bus from Manta to your project site in the town of Puerto Lopez. When you arrive in Puerto Lopez, you will be met by your project coordinators and have the chance to relax and explore the town.
Day 3: In the morning, receive an introduction to the wildlife, plantlife, and marinelife of the Manabí coast from your project coordinators, as well as chat about the Beach Conservation Project and similar local conservation initiatives. In the afternoon, get to know the beaches near Puerto Lopez and participate in your first Beach Clean-Up.
Day 4: Spend the morning exploring and enjoying snorkeling and other activities that the famous Playa de los Frailes has to offer. In the early afternoon, participate in a Beach Clean-Up, and then take a trip to the nearby fishing village of Pital. In this village, you will get to speak with local villagers and fishermen before spending the night camping in a nearby forest. At the campsite, you will have the opportunity to watch a movie at the outdoor theater.
Day 5: In the morning, visit the archaeological museum of Agua Blanca, where you will learn about one of South America’s first civilizations (Valdivia) that settled in this area. In the afternoon, participate in a Beach Clean-Up. Enjoy a bonfire on the beach in the evening, and find out what it’s like to camp overnight on the beach.
Day 6: Travel to the famous Isla de la Plata where you will have free time on the island to explore its exotic wildlife and beautiful beaches, visit its variety of tourist sites, and take salsa lessons. In the evening, return to Puerto Lopez to enjoy a special farewell dinner and party for you and your fellow volunteers.
Day 7: Participate in a final Beach Clean-Up in the morning, then leave Puerto Lopez by bus to reach the airport in Manta. Take the plane from Manta to Quito, where you will have the evening free to take advantage of the restaurants and nightlife of the international city.
Day 8: You have the morning and afternoon in Quito free to relax, pack, get last minute souvenirs and gifts, or explore the city and its many tourist sites. In the evening, arrive at the airport to leave for your home country.
Note: This is just a suggested, sample itinerary and might be changed depending on your groups schedule, interests, and preferences. The itinerary is flexible and may be extended or shortened for varying lengths of time.
Skills and Qualification Requirements
To participate in this Alternative Spring Break Program, volunteers should be at least 15 years old. Most importantly, volunteers should be mature and understand the importance and meaning of their work at the Center. Men and women may apply. No experience is necessary, but experience in conservation and passion for working in the environment, in nature conservation, and activities related to human development is a plus.
This Spring Break Program requires flexibility on the part of volunteers and is open to whoever applies. Responsibilities carried out will depend on the level of experience of individual volunteers, his/her skills and the positions available at the time. Should the volunteer have professional experience in a specific field, it may be possible to organize other activities in the community.
Food & Accommodation
During this Alternative Spring Break Program, volunteers will stay in a local hotel in Puerto Lopez, and the rooms are generally shared between several volunteers. Each room has a private bathroom with all of the basic amenities (hot water, flush toilet, sink, etc.) and beds with mosquito nets. Laundry and internet services are not provided at the hotel, but both can be found at relatively low costs in the town.
Meals are not provided at the hotel, but they are included in the Spring Break Package. Each day, volunteers will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the local restaurants of Puerto Lopez. In this way, volunteers will have some options in what they eat, and they will also have the opportunity to experience the rich, fresh local cuisine of the Manabí province. Since Puerto Lopez is on the ocean, most meals involve seafood, particularly shrimp, and fish. In general, the food in local restaurants is fresh (straight from the sea) and prepared daily.
Please let Ecuador Volunteer know as soon as possible if you have any special dietary requirements (for example, diabetes, lactose intolerance, or serious allergies to certain foods). We have had vegetarians participate in this project without any problem. However, it’s important to keep in mind that strict vegetarians or vegans may find it difficult to participate. While it may be possible to get foods without meat, it may be difficult to find products completely free of animal products. Furthermore, some special dietary requirements may not be possible in this project because it may be difficult to get certain foods that you may need. If this is a problem for you, it may be important to reconsider your participation in this particular Ecuador Volunteer project. It is important that volunteers adapt to the local conditions, if possible.
Note: We do not recommend this project for people with diabetes.
Materials To Bring
Most everyday materials and items can be bought in Ecuador at a low cost, but we suggest you bring the follow items with you in your luggage:
Note: We DO NOT suggest you bring any new or expensive clothes as you will likely be getting dirty and muddy during your project.
Passport & Visa Requirements
A valid passport is necessary for travel to Ecuador. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. You do not need a visa to enter Ecuador if you are staying for up to 90 days. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be given a stamp in your passport that serves as a short-term Tourist Visa.
If you will be staying in Ecuador for more than 90 days for any reason, you will need to get a visa. You can get a long-term Tourist Visa (up to 6 months) or a Volunteer Visa (up to 1 year). You can apply for visas at the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate before coming to Ecuador. Please contact an Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate to find out what you need to apply for a visa. Remember that this process can take 6 weeks or longer.
Airport & Arrival Information
The Alternative Spring Break Program is organized for volunteers to arrive on the first date of the program. The project fees will cover project and housing expenses beginning on the first day of the program through the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, any expenses will be the responsibility of the volunteer (usually $20-$25 per day for room/food at the hotel). If volunteers are delayed or miss their flight, it is highly recommended that you call our offices or your coordinator and make alternative arrangements with them.
The nearest international airport, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), is located in the capital city, Quito. It is important volunteers know that there is an airport exit fee each time the volunteer leaves the country. This includes flights to Peru, Colombia, and other South American countries. If a volunteer visits another South American country, then travels back to the United States via Ecuador, he/she should be prepared to pay the airport fee for each flight.
Program Fee
PROGRAM FEE ALLOCATION
Fee does cover:
Fee does not cover:
To Apply
For more information or to reserve your spot, send an email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. We strongly recommend signing up as soon as possible as our Alternative Spring Break Programs fill up quickly! |
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Fundación Ecuador Volunteer / Yanéz Pinzón N25-106 y Av. Colón / Quito - Ecuador - South America / Telfax (593-2) 2557749 - 2226544 / Ministerial Resolution N° 0350 |
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