HANDS ON SoUTH AMERICAn ADVENTURE

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS and ADVENTURE

andes, Amazon and the PACIFIC!

< Arrive in Quito, high in the Andes...

First 2 weeks - Spanish lessons, salsa class, Equator visit plus more...

3 weeks - Amazon - Conservation Research Station Volunteer...

2 weeks - Andes - Red Cross Humanitarian Aid Volunteer...

3 weeks - Pacific Beach - Award winning Eco Lodge outreach Volunteer.

For it's size, Ecuador is the most diverse country in the world, with the Andes, rainforest, coast and the famous Galapagos Islands it has something for everyone. The Ecuador expedition mirrors this diversity with everything from adventure, volcanoes and the world's largest forest to the world's second highest capital city.

arrive: quito and learning spanish

Our adventure starts on a Sunday, when we collect you from Quito Airport. Monday morning, following your briefing and welcome, we undertake an afternoon city tour of the second highest capital in the world!

Ease yourself into Latin American life with two weeks of fun and interactive one to one Spanish classes in Quito. Classes involve visiting markets and local museums and learning Spanish with your own tutor in practical situations.

We will visit the Equator at latitude 00'00. See the water down the plug and try your hand at balancing the egg!

Plus you will learn some Latin rhythms in a salsa class!

You should not go to South America without experiencing a football match, passion and fireworks make it an afternoon to remember, plus a great place to use your new Spanish skills.

Next: Help Save the amazon

Rising up to 3500 meters, east from Quito, we then descend, first through the cloud forest, and finally into the Amazon. On arrival at the field station, our home for the next three weeks, you will meet the forest guards and staff who will oversee your work in their reforestation programme, organic garden and forest patrol that you will be a part of.

quicha indians and amazon wildlife

Watch out for the monkeys in the trees as you head down to the River Napa where you will have the opportunity to go rafting. Rafting thru the rainforest is an unforgettable experience.

We are very much part of the local community. So we may typically spend a couple of days helping in a local school or even at one of the local Quichua communities teaching english or a friendly game of Amazon football.

< Ecuador has so many options to fill your weekends! Carina canyoning in Banos.

It is so important that the local Quichua community will benefit from future eco-tourism in their region.

< click to view inside.

Where will i Live in the amazon?

We live in traditional wooden stilt houses which sleep either 2 or 4 per room, in the jungle clearing. The central eating section has a hammock chill out area too.

All meals are included too.

NEXT: Red Cross and Humanitarian Aid

Week five we head back to Quito. We now give something back with two weeks working in the Andes with the Ecuadorian Red Cross.

Working in local schools to develop and improve resources and basic health care. Typically helping create constructive play and sports facilities. For example, you may be involved in organising and running an end of project sports day.

PLUS: beach and the world no 1 ecolodge

We now leave the Andes and head west to the Pacific Ocean. Porto Lopez is based around one hour south of Manta a days journey from Quito. The eco-lodge was recently voted the leading eco lodge in the world, by Lonely Planet.

Working at both their beach based eco-lodge and inland jungle station, typically along side Ecuadorian students, you will experience how environmentally sustainable tourism can benefit the local community.

As we are based here for the final 3 weeks of the ten week program, there is time to also check out the local surf school, scuba diving as well as whale watching and the option of the lodges own canopy wire - a tree top ride you will always remember!

Finally, it is over too fast as we return to Quito for the expedition farewell party and the early morning flights home. Or why not stay on...

- Jack, Greenforce USA office, with a 140 year old Galapagos resident!

what is included?

Before You Go: On receipt of your Booking Form, we will call to discuss any questions you may have. STA will also call you to discuss your flight options. You then receive briefing packs including medical, kit, FCO advice, country history and project information. You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.

Airport collection from Quito International Airport. Welcome and safety briefing. All meals and accommodation for 10 weeks. 2 weeks Quito home stay with the group in a Spanish speaking household. 1 to 1 Spanish lessons, around 4 hours per working day. Salsa dance class. Ecuador food class. Football match. 3 weeks Amazon conservation including science briefing. Scaling canopy tower. Warden patrols. Jungle treks and survival. Rafting day. 2 weeks Red Cross school aid including leadership skills and problem solving. 3 weeks coastal project, including ecological learning and work program. Options for zip canopy line, whale watching (subject to season), scuba diving, learning to surf. Return to Quito. Airport drop off. Greenforce UK staff with group 24/7. Emergency back up.

On Your Return: Traineeship Option. Field Staff Positions. Reunion Party.

Prices

• 3 weeks £1300
• 4 weeks £1600
• 5 weeks £1800
• 6 weeks £2100
• 7 weeks £2200
• 8 weeks £2300
• 9 weeks £2400
• 10 weeks £2400

Dates : ' 08 Expeditions start 20 January, 13 April, 6 July and 5 October Please email for 09.

"Please thank the whole team, because this is a first class operation" Jody Pittaway

More Info: Whats it like- Read Updates from the Field

Can I stay longer than three months?

Extension Options:

Galapagos Islands - when you are here you really should visit these amazing islands. We have negotiated special prices to what is fast becoming an expensive destination. So for 4 days including flights from Quito, 3 nights hotel and transfers plus all meals and tour, we can offer for only around £490 - call for further details.

Two weeks Ice Climbing - no experience required, learn at the Glacier school.  Includes all kit and support climbing the world's highest volcano and also a sun-rise summit of the furthest point from the earth's core! See the Ice Climbing page for further details £1400

Six to twelve months - work and travel. Following an additional two weeks higher spanish classes, your pay for teaching in the local school will cover your food and accommodation as well as, after six months, your £900 placement fee too - a perfect way to effectively stay on for free!

Click here to:

Book Now!