Intag Valley, Ecuador
Women Empowerment & Local Ecological Community Project
Trip Highlights
- Spend two (or more) beautiful weeks in the gorgeous Intag Valley
- Volunteer for a community development focusing on sustainability, trying to re- use their resources as much as possible
- Learn about organic farming techniques as well as coffee making, etc
- Interact with locals who have been living here for decades and doing their bit in improving the societal structure
- Explore this region surrounded by the Andes
- Meet some amazing people from different parts of the world and work together for a common cause
Overview
Overview
About two decades back, the people living in community el Rosal realized that the promises made by the authorities to provide schools, clinics etc were all fake and no advancement was taking place. In an effort to change the societal structure, people came together and experimented with making different products, which they could sell in order to get money and thus, improve their lives. They started with making soaps from Aloe Vera, which grows in abundance in that area. Later, they continued to make other products, shifted to organic farming, started coffee plantations and eventually brought a sustainable change into their lives.
As a volunteer for this program, you will mainly focus on fieldwork, learn how-to live-in harmony with nature, and indulge in environmental care. Spend your days collecting fruits and vegetables, go for fishing and learn how to make coffee and soaps. You'd also get to learn how to make natural cosmetic products.
The project is located in the Intag Valley, a remote and mountainous region of the Andes, in the province of Imbabura, in the Cotacachi canton, very close to the province of Pichincha. This place is unique due to its beautiful landscapes, fertile lands and varied climate.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project, and must be ready to commit at least 2 weeks for this program. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working with the locals. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and should be prepared to work outdoors and get their hands dirty. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. Knowledge of at least basic Spanish language will be preferable.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
The tasks assigned to volunteers might differ from one season to another. Here's a short snippet of what you'd mostly be doing:
While working at the coffee plantations:
From May to September
• Collecting beans
• Washing and fermenting process
• Drying, selection & production of coffee (Coffee tea & Organic coffee supplies)
From October to April
• Maintenance of coffee
• Fertilizer
• Pruning
• Preparation of organic fertilizers
Volunteers engaged in making organic cosmetic products will be engaged in:
• Collecting Aloe de Vera
• Cutting, mixing and boiling the ingredients
• Preparation and packaging of organic products such as: soaps, creams, shampoo, etc.
Other activities include:
• Cleaning and cooking
• Harvest of fruits and vegetables is available all year, depending on the plants
• Fishing
Living
Living
Volunteering Solutions is an established name for volunteering placements abroad. We ensure that all our accommodation and living standards match the requirements and comfort levels of our volunteers.
Airport and Project Transfer
Volunteers would be picked up from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport by the VolSol staff or the in-country coordinator. Volunteers who are already present in Quito can arrive directly at the hostel accommodation.
After arrival on the next day, participants travel to the project location by bus. The ride from Quito to the project takes between 5 and 6 hours with public transport to Garcia Moreno community (around $5,00). At the square in Garcia Moreno the project coordinator will pick you up and brings you to the project (around 15 minutes from Garcia Moreno).
Accommodation
Upon arrival in Quito, volunteers are provided accommodation for a night at a hostel.. After transfer to the project in Intag Valley, volunteers joining this program will be staying at the in-country program coordinator’s house, where rooms will be provided on a sharing basis. There’s a shared bathroom with warm water available, and meals (thrice a day) will be provided to you at the accommodation. WiFi is available.
Orientation
The local coordinator will provide a basic orientation and help you with the arrangements for your bus ride from Quito to Intag Valley. On-site, the program staff will introduce the volunteer to the project and the local project staff and help with basic induction.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with three freshly prepared meals directly with community products. A variety of grains, fruits, legumes, meats, etc.Participants with special dietary requirements can inform in advance.
During your Free Time
While at the project during free time volunteers get to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Intag Valley. Wi-Fi is available to volunteers during their free time as well however it can be intermittent.
Dates
Dates
2023
2024
January
07
14
21
28
February
04
11
18
25
March
04
11
18
25
April
01
08
15
22
29
May
06
13
20
27
June
03
10
17
24
July
01
08
15
22
29
August
05
12
19
26
September
02
09
16
23
30
October
07
14
21
28
November
04
11
18
25
December
02
09
January
06
13
20
27
February
03
10
17
24
March
02
09
16
23
30
April
06
13
20
27
May
04
11
18
25
June
01
08
15
22
29
July
06
13
20
27
August
03
10
17
24
31
September
07
14
21
28
October
05
12
19
26
November
02
09
16
23
30
December
07
14
Past Date
Available
Unavailable
Filling Fast
Costs
Costs
Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)
What are you Paying for?
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Quito Airport Pickup
- One night hostel stay in Quito
- Orientation
- Assistance in arrangement of transfer from Quito to Intag Valley
- Meals
- Accommodation in host family
- Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What's NOT included?
- Flights
- Vaccination
- Visa
- Bus ticket cost from Quito to Intag Valley
- Transfer to airport on departure day
- Personal Expenses
Reviews
Reviews
Frequently asked questions
FAQ's Application and Program Details
Flights and Visa
Health and Safety
Accommodation and Living
Connect with Past Volunteers
More projects in Ecuador
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