Itinerary

Monday to Friday
Working hours are Monday to Friday from +/- 08:00 till 13:00. You will have your afternoons and weekends free to travel and explore the Galapagos Islands. The activities that volunteers carry out are varied and numerous, and include:

Reforestation - volunteers help to eliminate introduced/invasive plant species and then restore native and endemic species.
Identifying and logging fauna
Identifying native and endemic species
Recycled construction projects
Improve trails and paths around the plots of the lands.
Work in the plant nursery either on the Hacienda or in the Galapagos National Park. Grow and nurture native plants in the nursery and then move them to their permanent locations.
Community work such as painting schools, beach cleaning, etc.
Help grow and cut down plants used as food for the Galapagos National Park tortoise breeding centers
Working with the national park and the consejo de gobierno on water system measurements

Please take into account that the work at this project is mostly physical, and due to the weather conditions on Galapagos, according to the seasons, it can be hard due to the hot and humid weather. We try to keep the weekly schedule as varied as possible and due to the fact that this is an evolving organic project, activities that might be taking place during your stay might not have been considered in this itinerary. But all work is part of a larger project plan, which is documented and explained to you by your coordinator.

Besides the daily tasks at the conservation center, your own initiative is always highly appreciated. If you want to contribute extra to the project, share your ideas with the volunteer coordinator of the project. In the Ecuadorian culture people might be a bit shy in telling you what to do. Therefore, it will make your volunteer period more worthwhile if you show initiative - both for your own personal growth and the project. The people at this project are always very open to new ways of helping the program: so think about what you are passionate about, use your creativity and go for it! For example, if you have experience with a different way of gardening, you could teach the family how to do this. Perhaps you are a painter and want to create a beautiful painting on the wall of a classroom.

In the evenings and the weekends the volunteers are free. Relax at the volunteer house with other volunteers, discover what the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno around your house has to offer, or enjoy some typical Ecuadorian dishes. In the weekends you have enough time to discover The Galapagos Islands. The islands are a dream for many travellers, and you will be able not only to volunteer at the island, but you can also enjoy its wonderful flora and fauna! So spend your afternoons at the beaches, snorkel with the sea lions, and learn how to dive, visit the different islands or take a cruise around the archipelago.

The climate in the Galapagos is hot most of the year. The weather can change, however, it is often quite hot and sunny. June to December is cool, cloudy and dry season, December to June, warm, sunny and rainy season. Obligatory items are:

Rubber boots (if you leave your boots at the project after you work they are donated to the local community)
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Gardening gloves

Items that we recommend you bring are:
Comfortable shoes, sandals, T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, long sleeve shirts, shorts, swimwear, bath and beach towel
Toiletries
Rain gear
First-aid kit
Reusable water bottle
Snorkel equipment
Sweatshirt/warmer jacket

Your return flights between Quito and the Galapagos are included in the price.

The project is closed on the following public holidays in 2019:

23-26 May: Pichincha Battle
08-11 August: Ecuadorian Independence
10-13 October: Independence of Guayaquil
31 October-04 November: All Souls and Independence Cuenca
24-26 December: Christmas

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate
Color copy of passport
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Basic Spanish is an advantage, but not required

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Quito so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a private salsa lesson, a city tour, and visit to the Equator.

Saturday: Airport transfer and accommodation in Student House in Quito
Sunday: Free day
Monday: 4 hours of Spanish Classes. Afternoon homework time. Welcome cocktail in afternoon.
Tuesday: 4 hours of Spanish Classes. Afternoon homework time. 1 hour of private Salsa classes in afternoon.
Wednesday: 4 hours of Spanish Classes. 2 hours of practical volunteer introduction with Spanish terminology according to project chosen.
Thursday: 4 hours of Spanish Classes (eg. Market visit, museum visit, etc.) to use the Spanish language in a practical situation. Afternoon homework time.
Friday: 4 hours of Spanish Classes. 2 hours city tour through the Old Town of Quito with a Spanish teacher.
Saturday: All-day tour to Cotopaxi.
Sunday: Start of volunteer work program.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

Oversigt

Accommodation in Quito
The first night's (arrival day Saturday) accommodation in Quito is in a shared twin or triple room or in a private room at the volunteer house, which is located in the lively neighbourhood La Mariscal surrounded by restaurants and bars. The house has a spacious living room with a TV, DVD and a comfy sofa, a big table to eat with all your housemates and a great kitchen that is fully equipped for you to cook your meals. You will also be staying at the volunteer house if you choose to participate in the Intro Week in Quito.

Accommodation in San Cristobal
In the Galapagos you stay in a nice shared house in San Cristobal which is close to the beach, shops and cafes. There are two bedrooms, one with three single beds and one with two bunk beds. There is a shared bathroom and a fully-equipped kitchen where you will be able to cook your own meals and a common area where you can eat or chill or do homework. There is also a small yard outside. Bed linen and towels are included, as is the cleaning services several times a week. As this is a shared house, we depend on your collaboration to make your stay as comfortable as possible. In your welcome package you will find a contract with the rules of the volunteer house which we will ask you to sign. Internet is available.

If you would like a single or double private room you will stay in a nice hostel which is 5 minutes walking distance from the volunteer house. Here you will be in a private twin room with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is hot water most of the time. There is a shared fully-equipped kitchen where you will be able to cook your own meals and a common area where you can eat or chill or do homework. There is also a terrace where you can relax and watch the sun set. Bed linen and towels are included, as is the cleaning services several times a week. As this is a shared house, we depend on your collaboration to make your stay as comfortable as possible. In your welcome package you will find a contract with the rules of the volunteer house which we will ask you to sign. Internet is not available at the hostel, but there are internet cafes in town.

Arrival with Intro Week
Arrival transfer from Quito airport to your accommodation is included with Intro Week, if you choose that option.

Getting to the Project
Our Galapagos project costs include the return flight from Quito to Galapagos.
When you arrive at Quito airport you will have to pay your $20 INGALA card.
Once you arrive in San Cristobal, you will first have to pay your National Park Entrance Fee. Please go to the line of foreign visitors and pay USD $100.00 (not included). Please take into account that this amount can only be paid cash.

Daily transfers to and from the conservation project are provided.

Flight Back to Quito
The return flight to Quito from the Galapagos is on Saturday. Do not book any onward international flights until Sunday.

Meals are not included during the volunteer project but there's a well equiped kitchen where you can prepare your meals, alternatively there are a lot of local cafes and restaurants for snacks, lunch and dinner. On the Galapagos almost all items are more expensive than the mainland, and as you will be cooking for yourself, it would be wise to do some advance shopping in Quito for products such as:

- Rice/pasta
- Canned products
- Any sweets or savoury products you might like
- Cereals
- Packaged and vacuum sealed cheese and meat products

While shopping, please take into account that you are not allowed to take fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds, etc. You can purchase fruit and vegetables at the local market or shops. Remember to check your baggage allowance before you start shopping for the essentials. There are also a lot of local cafes, restaurants for snacks, lunch and dinner.

What to do on the Galapagos Islands:
The Galapagos Islands is a dream for many travellers, and you will be able not only to volunteer at the island, but you can also enjoy its wonderful flora and fauna! So spend your afternoons at the beaches, snorkel with the sea lions, learn how to dive, visit the different islands or take a cruise around the archipelago.

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Conservation Volunteer - Galapagos (Local Flight Included)

Conservation Volunteer - Galapagos (Local Flight Included)