Volunteers will be living with an indigenous community that make up the last descendants of the Manteña people inside a tropical dry forest in the Machalilla National Park. The ancient Mantas were known to have sailed all the way to Mexico and down to Patagonia but their civilization was wiped out by diseases bought by the Spanish. The Manteña people were one of the most advanced cultures in Ecuador and the remains of various Manta cities that have long been abandoned are scattered around the national park.
Expected Tasks While Volunteering:
- Teaching English to Children
- Acting as Translator for Tourists
- Community Work and Development
- Organic Farming
A Typical Day While Volunteering in Agua Blanca Manabi:
After spending the night in a wooden lodge in the village volunteers will wake up early to eat breakfast with an indigenous family before setting out to work hand in hand with other members of the community on the organic farm. In the afternoon volunteers will be in charge of teaching English to children and helping the community tourism by translating for international visitors in the museums and the various abandoned city ruins of the ancient Mantas.
Why This is Important:
Helping this indigenous community create a more environmentally sustainable way of living through the development of conservation and ecologically sustainable tourism reduces their reliance on the deforestation and the exploitation of the environment for money. Because 90% of Ecuadors tropical dry forest has already been destroyed this volunteer work project is particularly important.
The Volunteer Perfect for this Program:
- Speaks a Basic or Intermediate Level of Spanish
- Interested in Anthropology or Archeology
Price per month:
- $300 per month
- A $50 administration fee is charged once at the start of the program.
Price Includes:
- Homestay with Indigenous Family
- Training and Support
- A Work Recommendation Letter
Volunteers will also receive an instant discount on all Trekking Expeditions and discounts on Whale Watching in Porto Lopez.
Minimum Time Spent Volunteering
- 2 weeks
- Discounts for longer stays.
Check out the testimonials and photos of previous volunteers at Agua Blanca Manabi.
Want to Make a Difference? Contact Us!
Use the contact form below or email us on: ecuadorecovolunteer@gmail.com
