Accommodation, Food, and Location
Stay at our Volunteer House with shared rooms (2-5 volunteers per room). Facilities include water, electricity, showers, internet, public telephone, and beautiful forest views. Internet is available during specified hours, and volunteers should bring their own devices. We promote the use of biodegradable personal cleaning products and minimise plastic waste. Bedding is provided, but bring a sleeping bag for colder regions or camping. Enjoy a variety of meals, with self-cooking on weekends. Private rooms for couples/families are available if notified in advance.
Our reserve is located in the Pichincha province, 90 kilometers from Quito. We recommend arriving in Quito on the weekend before your Monday start to acclimatise and travel to the reserve.
Spanish classes
For the TVL and family programme, there’s an option for basic and intermediate Spanish classes – one hour a day for four days a week.
Volunteers should be 18+ (16+ with parental permission), interested in nature conservation, ecology, outdoor life, adaptable, and flexible. Spanish is not required, but beneficial for communicating with locals. A reasonable level of fitness is needed for physical work. Prior experience or skills in nature conservation is a plus.
Pre-arrival and Work Expectations
Two weeks before arrival, you’ll have a Skype meeting with the project coordinator for orientation. Volunteers are expected to participate in station maintenance and development, working full days Monday through Thursday.
Activities
Inside the reserve: forest walks, bird watching, horseback riding, medicinal garden tours, night hikes, and camping (extra charges for some activities).
Outside attractions: rafting/kayaking, visiting indigenous communities, national parks, traditional markets, the equator line and museum, the Amazon region, the Galapagos Islands and more.
Weather, Visas, Medical Information
Year-round temperatures range from 16° to 24° C. There are two seasons: rainy (December to April) and dry (May to November). For stays over three months, a tourist visa renewal is necessary.
