Conservation and Eco Tourism Assistant

This volunteer project will take place at an eco lodge in the northwestern Andes Mountains of Ecuador. It is beautifully situated in the middle of the cloud forest at an altitude of almost 1,900 meters. The area is a global "hotspot" of biodiversity. Over 1500 different plant species, including orchids, bromeliads and other wonderful plants can be found here. In addition, more than 390 exotic animal species live in this area, including the endangered Andean spectacled bear.

The lodge was established 40 years ago as an agricultural cooperation with the intention of providing farming families with no income alternatives with a place to grow crops and raise livestock. Over time, however, it became clear that the remote cloud forest is poorly suited for these purposes and that it is far more valuable to the inhabitants and the environment to keep the forest intact. Therefore, the cooperation today is committed to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In addition, it strives to regenerate large parts of the forest with indigenous trees.

In the meantime, eco-tourism has also become an important source of income. This allows sustainable protection of the cloud forest and informs visitors about the sensitive ecosystem.

As one of the few projects in this area, this volunteer program plays an important role in intensifying environmental protection and eco-tourism, and to make visitors aware of the special features and the need for nature conservation. The communities in the surroundings also benefit from the project and the volunteers who work for the well-being and education of the locals, especially children.

The volunteers not only share the small wonders of the cloud forest with the locals, but are also welcomed by the great hospitality, the lively music, and their enthusiasm for nature. You will work directly with the locals, which provides you ample opportunities to get to know Ecuador in its original state, off the beaten track, to improve your Spanish language skills and gain insider knowledge about the cloud forest and local communities.

The volunteer project at the eco-lodge dates back to the year 2000 and welcomes both individual volunteers and groups. The help of volunteers is an important part of maintaining and sustainably protecting the huge protected area that the Lodge operates. At the same time, eco-tourism is a sustainable and alternative source of income for the lodge, which is very important for the preservation of the cloud forest. The lodge is very committed to animal and environmental protection. On the other hand, eco-tourism is a very labor-intensive business and the lodge is grateful for every volunteer who wants to get involved. Your tasks are primarily in the outdoor area.

Here is a list of possible activities that may come to you:
• Maintaining the amazing hiking trails through the jungle
• Maintaining the facilities of the lodge and guest houses
• Agricultural projects: cultivation of coffee and sugar. Production of "panela" (sugar) in the traditional way
• General Maintenance: There is always something to do around the lodge. Buildings need be repaired, extensions must be built or facilities redesigned.

Usually you work from Monday to Friday, about 5-8 hours daily. Please keep in mind that working hours always depend on workload, weather conditions and unplanned situations. Flexibility is needed!

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

You can spend the weekends relaxing, swimming in the river, doing sports, hiking, enjoying the outdoors or participating in activities with the local community. 

For longer trips (e.g. weekend) we recommend a visit to Quito, the country's capital. With its rich pre-Columbian history, Quito was founded on the ruins of an Inca city, and nowadays offers everything a modern traveler may need. Quito remains one of the best preserved historic city centers in Latin America and UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. This huge city stretches over a fabulous Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks. Among its streets, you can find 40 churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 squares, 12 convent and refractory courtyards, 12 museums and innumerable beautiful patios.

On a day-trip you can also visit the "Middle of the World", the place with the line that divides the planet earth in the northern and southern hemisphere. An amazing place and a Must See!

Further north is Otavalo, the largest indigenous market in the world. To the south, you can visit Latacunga and the Cotopaxi National Park, with the very high volcano of the same name. Further southeast the cities of Ambato and Baños are worth a visit, with the spectacular view of the Tungurahua volcano, which can be climbed to the top. Especially Baños is real fun place to visit due to countless of sports and adrenaline activities.