Conservation Project

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Nanegalito,  Mindo,  Nanegal

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: 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.

Highlights: 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.

Cost in US$: 2 weeks: $240 3 weeks: $330 4 weeks: $430 6 weeks: $625 8 weeks: $795 10 weeks: $980 12 weeks: $1150

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

This Program is open to 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 Or in Groups

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