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 of the natural habitats on the Galapagos Islands 
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Booking Nº: EC142 Country: Ecuador + Location: Galapagos Islands Minimum Stay: 2 weeks Start dates: All year round Price: from 2 weeks, 400 USD |
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Task
The jobs you will participate in are numerous as most of the work is dedicated to reforestation, research and community based projects. Possible tasks include:- Restoring habitats
- Eliminating introduced or invasive plant species and restoring native and endemic species by growing the plants first in a greenhouse, and then transplanting them to their permanent location
- Assisting in community projects such as installing a new water pipeline for the local community
- Mentoring children, working with them in gardening, educating them about the environment, and doing fieldtrips
- Assisting in an agriculture component production
- Teaching visitors about ecological issues
Volunteers work to reverse the negative effects of invasive or introduced species, restoring the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal Island (one of the biggest islands in the chain), replacing invasive plants with native species. Furthermore, volunteers collaborate with organizations such as the Instituto Nacional del Niño y la Familia (INFA) to promote environmental conservation among young children from the island as well as to motivate community members to plant local plants rather than introduced vegetation. The project's plans include the construction of a native plant corridor from the dry forest portion of the lowland reserve to the moist forest at higher altitudes. Reforestation with native plants will be emphasized as a plant production center.
Accommodation
You will live and work at the station itself. The house offers a full kitchen, bathroom and shower with hot water. Two volunteers are placed in each bedroom. The beds have sheets and mosquito nets and you are provided cleaning and maintenance supplies for the up keeping of the house. Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own toiletries, towels and food/drinks.One advantage of living on the station is the abundance of fresh fruit, milk and coffee from the surrounding areas. It is necessary to purchase purified drinking water. The nearest town, El Progreso, is a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute taxi ride. The port town of Baquerizo Moreno is 20 minutes away in taxi. In both towns you have access to the internet and the opportunity to make international phone calls.
You will get up early each morning to start work and usually have a break at midday to relax and recuperate, continuing to work in the afternoon. The working hours are usually from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Days are hot and long and volunteers should be prepared for physically hard labor. Although strenuous, the work is rewarding. Evenings are quiet and usually spent lounging in hammocks, chatting, listening to music, writing or reading. Volunteers are free to explore the port town and discover the island's many tourist attractions on the weekends.
The local volunteer coordinators are always available for assistance and guidance for the volunteer projects and spare time activities. There are times where there are only two or three other volunteers. At other times, however, there are large groups, so be prepared for the variety of people that you will meet and work with.
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 Biological Station is located in the highlands of San Cristobal island on a 50 hectare site, where there is still native vegetation. It is the only project in the Galapagos that combines environmental, community and social support to improve the sustainability of the islands. The remaining native highland forests on the populated islands are quite limited due to farming activities and the introduction of very invasive species from the mainland.The Biological Station was founded on San Cristobal in 2005. Since its opening, the station's field lodging and a plant nursery have been constructed. The Foundation has worked towards the development of reforestation through habitat re-composition and agro- forestry activities throughout its existence on the island. One of the main objectives of this station is to develop methodological practices for natural system reconstruction that will serve as a model for similar projects in other reserves.
Source: Google Maps
Prices
| Duration | in USD |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 400.- |
| 3 weeks | 590.- |
| 4 weeks | 780.- |
| 5 weeks | 950.- |
| 6 weeks | 1,120.- |
| 7 weeks | 1,220.- |
| 8 weeks | 1,320.- |
| 9 weeks | 1,420.- |
| 10 weeks | 1,520.- |
| 11 weeks | 1,620.- |
| 12 weeks | 1,720.- |
One time registration fee 75 USD.
Airport pick-up on San Cristóbal Island.
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- Orientation kit
- Local support
- 24h-Emergency Number
- Airport pick-up
- Volunteer Work Placement
- Certificate of participation
What’s not included:
- Flight
- Medical Insurance
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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