Nature-lovers who are healthy and up to doing physical work, flexible and like to work in teams.

A unique opportunity to work in the depths of the Amazon Basin developing new techniques in rainforest conservation and management.

The project located in El Tena is one of the six stations created by the Ecuadorian Foundation for the Protection, Defense and Conservation of the Natural and Human Environment, Investigation and Scientific Education.

The present size of this reserve is 2,000 hectares. This reserve was established thanks to donations from various individuals and organisations that were concerned with the rapid loss of the tropical rainforests in the Amazon and the World.

The Foundation has two main programmes that assist local communities through the preservation of the rainforest...

The Center for Plants Conservation: which is a center for experimental silviculture, more commonly known as 'woodland management', botanical gardens and agro forestry extension programmes (fruit trees)

Organic farming: a demonstration and educational farm for the communities, seeking to produce alternative food sources as well as income.

Location

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the main base is situated in Tena (Napo Province). Tena is about 40 minutes' bus ride from the station and buses pass every hour in front of the station's main entrance. Tena has internet cafes and telephone cabins available. There is also limited internet access at the station.

Project life

On arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked, you will receive a two-day induction giving you all you need to know about living in Quito and preparing you for your project. To help you ease into your new surroundings, the induction is conducted in English.

Following the induction, you will start your two-week Spanish course. This is a 20-hour course, which includes 10 group lessons and 10 private lessons. (four weeks' Spanish course if you stay for 24 weeks in total). Following your language course, you’ll be ready to start your volunteering.

The work schedule is very flexible and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to work on a variety of projects. You should expect to work approximately 9am to 4pm, but this might vary depending on which project you are working.

The volunteer activities are organised on a weekly basis, which concentrate on different projects. A typical week for a volunteer may be...

- Two days working at the Amazon Plants Conservation Center
- Two days working at the organic farm
- One day trekking through the rainforest collecting seedlings and seeds for the nursery and the farm
- One day may be spent working on miscellaneous projects that arise

Time will be spent learning local handicrafts in traditional styles. You will also get some time off to relax and explore your surroundings, including trips to places of interest. Trips to the local town of Tena will be arranged from a couple of times per week.

Accommodation and food

During your two-week Spanish course in Quito, you have an option of accommodation. You can either stay in a student residence/hostel on a self catering basis, or you can stay with a host family where you will be provided with breakfast and evening meal.

During your time in the rainforest, shared accommodation is provided in basic wooden cabins and three meals a day are also provided. Please be prepared to play an active role in the camp, as you will be expected to assist with meal preparation and general duties.

Dates and duration

You have the option of joining the programme for...

- Two months (eight weeks): includes two weeks' Spanish lessons
- You may extend you stay by multiples of one month (four weeks)
- Inductions start every Monday; we recommend that you arrive in Quito on the weekend before.

Flights and transportation

Flights are not included. You will be met at Quito airport and taken to your accommodation. A full introduction on the public transport system will be given. You will be given full instructions on how to get to the base in the jungle using public transport. This is approximately a five or six hour journey and costs US$10.

Visas and documentation

If your stay is less than 180 days, you can get a 90-day tourist visa at the port of entrance, then extend your visa for another 90 days (for US$3) when you are in Ecuador. If you are staying longer than 180 days, you will need to get a student or volunteer visa before you depart (costs US$150)

Safety and insurance

All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non governmental organisations, government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations. 24-hour support is provided by our local partner. Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements.

0845 344 7569

Whether you are taking time out from study, gap year, a career break  from your busy job. You can volunteer with kids in South Africa, or take your chance and Live with Lions or go to Canada to do an internership; we have a vast range of programmes for you!