Conservation and Eco Tourism Assistant

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Get to know the wonders of the cloud forest, a true hotspot of biodiversity
  • Get more passionate about conservation work and protecting our planet Earth
  • Grow as a person by improving your intercultural skills

Highlights

  • Get to know the wonders of the cloud forest, a true hotspot of biodiversity
  • Get more passionate about conservation work and protecting our planet Earth
  • Grow as a person by improving your intercultural skills
  • Improve your Spanish skills by practicing on a daily basis
  • Visit amazing places in a country that is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and historic sites


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Maintaining hiking trails, working in the organic garden, helping in agroforestry, supporting eco-tourism projects. The beautiful Cloud Forest is an amazing work place!

    This volunteer project takes place at an eco lodge in the northwestern Andes Mountains of Ecuador. It is beautifully situated in the middle of the cloud forest at an altitude of almost 1,900 meters. The area is a global "hotspot" of biodiversity. Over 1500 different plant species, including orchids, ...

    About the program

    This volunteer project takes place at an eco lodge in the northwestern Andes Mountains of Ecuador. It is beautifully situated in the middle of the cloud forest at an altitude of almost 1,900 meters. The area is a global "hotspot" of biodiversity. Over 1500 different plant species, including orchids, bromeliads and other wonderful plants can be found here. In addition, more than 390 animal species live in this area, including the endangered Andean spectacled bear.

    The lodge was established 45 years ago as an agricultural cooperation with the intention of providing farming families with no income alternatives with a place to grow crops and raise livestock. Over time, however, it became clear that the remote cloud forest is poorly suited for these purposes and that it is far more valuable to the inhabitants and the environment to keep the forest intact. Therefore, the cooperation today is committed to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In addition, it strives to regenerate large parts of the forest with local trees.

    In the meantime, eco-tourism has also become an important source of income. This allows a sustainable protection of the cloud forest and informs visitors about the sensitive ecosystem.

    As one of the few projects in this area, this volunteer program plays an important role in intensifying environmental protection and eco-tourism, and to make visitors aware of the special features and the need for nature conservation. The communities in the surroundings also benefit from the project as they started to value the precious environment they live in and alternative source of income.

    The volunteers not only share the small wonders of the cloud forest with the locals, but are also welcomed by the great hospitality, the lively music, and their enthusiasm for nature. You will work directly with the locals, which provides you ample opportunities to get to know Ecuador in its original state, off the beaten track, to improve your Spanish skills and gain insider knowledge about the cloud forest and local communities.


    Typical day

    The volunteer project at the eco-lodge dates back to the year 2000 and welcomes both individual volunteers and groups. The help of volunteers is an important part of maintaining and sustainably protecting the huge conservation area that the Lodge operates. At the same time, eco-tourism is a ...

    Typical day

    The volunteer project at the eco-lodge dates back to the year 2000 and welcomes both individual volunteers and groups. The help of volunteers is an important part of maintaining and sustainably protecting the huge conservation area that the Lodge operates. At the same time, eco-tourism is a sustainable and alternative source of income for the lodge, which is very important for the preservation of the cloud forest. The lodge is very committed to animal and environmental protection. On the other hand, eco-tourism is a very labor-intensive business and the lodge is grateful for every volunteer who wants to get involved. Your tasks are primarily in the outdoor area.

    Here is a list of possible activities that may come to you:
    • Maintaining the hiking trails through the fascinating jungle
    • Maintaining the facilities of the lodge and guest houses
    • Agricultural projects: cultivation of coffee and sugar. Production of "panela" (sugar) in the traditional way
    • General Maintenance: There is always something to do around the lodge. Buildings need be repaired, extensions must be built or facilities redesigned.

    Usually you work from Monday to Friday, about 5-8 hours daily. Please keep in mind that working hours always depend on workload, weather conditions and unplanned situations. Flexibility is needed!

    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


    Free-time activities

    You can spend the weekends relaxing, swimming in the river, doing sports, hiking, enjoying the outdoors or participating in activities with the local community. 

    For longer trips (e.g. weekend) we recommend a visit to Quito, the country's capital. With its rich pre-Columbian history, Quito was ...

    Free-time activities

    You can spend the weekends relaxing, swimming in the river, doing sports, hiking, enjoying the outdoors or participating in activities with the local community. 

    For longer trips (e.g. weekend) we recommend a visit to Quito, the country's capital. With its rich pre-Columbian history, Quito was founded on the ruins of an Inca city, and nowadays offers everything a modern traveler may need. Quito remains one of the best preserved historic city centers in Latin America and UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. This huge city stretches over a fabulous Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks. Among its streets, you can find 40 churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 squares, 12 convent and refractory courtyards, 12 museums and innumerable beautiful patios.

    On a day-trip you can also visit the "Middle of the World", the place with the line that divides the planet earth in the northern and southern hemisphere. An amazing place and a Must See!

    Further north is Otavalo, the largest indigenous market in the world. To the south, you can visit Latacunga and the Cotopaxi National Park, with the very high volcano of the same name. Further southeast the cities of Ambato and Baños are worth a visit, with the spectacular view of the Tungurahua volcano, which can be climbed to the top. Especially Baños is real fun place to visit due to countless of sports and adrenaline activities.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (basic level) or English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by South America Inside

    • Shared room in Volunteer House
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Accommodation

    You will be staying either at the lodge at the heart of the cloud forest, or in the volunteer house down in the valley. Where you stay depends on your working area. On both cases you live in bedrooms shared by either two, four or eight people. At the lodge there is limited electricity but in the valley the volunteer house has electricity 24/7.

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but have to be informed to us in advance.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer program can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 817€
    3 weeks 998€
    4 weeks 1,180€
    5 weeks 1,361€
    6 weeks 1,543€
    7 weeks 1,724€
    8 weeks 1,906€
    9 weeks 2,087€
    10 weeks 2,269€
    11 weeks 2,451€
    12 weeks 2,632€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 4,810€
    Average fees 304€/week

    Program fees

    304€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    South America Inside

    Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marion

    Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

    About the project

    South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

    Meet your organization

    South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

    Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

    Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

    Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

    Volunteer Work

    Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

    With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

    The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

    Why with us

    There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

    Our Insider benefits at a glance:

      Regional Experience
    Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

      Multifaceted Offers
    Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

      Insider Advice
    Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

      Location
    It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

      Independence
    South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

    •  Multilingual Team

    Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

      Customer Service
    Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

      Gapless and Accurate Information flow
    With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

      Approved Program Places
    Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

    128 reviews · rating4.6

    Mattia Malfanti rating5

    2024 at Countryside School Assistant

    Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...
    Regina N. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
    Nathalie K. rating5

    2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
    Alex S. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
    Stacey Garratt rating5

    2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

    I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
    Gabriel P. rating5

    2024 at Community Worker for Children

    Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...

    Location


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