This volunteer program is no longer available on Ecuador Eco Volunteer while we currently undergo changes to make this organization 100% non-profit.


Volunteers will be living in an indigenous community on the border of Chimborazo National Park below the 6,310 metres (20,565 ft) extinct volcano Chimborazo. This is the perfect program for people who want to escape from civilization to the mountains but it is extremely cold at night and kind of cold in the day so make sure you pack the appropriate clothes and bring a few books for downtime.

Expected Tasks While Volunteering:
- Taking Care of Alpacas.
- Community Work
- Organic Farming

A Typical Day While Volunteering:
Volunteers will be working with the community on day to day activities like tending to the alpacas and community work. Clothing suitable for very cold weather is necessary for working outside with the residents while organic farming and looking after the alpacas.

The huts and houses in the community are heavily insulated and volunteers can warm up around the wood fire ovens while cooking their food of a night. Some days visibility will be reduced to a few metres as the village is literary engulfed in the clouds and other days you will be working in the shadow of Ecuadors highest mountain, the volcano Chimborazo.

Why This Volunteer Work Project is Important:
By helping these Indigenous Villages rise out of poverty and become more self sufficient we will be reducing the ‘rural exodus’ of poor farm workers into dangerous slums with high unemployment in the big cities like Quito and Guayaquil. It also helps the community create a more environmentally sustainable way of living by encouraging conservation and reducing the reliance on exploiting the natural resources in the environment for money.

The Volunteer Perfect for this Program:
- Speaks a basic or intermediate level of Spanish and wishes to rapidly improve.
- Is eager to learn about Organic Farming in harsh climates
- Is an avid trekker, camper, or photographer
- Is interested in mountain climbing and needs to acclimatize to high altitudes to increase his or her success in reaching the summit of Mt. Chimborazo or Cotopaxi.

Price per month:
- $300 per month
- $225 three weeks
- $150 two weeks
- $95 one week
A $50 administration fee is charged once at the start of the program.

Price Includes:
- Transport to Andes Alpaca Ranch
- Training and Support
- Homestay with an Indigenous Family
- A Work Recommendation Letter

Volunteers also receive discounts on Mountain Climbing and Trekking Expeditions.

Minimum Time Spent Volunteering:
- 1 week minimum
(Maximum 4 Volunteers at a Time)

Volunteers will be volunteering between Monday to Friday with weekends free for leisure time or travel around Ecuador. You will have to take your own food to prepare meals in the kitchen facilities provided.

Check out other volunteer testimonials and photos from the Andes Alpaca Ranch

Want to Make a Difference? Contact Us!
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

Back to Andes Volunteer Work