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Ecuador Volunteer | Changing Lives |
| Alternative Spring Break: Wild Amazon Experience |
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 Project Description
One of the most threatened natural resources in the Amazon Rainforest is the wildlife, which can suffer from habitat destruction, unsustainable hunting, and traps set by illegal animal hunters. Orchids, parrots, monkeys, and more than 20 thousand exotic animal and plant species have distinguished Ecuador as one of the countries with the most biodiversity in the world.
At the same time, this distinction has turned this biodiversity into the helpless victim of illegal plant and animal trafficking. In Ecuador, a country of only 256,370 square kilometers, 22.3% of its animal and plant species are endemic. Its greatest treasures are its Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands—also the principal sources of the illegal animal and plant trade that simultaneously challenges and stalls efforts to preserve these delicate ecosystems.
This volunteer program offers you the opportunity to work in an Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In the Amazon region, the most targeted species are monkeys, parrots, parakeets, macaws, turtles, and snakes as well as a large variety of orchids. The majority of these species are sold alive, dead, or in parts such as furs, skins, fangs, and bones to be used as foods, as part of collections, or as pets. Each day, hundreds of plants and animals destined for the international black market are confiscated. The Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers began as a commitment to rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been confiscated by the Environmental Police and abandoned by owners who bought endangered animals as pets. Many of these animals have been taken illegally from nature and sold as pets. In many cases, these animals do not adapt to a domestic life, and they become either depressed or aggressive. As a result, they are often neglected by their owners and subsequently abandoned in their cages or tied to posts. The mistreatment they receive is extremely severe, and many being to self-mutilate themselves or develop other psychological problems that prevent their ability to be reintroduced into the wild. Animals do not always arrive at the Animal Rescue Centers in the best condition; many arrive malnourished, wounded, and infected with parasites. About a fourth of these animals that come to the Centers die during the trip or within the first few days of arrival. Another fourth of these animals are able to be reintroduced into the wild and are able to survive on their own. However, about half of these animals cannot survive in the wild on their own and thus live the rest of their lives in the Centers. The Animal Rescue Centers aim to give these animals the opportunity to live a dignified life and to reintegrate themselves into their natural habitat. In some cases, immediate reintroduction into the wild is not applicable to some animals that have been severely abused. Such animals require a specialized training program that re-teaches them how to behave and survive in their natural environment. This project gives volunteers the opportunity to take part in the preservation of habitats and to investigate and become familiar with the fascinating behavior of each of these endangered species. This Alternative Spring Break Program offers you the opportunity to work in an Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. In the Amazon region, the most targeted species are monkeys, parrots, parakeets, macaws, turtles, and snakes as well as a large variety of orchids. The majority of these species are sold alive, dead, or in parts such as furs, skins, fangs, and bones to be used as foods, as part of collections, or as pets. Each day, hundreds of plants and animals destined for the international black market are confiscated.
Spring Break Daily Activities
Since there is currently no existing help from the government for the development, implementation, and management of projects like ours, this project relies heavily on the time, work, and donations given by volunteers. Thus, volunteers have come to be our only consistent source of income to support us in taking care of the animals and funding the necessary infrastructure. Through their experience, volunteers can learn and better understand the root of the problems and share their stories with a passion that encourages others to join the cause of reducing the trade and mistreatment of wild animals. During this Alternative Spring Break Program, volunteers will be involved in the following activities:
During your Spring Break Program, you will be in contact with various animal species. By the end of your stay, you will be familiar with each species in the Centers and you will be able to understand the various behaviors of the animals, such as signs of illness or discomfort.
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 take a bus to the project site near the city of Puyo, about 5 hours southeast of Quito. Your project coordinator will meet you and introduce you to the project site and the town. Unpack, relax, and enjoy the spectacular biodiversity and natural wonders that surround the Animal Rescue Center. In the evening, enjoy a warm reception with the traditional indigenous drink, chicha, while learning a traditional indigenous dance.
Day 3: In the morning, learn about the Animal Rescue Center, meet other workers at the Center, and get to know the animals. Here, you will be explained and shown what your daily duties will be in the Center. In the afternoon, learn the traditional indigenous art of making ceramics and pottery. Make your own ceramic bowls or cups!
Day 4: Continue volunteer work in the Animal Rescue Center during the morning. In the afternoon, learn how chocolate is produced from cocoa beans. Join the workers at the Center in harvesting cocoa beans and learn the process of making chocolate, and taste organic Amazonian chocolate.
Day 5: Continue volunteer work in the Animal Rescue Center during the morning. In the afternoon, hike through the rainforest and visit the area’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Day 6-7: Take a 2-day trip to the town of Baños, about 3 hours from your project site. In Baños, you have a variety of activities to choose from, including: horseback riding, biking, hiking, zip-lining, repelling, puenting (like bungee jumping from a bridge), white-water rafting, waterfall tour, visiting the Tungurahua Volcano, and relaxing in the hot springs. Spend the night and following morning in Baños for the chance to experience all that the town has to offer. In the afternoon of Day 7, take a bus back to Quito. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner in Quito.
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, you will need to head to the airport for your flight home.
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. Furthermore, if your group is more interested in volunteering, you can continue to volunteer in the Animal Rescue Center in lieu of the trip to Baños.
Skills and Qualification Requirements
To participate in this Alternative Spring Break Program, volunteers should be at least 18 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 veterinary medicine and passion for working in the environment and conservation is a plus.
No professional experience is necessary. However, volunteers should:
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 at the Center.
Food & Accommodation
During your Alternative Spring Break Program, the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation will manage your accommodation, food and supervision. In this project, accommodations consist of volunteer houses, allowing volunteers to live with other people who are undergoing the same experience. This gives volunteers the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their experiences, observations, and ideas.
Each volunteer house houses up to 16 people, with comfortable rooms that may be shared by up to 4 people. Each room has beds, sheets, and mosquito nets in good condition for each person. However, we suggest volunteers bring a light sleeping bag for a hot climate, if possible. The volunteer house has electricity, and its bathrooms are equipped with a flush toilet, sink, and shower with hot water. There is no laundry service, so volunteers will be able to wash their clothes in the river or wait until the weekends to bring their clothes to a laundromat in a nearby to the city of Puyo.
The meals of the volunteers are included during their stay. The volunteer house has a fully equipped kitchen, and volunteers meet in a communal dining hall for meals. In the mornings, volunteers eat breakfast at the time they want, before beginning their daily activities. At lunchtime, each volunteer prepares his or her own food. For dinner, the volunteers may take turns cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning up, so that everyone has the opportunity to help out.
We frequently have volunteers who are vegetarians. To avoid problems and inconveniences, once a week the group of volunteers creates a list of basic foods to buy that fits each person’s tastes and needs. However, it is important to note that special dietary substitutes (such as vitamins, soy products, gluten-free products, etc.) may be difficult to get since the project is located in a rural area. Additionally, it can be difficult for strict vegetarians or vegans to participate in this project. While it may be possible to get foods without meat, it may be difficult to find products completely free of animal products. It is important that volunteers adapt to the local conditions, if possible. If this is a problem for you, it may be better to consider a different Spring Break program.
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
This 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
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. 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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