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Excellent 4.89rating (22)

Sustainable Farming & Permaculture

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in sustainable living while learning hands-on permaculture skills on an authentic organic farm near Manta.
  • Support meaningful community projects that promote food security, environmental education, and eco-friendly living.
  • Experience a balanced lifestyle with shared meals, teamwork, cultural exchange, and peaceful evenings in nature.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in sustainable living while learning hands-on permaculture skills on an authentic organic farm near Manta.
  • Support meaningful community projects that promote food security, environmental education, and eco-friendly living.
  • Experience a balanced lifestyle with shared meals, teamwork, cultural exchange, and peaceful evenings in nature.
  • Develop practical skills in gardening, composting, recycling, construction, animal care, and creative DIY projects.
  • Explore beautiful coastal Ecuador during your free time—beaches, craft markets, eco-routes, and vibrant local culture.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Experience sustainable living on an organic permaculture farm near Manta. Learn eco-friendly practices, reconnect with nature, and support meaningful community projects.

    Discover sustainable living on an organic permaculture farm located near Manta, Ecuador. This project welcomes volunteers who want to reconnect with nature, learn practical ecological skills, and contribute to long-term community well-being. The farm is guided by the principles of sustainability, ...

    About the program

    Discover sustainable living on an organic permaculture farm located near Manta, Ecuador. This project welcomes volunteers who want to reconnect with nature, learn practical ecological skills, and contribute to long-term community well-being. The farm is guided by the principles of sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural exchange, offering a unique environment where people from around the world come together to support responsible land stewardship.

    As a volunteer, you will be involved in a wide range of meaningful activities that reflect the daily rhythm of life on the farm. These tasks include preparing soil beds, planting and transplanting crops, practicing natural pest control, managing irrigation during the dry season, harvesting seasonal produce, and participating in organic waste recycling. You may also help care for farm animals and support projects that promote food independence through organic methods.

    Afternoons often focus on longer-term, skill-building projects. Depending on your interests, you may assist in construction, carpentry, path maintenance, community outreach, cooking, translation, or creating handmade products from natural materials. These activities allow you to dive deeper into sustainability, creativity, and community engagement.

    Weekends and evenings are opportunities to relax, explore Manta, visit nearby beaches, or enjoy cultural exchanges with other volunteers. The farm’s peaceful environment, shared meals, and strong sense of community create a welcoming atmosphere for anyone eager to learn, contribute, and grow. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity, openness, and a desire to live more sustainably.


    Typical day

    Your day begins around 6:30–7:00 a.m. with a shared breakfast, followed by a morning work session from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Morning tasks focus on essential farm maintenance, such as preparing planting beds, sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, watering crops, weeding, applying natural ...

    Typical day

    Your day begins around 6:30–7:00 a.m. with a shared breakfast, followed by a morning work session from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Morning tasks focus on essential farm maintenance, such as preparing planting beds, sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, watering crops, weeding, applying natural pest-control techniques, harvesting vegetables and fruits of the season, and feeding or caring for the farm animals. These activities follow permaculture principles, allowing you to understand the full life cycle of sustainable food production.

    After enjoying a well-deserved lunch break, the afternoon is reserved for deeper, long-term projects. Activities vary daily based on the farm’s needs and your personal skills. You may participate in eco-construction, carpentry, tool maintenance, compost management, trail repairs, natural product preparation (such as herbal mixes or sauces), artistic or creative projects, or basic technical tasks like updating materials or translating text.

    Work typically ends around 4:00–5:00 p.m., giving you time to relax, read, help prepare dinner, or join evening conversations by the fire. Volunteers often use their free evenings to explore the surroundings, visit local beaches, join cultural activities, or simply unwind in the calm atmosphere of the farm. Each day balances practical work, learning opportunities, community interaction, and peaceful moments in nature.


    Free-time activities

    Weekends are free, and many volunteers choose between relaxing at the farm, exploring Manta, or visiting beaches, eco-projects, mangroves, or nearby hiking routes.

    Free-time activities

    Weekends are free, and many volunteers choose between relaxing at the farm, exploring Manta, or visiting beaches, eco-projects, mangroves, or nearby hiking routes.

    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.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    No previous experience required! Just curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Useful skills include gardening, permaculture, carpentry, computer tasks, arts, photography, social media, teaching crafts, and community engagement. An open mind is the most important. Basic English is required to follow instructions and communicate with the team. Spanish is not mandatory, but it is a valuable plus and helps you connect more deeply with the people on the farm.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your fee helps keep the Sustainable Farm running and growing! It covers your accommodation and daily meals on the farm; the online Spanish course for better cultural integration; essential tools and supplies for organic farming, composting, and sustainable food production; salaries for local staff and on-site coordinators who guide your activities; transportation for logistics; and a small safety reserve that ensures continuity of the project and supports future sustainable initiatives.

    Accommodation

    You’ll stay at the project site in a shared community house with other volunteers. 

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included and made with fresh organic food grown on the farm. You can also use the shared kitchen if you wish to cook and enjoy communal living.

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    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

    Available all year round! Start any Sunday and join for a minimum of 4 weeks. Flexible schedule according to the farm’s needs.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $309 per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 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

    4.89
    22 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Felipe
    22
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    2023
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    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.

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    Contact Felipe
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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