Eco-tourism project: Work at an Eco-Lodge in the Cloud Forest and help maintaining trails, planting trees, working in the organic or orchid garden etc.
Programs Abroad
ECUADOR - Conservation and Community Work in Yunguilla Valley 
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Booking Nº: EC134 Country: Ecuador + Location: Yunguilla, 2 hours north of Quito Minimum Stay: 2 weeks Start dates: All year round Price: from 2 weeks, 840 USD |
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Task
Only two hours north of Quito, this small community in Yunguilla has taken great steps towards sustainable development while maintaining both its cultural and natural heritage. Almost fifty families have joined forces to work in the production of jams and jellies from local fruits, delicious cheeses, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, research and tourism. The community has also been proactive in developing production processes from start to finish: planting seeds, producing fruits and vegetables and then selling the produce in their own market in Quito or exporting it internationally.Within this local community development project you will be involved in some or all of the following activities:
- Reforestation
- Orchid propagation
- Production of jams and cheeses
- Teaching English
- Ecological research
- Organic agriculture
- Paper recycling
You will work Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm with tea and lunch breaks.
This volunteer project started recently, for this reason you should be flexible in order to adjust rapidly to different demands.
Accommodation
During your stay in Yunguilla Valley, you will live in a simple but comfortable guesthouse. You will share your room with up to four other volunteers. Bathrooms have hot water showers which you can use to relax after an exhausting day.Past volunteers have been amazed by the close friendships they created with other volunteers and the locals. This is a great way to learn about new cultures and nationalities! The community provides food for the volunteers to eat either in the guesthouse or with the community members. The meals can also be made to accommodate vegetarians, so don't let your diet hold you back!
Volunteers will take turns cleaning the house but rotations and teamwork are very effective to get these chores done.
Requirements
Language:English and/or Spanish skills required (you can book your Spanish course in Ecuador with us!)
Skills:
No professional skills or experiences required.
Age:
18+ years
Vaccination:
Not required. Please consult us and your doctor for specific recommendations.
Insurance:
Full travel and medical insurance is required. You can purchase a full coverage, no deductible health and travel insurance at a special rate for our participants by contacting your South America Inside representative.
Visa:
Tourist visa valid for 90 days. For further information regarding visa requirements please contact us and the corresponding embassy or consulate in your home country.
Details
The main objectives of the project include providing a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable income for the community and its residents, protecting and restoring the native ecosystems of the region as well as promoting intercultural exchange between community members and volunteers or daily visitors. Volunteer assistance is an important part of the project and is an unforgettable and enriching experience for all people involved!The project is located in an incredible area; far away from the usual tourist tracks, but close to other areas of interests such as protected reserves and towering volcanoes. One of the countries largest volcanoes is Pululahua with a crater of 34 square kilometers. Views from the rim are stunning and overlook a network of fields and settlements located around the volcanic cones of Pondona and Chivo.
Source: Google Maps
Prices
| Program duration | in USD |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks |
840.- |
| 3 weeks |
1,185.- |
| 4 weeks |
1,535.- |
| each additional week |
320.- |
One time registration fee 75 USD.
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals / day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Orientation kit
- Local support
- 24h-Emergency Number
- Volunteer Work Placement
- Certificate of participation
What’s not included:
- Flight
- Airport pick-up
- Medical Insurance
- Visa (if necesary)
- Local Travels
Country
Country Information Ecuador |
 Ecuador, appropriately named after the equator, holds a massive imaginary line running directly through its middle. Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America with an area of only 100,000 square miles. Ecuador borders Peru in the southeast, Colombia in the northeast and the Pacific Ocean splashing along the entire west side. The population of Ecuador is 14 million with the capital city of Quito holding 2 million residents.
Though Ecuador lacks bragging rights in its size, the country surely stands proud of its breathtaking landscapes, lush vegetation zones and varieties of climate. The climate, mainly determined by altitude, changes from tropical sun and heavy rain in the Pacific coastal area, to temperate dry climate regions in the Andean highlands. Further, the Amazon basin on the eastern side of the mountains shares the climate of other rain forest zones. Ecuador is one of eighteen mega diverse countries in the world with thousands of different animal and bird species. The famous Galapagos Islands, a very special spot on earth, is located about 620 miles away from the mainland and is home to unique flora and fauna such as the giant tortoises. The islands are also historic for being the birthplace of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. When exploring deeper into the 100,000 square mile piece of land, you will find diverse attractions for tourists and volunteers alike. Some highly recommended areas of exploration are the Amazon jungles, the Amazon basin, Andean Mountains, volcanoes (active and dormant), tropical forests and a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coast is a perfect place for ocean diving, relaxing on the beach and enjoying hours in the sun. For those backcountry lovers and nature fans, rest assured the terrain of Ecuador offers much in both silent and adrenaline driven activities. Due to Ecuador’s geographical diversity of ocean, mountains and island chains, whenever you choose to travel, one section of country will be in peak season. June through September are typically the drier months. The general high peak season for festivals, fiestas and crowds lie between mid-December through January and then again from June through August. When traveling to Ecuador you will be absolutely amazed by the unique and natural beauty of this country. Keeping in mind that this country is one of poorest regions in South America, you will be surprised by their friendliness, efforts to help you and elements of preserved culture. UNESCO declared Quito, the capital city, a World Heritage Site in the 1970’s for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America! No doubt, you will feel comfortable and at ease while enjoying this open-minded and hospitable society.
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