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On Ecuador’s Pacific coast, get involved in the day-to-day running of a 10-hectare organic farm that has developed a project centred on ecotourism and agroecology. See all volunteering programmes on a farm here
An ecotourism project based on permaculture
The project is based at a 10-hectare organic farm on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, which has developed an ecotourism initiative. Over the last 30 years, the farm has been developed in accordance with the principles of permaculture. The farm’s owners have many years’ experience in projects related to tourism and sustainable agriculture. They are keen to pass on their knowledge to volunteers. They have created a little paradise that attracts tourists and volunteers from all over the world, eager to learn more about living in harmony with nature. This focus on the philosophy of permaculture attracts not only adventurers, families and day-trippers to the farm, but also seminar participants, as the courses offered are renowned for their quality.
A school where children learn about organic farming
The farm also runs an environmental school where children from rural areas can learn all about sustainable agriculture. If you have a strong work ethic, are open to learning new things and enjoy working with others, there’s a place for you on this eco-farm. You’ll learn a great deal about environmentally friendly farming practices and conservation. You’ll also have the chance to raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of developing organic farming. This experience will allow you to step out of your comfort zone by experiencing a completely different way of life.
The eco-farm covers 10 hectares
The 10-hectare estate comprises a typical local woodland, orchards, pastures, alternative energy systems, rotational grazing areas for small and large livestock, holiday homes for tourists, communal accommodation, a large open-air kitchen and comfortable hammocks. The eco-farm offers everything you need to unwind from your daily routine, explore a new environment and discover who you are. As if that weren’t enough, the Pacific beach with its surf spots is just a few kilometres away.
Volunteer work on a farm in Ecuador
The work assigned to the team is allocated on a weekly basis. As a result, you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks as an eco-volunteer. If you are interested in a particular area of work, you are, of course, welcome to let us know.
An example of a typical working day
In the morning
On the farm, a typical working day lasts around 7 hours. You can start by watering the plants and picking fruit before helping yourself to a delicious breakfast made with fresh ingredients at 7.30 am. After breakfast, either everyone washes their own dishes, or the volunteers split into washing-up teams.
The second half of the morning is entirely devoted to farming and planting: sowing, transplanting, composting, weeding… Volunteers work alongside the farm staff and the family who own the farm, whilst being guided by an expert for each task.
In the afternoon
The various projects – including those relating to the community, arts and crafts, education, gardening, maintenance and construction – take up the afternoon. At 4 pm, everyone can relax and go about their business.
Weekends are free for volunteers who work from Monday to Friday.
The tasks you might be asked to carry out during this farm stay in Ecuador are as follows:
- Helping with sowing, planting, watering and fertilising plants
- Helps to control weeds and pests
- Guidance on compost production
- Support for animal feeding and care
- Involvement in honey production
- Taking part in the harvest
- Support for building maintenance and construction work
- Support for the upkeep of footpaths and gardens
- Involvement in the creation of new gardens
- Involvement in public relations and fundraising activities
- Social media updates
- Artistic projects
- Collaboration at the environmental school
- English lessons for local residents
- Tutoring for children in the community
- Welcoming tourists and day visitors
- Other possible tasks
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
- All year round, from 2 weeks’ duration (allow one day for arrival in Quito)
- Start of the programme: Arrival at the project site is always on a Monday. Prior to this, there is a compulsory orientation session in Quito. Please therefore allow for at least one night’s stay in Quito. The airport pick-up in Quito and the night(s) spent there are included in the programme.
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Programme cost: €795 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €160
Note: Full weeks are always invoiced for the project from Monday to Sunday. Please always add one night’s accommodation in Quito for the introductory meeting.
Included in the price
- Shared room in the Volunteers’ House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 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
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in shared rooms in the volunteers’ house, which has communal bathrooms. The volunteers’ house is a rustic, airy timber-framed building, like the rest of the farm, but it is also very comfortable. Composting toilets are used, and solar power is used to heat the shower water, so a hot shower is only possible when the sun is shining. There is no need to bring your own bed linen or towels; these are provided.
Food
Full board is provided. The farm’s garden supplies most of the food the team eats. You might even go and pick your own breakfast one morning. Dinner is served at 6 pm and lunch at 12 noon, in line with the farm’s working hours.
Cleaning products
Please use only biodegradable shampoo and washing-up liquid, as the farm uses filtered rainwater and its own water treatment system. You can also have your laundry done for a small fee and buy eco-friendly shampoo on site.
Internet
The farm has internet access outside working hours.
Location
The farm is situated about 380 kilometres (km) west of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The bus journey between Quito and Canoa takes between seven and nine hours due to the rural nature of the area and the poor condition of the roads.
- Throughout your stay, you will be able to experience rural life in Ecuador as it really is. A way of life where distances are greater, where time passes more slowly and where priorities differ considerably from those of modern cities, whether in Europe, the United States or South America.
- As the farm is situated just a few kilometres inland from the Pacific coast, on your days off you can take surfing lessons, relax on the beach or swim in the Pacific Ocean. Bars and salsa clubs also offer evening entertainment at the weekends.
- Bahia de Caraquez, the nearest town, is situated 37 kilometres south of Canoa, on the Pacific coast. A modern holiday destination, Bahia de Caraquez is very popular with city-based tourists. It boasts a beautiful beach, excellent facilities and surrounding forests.
- There are numerous walks to be enjoyed upstream from the farm or towards Canoa via the mountains (two routes), as well as to other nearby towns and beaches. Canoa offers paragliding, horse riding on the beach, cycling and surfing lessons. The tranquil sunsets and sumptuous seafood cuisine are particular highlights.
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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.
