Live With the Indigenous People of the Amazon and Support Their Development Projects

In the Amazon there are communities and ecological reserves which are protected by the natives where volunteers can help with reforestation, agriculture, environmental protection and community tasks. This program is dedicated to true nature lovers who want to experience an eco-adventure and who would be willing to adapt to the modest accommodation offered by these communities.

The volunteers have the opportunity to learn about the jungle thanks of the “Jungle school” where they learn how to catch birds or any kind of animal of the forrest, fishing, travel by canoe, jungle food, night walks through the jungle, medicinal plants cultivations. When there is the opportunity, the volunteers can help in the communities or in the Indian Reserves, in the constructions of houses, cleaning of pads, in the construction of latrines, and other development projects in benefit of the community.

Special requirements: Knowledge of Spanish language is necessary to communicate with the natives because although the community native language is Kichwa, Shuar, and Ashuar, they also understand Spanish.

Language: English / Spanish

Duration of the project: The program is running all year round. Minimum time for volunteering is 3 weeks, up to 12 weeks.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be staying at the native’s chozas (houses), its infrastructure is very simple; there are latrines near the houses. The kitchen is very simple, three pieces of wood and a pot hanging from a piece of branch which is supported by a rope, is all they need to cook, they don’t have stoves. Access to water, showers, electricity or telecommunications may be unavailable. Volunteers can enjoy swimming in the nearby river. The inhabitants collect rain water, to prepare their food. Their basic diet includes papayas, bananas, and bitter cane, cooked by the locals with leaves, noodles, tuna fish, and a special kind of fried bread made with flour.

There is no running water but we will collect fresh water from a spring. In the project, there's no communications or internet, but you can access these services traveling two hours by bus to Macas, (the project is trying to get a radio for communication with Quito).

Location: Our destination is located in the Amazon near to one of the Shuar communities. This is a very beautiful natural area, an ideal placement for volunteers who can adapt to live with very limited comfort.

Age range: 18 and over

Participation fee: $590 CAD

Extra fee: 400 Euro/4 weeks

The extra fee is intended to support the hosting organization who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival on the project.

Apply now