Arajuno Jungle Lodge, Quito (+593 8 268 2287; larstom@gmail.com). On the banks of the Arajuno River. This forest reserve-cum-hostel has volunteer opportunities for forest conservation, agriculture, aquaculture, and more. US$115-125 per week, including food and lodging; 2-week min. stay.
The Bospas Fruit Forest Farm and Lodges, El Limonal (www.bospas.org). A 15-hectare family farm on formerly barren land on the western slope of the Andes. Owners Belgian Piet Sabbe and his wife Gabriela Olda Peralta now practice sus-tainable, organic farming and strive to diversify crops using agroforestry and permaculture techniques. Volunteers learn the ins and outs of tropical farming. US$225 for a 4-week commitment. US$17 per day for shorter stays.
Rumi Wilco Ecolodge, Vilcabamba (rumiwilco@yahoo.com). Hidden in the Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve. Take the dirt road off Agua de Hierro, cross the stream, and follow the first path on the left—signs mark the way. Friendly English- and Spanish-speaking owner-biologists Orlando and Alicia Falco are dedicated to maintaining the recently created reserve, putting one-third of profits toward conservation. Ask about helping to process the coffee beans grown on the reserve or about a host of other odd jobs to get a discount on your stay (US$9-13, volunteers US$5.60).
San Miguel Eco-Project, León Mera 12-39, San Miguel, Calama, Quito (+593 2 252 8769; www.cayapas-adventures.com). Ecotourism lodge in a traditional Cayapas village. Accepting applications for long-term volunteer English teachers. Volunteers prepare their own food and are given reduced-rate transportation and lodging (regularly US$25-30).
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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