Would you like to help preserve Ecuador's cloud forests? Then why not apply for our volunteer program? You will live and work on Zoobreviven's Alto Choco Reserve or in the Mindo Valley helping with reforestation, reserve management tasks* and learning about this unique ecosystem. We do not make money from volunteers who come to stay, their work is payment enough.

We ask only that you pay a small fee (currently US$320 a month) to cover living costs and stay for a minimum of 2 weeks. The participation fee pays for lodging and 3 meals a day. Meals are not included at the weekend, but can be bought at the research station kitchen. The volunteering fee must be paid upon arrival at our office in Quito and is not refundable.

For volunteers to be able to communicate effectively we prefer volunteers to have a basic competence in Spanish, though we do no exclude English-speaking volunteers without Spanish.

Work may involve reforestation with native cloud forest trees, reserve management*, working in the botanical garden or in our organic vegetable garden. You are of course most welcome to suggest your own projects as many volunteers have in the past.

Volunteers will usually work between 7/8 hours a day with 8 days off per month. We usually work a 5 day week, though this depends on the nature of the project. Volunteers must be prepared to work in rustic conditions.

We’ve had volunteers of all ages, from a wide range of backgrounds and many different parts of the world. Time spent with us may be part of a program of study, a vacation or gap-year. As well as being a hugely educational opportunity we of course want volunteers to have fun and make new friends.

Find out more about volunteering at Alto Choco

Find out more about volunteering in the Mindo Valley

Apply to volunteer

What volunteers say