Volunteers for Ecotourism in Rural Ecuador

Volunteer in a beautiful, subtropical part of ruralEcuador, in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.  Help a small charity working for “Green Progress”, i.e. environmentally-responsible social and economic development.  The charity, CRACYP, is recognized for pioneering work in rural development.

In order to expand the local economy and help stem rural-urban migration in the region, CRACYP is developing an eco-tourism project.  Infrastructure will consist of several cabins constructed near the littlevillageofJilimbí, which is a farming community at the edge of forested Andean foothills.  Two of the main attractions will be exploring the ecosystem via guided hikes, and experiencing the local culture through visits to sugarcane cultivators who make organic, fair trade alcohol.  CRACYP will provide education and job training for members of the local community so that they can eventually assume control of all levels of the business.

We need volunteers to help develop a tourism project in the area highlighting the artisanal products produced as well as the local ecosystems. Projects might include coming up with ideas for tourist activities, helping to construct trails, working with community members to educate them about tourist expectations, creating maps, and/or helping to construct several cabins.

Volunteers help out with whatever environmental and social projects are happening at the time, so you might also be working in fair trade, reforestation or education, as well as ecotourism.

No experience needed.  This is a rewarding way to get off the beaten track and see a different side of life in Ecuador.  You’ll stay in a small farming village in the beautiful sugar cane hills in the Western Andes.

Opportunities available for 1 to 8 weeks, all year round.  For more information, see http://www.progresoverde.org/volunteer_ecuador.html or email volunteer.ecuador@yahoo.co.uk quoting reference SDTouApr13.