Ecuador is a pocket-sized slice of beautiful South America. Despite its diminutive size, it is bursting with vibrant culture, mesmerising landscapes, exotic tropical wildlife and pristine habitats. It encompasses the all-consuming emerald Amazon, rich in natural resources and home to a wealth of fascinating creatures and indigenous communities.
Ecuador has a picture-perfect capital, painted in pastel colours, alive with cafés, clubs, bars, churches and museums. Markets where friendly locals sell their wares are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of traditional street life. In contrast, the peaceful and serene Andes provide a home for indigenous mountain communities and elusive mountain creatures alike.
This captivating country produces a culture that is expressed in an abundance of wholesome and delicious cuisine, diverse musical forms and colourful festivals that will enliven your senses. Whilst it is one of South America's tiniest countries, it has everything you could possibly want, including stretches of white sand beaches, expansive plains, steamy jungles and spectacular soaring mountains. All this and more is waiting to be discovered on your spectacular Ecuadorian adventure!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Discover a a pocket-sized slice of beautiful South America
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Rehabilitate & conserve Ecuador's precious wildlife
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Immerse yourself in a new & exciting culture
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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High-basic to intermediate level Spanish required
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Location |
Ecuador |
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Activities |
Daily care of individual animals
Maintenance & construction within the park
Leading groups of visitors around the centre |
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Transport |
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Bus to project site |
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Accommodation |
Shared volunteer cabin |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Equipment and visa advice
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt |
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In-country |
Accommodation
Food (on project site)
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Ground transfers
Local orientation and training
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ backup |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Work at the centre ranges from the daily care of individual animals, to maintenance and construction within the park, to leading groups of visitors around the centre and providing them with information on the work that is done. The centre is family run and offers shelter to rescued animals, as well as those confiscated from the illegal pet trade.
Volunteers that run the tours of the park can do so in either their own native language, or in Spanish, depending on their ability. Individuals who have professional experience in subjects such as veterinary science or biology may be able to assist with those aspects of the centre’s work.
Volunteers should be aware that this is a working animal rescue centre, which cares for a wide range of animals for whom it is not possible to be released back into the wild as many of them are either not native to Ecuador or simply do not possess the natural survival instincts that are so important. The work at times can be difficult, particularly when new cases are admitted to the centre so volunteers should be prepared for the reality of this type of work. Resources are limited and yet the influx of confiscated or rescued animals continues. To support the maintenance and improvement of the centres facilities the gates are opened up to visitors to help fund this project and as such your time will be split between these two work areas.
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be met upon arrival at Quito airport and transferred to a hostel for the night. The next day you will travel by bus from Quito to the bustling town of Tena in the Amazonian region, a journey of around 6 hours that will give you the opportunity to view Ecuador from a local's point of view. From Tena you will take a local bus for around 30 minutes to arrive at your project site. A member of staff will accompany you to and from the project site.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Volunteers live on site at the project, where there are a number of volunteer cabins. Each cabin is fitted with bunk beds, a bathroom and a living area, and whilst the facilities will be basic they will of course be clean. There is a communal kitchen where everybody eats together and a swimming pool next to the project site that volunteers are allowed to use free of charge.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Your food is included while on the project site, but not when you are in Quito. Volunteers and staff eat all of their meals together and vegetarians and special dietary requirements can easily be catered for. Food will be typically Ecuadorian fare, delicious and often characterised by rice, lentils, potatoes and beans.
What Next? Apply Now!
Memorable trip
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5 Jul 2010
My time spent at the rescue centre was amazing. I only spent 2 weeks there but by the end I felt ...
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Ecuador offers a wide variety of extra activities, both adventurous and cultural alike, such as rafting, caving, hiking, and trips to thermal pools. We prefer you to arrange and book these direct with local providers thereby contributing to the local economy.
