Info

Help indigenous tribes in 3 incredible environments with community and conservation development projects.

This amazing and varied placement takes in three different environments and their traditional communities, enabling you to see everything this sensational country has to offer. You will travel with your team from the Andes right down into the Amazon Basin and onto the Pacific Coast for the ultimate South American experience.

On the Pacific Coast you will spend 3 weeks living in a beach-side community in the heart of pristine Coastal Rainforest. From the village it is short stroll through coastal forest to isolated beaches and coves where you can explore and surf to your hearts content. Your projects will include assisting local farmers to bring in their Cacao (chocolate!) harvest, clearing the beach and helping to develop the small local school.

You will then spend 3 weeks working Chilcabamba, a small village high in the Andes, a land of ancient volcanoes and thermal springs. Chilcabamba is a wonderful community of traditional Kayambi people, about 3 hours drive from Quito. Volunteer projects include developments to the community school, creation of a playground and assisting families with their livestock. Experience true high-altitude living at nearly 14,000 feet, surrounded by spectacular rolling hills and snow capped volcanoes, such as Cayambe, which you will have the chance to climb at the weekends. The area is well known for its traditional crafts and markets and locals famous for their colourful ponchos and distinctive panama hats adorned with peacock feathers.

The third phase is in the Amazon Rainforest a magical environment with its ancient trees and meandering rivers only accessible by canoe. Live in a small village of traditional Quechua family learning about their Shaman traditions and helping the local community improve their standard of living. When you're not white water rafting, discovering hidden waterfalls and entertaining the communities children, help to build classrooms and extend the ethnographic museum.

Projects are sustainable giving long-term benefits to both the community and environment. All development initiatives are chosen and led by local people ensuring that The Leap’s projects are well managed needed by the community.

Duration

6 or 10 weeks

Start Dates

2nd September, 4th January, 1st April, 5th July

Costs / Benefits

£1768 for 6 weeks
£2468 for 10 weeks

*Up until 31st August 2010

Price Includes:
Donation to the project communities – currently £80 per volunteer
Selection and briefing on all aspects of the scheme.
24-hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK team and in-country Placement Manager and English speaking guide, with reliable communications and infrastructure.
Safety and induction course on arrival.
Airport pick up and transfer to and from the placements.
Food and Accommodation throughout.

Requirements

Open to volunteers aged 18-25