Volunteer for Ecotrackers
Make a difference and discover what you're made of!

About Ecotrackers

Ecotrackers is a non-profit organization whose main goal is to protect cultural diversity and the environment in Ecuador. They do this primarily by promoting community-based ecotourism. It may sound contradictory at first -- preserve a local culture by encouraging outsiders to visit? But bringing the ecotourist dollar to these small communities is very important. By selling hand-made crafts, or guiding ecotourists to local points of interests, the villages become self-sufficient. This means that to survive they may not have to destroy the rainforest to raise cattle, over-fish local waters for market dollars, or give into the pressures of the lucrative endangered species market. Instead, they are given a means to survive that involves honoring and preserving their history through art and saving the forests by sharing them with visitors. Hopefully in this way they can make a living protecting their environment and way of life, rather than being forced to destroy it to survive. Ecotrackers aids these communities by helping make trails to Ecuador's many natural wonders, teaching English to the locals so they can communicate effectively with ecotourists, and by promoting these areas as ecotourist destinations. But Ecotrackers can do this important work only with the help of volunteers. They need YOU.

Special opportunities for students:

Ecuador is a culturally and biologically diverse country. Because of this, it's really a living laboratory! No matter what you're studying, there's a place in Ecuador with research opportunities for you. Areas of study Ecotrackers feels are a good fit: Plant sciences, biology, public health/medicine, agriculture, archaeology, anthropology, oceanic sciences, geology, migration, medicinal plants, ecology, and natural history. Study is not limited to these fields, so discuss your area of interest with an Ecotrackers coordinator and they’ll help you find the right projects and locations.

What can I expect?

Well, frankly you can expect things to go wrong. This is not for the faint-hearted. If it bothers you to wake up with a goat in your face, you may want to book a hotel in Maui instead. You should be prepared to expect the simple living conditions of the host community. But that's why this is an ADVENTURE, not a vacation. Experiencing things that are unfamiliar or unexpected allow you to discover what you're made of! And while it may be scary to challenge yourself in this way, it's essential to growth as a human being. You will be a wiser and better person who made a real difference in the world. So really, how can you afford NOT to go?

You should also prepare yourself to be swept away by Ecuador's natural beauty. You can swim in clear pools beneath fantastic waterfalls, stroll through the rainforest and watch wildlife, or even relax on the beach! Here is a description of one of the Ecotrackers communities you can visit:
Quingue-Estero de Platano and National Reserve Mache-Chindul are two beach villages 60 km west of Atacames in an area little developed for tourism. There are a school in each village. They have a good beach, small natural rock pools with many marine creatures. There are fishing boats and the possibility of watching whales, manta-rays, dolphins, etc. There are prospects of nature trails nearby in the primary forest of the Mache-Chindul Ecológical Reserve.

What will I gain?

Growth. Friends. An experience you will remember for the rest of your life. You may help a family survive. In fact, you may help an entire village survive. You will do your part to save the rainforest. Who knows, you may discover a new medicinal plant that will save millions! Or you may just discover the most beautiful waterfall you've ever seen, or the poetry of thought that comes when the world is quiet. Wouldn't that alone be worth it? Maybe you'll find out how strong you are. You will know what you're capable of. In the best scenario, you will discover more about who you are as a person. In the worst scenario, you will discover more about who you are as a person.

How it works

Basically, you decide how you want it to work. You choose the communities and projects you're interested in. Volunteers are asked stay at least one week in each place of their choosing, and to volunteer for a minimum of two weeks. Usually one or two volunteers go at the same time. If there are more they can go in a group. You also decide how much you want to work, and how much you want to relax and explore.

Volunteers need to speak basic Spanish. Students should speak Spanish pretty well so that they can conduct their research effectively. Don't know Spanish? Ecotrackers has a free Spanish school at their Quito headquarters! They actually prefer that volunteers who need to learn Spanish do it with them because the volunteers can better understand Ecotrackers' work while they study.

A modern apartment is available for volunteers and students of the Spanish school. Staying at the apartment costs $6 US per day. If you take classes and stay at the apartment you receive a discount. Features of the apartment include:

* Shared bedrooms (twin beds). Each room has a bathroom with hot water 24 hours a day.
* Bright dining room and living room area with great views of Quito and its surroundings.
* Cable television, VCR and DVD player
* Small library
* Kitchen facilities for the preparation of own meals if desired. There are, however, a number of restaurants nearby.
* Language and cultural exchanges with the family of Ecotrackers employees, living in the same apartment block (upstairs).
* A large terrace with a fantastic panoramic view of the city

Other costs are as follows:
Registration Fee: Approximately $50 US which goes towards maintaining the Ecotrackers Network and its projects in the different communities.
Travel: Volunteers pay for their traveling costs to and from the community or communities of choice. This differs depending on the community you're visiting.
Living Expenses: Approximately $8 - $10 US per day for basic food, lodging, and a guide in the community. This money goes directly to the community and/or family where you stay.

Ecotrackers will advise you on any special equipment you need, such as sleeping bags, mosquito nets, malaria tables, etc. and instructions for traveling.

Ecotrackers also asks that you write a report about your experiences (250 or more words plus the best photos, maps,etc.) about recommendations to protect the nature and cultures, then it is published on the Internet or as a brochure. This helps Ecotrackers educate people about the communities, and hopefully encourages more volunteers! Students must write a web report that includes the results of their studies in Spanish and in their language. During the time you're writing your report, you stay free in the apartment in Quito (one day for each week of your program). And you can use their free internet from 8:00-10:00 or after 19:00 (all night included).

How do I start my adventure?

To register as a volunteer and to learn more about Ecotrackers, visit their website: www.ecotrackers.com

Or send an email to: ecotrackers_ecuador@hotmail.com