Green Volcano Ranch (Volcanic Crater)

This volunteering opportunity is one in a million. We live in one of the two populated craters in the world, yes, INSIDE, a crater. The crater belongs to an active, but dormant volcano, located in the equator. This program will allow you to have a connection with nature, learn about it and maybe even value a bit more the world you live in. You will learn about our tourism company with horses. A company that manages an ethical view and approach when it comes to taking care of our 14 horse babies. You will have the opportunity to live a cultural exchange with our community, meet volunteers from all over the world and make memories for a lifetime.
The crater offers you the opportunity to be in contact with one of the most diverse spots in Ecuador, this is a wonderful place to discover a numerous variety of orchids, birds and wild fauna. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place and we would love to share this little chunk of heaven with you.

We are offering volunteers housing and food for you to cook your delicious meals! Its a great opportunity to share dishes fro your home place with the rest of volunteers.

Since we have limited space at the volunteer house, we prioritize volunteers with horse experience. Getting to know the horses and the routine might take a bit, we really encourage volunteers to stay a minimum of two months.

An Oregon native and recent immigrant to Ecuador. I oversees general operations at the ranch, and Im in the midst of making plans for exciting new construction, of which I'd love to teach about. Im friendly, openminded and welcoming. Thats why I try my best to make this place so warm and welcoming. My staff as me, we share the same advocacy for kindness and respect. We've worked with many volunteers with different programs, and trust me, they all have loved the experience.


Reviews

4.5
(6 reviews)6

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

4.0

Learning & Fun

4.5

Germany

5

I had an amazing time at the Green Volcano Ranch.
It is the perfect place for anyone who wants to be out in nature, enjoy the peace of the Ecuadorian volcanoes and mountains, and spend time around well-trained horses and the cutest dogs.
It is really off-grid, with not many people around, so one has to consider that. You can also learn a lot about horses and even take riding lessons.
I loved the house, especially the kitchen, which inspired me to cook. I did plenty of different types of work, mostly feeding the animals and maintaining things where needed.

Thank you for the great time !

16 days ago

Germany

5

The ranch is located in a stunning National Park. The location is wonderful, quiet and peaceful within nature. The hosts Jonina and Steffen are very kind and always look after your well-being.

Only the volunteers live on the ranch in a small but very comfortable house which is above standard compared to other volunteering places. The kitchen is brand new.

The work was easy and in total we worked rather less than the agreed hours.

When I was there, there was not much training of horses and riding because there were almost no tourists coming due to the political situation in Ecuador.

5 months ago

Germany

5

I had a wonderful experience the two months i stayed. The hosts are super kind and helpful with everything. The animals were also super cute and fun to work with. I learned a lot about how to work and take of the animals. The working times are really flexible and you can also go to Quito on your days off, which was really nice. I can only recommend volunteering here!

5 months ago

United Kingdom

3

This was an ok experience for me. Hours certainly weren’t as agreed. And apparently Jonina wasn’t even aware of the work hours on here or Workaway. One example was the last group of tourists I assisted with a ride. I worked 8.5hrs. not uncommon to be expected to work 7+ hours, 5 days a week. And if you choose to stay at the ranch on your days off expect to be asked to do the feeding and medical treatments, which can take up to 2hrs depending on which field they are in. The ranch is extremely remote, 2hrs min walking to nearby road. Food could’ve been better but did improve. Wouldnt come again

almost 1 year ago

Netherlands

5

rafa has been an amazing host, he really cares for the volunteers and their well being, and regularly took us out of the crater to do little trips around. the house was cozy, could use some improvement here and there but overall a pleasant place to hang out, cook etc.

over 1 year ago


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Rural

Contact with animals

Mountain

Wilderness