 Amazon Conservation Ecuador
|
 |
 |
|
The project located in El Tena is one of the six stations created by the "Ecuadorian Foundation for the protection, defense, and conservation of the natural and human environment, investigation and scientific education".
The present size of this reserve is 2.000 hectares. This reserve was established thanks to donations from various individuals and organizations that were concerned with the rapid loss of the tropical Rainforests in the Amazon and the world.
The Foundation has two main programs that assist local communities through the preservation of the rainforest:
- The Center for Plants Conservation - which is a center for experimental silviculture, more commonly known as “woodland management”, botanical gardens and agro forestry extension programs (fruit trees).
- Organic Farming, a demonstration and educational farm for the communities, seeking to produce alternative food sources as well as income.
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the main base is situated in Tena (Napo Province). Tena is about 40 minutes bus ride from the station and busses pass every hour in front of the station’s main entrance. Tena has internet cafes and telephone cabins available. There is also limited internet access at the station.
On arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked, you will receive a 2 day induction giving you all you need to know about living in Quito and preparing you for your project. To help you ease into your new surroundings, the induction is conducted in English.
Following the induction, you will start your 2-week Spanish course. This is a 20-hour course, which includes 10 group lessons and 10 private lessons. (4 weeks Spanish course if you stay for 24 weeks in total). Following your language course, you’ll be ready to start your volunteering.
The work schedule is very flexible and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to work on a variety of projects. You should expect to work approximately 9.00am to 4.00pm, but this might vary depending on which project you are working.
The volunteer activities are organized on a weekly basis, which concentrate on different projects. A typical week for a volunteer may be:
- 2 days working at the Amazon Plants Conservation Center
- 2 days working at the Organic farm
- 1 day trekking through the rainforest collecting seedlings and seeds for the nursery and the farm
- 1 day may be spent working on miscellaneous projects that arise
- Time will be spent learning local handicrafts in traditional styles
- You will also get some time off to relax and explore your surroundings, including trips to places of interest.
Trips to the local town of Tena will be arranged from a couple of times per week.
During your 2-week Spanish course in Quito, you have an option of accommodation. You can either stay in a student residence/hostel on a self catering basis, or you can stay with a host family where you will be provided with breakfast and evening meal.
During your time in the rainforest, shared accommodation is provided in basic wooden cabins and 3 meals a day are also provided. Please be prepared to play an active role in the camp, as you will be expected to assist with meal preparation and general duties.
You have the option of joining the programme for:
- 2 months (8 weeks) includes 2 weeks Spanish lessons
- You may extend you stay by multiples of 1 month (4 weeks)
Inductions start every Monday, we recommend that you arrive in Quito on the weekend before.
- Flights are not included
- You will be met at Quito airport and taken to your accommodation
- A full introduction on the public transport system will be given
- You will be given full instructions on how to get to the base in the jungle using public transport. This is approximately a 5/6 hour journey and costs US$10
- If your stay is less than 180 days, you can get a 90 day tourist visa at the port of entrance, then extend your visa for another 90 days (for US$ 3) when you are in Ecuador.
- If you are staying longer than 180 days, you will need to get a student or volunteer visa before you depart (costs US$ 150)
- All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
- 24 hour support is provided by our local partner
- Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.
- Minimum age 18 yrs
- Nature lovers are welcome
- You’re healthy and up to doing physical work, flexible and like to work in teams.
- A basic understanding of Spanish is beneficial – remember you will receive 2 weeks tuition at the start of the programme.
- Accommodation and 3 meals per day during your time in the jungle are included in the prices below:
| Accommodation options during your Spanish course |
Student Residence/Hostel
(excluding meals) |
Host Family
(2 meals per day) |
| 1st 8 weeks: |
£890 |
£990 |
| 4 week extensions: |
£410 |
|
