from 1,099€

Brilliant 4.7rating (26)
  • Responsible Consumption And Production
  • Life On Land

Sustainable Living Camp

location
263€ per week  ·  4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Grow alternative methods of food production using sustainable systems.
  • Study the fundamentals of permaculture and organic farming for over 60 crops.
  • Activities such as making chocolate, hiking, shrimp fishing, clay face masks
  • Hang out with cows, horses, ducks, cats, dogs, pigs, and guinea pigs.
  • Visit Cotopaxi volcano, Quilotoa loop, Puerto Lopez, Isla de la Plata & Quito.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Pacific Coast of Ecuador: Understanding Sustainable Living Techniques While Volunteering on a Working Farm.

Do you enjoy outdoors and some good labor intensive work? Then look no further, we are offering you the perfect chance to take part in a one of a kind volunteering program, living harmoniously with the environment around! Why not work on this real-life farm and gain new knowledge and skills ...

About the program

Do you enjoy outdoors and some good labor intensive work? Then look no further, we are offering you the perfect chance to take part in a one of a kind volunteering program, living harmoniously with the environment around! Why not work on this real-life farm and gain new knowledge and skills regarding crop cultivation, animal care, organic farming, and authentic production techniques.

Objectives:
This informative 4-week program combines the chance to volunteer on a working farm with learning about the principles of organic farming and permaculture. It is set up as an educational farm, so as a part of your orientation you will do the self-guided farm tour across 30 information stations to get some first-hand experience of new and exciting farming methods which are bound to change the world around us for generations to come. So, if the idea of working outdoors, understanding  plant cultivation and revolutionary ways of food production, and assisting in a worldwide effort to create a more sustainable future appeals to you, this is the project for you!

Typical day

The morning and afternoon have different duties: Morning duties focus on agriculture. Afternoon duties focus on work within the local community, building, maintenance, and administrative tasks

Regular morning projects include natural fertilizing, sowing seeds, planting, weed and pest control, ...

Typical day

The morning and afternoon have different duties: Morning duties focus on agriculture. Afternoon duties focus on work within the local community, building, maintenance, and administrative tasks

Regular morning projects include natural fertilizing, sowing seeds, planting, weed and pest control, composting, caring for animals, and recycling of organic and non-organic waste. 

Regular afternoon projects consist of construction tasks, painting murals, organization of information panels, infrastructure upkeep, maintenance of paths and trails, marmalade making, sauces and vinegars, communication and social networking (according to your interests).

Working hours are from Monday to Friday between 8.30am-12pm and 1.30pm-4pm.

Free-time activities

There are a number of exciting free-time activities to enjoy on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador

  • Surfing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Horse riding
  • Beach volleyball 

Unlike neighboring countries, Ecuador is relatively small geographically. Therefore heading off to explore “more far away” destinations is ...

Free-time activities

There are a number of exciting free-time activities to enjoy on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador

  • Surfing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Horse riding
  • Beach volleyball 

Unlike neighboring countries, Ecuador is relatively small geographically. Therefore heading off to explore “more far away” destinations is very achievable and in a small amount of time, once you’ve finished your camp work. 

  • Enjoy the Amazon jungle & the Andes!
  • Canyoning
  • Hiking to some volcanos
  • Hiking in the Amazon rainforest
  • Going by boat through the Amazon rainforest
  • Downhill mountain biking
  • Horse riding
  • Tubing
  • Climbing

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

It's important volunteers have a reasonable level of physical fitness, but there are less demanding activities if you have physical challenges. As a rule, as with anything within South America, there are times you’ll be required to respond with good judgement and cope with new situations. Language Requirements: English is just fine at this project. Contact us if you want to improve your Spanish by attending a Spanish course in advance.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by NGO Taxi

Services Included
  • Three meals a day, seven days a week (when you are present on the farm).
  • Nearest town pickup.
  • Pre-arrival information pack.
  • Welcome dinner.
  • Free t-shirt. 
  • Protective gloves and rubber boots.
  • Certificate of achievement when the project is finished. 
  • 24 hour support.
Excluded Services
  • Local transport when on the farm.
  • Food & drinks when off the farm during the weekend.
  • International flight.
  • Spanish lessons.
  • Insurance.
  • Airport Taxi
  • Housing
  • Food
NB: Please contact us for a special price if you wish to stay longer than 50 weeks!

Airport Pickup at Manta Airport

    • There is a surcharge for Pickup at the closest airport.
    • Pickup from the nearest town is included in the project price (There are instructions on how to get from the airport to the nearest town). 
    • We can provided group pickup or transport from the airport by car and bus.
    • There are regular onward buses to other major Ecuadorian centers close to the farm, as well as several other small towns on the way.  

    Accommodation

    Shared dorm rooms or in bungalows are available and the camp has the following facilities:

    Dorm-style accommodation is available on the farm for all volunteers (2 to 12 people). You can also upgrade to their simple but very comfortable bamboo and straw cabañas for an extra charge. All accommodation includes either mosquito nets or screens, power outlets, and either a shared or private bathroom with a solar-powered shower (each unit has its own unique layout). Please be aware that as you will be staying in the jungle, you may receive the odd insect visitor in your room!

    Food & Beverages

    Three delicious wholesome meals are served daily and shared with all guests. The ingredients are picked fresh from the farm, although a few ingredients are delivered from towns in the area. Vegetarian and vegan meals are served for most of the meals, although occasionally fish or chicken is on the menu! The farm can cater for any special dietary requirements if we are notified in advance. Red meat is not served. 

    There is filtered water served on the farm, and fresh bottled water is on offer across Ecuador. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to avoid plastic waste. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Manta Airport (MEC) in Manta. 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

    Official Start dates:
    1st and 3rd Sunday of the month

    Individual camp dates:
    + € 150,00 – Start your placement any Sunday of the month
    + € 250,00 – Chose your own start dates and change them up to 3 times before your trip.*

    *Last date change up to 3 weeks before your departure.

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,099€
    8 weeks 2,148€
    12 weeks 3,147€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 12,637€
    Average fees 263€/week

    Program fees

    263€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit (15%)

    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 (85%)

    Your final payment will be agreed with NGO Taxi during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your host

    NGO Taxi

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (26 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2012

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Alex

    About the project

    NGO Taxi is partner for small organizations and individuals that have a strong social objective and are working hard to make a difference in their communities.

    Meet your host

    Our Organization

    We work as international logistics, communications and service provider for humanitarian aid projects by supporting local, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profit organizations (NPOs) and private development aid initiatives. All organizations we work with, are vetted to ensure they have high levels of accountability and transparency.

    Our Commitment

    We provide a platform through which organizations in Latin America can find the resources they need to achieve their goals, including people placement, technology and capacity building. This includes skilled manpower, relief items, construction materials, administrative, educational, environmental and medical support. Our commitment is to be an online advocate and agent of change.

    Our Approach

    NGO Taxi identifies projects in need. When a project has been approved to be accountable we send volunteers to support and work together with communities and supporters to identify issues and design sustainable solutions (e.g. micro finance initiatives). From beginning to end the entire life cycles of our projects – the identification process, the evaluation process and the monitoring of project locations and development aid initiatives – are documented.

    26 reviews · rating4.7

    Mark rating4.6

    2020 at Sustainable Living Camp

    I stayed at Rio Muchacho from December 15, 2019 until February 26, 2020. The first week as a paid guest and from then on as a volunteer. The farm is located in the province of Manabi in Ecuador close to the beach town of Canoa. A 20-minute taxi ride takes you inland through rural Ecuador into the ...
    Rolf H rating4.6

    2019 at Sustainable Living Camp

    My experience at this project was very intensive; I learned a lot about the region, about the lifestyle of the people and about the project itself. I learned a lot of technical skills, how to work under basic circumstances, agriculture and nature, and the cultural. Most of my tasks involved ...
    Ashley and Chris rating4.8

    2019 at Sustainable Living Camp

    Working on the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm was an experience of a lifetime! From the owners to the local workers, kitchen staff, and other volunteers – the entire community is full of love and hard-working individuals. We volunteered at Rio Muchacho for 5 weeks and learned so much! Harvesting in ...
    Christian Buthmann rating5

    2018 at Sustainable Living Camp

    It’s not without reason that I use these three adjectives that build on one another to briefly introduce the time I spent at the Eco-Lodge in Rio Muchacho. When I was greeted, I was warmly welcomed and this very first impression did not disappoint me throughout the course. Since I study ...
    Rihane Bengassem rating4.6

    2023 at Surf & Help - Marine Wildlife Conservation

    Beautiful experience. The accommodation was beautiful. I liked the hammocks especially:) The staff at the accommodation were very kind. The Spanish school was also very nice. All the teachers were super nice. Got to learn a lot after just a couple of classes. Surf classes were also very helpful. ..
    I have rarely seen so many happy people, and laughed so freely. I spent my time in Peru in the animal shelter project. My thoughts of what to expect there were quite different to what I found. The village in which you live consists mainly of wooden huts, with mountains and greenery around you ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Manta

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Agriculture in Ecuador
    Contact Alex
      Very high response rate

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