Ecuador Conservation

Earthwatch, 3 Clocktower Pl., Ste. 100, Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754 (+1-800-776-0188 or 978-461-0081; www.earthwatch.org). Arranges 1- to 3-week pro-grams in Ecuador to promote conservation of natural resources. Fees vary based on program location and duration. About US$2500, excluding airfare. Membership (US$35) required for some programs.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Jorge Washington E7-23 y 6 de Diciembre, Quito (+593 2 211 6232; www.bellavistacloudforest.com). Visitors can volunteer at the research station, where tasks include trail and fence construction and light carpentry work in exchange for reduced room rates (US$15) in the hostel.

Santa Martha Rescue, Tambillo (+593 9 050 9105; www.santamartharescue.org). A sanctuary for victims of animal trafficking. Volunteers feed, care for, and construct enclosures for a variety of wild animals. US$120 per week, including lodging; min. 2-week stay.

Yanapuma Foundation: Volunteer Ecuador, E8-125 Veintimilla y 6 de Diciembre, Quito (+593 2 254 6709; www.yanapuma.org/en/volecuador.php). This cooperative nonprofit organization has an extensive list of volunteer opportunities in Ecuador from reforestation to bird rescue and rehabilitation. US$75-175 setup fee.

Fundación Brethen y Unida, Av. Granda Centeno Oe4-290 y Barón de Carondelet, 3er piso, Casilla 17-03-1487, Quito (+593 8 598 7384; www.fbu.com.ec). Hacienda near Tabacundo, 1½hr. north of Quito, in the northern Andes. This NGO has been working with rural communities for 60 years. Programs include working on the farming hacienda (US$70 per week, including lodging) with an optional 3-week cultural exchange, where volunteers can live and work with an Ecuadorian family.

Fundación Cabo San Francisco, Casilla 17-15 73B, Quito (www.fcsf.org). Volunteers identify and classify plants and birds as well as promote reforestation and environmental and health education in the region. US$400 per month.

The Charles Darwin Research Center, Casilla postal 17-01-3891
Quito (www.galapagospark.org or www.darwin¬foundation.org). Focuses on the ecological welfare of the Galápagos, with opportunities from botany to sea turtle care. Volunteers are responsible for travel costs and living expenses. Most assignments 6 months or longer. Student volunteers must have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate schooling. Check the website for up-to-date info.

Fundación Maquipucuna, Baquerizo E9-153, P.O. Box 17-12-167, Quito (www.maqui.org/volunteer/intro.html). Spend 1-3 months working in the Maquipucuna Reserve on reforestation, organic gardening, and trail building. US$360-450 per month, including food and lodging.

Fundación Zoobreviven, Rio Timbara N59-148 y Luis Tufiño, Quito (+593 2 259 6961; www.zoobreviven.org). Helps preserve Ecuador’s cloud forests through reforestation and managing the Alto Choco and Mindo Valley Reserves. Living costs US$320 per month.

Reserva Río Guaycuyacu (www.ecuadorexplorer.com/guaycuyacu). Volunteer to be a “farm apprentice” and work farm chores at this nature reserve and family fruit farm, which promotes sustainable agriculture and conservation practices in northwestern Ecuador. Research facilities for biologists. US$75 per week; 4-week min. commitment.

Río Muchacho (www.riomuchacho.com). Run by Guacamayo Bahia Tours, Bolívar 902 y Arenas, Bahía de Caráquez (+593 5 269 1107). Offers organic agriculture apprenticeships (US$1200) and ecotourism internships.