Conservation and Eco-Tourism Volunteer Project in Galapagos Islands
Isabela is famous and interesting for its wonderful flora and fauna. Isabela's rich animal, bird, and marine life is beyond compare. It is home to more wild tortoises than all the other islands. Isabela's large size and notable topography created barriers for the slow moving tortoises; apparently the creatures were unable to cross lava flows and other obstacles, causing several different sub-species of tortoise to develop.
In Isabela you can find a great variety of animals such as boobies, pelicans, cormorants, marine iguanas, penguins, Darwin´s finches, Galapagos Hawks, whales, etc.
The program takes place mainly in the high part of Isabela Island at a park/center run by a family who wants to do everything as natural and ecological as they can and prove that one can take from nature what is needed and help nature to stay as natural as possible but this is sometimes easier said than done.
In one part of the center one agriculture program started and keeps going where different bananas, plantains and Papaya, oranges and mandarins are cultivated including palm trees with coconuts and of course introduced fruits Guava and passion fruit that the tortoises also have learned to love all over Galapagos Islands.
Different kinds of jam are prepared with these fruit to be used at the table as well as wonderful and natural fruit juices.
This project helps steadily to show people how sustainable it is to have a small organic farm where the soil is so fertile and everything can be produced including vegetables that helps the population to have an excellent nutrition.
They also cooperate with the National Park to help with groups of giant tortoises from the breeding center. In the project there used to be 38 tortoises that were given to the center when being babies and once they were strong and big enough to be released they were repatriated to their habitat. At the moment we will find only 12 grown up tortoises left that need to be taken care of.
For the tortoises the local staff and volunteers try to have/create a natural environment inside of the corral it means a well enriched corral with great vegetation so that the tortoises learn to take care of themselves. There is also an ongoing information project going on at the center where the idea is to create an information center about anything from the history of Galapagos to its animals, people and eco-tourism sites that can be found here.
Participants will work together with the staff at the center in all the tasks that need to be done .Volunteers need to be proactive and try to get involved in different tasks on their own. Volunteer´s ideas or suggestions will be very welcome. In the agriculture part the participants can help with all the work that is needed from keeping the land clean around the plants to collecting fruits or even plant new plants when needed or reforesting.
Volunteers Role
Participants will work together with the staff at the center in all the tasks that need to be done .Volunteers need to be proactive and try to get involved in different tasks on their own. Volunteer´s ideas or suggestions will be very welcome. In the agriculture part the participants can help with all the work that is needed from keeping the land clean around the plants to collecting fruits or even plant new plants when needed or reforesting.
Around the tortoises there are also things that need to be done with cleaning the corrals from plants that the tortoises don’t need so that they have space to move around. They can help to enrich the corrals with new vegetation. There are also plans on building a tunnel between the two corrals so that they can walk around as they want. The old corral also needs maintenance with changing old wooden posts for the fence and it might be a good idea to construct a new lagoon here as well.
They can also help take care of the infrastructure as everything needs to be taken care of constantly by cutting the grass on the field, cut bushes, clean paths, improve paths and maybe also help to arrange with signs and information about plants, fruits and animals.
Another project that some volunteers might help with is to collect information about different locations on Isabela and to help building up a data base, try to prepare information in Spanish and English for signs/flyers/ etc, to go around and visit places and update information about them. Volunteers might also come with ideas of things to
see and do or ways to improve what they have to be able to attract more people to see this wonderful environment.
The idea is that in the end we can use this information to build an information center here for visitors to see and learn about the history, animals, plants as well as what they might be able to see in the community in the high part of the Island.
The project is open to ideas and participants are welcome to suggest and work on things they believe can help the project.
The project is open to ideas and participants are welcome to suggest and work on things they believe can help the project.
Program InfoProgram Details
Cost & DatesProgram Cost & Dates
PhotosProgram Photos
FAQ'sCommon Q & A's
ReviewsVolunteer Feedbacks
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and an interest in working in environment related projects . The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Volunteers joining this program should have at least a beginner level in Spanish. Volunteers would also need to email a copy of their CV and passport to us after submitting their application.
Project Location
The Project is located in the high part of Isabela Island where Puerto Villamil in the main port town.Puerto Villamil is a small port village located on the southeastern edge of Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands. Of the small number of people who live on Isabela, the majority live in Puerto Villamil. The harbor is frequently full with sailboats, as Villamil is a popular stop for private yachts making their way to the Marquesas Islands as it is the westernmost town in the Galapagos Islands.
To Get There
Volunteers have to arrive to Quito for the orientation. When it’s time to leave Quito, volunteers take a cab for about $4 to the airport. Here they will pay the $10 immigration fee before check in and then the flight takes them through Guayaquil for and about 3 hour trip to Baltra Island. In Baltra they pay the $100 entrance fee before taking a short shuttle bus to the channel (10 minutes / free), a short boat ride over the channel (10 minutes / $0.50-$0.80) and then the local bus for about 45 minutes (about $2.50) to cross Santa Cruz to the bus station in Puerto Ayora. Then they take a taxi to the harbor for $1 where they buy a ticket for the boat to Isabela for $25 that leaves at 14:00. On arrival to Isabela after about 2,5 hours volunteers need to take a taxi for $1 to the family’s house. When they leave Isabela they will be charged $5 in harbor fee.
What we provide
Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers need to arrive in Quito first 2 days before the program start where they are given orientation by the local coordinators. After completing the orientation, volunteers take a flight to Galapagos Islands.
Orientation: A half day orientation will be provided by the local staff. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety and volunteer placements are given during the orientation.
Lodging: Participants will live in Puerto Villamil with a family that has their house like a small hostel as well. They will have 3 meals per day but on Sundays they often only have breakfast in the house so participants might then have to eat out at their own expense. If they work all day in the high part at the project they normally have lunch there.
Participants will have a shared room with shared bathroom. They will have about 20 minutes to get to the high part where the project is located and they need to calculate about $1 one way for this.
Food:The host family provides three meals a day to the volunteers. Ecuadorian food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot.Only breakfast is provided on Sundays.
Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here
In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.
Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.
Start Dates
Volunteers can begin their project placement on 1st or 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers have to arrive to Quito for at least one day and two nights when we have the orientation.
Program Costs
Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.
USD
GBP
EUR
| 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| $825 | $1045 | $1265 | $1485 | $1705 | $1925 | $2145 | $220 |
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
| 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| £578 | £732 | £886 | £1040 | £1194 | £1348 | £1502 | £154 |
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
| 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | 5 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 7 Weeks | 8 Weeks | Extra Weeks |
| €660 | €836 | €1012 | €1188 | €1364 | €1540 | €1716 | €176 |
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup in Quito
- Orientation in Quito
- Food - 3 meals a day
- Accommodation
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
What are you Paying For ?
- Airfare to Ecuador and Galapagos and Airport Taxes
- Galapagos Entry Fee
- Return Trip to Airport
- Local In country transportation
- Visas
- Vaccinations
What's NOT Included ?
What are the Program locations in Ecuador?
Volunteering Solutions offers programs across different locations in Ecuador. Programs are available in the capital city of Quito as well as other towns such as Ibarra, Ambato, Tena, Santa Elena and Cuenca. In Galapagos Islands, programs take place in Isabela and Santa Cruz Island.
Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Ecuador. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Ecuador?
We are able to offer placements on the first Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.
How long does it take to process my application?
Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.
When do I need to arrive in Ecuador for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Ecuador?
The volunteer projects in Ecuador have a start date of 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers should arrive either on Friday or Saturday morning as orientation in Quito takes place on Saturday after which the volunteers join their respective projects. For those volunteers who will be volunteering in Galapagos Islands, the orientation would be in Quito after which they would take the flight to Galapagos Islands.
I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?
We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will be provided in a host family or home stay. You will have your own room, which you might share with another volunteer. You should bring along things like towels and toiletries. Accommodation will be neat, clean and basic.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Ecuador-based volunteer programs?
The only qualifications are: -
-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.
-- Volunteers need to provide us with their Resume , Photo and scanned copy of passport as per the project requirements
-- Volunteers need to provide us with their Resume , Photo and scanned copy of passport as per the project requirements
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Ecuador?
Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling from Bus within Ecuador is cheap; however, you should carry around $40 - 50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.
What hours will I volunteer every day?
Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.
Where can I change my money in Ecuador? Are there ATM’s in Ecuador?
You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around Quito city.
Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.
What will be the food arrangement?
Do I need to buy health insurance?
Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here
What sorts of clothes are required for Ecuador?
Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.
Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Ecuador?
There are many airlines offering direct connections to Quito. The major airlines operating to Ecuador are American Airlines, TACA, AeroGal, LAN Ecuador , TAME , KLM and United Airlines.
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