Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.71rating (174)

Cloud Forest Protection

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Be more than a tourist - get to know the wonders of the cloud forest off the beaten track
  • Get more passionate about conservation work and protecting our planet Earth
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience showcasing your commitment to positive change and adaptability to different environments

Highlights

  • Be more than a tourist - get to know the wonders of the cloud forest off the beaten track
  • Get more passionate about conservation work and protecting our planet Earth
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience showcasing your commitment to positive change and adaptability to different environments
  • Explore a country that is famous for its rich biodiversity
  • Forge lasting friendships with fellow volunteers, united to make a difference

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, the sound of animals in your ears, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food. Join us!

    Slow down your life, forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe fresh air all day long. If you like hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, hearing the sound of wild animals, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food and getting to know a ...

    About the program

    Slow down your life, forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe fresh air all day long. If you like hiking in the cloud forest, swimming under a waterfall, hearing the sound of wild animals, making your own cocoa from tree to cup, growing your own food and getting to know a sustainable way of life - then you have come to the right place. Welcome to our cloud forest project!

    The volunteer project takes place in a nature reserve located west of Quito in the middle of the Cloud Forest at the foothills of the Andes. This is where nature conservation, tourism and ecological agriculture are combined on 800 hectares of land. About 700 hectares of it are protected forests. In the remaining area, the owners receive tourists in wooden holiday homes or on a small campsite, practice sustainable agriculture and educate visitors and local communities about environmental protection.

    The particular focus of this project is protecting existing forests, reforestation of areas that were previously used as sugar cane plantations and educational workshops to raise awareness of the value of the forest. The cloud forest has incredible biodiversity, that needs to be protected for future generations. Hundreds of different bird species live in this project alone, as well as many butterflies, amphibians and mammals. The latter include monkeys, deer, weasels, wild cats, ocelots, agoutis, squirrels, peccaries, armadillos, skunks, sloths, spectacled bears, bats, and others.

    The flora is also wonderfully rich in species. The project has a tree nursery where endangered local species are reproduced.

    In this wonderful volunteer project, you can learn to do business in such a way that nature is not exploited and still enough for everyone is on the table. The local community is involved so that everyone supports this important development. 

    If you like to be in nature and are good in working hands-on, you will love this volunteer opportunity.

    Typical day

    Volunteers help with different tasks in the areas of organic agriculture, forest protection & sustainable forestry, sustainable livestock farming, production of organic food, ecological construction methods and educational programs for visitors.

    Among your tasks may be:
    • Reforestation
    • Collecting tree ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers help with different tasks in the areas of organic agriculture, forest protection & sustainable forestry, sustainable livestock farming, production of organic food, ecological construction methods and educational programs for visitors.

    Among your tasks may be:
    • Reforestation
    • Collecting tree seeds, tree cultivation in the tree nursery
    • Maintaining hiking trails
    • Organic farming
    • Helping with planting vegetables and other crops
    • Helping with composting and fertilizing
    • Helping with natural pest control
    • Participating in the harvest
    • Construction and maintenance work
    • Redesigning and attaching signposts
    • Caring and rearing of farm animals
    • Helping in the production of homemade food such as cheese, butter, yogurt, bread, coffee, chocolate, etc.
    • Working in the medical garden
    • Developing material for educational events
    • Other tasks related to the operation of the reserve
    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

    Free-time activities

    The nature reserve is about 90 km west of Quito in the foothills of the Andes. The terrain extends over altitudes between 1100 and 2000 meters. It is only about 100 km to the center of Quito, but due to the many bends in the mountains, despite the well-developed roads, it takes about 2 hours by car. ..

    Free-time activities

    The nature reserve is about 90 km west of Quito in the foothills of the Andes. The terrain extends over altitudes between 1100 and 2000 meters. It is only about 100 km to the center of Quito, but due to the many bends in the mountains, despite the well-developed roads, it takes about 2 hours by car. However, the drive through the breathtaking mountain landscape with jungle is an experience in itself. For a weekend visit, Quito with its beautiful historical center (UNESCO World Heritage Site!), the many museums, pretty parks and plazas, is definitely worth a visit.

    From the project site, about an hour's drive, you can find Santo Domingo. The town has about half a million inhabitants, and is the fourth largest city in Ecuador.

    The Pacific can be reached in a four to five hour drive, where you can find beautiful sandy beaches, night life (e.g. in the popular holiday resort Canoa), good restaurants and surf schools - also a great option for a few days off.

    The climate in the region of the nature reserve is warm and humid all year round, with temperatures between 16 and 30 degrees. Instead of the four seasons, there is a dry and a rainy season. The rainy season lasts from December to April. Don't worry, it will rain every day, but not all day long. In the dry season between May and November it rarely rains, but the climate is always moderately humid.

    Usually the sun shines all year round in the morning and in the afternoon / evening clouds move over the forest, which is what the cloud forest owes its name to.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Shared room in Volunteer House
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Airport pick-up in Quito and overnight stay in Quito*
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • Orientation upon arrival
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    * The costs for the bus ticket to the project are not included.

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    Airport pick-up in Quito is included with one overnight stay in one of our homestay (twin room with breakfast, lunch, dinner). You will have an orientation session with our local volunteer coordinator. The next day you will continue your trip to the program site. The bus ticket from Quito to the project site is not included.

    Accommodation

    During your volunteer program you will stay in the volunteer house directly on the grounds of the nature reserve. Dormitories and shared bathrooms are available in the typical local wooden house. The cozy house has its own kitchen, a dining room and a nice outside area.

    And what would a stay in South America be without hammocks for a nice siesta? You can also find them in the volunteer house, so that everything is provided for the right mix of work and relaxation.

    The volunteer stay includes full board. Since a lot comes straight from the garden to the table, you will likely reap what you find on your plate at lunch during your morning work - a great feeling! 

    Alternative meals for those with special dietary needs can be prepared upon request.

    Food & Beverages

    The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Check-in at the project site is always on a Monday. Always full weeks are charged from Monday to Sunday. Volunteers need to start the program with an orientation session in Quito with our volunteer coordinator. Overnight stay(s) in Quito in a Homestay (twin room, full-board) is included. Please keep in mind that therefore the minimum stay is 2 weeks + 1 day.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $385 per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2026
    Ich war zwei Wochen lang im Katze heim bei Xaviera und habe dort mitgeholfen. Am ersten Tag wurde mir alles super erklärt, Xavier spricht ...
    Fiona Schafferer

    Support a Cat Shelter

    2025
    Mir geht es sehr gut. Der Naturpark ist wirklich atemberaubend. Ich habe mich schon gut eingewöhnen können. Alle sind unglaublich ...
    2025
    Bin gut hier angekommen. Es ist sehr schön hier und alle Leute sind sehr nett. Es hat die letzten tage geregnet, deswegen konnten wir nicht ...
    Magdalena P.

    Nature Park Protector

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Marion
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details