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Sign up to be a volunteer in Ecuador, in the heart of the Amazon, at a wildlife sanctuary. Enjoy an unforgettable experience whilst helping to protect biodiversity. All volunteering programmes at wildlife sanctuaries can be found here
Wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador
As the Amazon rainforest is often regarded as the ‘lungs of the earth’, it is a cause for great concern that its destruction is intensifying year on year. Not only does deforestation in the Amazon have a negative impact on the global climate, but also on the region’s flora and fauna. Through this volunteering programme, you can help protect and restore Amazonian wildlife. Ecuador is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries. It is a frightening thought that more than 15,000 unique animal and plant species (including the monkeys, reptiles, exotic birds and wild cats that characterise Ecuador) might one day cease to exist.
Several hectares of Amazonian forest
This eco-volunteering trip takes place at an animal sanctuary in the Amazon region of Ecuador. It offers a unique opportunity to take part in a rehabilitation programme for exotic animals. The main aim of the project is to rescue and care for wild animals that have lived in unsuitable conditions (for example, kept as tourist attractions in tiny cages or in private homes as pets, victims of abuse or animal trafficking, injured in accidents, etc.). The sanctuary comprises several hectares of Amazonian forest, where the rescue centre has been built and has been operating since 2006. The animals are brought in by the environmental police or other wildlife protection organisations.
Volunteer at the wildlife sanctuary
You will play an active part in a programme to rehabilitate and release Amazonian animals and endangered species. Volunteers have the opportunity to discover the exotic animals of the jungle as well as Ecuadorian culture and traditions. The animals’ welfare is at the heart of every working day. You will carry out 6 to 8 hours of voluntary work per day, from Monday to Friday. You will have the weekend to relax or explore the surrounding area. You will help with the daily feeding of the animals, which involves collecting and preparing food in their natural habitat. In addition, you will be responsible for building or repairing enclosures, cleaning them and working alongside the centre’s vet. As well as cleaning the enclosures, you will help maintain the nearby hiking trails and access paths.
The shelter is open to the public
The rescue centre regularly welcomes visitors and is open to the public. Entrance fees and donations from visitors are a vital source of funding, enabling the centre to remain self-sufficient and continue its efforts to help the animals. This volunteering project on the edge of the Amazon rainforest is ideal for you if you love tropical climates, exotic animals and evergreen environments. This eco-volunteering trip is truly unique.
Please note: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, the time of year, the season, the project’s current needs, and personal motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all of these tasks.
Dates
Minimum 2 weeks all year round.
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Cost of the programme: €660 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €195
Included in the price
- Shared room in the volunteers’ house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (Monday to Friday)
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteering placement in Ecuador
- English-speaking support within the country
- A Guide to Ecuador
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Airline ticket
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Can you imagine falling asleep to the sound of monkeys playing in the trees? As many animals in the Amazon are nocturnal, this is exactly what you’ll experience whilst volunteering at this animal rescue centre in Ecuador. Volunteers stay in the volunteers’ house, which has shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Although modest, the house is comfortable. Hot water and electricity are always available, but volunteers are asked to use them responsibly. Volunteers also have access to a small swimming pool.
Food
On weekdays, from Monday to Friday, the project provides full board (three meals a day). As volunteers usually spend the weekend exploring the region, no meals are prepared for them at the weekend. On Saturdays and Sundays, volunteers who remain at the project site must prepare their own meals.
Wi-Fi is available.
Location
The project is situated 6–7 hours south-east of Quito, 5 minutes from the town of Puyo. Around 30,000 people live in this small colonial town. As tourism has recently grown in importance, particularly in the areas of ecotourism and adventure tourism, it has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Puyo is, therefore, one of the liveliest towns in Ecuador’s Amazon region. Although the animal rescue centre is situated in the Amazon rainforest, you won’t feel stifled by the heat, as the region enjoys a tropical climate with rainfall throughout the year and average daily temperatures of 25 °C and 17 °C.
For lovers of the great outdoors and nature, the Puyo region is a paradise! Not only will you be staying in the heart of unspoilt nature, but there are plenty of things to discover in your spare time. For example, the hot springs at Baños de Agua Santa are nearby and invite you to enjoy a soothing soak. One of the highlights of the trip is the ‘Devil’s Gorge’ (Pailón del Diablo), which is just an hour’s drive from Puyo. There, you can climb breathtaking, almost vertical steps to find yourself next to or above a waterfall plunging into the gorge.
At the weekend, the more adventurous can go hiking on the active Tungurahua volcano. They can swing through the jungle on a zip line. The region is sure to delight you if you love nature and adventure!
Tous les avis sur les missions South America Inside
The partner agency
The partner is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German national living in Chile. Marion specialises in organising solidarity-based and participatory trips, eco-volunteering placements, as well as language courses and educational programmes throughout Latin America. This agency offers placements in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador and more. Whether you are a student, a professional or a retiree, these trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a way that goes beyond simply being a tourist.
