Description

This private foundation is recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry for the Environment and was established in 1997 to protect the country's ecosystems and wildlife. It manages three reserves in North Western Ecuador. In addition to managing the three Bio Reserves, the foundation is currently developing management plans for the areas surrounding all three cloud forest reserves, reforesting them and conducting environmental education in the local communities. The foundation has received support from the World Wildlife Fund (Department of Finland), the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Global Green Grants and private donors.

The staff is working to preserve these important environments through wildlife, plant and tree conservation work, community education, environmental management, volunteer projects, community eco-tourism and scientific research of the flora and fauna of the region.

Between the Ecuadorian Bio reserve, deep jungle patrolling, reforestation projects and organic farming there are loads of projects and skills to be learned in this unique Ecuadorian ecosystem!

Highlights

Ecuador has diverse attractions for tourists and volunteers. Among those are the Amazon jungles, the Amazon Basin, Andean Mountains and Volcanoes, tropical forests, and beaches. The Pacific coast is a perfect place for diving or just for relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun hours while the mountains are a perfect destination for outdoor- and nature fans!

The country is one of poorest on the South American continent. But, people are very open-minded and hospitable. You will be surprised by their friendliness and their efforts to help you. You will feel comfortable easily and will enjoy being a temporary member of the Ecuadorian society.

Accommodations:
* Dormitory style accommodation at the Bio Reserve
* Facilities: hot showers, kitchen, flush toilets
* Candle lite evenings (due to minimal means of electricity)
* Three meals per day

Qualifications

* Language: Volunteers with basic Spanish knowledge are preferred
* Skills: No special skills required
* Vaccination: Please ask for medical advice in your home country
* Insurance: Full travel & medical insurance for Ecuador
* Visa: Tourist visa (90 days, not extendable); for longer stays volunteer visa (valid for 6 months)

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

see our website for exact prices

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

What's included:
* Accommodation
* Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
* Orientation kit
* Local support
* 24h-Emergency Number

What's not included:
* Flight
* Airport Pick-up
* Medical Insurance
* Visa (if necessary)
* Personal expenses

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you have a creative mind, ability to multi-task and interest to really experience the power one can truly make, we invite you to get involved with this rural Ecuadorian reserve!

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

Flexible

South America Inside's Mission Statement

Our programs are addressed to the humanitarian traveler, whether you are a student, professional or retiree. Anyone who wants to explore Latin America not as a mere tourist, but rather as an insider through an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, we invite you into our community! We organize Spanish and Portuguese courses as well as internship and volunteer work positions in nearly all countries of Central and South America. We help in organizing language courses, internships, volunteer work projects as well as in choosing the right country for you. We aim to select partners who are just off the beaten path and/or entail unique and special features to make your experience unforgettable!

Year Founded

2003