Volunteer in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Any date possible for you to arrive in Ecuador.

Description: Eco-Volunteer UP has a range of volunteer programmes located in Ecuador, South America. It provides volunteer work placements in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and disappearing Cloud Forest. Eco-Volunteer UP has voluntary work with orphanages, disabled children Institutes, day care centers and is also involved in conservation of mother-earth" (pacha-mama) and saving the planet one step at a time. The earth has been slowly contaminated and endangered for hundreds of years by the humans inhabitation, and for that reason we wish to give people an incentive to conserve the forest so that our children will have a place to play and breathe in safety.

About Ecuador

The smallest country in the jagged Andean highlands, Ecuador is among the most amazing travel destinations in South America. With its array of effervescent indigenous cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, striking volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest, Ecuador offers a perfect destination for students, explorers, and volunteers. The Galapagos Islands are lauded as one of the world's greatest natural history treasures, their unique diversity of plant and animal life providing a living textbook for ecologists and ogles alike.

The flora of Ecuador counts between 20,000 and 25,000 vascular plants (plants with flowers, ferns and coniferous) - 10% of the world's total amount. There are many orchids, about 2,700 species - 11% of the world's total amount. The fauna is also huge, 706 species of fish, more than 400 species of amphibians - occupying the 4th place in the world; 400 species of reptiles - 4% of the world's total amount; 320 species of mammals - 8% of the world's total amount; more than 1,550 species of birds - 8% of the world's total amount.

In Ecuador, our volunteer projects are located in the cultural city of Quito and Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge, a beautiful mountain range of the Choco Andean. If you are planning to explore the real cultural and natural beauty of Ecuador, why not start your adventure by joining one of our voluntary positions, Spanish courses, village hiking expeditions, or sightseeing of some of the cultural wonders of Ecuador. Eco-Volunteer UP offers you unique opportunities to explore the great land of Ecuador while working for children and people in teaching, orphanage projects, health, forest placements with its flora, fauna and other community development projects.

Ongoing volunteer projects:
* Teaching English to the children of Las Tolas
* Work on Urcu Puyujunda Organic Farm
* Conservation project in the Cloud Forest
* Environmental and Scientific Research in the Cloud Forest
* Environmental Education in the Las Tolas community
* Community project
* Orphanage project in Quito
* Disabled Children project in Quito
* Day care project in Quito
* Health Project

* Voluntary Positions in the Cloud Forest *

The volunteer program in the Cloud Forest is located in Urcu Puyujunda Eco-Lodge, 3km from Las Tolas village and close to Mindo, with 350 species of birds. Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge area also offers the worlds richest bird bio-diversity, unexplored wilderness, natural and archaeological remains, and vibrant landscapes with 80% native forest and 20% organic farmland for the milking of the cows. It is a small place with 200 inhabitants; they came from other towns to this area for better conditions of life. The community was dedicated to cultivating sugar cane, raising cattle, to craft and to exploitation of woods. People of the town are very friendly and helpful. They have a little school, a communal meeting and a church; most of the community is catholic.

The Yumbos culture lived in the northwestern from 13th to 16th centuries. One of the archaeological remnants of this culture are the "Yumbos" pool (located in Tulipe town at 9km of Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge). Some people worry about exploitation of the woods and the waste contamination in the forest of Ecuador, especially in the Cloud Forest and this problem has many ecological disasters. Other people think that they cannot do anything about it or the problems are so big that they are out of their hands, therefore, we need people to worry in order to save the Cloud Forest and to teach English to the children community of Las Tolas town. Volunteers or Scientists are very welcome.

** Teaching English
In Ecuador passion for English language develops due to the rapidly growing tourism industry, and the country's desire to get access into the global economy. A country blessed with cultural and natural majesty, tourism emerges as an increasingly viable means of generating income. Knowledge of English is undoubtedly helpful to attract more tourists and expand the horizon of tourism business in many English speaking audiences. Many local schools requested English speaking volunteers to help them to achieve their goal of speaking English.

Our English teaching projects in Ecuador are located in the Las Tolas village, a village surrounded by picturesque landscapes and beautiful Cloud Forest. Teaching English in the village and staying at Urcu Puyujunda allows volunteers to experience the wonder of this country whilst making positive impacts on the future of the children. Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore villages, local life, culture, and to learn Spanish. Most of the volunteers working in English projects work as teachers in a public school with children and artisans of town. Responsibilities of the volunteers include teaching simple English and practicing conversational English. Additional help with games, health, sanitation, nutrition and extra curricular activities might be requested.

** Work on Urcu Puyujunda Organic Farm
Rising health problems and the idea of sustainable development makes organic farming a popular agricultural practice in Ecuador. Work on the Urcu Puyujunda Organic farm in Ecuador offers volunteers opportunities to live and work on an organic farm located in a beautiful village in Ecuador. Volunteers support an ongoing organic farming programme aimed at developing socially and ecologically sound organic farming practices. They also learn more about areas of organic farming, reforestation, and environmental issues in Ecuador.

** Conservation Project
The slopes of the Andes are dressed with a wonderful dense ecosystem: the Cloud Forest. This ecosystem, also called "Andean eyebrow" due to its generous vegetation, is one of the most diverse in the world. Many of its characteristics are similar to the Rain Forest. However, since it is not flat but on a slope, the sunrays are able to penetrate deeper inside the forest, thus giving place to exuberant and unique life forms. Work as a volunteer in a Cloud Forest offers you the exceptional opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this place and help to preserve the amazing natural resources of Ecuador. Working in the natural place will give volunteers an amazing life in the clouds. Volunteer work will involve improving the existing infrastructure of this invaluable forest and protecting existing flora and fauna. Work includes: planting trees, maintaining trails - clearing them of plants with a machete; improving trails - building stairs or fences for safety and constructing new trails.

** Environmental Research
Ecuador remains one of those mystical and mysterious places that are very difficult to find in the developed world. Therefore Ecuador is the perfect destination for people who love nature and adventure and its natural beauty cannot be compared. The hospitable people and marvelous history turn this place into the perfect spot to spend your time volunteering. Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge is considered one of the world's top five bio-diversity hotspots. There are many species of plants, such as ferns, orchids, bromeliads and epiphytes. There are also many species of fauna. If volunteers and scientists are interested in starting any project of their own we are very open to their ideas and offer help and any information that they need.

** Community Project
The project is located in the community of Las Tolas. There are about 40 families. They have their own houses or farms and they work their own land. Some of the families make handcrafts and they have started doing their own eco-tourism project. In this volunteer project you will stay with one of the several different families of the community. The volunteer will experience the real culture, learning about and being involved in the traditional customs of the community's families. The volunteer will work with the family at home in: agriculture, milking and taking care of the cows, cooking, helping to do homework and teaching English to the children of the family, teaching preparation of nutritious food, cleaning the house, learning and making handcrafts. If you have ideas or suggestions for better work, they are welcome.

* Volunteer in Quito *

Eco-Volunteer UP offers you the opportunity to volunteer in the magical country of Ecuador, specifically in Quito, which is located near the Equator line and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Ecuador gives the tourists a mega bio-diversity and a the chance for great adventures in the mountains, volcanoes, jungle, white beaches and exotic islands. It is a small country with a rich culture, history and friendly people. Quito, capital of Ecuador, has colonial treasures such as churches with woodcarvings, paintings and sculptures more than six centuries old. Quito was declared the first Cultural Heritage site in South America by UNESCO in 1978. There are many orphanages and special Institutes for disabled children that need help so the volunteers that are interested in these projects are very welcome.

** Orphanage project
In the last two decades the population of Ecuador has doubled with growing incidences of abandoned children and teenage mothers in the streets or hospitals. Most of these abandoned children are from poor indigenous families. Growing poverty, lack of education and limited governmental resources further worsen the problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. In the capital city of Quito, our local partners initiated wonderful efforts to protect the life of these vulnerable kids from further exploitation. In these projects, there is a need for volunteers who are willing to share their efforts and love for children.

In this volunteer project in Ecuador the volunteers will help these under privileged children by teaching basic English or Spanish. Volunteer also help by feeding, caring for, and simply playing with these very young children. Without this affordable orphanage project, many of these children would be abandoned and homeless. Volunteers also help in developing creative programmes in art, music, dance, sports, etc. Additional help on day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration might be requested. This project offers you one of the most wonderful volunteer opportunities to work in an orphanage and gives you the chance to share your love, skills and efforts with poor children. You can show your special skills and knowledge in music, dance, painting or any different activities.

** Disabled Children Project
Report shows that nearly 300,000 children suffer from different forms of disabilities in Ecuador, and approximately 35 percent of orphaned children are disabled (deaf, blind etc). In many cases or mostly in the poor and indigenous families, these disabled children are kept at home without adequate care or attention, further worsening the problem. A special children's project was developed to take care of the handicapped, physically retarded, deaf and blind children. The voluntary project aims to help the children by offering them physical therapy, stimulation and care. Eco-Volunteer UP welcomes any volunteer that has skills or an interest in working with these kids.

Volunteers interested in this project must have a special interest in and affection for children. Although it is very upsetting to see the way these illnesses have affected the young lives, it is immensely rewarding to offer them care and attention and to see them respond to assistance and love. Volunteers will help in language therapy, mimical language and education. Additional work includes caring for the children by feeding, washing, playing, and teaching.

** Day Care Project
The voluntary project is located in a day care school where mothers have been working together for their own benefit and for all the mothers who don't have a place where their children can stay while they are working. The age of the children ranges from 8 months to 11 years. The day care school has been designed for children with lower economic resources. You volunteer work can help resolve some daily necessities, for example to take care of them with your heart and your open arms, helping them with their first steps, teaching English, playing, feeding, watching their social abilities and language advance and helping to do their homework.You can show your special skills and knowledge in music, dance, painting or any different activities that will help in their stimulation. Also other activities will be required, such as organization of the classroom or any other special needs. Your work will be much appreciated.

** Health Project
The project is located in Quito at Public Children Hospital. It is a specialist pediatric hospital that assists a most of the children from new born babies to 14 years old all over of Ecuador with lower economic resources. If you want to make a difference and to help others Eco Volunteer UP provides a volunteer placement at Public Children Hospital. You can volunteer taking care of the children, feeding, painting or any entertainer.

Highlights: Volunteer and Free Private Spanish Lessons in Ecuador

Market Value up to US$720*

Join Eco-Volunteer UP volunteer program in Ecuador and receive FREE Spanish lessons 2 hours a day (10 hours per week) for up to 12 weeks!

The classes take place in a relaxed, group setting at two different two levels - basic and intermediate (sorry, no advanced level). All the volunteers have the option of attending these free lessons. Volunteers can attend for two weeks (cloud forest volunteers) up to a maximum 12 of weeks (Quito volunteers). Our Spanish lessons are taught by pleasant, young teachers who will give you an orientation in the first day followed by a brief diagnostic assessment. The diagnostic assessment is geared toward determining which of level of instruction best suits your Spanish speaking ability.

Spanish lessons are available to all of our volunteers:

For those that choose to volunteer in Quito, the Spanish lessons are taught in the city and in the Conocoto valley (just outside Quito near one of the Quito volunteer locations). Typically, participants in the Quito project take the Spanish lessons in the afternoon after their volunteer work is complete.
Those that choose the cloud forest project may elect to stay in Quito for the first two weeks in order to take advantage of the free Spanish classes before they begin their volunteer work. Participants who choose this option simply need to account for those two weeks in the cost of their stay (please review our Program Fee information for more details).

This is a great opportunity as volunteers have the opportunity to practice the Spanish they learn while working in either project. However, these Spanish lessons are optional and participants may choose to discontinue their lessons at any time.

* Spanish classes in Quito generally cost around $6 per hour. Volunteers joining in our programs for the duration of three months can receive 120 hours of free Spanish lessons a market value of approximately $720.

Volunteer - Ecuadorian Short Term Expeditions

Many people come to Ecuador either to visit the natural wonders that our country has to offer or to volunteer in projects around the country. We now have a new offer that will allow visitors to experience the best of both worlds in only two weeks. With a two-week break on your hands, you can come to Ecuador and spend the first week volunteering and the second week visiting key attractions, and exploring the rich culture and many landscapes of Ecuador, from dense Amazon jungle to the volcanic peaks of the Andes.

Or, if you would like to volunteer for a longer period in Ecuador, you can extend your stay in the volunteer program and take part in Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expeditions at the same time.

Expeditions to:
The Amazon: Travel by canoe with your guide on one of the vast rivers of the Ecuadorian jungle. Explore trails covered with lush and diverse vegetation and learn about some of the flora and fauna unique to this region. Share the customs and traditions of some of the jungle cultures such as the huaorani or tagaeri people. You can join night walks to watch the caimans, fish for piranhas or participate in a shamanic ritual with the indigenous people.

Your trip to the jungle will be an unforgettable experience. The Coast: Besides being one of the most important ports of the country, the province of Esmeraldas also boasts mangroves, exotic islands, some of the best beaches in Ecuador and, best of all for beachgoers, the warm water of the Pacific Ocean. The Choco bioregion is known for its incredible plant and animal biodiversity. You will know the Afro-Esmeraldas culture, swim and taste the best food in Esmeraldas beaches.

The Andes: At 19,347 feet, Cotopaxi is the world's highest active volcano, and once you've seen this snow-capped wonder you will never forget it. South of Cotopaxi, at the foot of the fearsome volcano called Tunguarahua, is the city of baths, or Baños. Baños is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and, of course, bathers! Immerse yourself in this striking landscape and enjoy horseback riding, rafting or mountain biking. Another Andes town, Papallacta, is famous for its natural hot springs. This is an idyllic place to relax, surrounded by the stunning scenery of steep green hillsides and towering mountains. Finally, no visit to the Andes is complete without a trip to Otavalo, the largest indigenous handicraft market in South America where you can browse, bargain and buy items from the locals.

- The first Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from July 17th to July 31st, 2008.
- The second Volunteer-Ecuadorian summer expedition group will run from August 7th to August 21st, 2008.
- (You can also take part of the program any month of the year with minimum two participants).

Included: Registration fee, transfer from the airport to the host family, 7 days of volunteer programme, 7 days of trips, private transport (for the 7 days of trip), 3 meals per day, lodging, rafting, entrance fees to parks and guide.

** Ecuador Volunteer and Trips

This programme includes volunteering and trips in Ecuador and you can choose this programme if you like adventure and helping at the same time. Ecuador is a country of boundless diversity, friendly people and spectacular natural wonders. You can travel in a day from tropical lowlands where bananas grow, to the Andean Mountains where llamas graze beneath volcanoes over 20,000 feet high, and on to the edge of the mystical Amazon Basin. The Ecuador Volunteer and Trips programme is a meaningful opportunity for volunteers who wish to explore the beauty of Ecuador, its culture, nature, and people while volunteering in Quito or the Cloud Forest. The Ecuador Volunteer and Trips programme's aims are to help orphaned children - giving them much needed hope and guidance and to conserve the beauty of the Cloud Forest. As a volunteer you will be teaching health education/English/sanitation to poor kids/feeding hummingbirds/collecting seeds for exhibition. You also help children to develop their creative talents, working with them to draw pictures, play games and perform various creative activities. After a few days of working for the poor children or any volunteer project in the Cloud Forest, Eco-Volunteer UP will organise a four day tour of Ecuador where you will experience Ecuador's rich past, exciting future, wonderful culture and natural beauty by exploring the biggest indigenous market in Otavalo, a paradise of magical beauty in Baños, the bio-diversity of the protective forest at Pasochoa Volcano (a refuge of wild life), beautiful landscapes with dense Forest, flora and fauna in Mindo.

Day 1:
Meeting at Eco-Volunteer UP's office to talking about the voluntary projects, responsibilities and distribution of the work, where you have to go, the time of the work and location of the project. Depart for the voluntary placement and start working.
Day 2- 10:
The volunteers work in their projects - helping the people in the orphanage, taking care of the children, teaching English to the children of the community school or collecting seeds at the forest. Evening time is free and volunteers can go to the Old Town to get to know the culture and people of Quito. You can also talk with the coordinator about any questions you have or advice you need.
The volunteers that choose the projects in the Cloud Forest will stay 10 days in Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge and in the last four days the volunteers will take trips in Ecuador. On the tenth day volunteers meet in Eco-Volunteer UP's office to talk about the trips, what to bring, etc.

4 DAY TOUR - Exploration of boundless diversity and spectacular natural wonders of Ecuador.

DAY 1: Explore Otavalo - Ibarra
Departure to Otavalo, located two hours from Quito, early in the morning to explore the biggest indigenous market in South America. You will see some beautiful landscapes and lakes. Lunch in Otavalo. Visit the amazing lakes in Ibarra, called the town of lakes or white town. Return to Quito.

DAY 2: Papallacta - A Gateway to the Amazon Basin Departure to Papallacta in the morning, an idyllic place surrounded by magical beauty and incredible mountains, as well as a paradise for nature lovers, active outdoor enthusiasts, photographers and naturalists. It is located two hours from Quito. You will enjoy the famous natural hot spring with a fresh bath and ride horses.

DAY 3: Pasochoa Refuge of Wildlife
Departure to Pasochoa in the morning, visiting Los Chillos Valley to explore the refuge of wildlife. We will stop to learn more about the flora, fauna and rich history and then you can climb the volcano at 4.200 metres above sea level. A packed lunch will be served at the refuge of the volcano and then we return to Quito.

DAY 4: Mindo - Explore the beauty of Ecuador's nature
Departure to Mindo in the morning, where you will see beautiful landscapes and dense serene forest, flora and fauna. We explore the archaeological site, learn about the history of Ecuador and hike to the waterfall. The return to Quito marks the closing of the programme.

Includes: Registration fee, orientation and support during the volunteering, transfer from the airport to the host family or Eco-Lodge, three meals per day, lodging with a host family or Eco-logde, trips, guide.

** Spanish Language
The Spanish classes have 40 hours in total spread over two weeks. There are beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. The students can make their own schedule and if they can't make a class one day there will be the chance for a class another day.

While the students and volunteers are in Quito they can stay in a family house for the days they would like.

Included: 40 hours of Spanish lessons, lodging in a host family in Quito and three meals per day.

Qualifications: Must have a special interest for affected children and conservation of the Cloud Forest.

* Voluntary Positions in the Cloud Forest *

Accommodation
The volunteers that choose any of these projects in the Cloud Forest will stay at Urcu Puyujunda Eco-Lodge or with a host family in Las Tolas village (depending the project). The place comprises of six cabins, each with a private bathroom and balcony for watching birds and bedding is provided.

The volunteers can stay from 15 days at any time of the year because the community needs support. During the volunteer placement Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge provides you with a determined project and then you can choose your own itinerary. There will be a native guide all the time who will help you with anything you need. The schedule is about 4 to 6 hours per day. You have days off for travelling or sharing with the local people. The food is healthy and nutritious and is prepared by the cook of Urcu Puyujunda Cloud Forest Eco-Lodge.

What to Bring
- Clothes (T-shirts, trousers, shorts, sweaters, shoes)
- Torch
- Rubber boots (you can buy these in Quito)
- Backpack
- Rain coat
- Sun block
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sandals
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Personal items

* Volunteer in Quito *

Accommodation
The volunteers that choose the projects in Quito will stay with a friendly Ecuadorian host family near their programme. The volunteers can be stay for as long as they like, at any time of the year because the orphanage and children need your help.

What to Bring
- Clothes (T-shirts, trousers, shorts, sweaters, shoes)
- Backpack
- Sun block
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Sandals
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Personal items

Cost in US$: 1 week: US$150; 2 weeks: US$290; 3 weeks: US$420; 4 weeks: US$550; 6 weeks: US$805; 8 weeks: US$1035; 10 weeks: US$1280; 12 weeks: US$1510

Program Fees in Cloud Forest cover: Orientation and support during the time you are volunteering, pick up airport, transfer from the Eco Volunteer UP office to the bus station, three meals per day, and accommodations.

For all of the programs offered, Eco Volunteer UP does not require that you to send any money in advance. Payment in full is requested upon your arrival in Ecuador.

Salary / Pay: The volunteers of the project can benefit from the experience of and learn about a different ecosystem and culture (local life) They can improve their Spanish language and also play traditional sport with the community, two days of the week you can camp, hike, fish and explore the Cloud Forest and play. The volunteers will receive a certificate at the end of the programme. Overall it's a great experience!

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A person who really wants to help the poor children, work in the Cloud Forest and know different cultures.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Eco-Volunteer Urcu Puyujunda's Mission Statement: Urcu Puyujunda is an organization designed to help people and disappearing Cloud Forest near Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Our main objective is to help the children, who are the future of the country, especially those with the fewest economic resources. Urcu Puyujunda is also involved in conservation of 'mother-earth' (pacha-mama), and is working to save the planet one step at a time. There are many orphanages, special Institute for disabled children, they need help, so the volunteers who are interested in these projects are very welcome.

Year Founded: 1999