Support a wildlife sanctuary in Ecuador, in the heart of the Amazon, and enjoy an unforgettable experience. All volunteer programs in Ecuador here.
The sanctuary is home to 70 wild animals
Eco-volunteers support a sanctuary for wild animals. The animals have arrived at the center because they were living in unsuitable situations, mainly in private homes, or were victims of illegal animal trafficking. Sanctuary staff rescue the animals, treat their medical problems and, ideally, release them back into their natural environment to live in freedom. As a volunteer, you will work with the animals at the center and make a significant contribution to this project, which also involves the surrounding indigenous communities. Your action will contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment and its wildlife.
Wildlife trafficking
Unfortunately, wildlife trafficking affects the Amazon jungle in Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil, as well as other vulnerable ecosystems in Central America. Many wild species, including reptiles, panthers, parrots, boas and pythons, monkeys, birds and butterflies, are threatened with extinction due to human activities.
Monkey, coati, tayra and kinkajou
The Amazon jungle is the largest rainforest on the planet and home to the most varied flora and fauna. Already threatened by deforestation caused by construction projects (roads and gas pipelines) and fires, animal trafficking is further destroying the region's ecosystem. Around 70 animals, including squirrel monkeys, woolly monkeys, titi monkeys and capuchin monkeys, are being cared for by the animal rescue center in Ecuador. Other carnivores such as the Coati, Tayra and Kinkajou are also present, as are peccaries (musk pigs). There are also many species of parrot, including macaws and toucans, as well as turtles, snakes and turkeys.
The work of volunteers at the sanctuary in Ecuador
Volunteers are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and well-being of the facilities and animals. They participate in daily tasks such as feeding the animals and cleaning the pens, as well as in construction and maintenance projects aimed at improving their living conditions. Volunteers are a valuable resource for the staff. We welcome suggestions and ideas from volunteers. Many of them have already been put into practice in the past.
A typical week for a volunteer
A typical week for volunteers involves cleaning cages, feeding animals and, where necessary, building and maintaining enclosures. There are also enrichment activities, where you spend a few days observing the behavior of the animal of your choice. Then you can build a toy for the animal and observe how it is used and how it helps the animal. As well as providing a rewarding contribution for volunteers, this work is beneficial for the animals, as it saves them from boredom in captivity. It's essential to be proactive and inventive, as volunteers have to create these enrichment projects themselves. Normally, you'll work from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday (changes are possible!). After spending a few hours on Saturday cleaning the volunteer house and feeding the animals, you're free to spend the rest of the day exploring the area. Please note that the work schedule may change depending on the number of volunteers, the weather and other circumstances.
An exceptional environment
You'll have the opportunity to work up close to the animals - a truly unique experience. What's more, you'll be living in an exceptional environment: the Ecuadorian Amazon. You're sure to find friendship, camaraderie and lots of laughter among staff and volunteers, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Nota Bene: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time, season, current project needs and personal motivation. Not all volunteers may be fully involved in all tasks.
Dates
- All year round, minimum 2 weeks
Fees
- Application fee: €150
- Program cost: €595 (for a minimum 2-week stay)
- Additional week: €180
Included in price
- Shared room in the volunteer house
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer internship in Ecuador
- English-speaking support in the country
- Manual Ecuador
- Intercultural guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
Housing
Wooden bungalows with dormitory-style rooms provide accommodation for the volunteers. After a long day's work, the showers in the bungalows (which only have cold water, but don't worry, in the heat of the jungle it's perfect) are a real luxury. Apart from the dormitories, there's a fully equipped kitchen and living room. A book exchange is also available in the lounge, which has sofas and chairs for relaxing. Comfortable hammocks are set up outside in a thatched area.
In the middle of the Amazon jungle
Ecovolunteers take turns washing dishes, cleaning the house and so on. There's always a great team spirit, and volunteers can learn from each other and make friends. Vegetarians/vegetarians are welcome and meals can be adapted. Remember, you're in the middle of the Amazon jungle, so don't expect glamour! Due to the project's remote location in the jungle, neither the volunteer house nor the center has Internet access. There is a cellular connection, so volunteers are accessible via local Sim cards with data packages.
Location
The animal rescue center is located near an indigenous village in the Ecuadorian rainforest, around 6-7 hours southeast of Quito and 22 miles from the town of Puyo. It offers breathtaking views of the Amazon jungle and is the ideal starting point for an unforgettable journey and cultural immersion experience in Ecuador.
Ecotourism and adventure tourism
Puyo is located in the province of Pastaza, in the eastern part of the country. It's a small colonial town with around 30,000 inhabitants. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important here, particularly in the fields of ecotourism and adventure tourism. Puyo provides the infrastructure for this development. As a result, Puyo is one of the liveliest towns in Ecuador's Amazon region.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Puyo region is a paradise: not only do you live in the midst of unspoilt nature, but there's also plenty to discover in your spare time.
Partner agency
Le partenaire is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German living in Chile. Marion specializes in organizing solidarity and participatory trips, ecovolunteer programs, language stays and educational programs throughout Latin America. This agency offers missions in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador... Whether you're a student, professional or retired, its trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a different way from that of a simple tourist. All stays with South America Inside