 This project is carried out in nor.-western province of Pichincha. Located in 135 kilometers of track Calacalí-La Independencia, belongs to bio-region "El Choco" ranked among the most important biodiversity on the planet.
The climate is tropical, humid, and the project is located at 320 m. s. n. m., this is a region with remnants of primary forest and growing areas, is criss-crossed by many rivers, the main product is the "Cocoa Up Fine Aroma" and this is an area rich in biodiversity of birds, similar to the Mindo.
Program Description
 This project gives you the option of living with a family in the countryside, which carries out the primary forest conservation, reforestation with native species, recovery of endangered native species, organic agriculture, study and monitoring of birds, and is currently in the process of building a botanical garden (orchid, bamboo).
They also work in the planting, harvesting and processing of cocoa  fine flavor, they have an extensive collection of exotic tropical fruits. There are 5 hectares of secondary forest in which they were reforested with different varieties of native species, especially with hardwood trees that were cut earlier by the loggers.
Every volunteer who comes to our project will have the opportunity to participate in each of the activities described above, moreover, if the volunteer wants to do another activity, he/she can teach English and computer classes at a community school close to the project.
"The main objective of this Project is share the daily life with our family including the activities that we do."
(Pedro Saavedra - Project Coordinador)
Volunteer Work Activities
Nurseries:
• Collection and treatment of native seeds (twice in a month)
• Preparation of land sown.
• Filling sleeves.
• Germination of seeds and planting.
• Cleaning of weeds in nurseries.
Note: This must depend of the weather and the season. Every tree has its own seed and flowering.
Manures:
• Composting (Daily activity)
• Activities Lombricultura (Organic matter content, removal of litter)
Orchard:
• Planting and weeding of organic food. (Daily activity)
• Handle manure from the garden.
Other agro-ecological:
• Harvesting and drying of cocoa. (Once in a month and during 5 days)
• Planting, care and classification of plants in the botanical garden. (Weekly activity)
• Reforestation. (Planting of native plants on the grounds of the project and in the community) (Once in a month)
• Sowing and harvesting of tropical fruits and food for own consumption. (Every week)
Recreational activities:
• Swim in the river. (It is in the project)
• Ride. (We have horses)
• Making music. (We have a band)
• Making crafts in bamboo. (We are builders of musical instruments, furniture and houses in bamboo)
• Development of artisanal chocolates and other traditional dishes of the area.
• The volunteer on their own can go to the beach. (2.5 hours)
NOTE: It depends of the volunteer’s needs.
Work Time
The volunteer work 6 hours a day for 5 days a week. The remaining 2 days the volunteer can do whatever he sees fit.
Services near the reserve
The project has a Physician-Surgeon of attention. The hospital with basic services is only 30 minutes. We have own transport. Access to mobile signal to 100 meters away from the project. Internet service and store 30 minutes away.
 Transport
The project has their own vehicle. The volunteers traveling from Quito to the project and the travel time is 2.5 hours. Also in Quito, there are 6 public transport companies who come to the project.
 Accommdation
In the project we have bamboo houses with individual or shared rooms for the volunteer accommodation and we can give up to 8 people. We have electricity, spring water and all basic services.
Food
 The cost covers 3 meals a day. The volunteer can consume the fruits of the season in the quantities he wishes, without any additional cost. We offer vegetarian food.
Volunteer Profile
The volunteer must be over 17 years old and must have interest in caring for the planet.
What does the Volunteer need to bring?
• Rubber boots
• Slipper or flip-flops
• Towel
• Flashlight
• Batteries/ matches
• Raincoat
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Canteen
• Bathing suit
• Small jackknife
• Labor gloves
• Shampoo, sunblock, first aid kit
• Long sleeve shirts, and t-shirts
• Blouses or shirts
• Trekking shoes
• Cap or hat
• Camera-binoculars (optional)
• Glasses
Duration
The minimum time required to work in this project is 2 weeks and there is not a maximum determination. It is possible to request a volunteer visa if you want to stay in the project for more than 3 months.
 Free Time
In all projects, you are going to have a schedule of different activities and you will have an 6 hours day, but on your free days you will have time to relax, read, go to the rivers, wash your clothes, paint, talk to local people, or practice sports.
 Requirements
You do not need a college education in order to work in the conservation activities. You do need, however, a great interest in the conservation of nature and activities related to human development.
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 his/her to find the best program to improve their Spanish skills before starting the project.  
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