Experience the Amazon and Shuar Culture

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Puyo

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Situated on the equator, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean Highlands. Despite its size it is probably the world's most bio-diverse country, crammed with an astounding variety of flora and fauna. Combined with its beautiful colonial architecture, magnificent panoramic scenery, vibrant indigenous groups and welcoming people it is one of the most enticing and rewarding countries to visit in South America.

Volunteer Latin America is an independent and ethical organisation committed to helping protect Latin Americas flora and fauna, its biodiversity, and to offering the most cost effective way to become an environmental or humanitarian volunteer in Central and South America.

Highlights: Exceptional opportunity to experience the Amazon and Indigenous Cultures at an affordable price.

This project is for people who want to actively engage in community development and conservation, experience the Amazon, and learn about the language and culture of indigenous communities. Volunteers can participate in a series of ongoing projects that include teaching in local schools, traditional farming, construction, trail creation, reforestation, nursery work, raising native animals, and other community activities. There are also possibilities to carry out your own research according to your skills and the needs of the community.

This project is not just about work. It is also a cultural exchange and opportunity to learn about indigenous culture. Volunteers will be living and sharing meals with indigenous families and are invited to participate in all community activities. You will be given the opportunity to visit other indigenous communities in the surrounding forest. You will also be given the opportunity to explore the amazing rainforest which lies in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The flora is extremely varied with everything from mahogany to bromeliads and an overwhelming variety of orchids. The fauna is just as varied and some of the mammal species recorded in the forest include pumas, jaguars, tapirs, peccaries, monkeys, deer, ocelots, sloth's and anteaters. The forest is a birdwatchers paradise where you can observe toucans, parrots, parakeets, tanagers, woodpeckers, eagles, hummingbirds and a vast array of other beautiful and rare birds.

Qualifications: Our service and the projects we offer are for people of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds. You should check the visa requirements of the country or countries you intend to visit before travelling.

Our volunteer guides give details of those projects which require formal and/or personal skills. They vary according to specific assignments. For instance, a river-dolphin project may ask for swimming, snorkelling or boat handling skills. Generally, if you have a friendly personality, enjoy helping others, and can work as part of a team, then you already posses the most useful skills needed.

Generally, most projects do not require any specialist qualifications. However, some of the more challenging positions may require you to have a university degree or vocational qualification. These projects might be aimed at teachers, scientists or medical staff etc. A scuba qualification would be necessary for any project that involves diving.

Cost in US$: Approximately US$6 per day

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical type of volunteer. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 65.

Age Range: 18 - 65

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Volunteer Latin America's Mission Statement: Volunteer Latin America is the independent volunteers gateway to affordable and ethical volunteering opportunities in the environmental and humanitarian sectors.

Year Founded: 2004