We are a family farm which is comprised of 24 hectares of land; of which some 12 hectares are native rainforest and 8 hectares cultivated cropland. Wildlife and tropical plants abound including passion flowers and bromeliads; over 200 species of birds; many mammals (Ocelot; Jaguarundi; Kinkajou; etc) and reptiles.
Our prime interest is in agriculture; using sustainable practices like cover crops; alley cropping; and selective regeneration. Besides the orchards and the nursery; there are vegetable and herb gardens; subsistence crops; ornamentals and medicinal plants.
Volunteers work in the mornings; usually with us; at assigned tasks. The machete is the main agricultural tool; but farm chores are varied and include orchard and nursery work; seed collection and processing; food preparation (making jams; vinegar; chocolate; bread; tempeh etc.); construction (often using native materials like palm and bamboo); crafts; botany; natural history; gardening and participation in both household and community life.
If you wish; you may opt to live and work for a time with a neighbouring family. Campesinos have much local knowledge and love of nature. You may also choose a project of your own; and will have plenty of free time to sit in the hammocks and read; hike; swim in the river; etc.
It can take up to 2 weeks to respond to messages so please be patient. We also accommodate visiting scientists wishing to conduct research in the primary forest. Visiting scientists pay US$15 per days for accommodation and meals.
Santa Rosa; Parroquia Pacto; Pichincha
Year round
1 month minimum
Adults of both sexes 18+
Some knowledge of Spanish is useful but by no means essential.
US$300 per month which includes accommodation and food.
