Description

Be a volunteer in the Amazon rainforest on this wildlife conservation expedition based deep in the heart of the Ecuadorian rainforest. For either five or ten weeks, volunteers will live in a remote area to experience the rainforest's rich biodiversity, support rainforest conservation, work towards community development and become a valued member of our wildlife research team.

This rainforest conservation and community development expedition is aimed towards the environmental protection of the Amazon Rainforest. As the home of more than one-third of all known species in the world, the Amazon Rainforest has an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna. Yet the Amazon Rainforest has been depleted by 40% in the last 35 years, causing the loss of biodiversity and potentially accelerating the rates of global warming. This wildlife research expedition takes volunteers to a spectacular area of the Amazon Rainforest to help the conservation of this vital natural resource. For either five or ten weeks you will live in a remote part of the Ecuadorian Amazon and contribute towards rainforest conservation and community development. Located in on the Napo River between the cities of Tena and Coca in the eastern part of Ecuador, the volunteering expedition is only accessible by motorised canoe. Therefore this Amazon expedition is not only a worthwhile experience but provides you with a unique and off-the-beaten-track way to spend part of a gap year, sabbatical or holiday.

Highlights

Whether you are looking for a career in conservation or just want to go on the trip of a lifetime, volunteering in the Amazon will give you fantastic new skills and experience. During the initial stages of the expedition, you will be equipped with all the necessary knowledge to become a fully-fledged member of the team. Volunteers then go on to carry out scientific field research, which has the overall aim of wildlife and rainforest conservation. Working alongside professional researchers, you will be involved in tracking and identifying species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, butterflies and plant species, as well as aiding the maintenance of a permanent, full-time biological field station to generate national and international conservation interest.

Volunteers will also be involved in different aspects of community development, when you will interact with the locals and learn about their rich and interesting cultures. You will also work alongside students and teachers who come from the indigenous and colonist communities, to be absorbed by the native culture and learn about their different values, attitudes and beliefs.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Canoeing
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Kayaking (River)
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering
• 4th World Studies
• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Climbing
• Ecology
• Heritage Tourism
• Native Culture Studies
• Overland Tours
• Photography
• Vacation Packages

Qualifications

No previous experience or foreign language skills are required to join this expedition, but expedition members must be 18 years of age or older and speak English. Additionally, all volunteers must be strong swimmers (able to swim 300m) and be physically fit as the environment is demanding. Spanish is not essential for this expedition but participants will benefit much more from the community interaction if they have some basic phrases. All volunteers must be team players and assist each other and the staff on a daily basis.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,690

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Pre-departure support
* Airport pick-up and transfer to base
* Food and accommodation
* Training materials and science equipment
* Informal Spanish tuition
* Introduction to TEFL training
* Comprehensive training necessary for research techniques
* Overnight satellite camps in the forest to explore the reserve
* Four-day Amazonian adventure exploration side trip (one per each five week phase)
* Bush craft and survival skills
* An internationally recognized Emergency First Response first aid course
* 24 hour in-country support
* 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK
* A free Careers Abroad fieldwork placement and job vacancy service for all former expedition members (successful placements depend upon aptitude and attitudes)
* Discounted access to Smugmug services, a secure way of storing your photos while travelling.

Experience Required

yes

No previous experience or foreign language skills are required to join this expedition, but expedition members must be 18 years of age or older and speak English. Additionally, all volunteers must be strong swimmers (able to swim 300m) and be physically fit as the environment is demanding. Spanish is not essential for this expedition but participants will benefit much more from the community interaction if they have some basic phrases. All volunteers must be team players and assist each other and the staff on a daily basis.

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 day

Yomps's Mission Statement

We work hard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime through responsible adventures off the beaten track. You will learn new skills, meet new friends, experience cultural activities that are just not available to tourists and you will have the time of your life.

Year Founded

2006