Take Part
In our Sustainable Living Project and Restore Mother Earth
Have you ever fancied working on a real-life farm? Are you interested in gaining new knowledge and skills regarding crop cultivation, animal care, organic farming, and natural production methods? Then look no further, as Volungo Abroad, along with its partners, offer you the chance to take part in a volunteering program to learn about all these things! Join us to understand more about alternative, sustainable systems, methods of food production and waste management, which all perfectly work with nature, rather than against it. Why not get stuck in to some labor-intensive fun and embrace the outdoors! We have set up “Rio Muchacho” as an Educational Farm, so as a part of your orientation you will experience the “Self-Guided Farm Tour,” visiting our 30 Information Stations.
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One of the top picks, according to travelers
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Learn everything about permaculture, Ecuadorian traditions and the lush biodiversity of the rainforest!
Highlights
- Dive into permaculture and help restore the native rainforest. Support local communities to create self-sufficient and resilient ecosystems.
- Work hands-on with eco-friendly bioconstruction projects. Volunteer and learn about sustainable farming methods from passionate local experts.
- Participate in organic gardening, reforestation, and harvesting fresh food. Then, unwind with calming yoga sessions amidst the sounds of nature.
- Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with traditional cooking classes, community events, and stunning weekend trips. Go hiking in the jungle!
- Enjoy communal eco-living, cultural exchange nights, and evening bonfires. Look forward to breathtaking mountain views and make new friends for life.
About the Program
Connect with nature, live sustainably and make a difference! Our eco-farm project in Ecuador offers more than just an adventure. Help us regenerate the land and learn self-sufficiency!
Especially good for
Age 18+
Groups
Families
Couples
Singles
50+
Live Sustainably, Farm, and Make a Difference in Ecuador’s Coastal Forest!
Combine your love for nature with a passion for self-sufficiency at a lush organic farm! Our sustainable living program offers a unique opportunity to master permaculture principles while living in a tropical forest. You’ll gain hands-on experience in organic farming, bioconstruction, and animal care — all while immersing yourself in Ecuadorian culture and community life!
Typical day
Week 1
Week 1
Your journey starts with an immersive introduction to life in the coastal forest. You will dive into the first chapters of the self-sustainable living course, learning the principles of organic farming, soil regeneration, and composting. Mornings are dedicated to putting theory into practice in the gardens, while afternoons introduce you to farm maintenance and animal care, helping you settle into the rhythm of nature.
Week 2 and after
Week 2 and after
From the second week, you’ll be fully integrated into the farm’s daily activities and advanced learning chapters. You’ll take on more responsibility in morning agricultural tasks and engage in creative afternoon projects like bioconstruction, mural painting, or community work. You’ll also learn about natural fertilizers, pest control, and permaculture design.
A Typical Volunteering Week
A Typical Volunteering Week:
Monday to Friday
7:30 AM – Breakfast (Family style)
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Morning Projects (Agriculture, Sowing, Animal Care, Composting)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Afternoon Projects (Construction, Maintenance, Admin) or Cultural Activities (Wednesdays)
4:00 PM onwards – Free time (Relax in hammocks, read, hike)
7:00 PM – Dinner
Special Note: Wednesday afternoons are dedicated “Cultural Afternoons”, where you can join activities like chocolate making, shrimp fishing, clay face mask making, or crafts with palm seeds.
Flexibility is Key: Work on the farm follows the cycles of nature. Tasks may vary depending on the weather, harvest needs, or community projects. On average, you’ll work 30 hours per week, but you are welcome to do more if you desire.
Saturday & Sunday
Saturday & Sunday
Your weekends are yours to enjoy! Relax on the farm grounds, hike the ‘Lookout Trail’, or head to the coast to explore the local area. Popular options include:
Bird watching & Hiking around the valley
Beach days (Surf & Sun)
Isla de la Plata + Whale Watching (June – September)
Horse riding along the sands
Visit nearby islands or Puerto Lopez
Trips to Quito or the Cotopaxi volcano (for longer breaks)
Free-time activities
- Sports
- Shopping/Souvenirs
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Concert/music
- Water Sports
- Riding
- Diving/Snorkling
- Swimming
- Yoga/Meditation
Discover Nature and Coastal Adventures in Your Free Time!
Gallery
Hiking
Bird Watching
Horse riding
Beach Days
Farm & Pacific Coast Activities:
- Hiking & Trekking
- Bird Watching
- Relaxation
- Beach Days
- Horse riding
- Whale Watching
- Cultural Workshops
Explore Beyond the Coast:
- Quilotoa Loop
- Cotopaxi Volcano
- Quito
- Nearby Islands
Curious to know what's included and what's not included in your travel?
✅ On-site Services
If you want you can stay longer than the minimum duration, please ask us for a price offer.
- Lodging: in the volunteers‘ dorm-style accommodation (or, for a surcharge, in a bamboo/straw cabaña).
- Three meals a day: Seven days a week (except when you are off the farm).
- Pickup from the nearest town: Included in the project price.
- Pre-arrival information pack.
- Welcome dinner.
- Free T-Shirt.
- Rubber boots and protective gloves (for farm work).
- 24-hour support.
- On-site support through your volunteer coordinator.
✅ Accommodation
During your time at the project, you will be living on a 9.5-hectare farm in the coastal forest of Ecuador. You will stay in dorm-style buildings that house between 2 to 12 people. All accommodation includes mosquito nets or screens and powerpoints. Bathrooms are shared or private, consisting of compost toilets and solar-powered showers, aligning with the sustainable lifestyle. If you prefer more privacy, you can upgrade to rustic but comfortable bamboo and straw cabañas (for a surcharge).
✅ Meals
Three meals are served daily to all guests and shared as a family. Most of the ingredients come fresh from the farm (farm-to-table). The majority of meals are vegetarian, although occasionally fish or chicken is served (Red meat is not provided). Filtered water is available on the farm. (Note: Food and drinks during weekend trips off the farm are not included).
✅ Facilities
You will stay in a rustic, eco-friendly environment equipped with:
- Dorm rooms or Private Cabañas (Upgrade).
- Compost Toilets & Solar Showers.
- Powerpoints in rooms.
- Mosquito nets/screens.
- Filtered water station.
- 9.5 hectares of land (food forests, gardens, orchards).
- Common areas for relaxing (hammocks).
✅ Internet Access
Please note that this is an eco-farm experience. While there are powerpoints, connectivity may be limited compared to the city, encouraging a better connection with nature.
❌Airport Pickup
Pickup from the nearest town is free, but pickup from the nearest airport usually incurs a surcharge.
❌ Weekend Food & Activities
Food, snacks, or beverages consumed when you are off the farm (e.g., during weekend trips to the coast) are at extra costs.
❌ Local Transport
Local transport costs when you are traveling during your free time.
❌ Spanish Lessons
Spanish lessons are not included in the base price but can be arranged for a fee (online before arrival or on-site).
❌ Flight Tickets
We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador, but the ticket itself is not included.
❌ Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have.
❌ 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 (Yellow Fever, Tetanus, etc.).
Requirements to take part of this opportunity
Check all of the requirements necessary to take part in this incredible experience.
Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions
Program fees
The following is a breakdown of the weekly fees for this experience.
4 weeks (min. stay)
1.329€
5 weeks
1.659€
6 weeks
1.979€
2 months
2.599€
4 months
4.759€
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Program fees
- 330€ per week
- 4 - 50 weeks
- Age: 18 - 50+
Payment methods:
Duration
4 – 50 weeks
Deposit
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment
Your final payment will be agreed with NewProjectOwnership during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
10+
Years Of
Experiences
Partnerships
Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
One of the top picks, according to travelers
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Address: C/ de Provença, 163 08036 Barcelona Spain