LOCATION: SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR. 

San Cristobal, situated on the eastern stretch of the Galapagos archipelago, is home to approximately 7,000 inhabitants. The island offers a myriad of tourist attractions/activities, including diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing, sailing, and snorkeling. The highlands, whose cool, moist climate differs greatly from the coast, is where volunteers can enjoy El Junco, a freshwater crater lake, or visit the giant tortoise breeding center, La Galapaguera.

ACTIVITIES

Volunteers work in a controlled plot of land to eliminate introduced/ invasive plant species and to restore native and endemic species, growing the plants first in a greenhouse, and then transplanting them to their permanent locations. Volunteers also assist in community projects, such as burying a new water pipeline for the local community. In addition, they mentor children from INFA, working with them in hippo-therapy, gardening, environmental education, and fieldtrips to the Hacienda. Hacienda team-members are always on-hand for assistance and guidance in volunteer projects.
 

• REFORESTATION - Volunteers work to reverse the negative effects of invasive or introduced species, restoring the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal Island in the biological station at Hacienda Tranquila. The work will help realize the long term aim to construct a native plant corridor from the dry forest portion of the reserve below to the moist forest above. Maintaining an organic vegetable garden and working to improve trash disposal trough recycling and compost. 

• SOCIAL WORK –Collecting fruit from the Bio Station and mentor children from San Cristobal center for National Institute for Children and Families in Ecuador (INFA) working with them in hippo-therapy, gardening, environmental education, and fieldtrips to the Hacienda. 
• COMMUNITY WORK - Motivate community members to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation to continue educating the local population about the environment and how to protect it. Volunteers also assist in other community projects.
   

WHY IT MATTERS

Volunteers work to reverse the negative effects of invasive or introduced species, restoring the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal.
 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in environmental conservation in Ecuador. No qualifications are required. Minimum volunteering work is 1 week no more than 12 weeks are allowed.

WORK SCHEDULE

Volunteers will work from Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 12 and 2:30- 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are free to explore the port town and discover the island’s many tourist attractions on the weekends.
 

ACCOMMODATION 

The programme can host up to twelve volunteers in six shared rooms; the house offers a full kitchen, toilet and shower with hot water. Beds are prepared with sheets and mosquito nets and the Hacienda provides cleaning and maintenance supplies for the house; however, volunteers are responsible for toiletries (including toilet paper and bath towels) and food/drinks. One advantage of living on the farm is the abundance of fresh fruit, milk, and coffee from the surrounding area, all at the disposal of the volunteers.

GETTING THERE

A two hour flight from Quito to San Cristobal. A representative of Hacienda Tranquila will pick up at the airport.

FIXED COSTS

Volunteer South America support and logistics fee - US$236.50

Program cost for 2 weeks - US$240

Program cost for 4 weeks - US$320

Program cost for 6 weeks - US$500

Program cost for 12 weeks - US$950

OPTIONAL COSTS

Hotel Accommodation - US$20-35 a night.

Spanish Classes - From US$220 per week (4 hours a day)

Home stay with a local family - US$155. Includes accommodation, 3 meals a day and laundry.

TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

All volunteers are required to purchase travel and medical insurance for the duration of their volunteer position. We strongly recommend that minimum coverage includes the following:

            Medical expenses - US$10 million 

            Personal liability - US$2 million

            Personal accident - US$40,000 

            Personal property - US$3,000    

            Loss of Passport etc - US$1,000

            Legal expenses etc - US$40,000

            Cancellation etc - US$6,000