Travel With over 25 countries in 4 continents to choose from we are confident you can find your perfect trip!
TEFL Courses Teach English Abroad - Travel the world and use your talents to inspire. Free paid job placements all over the world with our 100-hour Courses
About i-to-i What i-to-i trips and TEFL are, how and why we do what we do!
If you are then this is the perfect project for you in the perfect country. Given the huge amount of wildlife in Ecuador it’s no wonder that a few of them need a helping hand once in a while. This wildlife centre comes to the aid of around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species so it’s the perfect opportunity to see an array of hopping, bouncing, flying, diving and swinging creatures first hand (if you can get them to sit still long enough.) Duties include feeding, cleaning and of course cuddling as well as getting out and about and assisting with plant identification in the tropical forests and mangroves.
Project details:
This Wildlife Rescue Centre was founded over 20 years ago and is the first of its kind in Ecuador. The centre rehabilitates and provides care for around 300 wild animals of about 30 different species. In addition, there are 3 captive breeding programmes in operation all involving endangered species: the American crocodile, the spider monkey and the Guayaquil green macaw. All the animals at the centre are either donated by the public or rescued from the illegal pet trade. The centre also farms shrimp, tilapia, banana and cocoa with an emphasis on aquaculture.
Why the project needs volunteers:
A lack of financial resources and commitment from long-term government funded programmes makes it necessary for the centre to look to volunteers to assist them in all that needs to be done at the centre. The expertise, human resource, and economic backing provided by international conservation agencies and by smaller private groups such as i-to-i is essential to the survival of the small non-profit wildlife rescue centre.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
The most important requirement for this project is a strong love of all animals, enthusiasm, and flexibility, as well as the readiness to be involved with some of the more basic duties that will be required. Be ready to roll up your sleeves, get dirty and work hard! There are horses on site and you may be able to take horse rides out into the surrounding areas.
Your role as a volunteer:
Duties may include feeding the animals twice daily, cleaning and repairing all animal enclosures, building new enclosures, assisting in wildlife health care, maintaining animal behaviour database and bird sighting database, and assisting a botanist with identifying plants in the mangrove and tropical forest. You are encouraged to learn as much Spanish as possible before you go - knowledge of beginner Spanish will be key to communicating with the project staff.
Where the project is based:
This project is located in Balao Chico about 2 hours from the nearest city of Guayaquil, which is Ecuador's largest city and most major sea port. The project is about 5 km away from the nearest village and 16 km away from the town of Naranjal which has basic amenities and cafes. The project is in a rural, tropical location and you should expect insects!
You will be staying on site in a volunteer house, facilities are basic but comfortable, be prepared for quiet evenings.
You will need to arrive into Quito International Airport (UIO) for orientation two days later you will transfer to the project and can take either a bus or fly to the local airport. If you would like to arrange flights to Guayaquil please contact the Latin America Team for more information.
The mission of Jambeli is to promote the conservation of Ecuador’s flora and fauna with emphasis on species threatened and endangered by the constant loss of their habitat and the illegal wildlife pet trade.
The vision of Jambeli is to create a culture of conservation in the communities and in the general public to prevent the loss of species and to achieve the sustainable management of all natural resources.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES
• Fundación Jambeli is mainly known for its Wildlife Conservation Center caring for approximately 300 individuals from about 35 species.
• Maintains captive breeding program for endangered species like the Guayaquil Macaw.
• Encourages sustainable development and technically supports communities that live directly from the natural resources, especially the mangrove ecosystems.
• Restores and conserves ecosystems such as the mangroves and the tropical dry forest.
• Promotes environmental education through specialized wildlife exhibitions to motivate the public to participate actively in the conservation of biodiversity and to care for the environment.
ENDANGERED SPECIES EX SITU CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
GUAYAQUIL MACAW Ara ambiguus guayaquilensis EX SITU CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The Guayaquil Macaw conservation project is one of the most successful at Jambeli. In 2007, thanks to Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund it was possible to build 5 new breeding cages. At the moment, the project registers 14 adult individuals that came from other wildlife centers, through voluntary surrenders or through environmental police confiscations. Within this group, there are 5 formed couples, from those, only 4 have been able to breed successfully and 29 chicks have hatched in captivity. It is important to note the reproductive success of the breeding couples, due to the fact that all breeding couples have raised at least 1 chick to adulthood, except in 3 occasions between the years 2001 and 2007. Additionally, in some cases, the couples have been able to breed and raise 2 and 3 chicks at the time.
THE PUBLICATION OF “EL AVE SIMBOLO DE GUAYAQUIL”
The book “El Ave Símbolo de Guayaquil” was presented to the public in July 19th, 2007, at Parque Histórico Guayaquil. The total production and publication of the book had a cost of $8,136.27 and was possible thanks to the M.I. Municipalidad de Guayaquil, El Banco Bolivariano, L. Henríquez, Sea World and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The book compiles 10 years of information registered at the project since 1997 at Fundación Jambeli. This work will help to understand the behaviour of the Guayaquil Macaw and thus, implement a release strategy and a management plan to continue the research and monitoring of the species.
AMERICAN CROCODILE Crocodylus acutus EX SITU CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Funded by Hacienda Jambeli
Positive results for this program include the breeding of more than 100 crocodiles in captivity at the Wildlife Center since 2003. Hacienda Jambeli group funded the construction of the breeding facility of about 1000 m2 currently holding seven adult crocodiles. The facility has been enriched with elements of their natural habitat such as mangroves and estuarine conditions. Nesting sites have also been provided considering territoriality of females. The enclosure permits the daily observation of the individuals, especially during nesting and breeding season, to obtain data of their reproductive behavior, nests and eggs
SPIDER MONKEY Ateles fusciceps EX SITU CONSERVATION PROJECT
Funded by Hacienda Jambeli and Zoo Doué-la-Fointaine in 2007.
Fundacion Jambeli’s Ateles fusciceps ex situ conservation program is probably the only of its kind in Ecuador.
At Jambeli Wildlife Conservation Center, the program is implemented in islands harboring each a group of monkeys: a small island and a large one. Results as of this date include six breedings from which five have been successful: one in the small island and five in the large one, one of this resulting in the death of the infant. There is a fifth birth expected this year in the large island. A third island was built in 2007, funded by Zoo Doué-la-Fointaine from a 1500 euro donation received in September 2007.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
The environmental enrichment program was developed in 2007 in coordination with Wildlife Center Director Julio Baquerizo and Emily Martin from Zoo-to-you, who’s visit was possible thanks to Rob Yordi, Zoological Manager de Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The goal of this program is to reduce stressful conditions in animals caused by enclosures, using different tools such as bamboo feeders, old tires, and creative feedings to stimulate physically and psychologically the distinct animals according to their natural habits and behavior. Volunteers and their creative ideas, are very important to implement this wildlife management tool that is essential for animal welfare.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Fundación Jambeli works in the management of coastal ecosystems in three aspects:
1. Research
2. Reforestación
3. Technical support and advising to communities and other institutions.
MANGROVES
Fundación Jambeli efforts in mangrove conservation in the past have include partnerships with other organizations such as The Guayas Forestry District of the Ministry of the Environment, INIAP (Instituto Nacional Autónomo de Investigaciones Agropecuarias) of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Association of Native Guides of La Tola – Esmeraldas, and also coordinated projects with the Japanese foundation Actmang, the Association of Women of Olmedo Nueva Union, Ecological Reserve Manglares Churute, Ecological Reserve Cayapas-Matage and with Parque Historico Guayaquil del Banco Central del Ecuador.
TROPICAL DRY FOREST AND OTHER
Reforestation is not only limited to mangrove ecosystems. In Bucay and in Balao Chico there have been reforestation and restoration of native forests plants of the region to recover their original characteristics that have been lost due to uncontrolled deforestation.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Through an agreement of cooperation, we are supporting the Association of crab harvestmen “6 de Julio” in the sustainable management of 1366 hectares of mangrove that were given in custody for ten years to the Association by the Ministry of the Environment. The area is located between the rivers Balao Chico and San Pablo. The association is formed by 103 members and they have the responsibility to protect this mangrove and to use the red crab resource in a sustainable way. The protection of this area is very hard due to the many conflicts in the zone that include the deforestation of mangrove for wood and the illegal harvest of red crab during ban season. On the other hand, this kind of custody has helped to reduce the overexploitation of these mangroves. Fundación Jambeli also technically supports the Association to implement he management plan.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND AGROTOURISM
Fundación Jambeli, in association with other conservation institutions, has implemented talks, conferences, temporary exhibits and education conservation campaigns, such as the butterfly garden and crocodile week in Guayaquil. In addition, there is a permanent agrotourism program at Hacienda Jambeli that includes visits to Jambeli Wildlife Center, which provides an educational and recreational experience itself.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Fundación Jambeli volunteer program was created for the Wildlife Conservation Center, however volunteers at the office are welcome as well. Volunteers represent not only a free source of labor but part of their fees for food and housing at Hacienda Jambeli contribute directly towards wildlife maintenance and veterinary supplies.
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you for the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and project, and a DVD about how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
If you are volunteering on a Teaching project then a 40-hour Online TEFL course is included in your placement fee. This is an internationally recognised and accredited certificate that will help you to make the most of your time overseas. More
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time… especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country coordinator (ICC) will pick you up from the airport and conduct your orientation upon arrival. All ICC's are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country coordinators you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by i-to-i staff in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals Docleaf to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. At the end of 2006 we flew all our in-country coordinators to the UK for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly, but once a year they are all invited to apply for funding for special projects or resources from our registered charity arm, the i-to-i Foundation. i-to-i funds the operation of the i-to-i Foundation and is the largest single donor. Along with the generous support of our volunteers, we have distributed over US$200,000 in funding in the last two years alone! More
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
VVolunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
EU Customers – find out more here >>
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your orientation accommodation. One additional night accommodation is included in this payment; if you require more than one night please inform the team.
The cost of this Early Pick-up service is US$ 60.00
For thousands of years before the Incas arrived from Peru to expand their empire, advanced indigenous cultures made Ecuador their home. They fought hard to hold on but from the 1400s the Inca’s succeeded in developing its civilisation into neighbouring territories. The Incas were not immune from shifts in power and, during the same year the Spanish set foot on Ecuadorian soil (1526), the Inca Empire was divided for the first time when Inca ruler Huayna Capac went against tradition by leaving his empire to two sons rather than one. After years of fighting, Atahualpa defeated Huascar to become ruler of the empire. His position was short lived and the Inca Empire was all but confined to a place in history when in the 1530s the Spanish laid down the foundations to rule the country. Under Spanish rule, Indians and Mestizos (people of mixed indigenous and European descent) suffered forced labour and several uprisings ensued. Liberator Simón Bolívar helped secure independence for Ecuador, which was fully achieved by 1830.
Against a backdrop of violent rivalry between liberal and conservative factions, an unstable political climate dominated the 19th century and was marked by a quick succession of rulers. The 20th century brought mixed fortunes. The country’s development was hampered by the collapse of the coco market in the 1920s and the Great Depression of the 1930s but it achieved stable civilian rule and increased banana exports from 1948 to 1960. Recession and social unrest led to an anti-communist military government taking power in the early 1960s and it wasn’t until 1979 that democratic constitutional measures were put into play. Indigenous groups now have a voice and influence on politics but the country has a lot of economic ground to cover and high levels of unemployment. On an environmental level, Ecuador is rich in biodiversity but has one of the highest deforestation rates in South America.
The diversity of Ecuador does not fit neatly into four seasons. As a general note, it has a dry winter from June to September and a wet summer from December to April. For hiking in the highlands, the best time is during the cool winter. For exploring the jungle (the Oriente), there isn’t a temperate period as it’s often thick with humidity, while the sierra can get chilly and coastal areas are warm year round.
The Galápagos Islands experience hot, rainy weather from January to April and its waters are comfortably warm during this time, making it ideal for snorkelling. During the rest of the year the water is on the chilly side at around 20°C (68°F) or lower. The surfing season is typically December to February.
The biggest celebration days are Christmas, Semana Santa (Easter week), Inti Raymi (June 24), and Independence Day (May 24). Expect an influx of visitors during these periods and from June to August when the vacation season is in full swing.
There’s no better way to see the snow-capped Andes than to fly. The flight from Quito to Cuenco alone takes in the sight of volcano after volcano. With great views aside, flying in Ecuador is affordable and also convenient; you can get to where you want to go in usually no more than half an hour’s flying time. The country’s main airlines like Tame offer daily services to the main towns and cities, usually departing from Quito or Guayaquil. It’s also the best way to get to the Oriente, with other modes of transport unable to access the area. Flights to the Galápagos Islands, however, can be pricey and flying time from Ecuador is around 3 hours. Depending on your destination but particularly for flights to the Galápagos Islands and the Oriente, there is a system in place whereby foreigners are required to pay more than double what Ecuadorians pay. It’s also worth noting that seats are not reserved and are given on a first come, first served basis. Reconfirming a flight 24 hours before is imperative as it’s not unknown for airlines to refute your reservation if it hasn’t been confirmed ahead of departure.
Buses are a cheaper option and although most long distance journeys take a day or less, it can feel longer due to the road conditions. Buses usually leave from central terminals and it’s best to buy a ticket at least a few hours in advance to reserve a seat. Local buses are often very cheap but also very crowded. Taxis are a good option for short journeys or day tips out of cities if hired for the day and can be cheaper than car rental. Taximeters are in existence but not always switched on so it’s best to agree on a price before the journey begins.
www.tame.com.ec
National airline Tame.
We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
* We can be held responsible for any starry-eyed and amazing journeys of enlightenment, discovery and thorough enjoyment...
