from 698€

Very Good 4.3rating (14)

Conservation of Nature

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Very Good 4.3  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Contribute to the Galapagos Islands by controlling and eradicating invasive species and plant endemic plant species.
  • Discover both the unique archipelago and at the same time contribute to conserving its breath-taking biodiversity.
  • Help setting up instructive workshops on the local environment and the importance of protecting the indigenous species and creating awareness of this issue among locals.
  • Visit the Isabela, Santa Cruz and other islands with diving and snorkeling tours.
  • Collecting seeds, preparing the soil for planting and producing seeds.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

This project on San Cristóbal, one of the Galapagos Islands, gives you the opportunity to admire both the beautiful archipelago and at the same time help to protect it.

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean on either side of the equator. Politically, they are part of Ecuador, but they are situated about 1000 kilometres from the west coast of South America. Here you come face to face with wildlife that you will not ...

About the program

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean on either side of the equator. Politically, they are part of Ecuador, but they are situated about 1000 kilometres from the west coast of South America. Here you come face to face with wildlife that you will not encounter anywhere else in the world. Because the animals do not have natural enemies, people can easily approach them. In 1835 Charles Darwin arrived on the islands. His theory of evolution is in part based on the animals, plants and fossils he encountered on the Galapagos islands. In short, this is a must-see destination that never fails to amaze visitors. Those who decide to travel there do have to pay for the privilege, but general consensus is that it is well worth the investment!

Today, the Galapagos Islands are threatened by the exponential growth of tourism and local population. As a result, many plant species have been introduced into the fragile local ecosystem. The conservation project on San Cristóbal island therefore aims to preserve the native plant species and to minimize the impact of invasive new plant species in this unique and vulnerable environment.

As a volunteer you will stay with a host family or in a volunteer house, and work together with the locals in the urban and rural areas of the town of Puerto Ayora and surroundings. On the weekends you are free to explore the rest of the amazing Galapagos Islands.

  • Control and eradicate invasive species and plant endemic plant species;
  • Working in the greenhouse;
  • Help setting up instructive workshops on the local environment and the importance of protecting the indigenous species and creating awareness of this issue among locals;
  • Collecting seeds, preparing the soil for planting and producing seeds;
  • Help taking care of the local population’s gardens;
  • Collaborate with local farmers when building infrastructure around the farms to make these self-sufficient , and exchange ideas about organic farming techniques.


Typical day

During the mornings, from 07.30-13.30, the volunteers are expected to work on the ‘Hacienda de Esperanza’ (Ranch of Hope). Here you help to preserve the nature of the San Cristόbal highlandsInvasive species of plants are a huge problem here, so much of the work consists of eliminating ...

Typical day

During the mornings, from 07.30-13.30, the volunteers are expected to work on the ‘Hacienda de Esperanza’ (Ranch of Hope). Here you help to preserve the nature of the San Cristόbal highlandsInvasive species of plants are a huge problem here, so much of the work consists of eliminating these plants with machetes. Depending on the needs, there is variation in the work; other days volunteers go to plant small native plants, or work in the local greenhouse.

In certain occasions, the local coordinator have the chance to take you up to the tortoise rescue center, where you can feed the giant Galapagos Turtoises. The work can be sometimes a bit physical and a little rough, but it will take you to places where tourists will never come and you contribute to the preservation of this beautiful island. Usually, the volunteers enjoy the afternoon and weekends off.

Free-time activities

Volunteers have free time in the afternoon and on the weekend to explore the incredible Galapagos Islands and admire the breath-taking biodiversity. Local guides offer snorkeling and diving activities as well as surfing courses and island hopping tours.

Free-time activities

Volunteers have free time in the afternoon and on the weekend to explore the incredible Galapagos Islands and admire the breath-taking biodiversity. Local guides offer snorkeling and diving activities as well as surfing courses and island hopping tours.


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 English (intermediate level)

Criminal Background Check

required

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 from 07:30 - 13:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Foundation Local Dreamers

The mentioned costs involve room, board, airport pickup and preperation & guidance as well as a one-time contribution towards the project.

Airport Pickup at San Cristobal Airport

When you arrive at airport Mariscal Sucre near Quito, our driver José Luis will be waiting for you at the gate. We always provide him with some pictures of you, so he will for sure recognize you. Together with José Luis you will make a one-hour drive to our office in the centre of Quito. At the office, one of our coordinators will welcome you and show you arround in the neighborhood. After a little small talk we will bring you to your host family/ the volunteer house where you have all the time to recover from your flight.

Depending on what we agreed on, you will make your trip to Galapagos from Quito fairly soon after arrival or you will first stay with us in the capital for a while. 

PLEASE NOTE: transport to and from the Galapagos Islands is not included in the price.

Accommodation

On the Galapagos Islands you will stay with a host family.

Food & Beverages

Our host families provide a daily breakfast and dinner, which is included in the price. All our families are happy to introduce you to the Ecuadorian cuisine, and will provide you with varied meals. In the evening they prepare a warm meal, with plenty of vegetables and meat. They also like to take into account any allergies or vegetarian requirements, please let us know during your application.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is San Cristobal Airport (SCY) in San Cristobal. 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

Feel free to join us in every time of the year, our projects are open during the whole year. We don't have specific arrival days, just search your most ideal flight. Our coordinators are available to welcome you on every day of the week, also during the weekend.

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 698€
2 weeks 1,302€
3 weeks 1,953€
4 weeks 2,511€
8 weeks 4,650€
16 weeks 8,370€
50 weeks (max. stay) 27,528€
Average fees 624€/week

Program fees

624€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 50 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 Foundation Local Dreamers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Foundation Local Dreamers

Very Good 4.3 rating (14 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2011

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Aldert

Spoken languages: Dutch, Spanish, English

About the project

Local Dreamers is an organization that was founded by a small group of young idealists. It is created out of the passion for South-America and Ecuador in particular.

Meet your organization

After the establishment of Local Dreamers in November 2011, our Dutch founders Aldert Schriemer and Jesse van Woestijne first ran a pilot project in Quito, Ecuador, in 2012. Six years later, we are still pursuing our dream every day: deploying talent development, sport, language and creativity to develop personal and social development, self-confidence and entrepreneurship. 

Our story

We are a young team that operates quickly, openly, involved, passionately and dynamically. Every day we try to share our dreams with the community and try to make the dreams of the community come true. We do this with a healthy amount of energy and fun, but above all with an important objective: to contribute to a world that makes people happy. Step by step.

Our top mission

To create an inspiring and safe learning environment in which Ecuadorian children, youngsters and international volunteers can discover, develop, share and connect their talents and dreams with each other. We focus on the needs of both worlds and connect their different cultures and people with one another.

We use talent, sport, education, creativity and communication in order to create social development, confidence and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to build fruitful, self-sustaining projects and to convey them to local project coordinators.

  • Create ties
We create ties that last between different worlds, cultures and people. We try to broaden one´s view on the world, both for involved Ecuadorians as for international volunteers.

  •  Offer a safe environment

We offer a safe environment in which Ecuadorian children and youngsters between the ages of 6 to 16 year, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic background, can discover and develop their talents.

  • Create self-sustaining projects

We create self-sustaining projects, which will be governed by the inhabitants of the project areas within 10 years, after which Local Dreamers’ role in the projects will be limited to advising and controlling.

  • Contribute to a better world

We arouse the interest and enthusiasm of international ‘dreamers’ in contributing to a better world by sharing knowledge, experiences, passions and talents with one another.

  • Stimulate social development

We use sports and games, language, creativity and (intercultural) communication to stimulate the personal and social development of Ecuadorian children and teenagers.

  • Contribute to local initiatives

We contribute to small-scale local initiatives through the knowledge, experience, passion and talent of international volunteers. Projects which have enough basis to survive without our presence.

14 reviews · rating4.3

Ruth Sophie Schrapper rating5

2022 at Conservation of Nature

I had two amazing weeks at Hacienda la Soledad with Eduardo, Carlos and basically the whole family because we even ended up joining the barbecue with the whole family! In two weeks we did something new every day and still had the afternoons and weekend to explore San Cristobal and the other islands! ...
Michele Vigano rating4.6

2023 at Soccer Trainer at the Ecuadorian Coast

Sono stato in un periodo non semplice per l’Ecuador, inizio Gennaio 2024. Nonostante questo sono riuscito a godermi a pieno un paese magnifico, con delle problematiche ma tanto potenziale. La scuola calcio è gestita alla grande da Adrian, Joshua e Klever. Sono davvero delle persone stupende e ...
Local Dreamers is providing healthy meals for kids. It is creating a safe and fun place for children and family members. Volunteers prepared fresh food and healthy meals. ..
Lars Rumawatine rating5

2022 at Child Care Worker at Youth Center

Amazing project in the South of Quito for the children who need it the most. I really liked the companionship with my fellow volunteers while doing some of the groceries and preparing dinner for the children. The smiles on the children's faces, while they were eating and playing games, were ...
Simona Tamburrino rating1

2022 at Child Care Worker at Youth Center

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # PROJECT STATEMENT BELOW # # # # # # # # # # # #Leider wurde mein Misstrauen nach nur einer Woche Aufenthalt in Quito gebrochen. Mein Weltanschauungsbild hinsichtlich Freiwilligenarbeit wurde von Local Dreamers komplett zerstört. Ich glaube nicht mehr daran, dass das ...
Stefanie Reiter rating2.2

2021 at Teacher at a Swimming School

***Project Statement Below*** I signed up for the project "Teacher at a Swimming School" and expected to work as a swimming teacher during my volunteering time. Surprisingly I've been told on my first day that I was also in charge of teaching English (to adults and kids) and soccer (to kids). As ...

Location

Americas > South America > Ecuador > Galápagos

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Contact Aldert
  Excellent response rate
Dutch, Spanish, English

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