Join our transformative conservation project in Ecuador! Help us protect endangered species and habitats while immersing yourself in local culture and landscapes. Together, we’ll achieve significant milestones, from boosting environmental education to saving sea turtle nests and planting trees. Your passion and support make our conservation efforts possible. Let's make a lasting impact on our planet's future!
Starting from
Starting from
US$ 2,465
Starting from
Jo is an experienced sea turtle veterinarian who has been travelling for 5 years with a van, boat or backpack, volunteering at wildlife centres around the world. Join her on this once in a lifetime experience, learning about a species that has been around longer than dinosaurs, giving back to local communities and most importantly, having fun and making new friends. See you there!
Show moreStarting from
US$ 1,495
Arrival and welcome, tour of the facilities, team introduction.
Workshop on the Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve and conservation actions to protect sea turtles.
Tour of the Galerita nesting beach. On-site explanation of the sea turtle conservation project. Locating, protecting, and monitoring sea turtle nests (June - March). Collection of non-organic waste (year-round).
Introductory theoretical-practical permaculture class. Planting special plants (optional).
Bird observation and recording (optional).
Bird observation and recording (optional).
Tour of the Galerita nesting beach. Locating, protecting, and monitoring sea turtle nests (June - March). Collection of non-organic waste (year-round).
Work in the agroforestry nursery. Preparation of plants for reforestation campaigns (optional).
Bird observation and recording (optional).
Night walk in the forest to observe and record nocturnal species. Installation of camera traps (optional).
Beach monitoring for locating/protecting new nests.
Environmental education activities at a local school.
Reforestation campaign in Caimito and agroforestry systems work (optional). Includes cacao harvest/pruning (13 km south of Punta Tortuga).
Bird observation and recording (optional).
Travel to Quingue (11 km) for nesting beach monitoring.
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Tour of Quingue nesting beach. Locating, protecting, and monitoring sea turtle nests (June - March). Collection of non-organic waste (year-round).
Workshop on artisanal chocolate making at a local business. Option to purchase regenerative chocolate bars. Includes a demonstration of cacao seed processing: roasting, peeling, and grinding. (Supports a local chocolatero family).
Visit nearby tourist destinations (e.g., Mompiche, 1h15, for surfing or classes). Rest on-site at Punta Tortuga is also an option.
Conservation option.
Nesting beach monitoring in Quingue or agroforestry work in Caimito.
Agroforestry work, wildlife monitoring, or bird observation in Caimito.
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Build slow formation terraces for the improvement of soil structure.
Protect sea turtle nests and help babies reach the ocean safely when they’re ready to hatch.
September - February
Boost local conservation awareness by joining 2+ eco activities weekly in nearby schools.
Plant species along the watershed to prevent erosion, and prune and harvest in agroforestry systems.
Join beach walks with a marine biologist to spot and protect new sea turtle nests.
June- March
Collect and classify plastic on nesting beaches, as plastic is a major threat to sea turtles.
All year round
Support reforestation in the Chocó, a top biodiverse zone, by working in nurseries.
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Preparation of plants for reforestation campaigns (optional).
Bird observation and recording (optional)
Activities at a local school
Learn about the reserve and conservation actions to protect sea turtles.
Planting special plants (optional)
On-site explanation of the sea turtle conservation project.
June - March
Observe and record nocturnal species. Installation of camera traps (optional).
Locate/protect new nests!
and agroforestry systems work. Includes cacao harvest/pruning (optional)
Includes a demonstration of cacao seed processing: roasting, peeling, and grinding.
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Gear and a 2 hour session.
Surfing lessons for $25
¡Hablemos español! Learn from native speakers
For jus $15/hour
United States
My experience at the reserve was incredible. I learned so much about agroforestry and the local culture and enjoyed every activity we did. They were very informative and welcomed us in with open arms. I loved the space, the activities, and the people we met. Going to the school meant a lot to me and also to the students. We were well taken care of and loved our hosts!
3 months ago
United States
It was the experience of a lifetime! Diego and Andrea were very flexible with the schedule. They were incredible hosts and they taught us so much about the marine life on the reserve.
3 months ago
Cayman Islands
I had such a great stay at the reserve! The hosts were incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating, and they went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable. Diego speaks English, which made communication easy, but I'd also encourage future guests to learn a few basic Spanish phrases. It really enhances the experience and helps you immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life. One tip for future visitors: if you're not used to the heat and humidity, bring a small handheld rechargeable fan. Overall, this was a wonderful experience and I'd recommend staying here!
3 months ago
United States
Diego and Adriana were the most wonderful hosts. I really enjoyed my week here and fel very safe here as woman. I really encourage you to get to know the hosts and their backstory. Invite them to join you for dinner! I'll never forget watching a turtle lay her eggs on the beach from inches away. Advice: Pack x3 the amount of bug spray that you think you'll need. You will need it 24/7. I recommend ordering a high concentration of deet such as 50%. I would also recommend bringing an extensive medical kit with you for different minor ailments. There is not a pharmacy nearby.
3 months ago
United States
My experience at the reserve was so special! The team is small, but the work they do is huge! Diego and Andrea are wonderful hosts! They make sure your days are full of unique experiences while they are also willing to meet you where you and take things at your pace. I highly recommend for open-minded individuals, ready to experience something that you have never before! Prepare yourselves to be FULLY immersed in nature, learning the ins and out of Ecuadorian biodiversity and sustainability, while experiencing raw moments of pure awe and wonder.
3 months ago
United States
I had so much fun during my time! I always felt seen and cared for and the hosts really put time into educating us and helping us through our work. Some of the kindest people I've ever met I would 100% recommend this to anyone interested in trying something new whether you're just getting into environmental volunteering or are a seasoned pro!
3 months ago
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
Four same-gender dorms are available to be shared between no more than three other travelers or project staff. Each traveler has their individual spaces for clothes and belongings, electricity sockets, plus a toilet and separate shower in each room. Comfortable beds and bed clothes are available, and you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes: all the beds have mosquito nets to ensure a good night of sleep. We care about nature even when nature calls, so our toilets are ecological - composting, dry toilet.
Healthy and organic local food cooked by a local with lots of experience. Breakfast includes organic fruits harvested by travelers at the agroforestry system, homemade bread, happy chicken eggs, homemade yogurt, and homemade marmalade. Lunch and dinner can include vegetable soup, salad, fish and vegetables baked with coconut milk, rice, pasta, meat and cheese.
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito and connect with your driver for a direct group transfer to the project site. A direct group return transfer back to Quito Airport is also included at departure. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!
Our mission is to conserve threatened ecosystems like the Galera - San Francisco marine reserve and the Ecuadorian Chocó coastal rainforest by collaborating with local communities and international travelers. Through organized activities, the project aims to restore habitats and increase endangered species populations, addressing challenges exacerbated by local economic constraints. With the support of travelers, significant achievements include intensified environmental education, enhanced protection of sea turtle nests, and substantial disposed plastic collection.
Travelers are essential to the project's success, providing a helping hand in sea turtle conservation and habitat restoration. They acquire essential skills, contribute to real conservation efforts, and gain cultural experiences by living in the jungle and engaging with local communities. Through their involvement, travelers help spread the importance of ecological actions for conservation and inspire future generations to combat climate change.
Top host
The region of Muisne is an amazing area in terms of local culture and biodiversity. As it is not a touristic area, our area is pretty well maintained and authentic. It is the only place in Ecuador where you can see from the same spot at the beach at the same time a humpback whale (as they get really close to the coast during certain months of the year), a group of green/olive ridley sea turtles hatching, Chocó toucan flying around (and singing) and an amazing sunset. Travelers will be surrounded by the last remnants of Ecuadorian coastal Chocó rainforest and by the Galera - San Francisco marine reserve where, according to scientific researchers, there is a biodiversity that compares to the Galápagos.
During your free time, you can visit the nearby beach, waterfalls, hiking trails, surf spots, and participate in workshops and in movie + pizza nights.
Embark on a journey with the only non-profit organization in the area dedicated to safeguarding a unique Marine Reserve, with a special focus on protecting sea turtles, and preserving the last traces of coastal Chocó rainforest. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to protect endangered habitats and species while promoting ecological practices that encourage sustainability.
Through activities with the local kids and youth, travelers will gain and spread the knowledge and skills needed for engaging in sea turtle conservation initiatives, including monitoring nesting beaches and addressing threats such as plastic pollution. You also help (and learn) in the regeneration of cacao farms and agroforestry systems.
Sea turtles are really threatened species that play a very important role in oceans. Sea turtles, particularly green turtles that we work with, rely on seagrass beds as a primary food source. As these herbivorous creatures graze on seagrass, they prevent it from overgrowing which can shade the coral reefs beneath, hindering the necessary process of photosynthesis that corals need to survive. By maintaining the balance of seagrass beds, sea turtles contribute to the health of nearby coral reefs, so for the population of many other species that local communities depend on.
Travelers will work in the production of endangered species of plants for the reforestation of degraded areas. We will be restoring habitat through reforestation, ecological design and regenerative agriculture.
Travelers will support the conservation of species that play an important role for the sustainability of fisheries and will help design agroforestry systems to produce local and ecological food. Travelers will also help collect plastic waste and classify it in unique and threatened ecosystems.
Short, curated trips designed for travelers who want more than just a vacation.
Explore our curated collection of 1–2 week group adventures with purpose.
Choose your dates and complete your booking in just a few steps.
Our dedicated support team is with you every step of the way to help with all the preparation.
Pay your Program fee to confirm your trip and submit the required documents.
Be a part of a life-changing group trip. Make new friends, learn, and make an impact.
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Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly - no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a support team and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips plans offer different cancelation & modification conditions, which are presented on the payment check-out page and on the Worldpackers Group Trips Terms and Conditions.
Each of the Worldpackers Group Trips experiences offer different benefits, which may include volunteer certificates. All benefits are stated on the openings’ pages, and you can check what type of certificates are available in each of them.
The traveler is solely responsible for any and all other requirements relating to travel logistics, including but not limited to tickets, passports, local transportation, travel insurance, and visas. Since every country has its own unique policies that vary according to the nationality of travelers and multiple other factors that may quickly change, Worldpackers does not offer any specific help regarding visas, documentation, vaccinations, or travel insurance. Please check all requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country you’d like to visit for trustworthy, updated information.
Each traveler must secure their spot in experiences through paying the amount advertised on the Epic Trip experience web page. The amount advertised is unique, and slots are limited: please check the maximum number of participants on the experience’s web page to make sure you’ll be able to travel together.
