from 1,020€

Great 4.4rating (78)

Cloud Forest Protection

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Get interesting cultural insights into rural life in Ecuador
  • Help protect our planet earth
  • Boost your resume with international volunteer experience
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity and dream beaches
  • Visit amazing places throughout Ecuador during your free time

Especially suitable

Age 17+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, the sound of animals in your ears, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food ...

Slow down your life, forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe fresh air all day long. If you like hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, hearing the sound of wild animals, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food and getting to know a ...

About the program

Slow down your life, forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe fresh air all day long. If you like hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, hearing the sound of wild animals, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food and getting to know a sustainable way of life - then you have come to the right place. Welcome to our cloud forest project!

The volunteer project takes place in a nature reserve located west of Quito in the middle of the Cloud Forest at the foothills of the Andes. This is where nature conservation, tourism and ecological agriculture are combined on 800 hectares of land. About 700 hectares of it are protected forests. In the remaining area, the owners receive tourists in wooden holiday homes or on a small campsite, practice sustainable agriculture and educate visitors and local communities about environmental protection.

The particular focus of this project is protecting existing forests, reforestation of areas that were previously used as sugar cane plantations and educational workshops to raise awareness of the value of the forest. The cloud forest has incredible biodiversity, that needs to be protected for future generations. Hundreds of different bird species live in this project alone, as well as many butterflies, amphibians and mammals. The latter include monkeys, deer, maders, weasels, wild cats, ocelots, agoutis, squirrels, peccaries, armadillos, skunks, sloths, spectacled bears, bats, and others.

The flora is also wonderfully rich in species. The project has a tree nursery where endangered local species are reproduced.

In this wonderful volunteer project, you can learn to do business in such a way that nature is not exploited and still enough for everyone is on the table. The local community is involved so that everyone supports this important development. 

If you like to be in nature and are good in working hands-on, you will love this volunteer opportunity.

Typical day

Volunteers help with different tasks in the areas of organic agriculture, forest protection & sustainable forestry, sustainable livestock farming, production of organic food, ecological construction methods and educational programs for visitors.

Among your tasks may be:

  • Reforestation
  • Collecting tree ...

Typical day

Volunteers help with different tasks in the areas of organic agriculture, forest protection & sustainable forestry, sustainable livestock farming, production of organic food, ecological construction methods and educational programs for visitors.

Among your tasks may be:

  • Reforestation
  • Collecting tree seeds, tree cultivation in the tree nursery
  • Maintaining hiking trails
  • Organic farming
  • Helping with planting vegetables and other crops
  • Helping with composting and fertilizing
  • Helping with natural pest control
  • Participating in the harvest
  • Construction and maintenance work
  • Redesigning and attaching signposts
  • Caring and rearing of farm animals
  • Helping in the production of homemade food such as cheese, butter, yogurt, bread, coffee, chocolate, etc.
  • Working in the medical garden
  • Developing material for educational events
  • Other tasks related to the operation of the reserve

Free-time activities

The nature reserve is about 90 km west of Quito in the foothills of the Andes. The terrain extends over altitudes between 1100 and 2000 meters. It is only about 100 km to the center of Quito, but due to the many bends in the mountains, despite the well-developed roads, it takes about 2 hours by car. ..

Free-time activities

The nature reserve is about 90 km west of Quito in the foothills of the Andes. The terrain extends over altitudes between 1100 and 2000 meters. It is only about 100 km to the center of Quito, but due to the many bends in the mountains, despite the well-developed roads, it takes about 2 hours by car. However, the drive through the breathtaking mountain landscape with jungle is an experience in itself. For a weekend visit, Quito with its beautiful historical center (UNESCO World Heritage Site!), the many museums, pretty parks and plazas, is definitely worth a visit.

From the project site, about an hour's drive, you can find Santo Domingo. The town has about half a million inhabitants, and is the fourth largest city in Ecuador.

The Pacific can be reached in a four to five hour drive, where you can find beautiful sandy beaches, night life (e.g. in the popular holiday resort Canoa), good restaurants and surf schools - also a great option for a few days off.

The climate in the region of the nature reserve is warm and humid all year round, with temperatures between 16 and 30 degrees. Instead of the four seasons, there is a dry and a rainy season. The rainy season lasts from December to April. Don't worry, it will rain every day, but not all day long. In the dry season between May and November it rarely rains, but the climate is always moderately humid.

Usually the sun shines all year round in the morning and in the afternoon / evening clouds move over the forest, which is what the cloud forest owes its name to.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 17 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

Language Skills

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

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV and Application Form

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
  • Airport pick-up in Quito and overnight stay in Quito*
  • 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

* The costs for the bus ticket to the project are not included.

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Pick-up in Quito, your arrival airport, is included with one overnight stay in the capital. The bus ticket from Quito to the project site is not included.

Accommodation

During your volunteer stay you will live in the Volunteer House directly on the grounds of the nature reserve. Dormitories and shared bathrooms are available in the typical local wooden house. The cozy wooden house has its own kitchen, a dining room and a nice outside area.

And what would a stay in South America be without hammocks for a nice siesta? You can also find them in the Volunteer House, so that everything is provided for the right mix of work and relaxation.

The volunteer stay includes full board. Since a lot comes straight from the garden to the table, you will likely reap what you find on your plate at lunch during your morning work - a great feeling! 

Alternative meals for those with special dietary needs can be prepared upon request.

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

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

Check-in at the project site is always on a Monday. Always full weeks are charged from Monday to Sunday, independent if you stay the 7 days or less. Volunteers need to start the program with an orientation session in Quito with the volunteer coordinator. Overnight stay (s) in Quito in a Homestay (single room, half-board) is included. 

Therefore the minimum stay is 2 weeks + 1 day!

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

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,020€
3 weeks 1,158€
4 weeks 1,297€
5 weeks 1,436€
6 weeks 1,574€
7 weeks 1,713€
8 weeks 1,851€
9 weeks 1,990€
10 weeks 2,128€
11 weeks 2,267€
12 weeks 2,406€
24 weeks (max. stay) 4,069€
Average fees 340€/week

Program fees

340€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 17 - 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

Great 4.4 rating (78 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English

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.

78 reviews · rating4.4

lyne bourbonnais rating3.8

2024 at Eco Farm Worker

j'ai bien aimé mon expérience à Antigua qui est une superbe ville facile à visiter. Vivre dans une famille, y prendre les repas est une très belle incursion dans la vie guatémaltèque. et quoi de mieux pour l'immersion en langue espagnole! eco farm: bien qu'au départ je n'ai pas bien saisi ...
GERALDINE QUIRKE rating3.2

2024 at Work in a National Park

When I scheduled volunteer time the indication was that there was a limited number of volunteers based on the projects/work to be done. As more and more volunteers arrived i realized that we were more valued for the money we paid than for the limited amount of work to be done. Also, I felt that ...
Floriana D. rating5

2023 at Local Wildlife Helper

Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for everything!! ...
Ich bin gut auf der Osterinsel angekommen. Wurde von dem Projektleiter am Flughafen abgeholt. Er hatte sogar eine Kollegin mit, die deutsch spricht, sollte ich mit spanisch nicht so gut umgehen können. Echt toll! Die Unterkunft ist gut und ordentlich und groß, sie liegt am Ende der Ortschaft, ...
Emilie Hasni rating4.2

2023 at Help Save Sea Turtles

Magnifique expérience avec les tortues et avec les autres volontaires aussi. Le cadre est magnifique, les couchers de soleil et les balades dans la nature autour du lieu du volontariat sont superbes. Petite info : si tu veux avoir internet, le seul réseau qui fonctionne est Kolbi. Nous on a ...
Laurence M. rating5

2023 at Wildlife Rescue Assistant

The country is magnifique and at this moment all the people who I’ve met are nice. The projet and his place is very cool and the family home stay too! Everything is OK thank you for ...

Location


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Contact Marion
  Good response rate
German, Spanish, English

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