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GYC1816 - Combine Andes, Amazon and coast Country: Ecuador Cost: £2346.00 Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 10 weeks Company Rep Nearby: All 0845 344 7514 or

 

	This placement would suit... If you want an intimate exposure to ‘real’ Ecuador a combination placement is the way forward as it reveals the many different faces of this fascinating country. It provides diverse challenges in contrasting environments giving a unique experience. Feeling adventurous? Scale the frozen heights of the Andes, travel right down into the Amazon Basin and onto the glorious beaches of the Pacific coast. Experience these three diverse environments whilst contributing to indigenous communities through life-changing conservation, community and ecotourism projects. The Andes, Amazon and Quecha Tribe This varied and diverse placement takes in three amazingly different locations, giving a true insight into this sensational country. You will travel from the Andes right down into the Amazon Basin and on to the Pacific coast. The first phase is spent working at an award winning eco-lodge in the Bella Vista Cloudforest Reserve on the slopes of the Andes. Here you live at nearly 14,000 feet, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped volcanoes. Next you will travel onto Sumak Sacha, deep in the Amazon Rainforest: a fascinating and stunning environment with its ancient trees and meandering rivers only accessible by canoe. Lastly we will take you down to Agua Blanca on the Pacific Coast. You will live in a dry forest and help on construction projects for the school and community whilst teaching English to the children. Helping who? - The Villagers of Quilotoa - Sumak Sacha - The Agua Blanca community Helping how? Leap 1: Eco-Tourism at the Bella Vista Cloudforest Reserve - Help the guides take guests on hikes through the forest. - Carry out general maintenance of the reserve. Leap 2: Community Projects at Sumak Sacha and Agua Blanca - Teach English, art and sport to schoolchildren. - Help paint murals in a kindergarten. - Refurbish a community health centre. - Develop fish farms. - Help rennovate their museums to display wonderful ancient ceramics and jewellery. Leap 3: Conservation at Sumak Sacha and Agua Blanca - Help construct bird and game viewing platforms. - Maintain trails to prevent erosion. - Help the rangers track endangered wildlife in the jungle. - Create a nursery for growing seedlings to protect the trails. Adventure - Explore the Galapagos Islands and the Pacific coastline - Trek and canoe through the Amazon Rainforest Group size: 10 - 12 volunteers per placement. Cost includes... UK - Interview, consultation and briefing - Organisation and preparation of entire placement from start to finish - Supporting travel documents including effective fundraising guide - Management, advice and 24-hour back-up and support In-country - Safety briefing and induction - Management and support by a professional placement manager and team leaders (ratio: one leader to eight volunteers) - Full payment to the host towards your in-country costs - 24-hour emergency back-up and support - Donation to the community/conservation - Airport pick-up and transfer to and from the placement - Full board and accommodation - Park fees (if applicable) whilst working 0845 344 7514 The Leap: Don't just walk through life... take the Leap. Voluntary placements in Africa, South America, Asia and Australia, combining work in some of the most authentic safari camps/eco-lodges in the World, with effective and life-changing conservation and community projects. We are the only company to offer this fascinating mix of conservation, community and eco-tourism projects. Take the Leap on your own, with a friend or in a team. Flexible departure dates. 12-, 10- or six-week schemes including a Summer Team Leap.