INTRODUCTION:
Travelling to South America? Willing to have a different experience? Interested in learning about conservation
and social development? Do you want to experience what life is like in the Ecuadorian Tropical Cloud Forest?
Come spend a couple of weeks learning, growing, working, hiking and enjoying the natural beauty and rich
traditions of Ecuador…
At La Hesperia’s TVL program you will be able to sample many aspects of life in rural Ecuador. Living for two
weeks on an 814 hectares reserve located just two hours west of Quito, you will have the opportunity to learn
about the conservation efforts that are being made at La Hesperia, as well as about the ecology of the cloud
forest and the wildlife of the area. Not only will you be able to learn and ask questions, you’ll also have the
chance to experience conservation hands on through reforestation and eco-construction projects. In the
forest, hiking and observing, you’ll develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and the
problems that we are working against. Trips to the town and to a local indigenous community will round out
your time at La Hesperia, giving you a chance to experience the culture and traditions of Ecuador. You will
leave with new perspectives and a better understanding of life and conservation in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Why Ecuador?
Ecuador is considered one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. The nations´ drastic geographic and
climatic variations have led to evolution of thousands of species of flora and fauna. In Ecuador there are 10%
of the worlds plant species, (25,000 species of trees), approximately 8 % of the world’s animals and 18% of the
planet’s birds (i.e. 1,640 bird species, 4,500 species of butterflies, 350 species of reptiles, 375 species of
amphibians, and 1,550 species of mammals, 800 fresh water fish species, and 450 salt water fish species).
Ecuador has 46 ecosystems that go from sea level to an altitude of around 6,400 meters in its total area of
256, 370 km². Despite its tiny size, Ecuador is home to rain forest, cloud forest, mountains, islands, deserts,
valleys and snow capped volcanoes. In addition to its biodiversity, Ecuador is the home of fourteen different
ethnic groups.
Despite the conservation efforts of the government, NGOs and concient people 42% of the territory has forest
and 18% of the national territory is under protection. Between 89.000 and 124.000 hectares of the Ecuadorian
forest disappears every year. Therefore, all help is important, so be a part of it!
Why La Hesperia?
La Hesperia is a nature reserve located in the western range of the Andes at an altitude of 1100 – 2040
meters above sea level. With an area of 814 hectares, it is located in the center of the Rio Toachi-Chiriboga
IBA (Important Bird Area, declared by Bird Life International and Conservation International) and it is part of two
important bioregions: The Tropical Andes and the Choco Darien – Western Ecuador, considered within the top
five biodiversity hotspots on earth.
The station works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring
degraded areas and searching for sustainable activities that enable us to support the reserve and to offer a
better way of life for the local community as well as those who work and live at the reserve. La Hesperia is open
to receive volunteers, students, researchers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts
La Hesperia encompasses three types of forest: pre-montane evergreen, low montane and high montane
(cloud forest). Within the boundaries of the reserve there are 292 species of birds, 40 species of mammals,
and 63 genera of butterflies (several lists are available). The vegetation is typical of the cloud forest, which has
the highest diversity of epiphyte plants. In the nursery several endangered tree species are reproduced.
Some of the common animals are: White-fronted capuchin monkey, Tayra, Agouti, Paca, Peccary, Andean
Cock-of-the-Rock, Wattled Guan, Pale-mandible Araçari, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and Lineated
Woodpecker. There are also records of some of the Chocó endemic birds like: Dark-backed Wood-Quail,
Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Violet-tailed Sylph, Toucan barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan,
Chocó Toucan and Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager.
ITINERARY:
Day 1
We will meet at La Hesperia Quito Office and we will travel to La Hesperia Biological Station (2 hour trip from
Quito), plus a thirty minute walk uphill to the station house. The luggage will be transported by car. Time to
settle into your accommodation. After lunch an introductory tour will be given about the organic farm, the
reserve, the projects and the facilities. After dinner we will have a talk about Ecuador biodiversity or Ecology of
the cloud forest (depending on the group).
Day 2
Before breakfast we will milk the cows in the traditional way. After a delicious breakfast we will take a four hour
hike to the cloud forest to learn about its ecology and importance. We will enjoy a packed lunch. At night we
will learn about nocturnal insects and strategies, using a light trap
Day 3
After breakfast we will receive an explanation on the reforestation project as well as a machete lesson. We will
have the opportunity to plant native and endangered species, we will also learn about the different process of
reforestation. After a Picnic at the camp site, we will continue with the work.
Day 4
This morning we will continue working on the reforestation project. After lunch we will come back to the main
area to have free time, to explore the self guided trails and gardens or to swim in the pond. In the late
afternoon we will make chocolate and we will learn about the history of this amazing product. At night we will
enjoy the fire with a hot cup of cocoa.
Day 5
After breakfast we will hike through the Tupi trail and enjoy its wonderful waterfalls. We will have the option to
rappel some of them. After lunch we will have the option to play football with the local staff and to prepare for
our visit to the T´sachila Community.
Day 6
After breakfast we will depart for the T´sachila community of Chigüilpe. We will take part in some activities at
the community, and we will learn about the culture, especially about medicinal plants. Overnight at the village.
We will have the option (not included in the price) to take a traditional steam bath or healing with the shaman.
Day 7
After lunch we will return to La Hesperia. After a free afternoon we will have a discussion about Ecuadorian
politics and economy. Overnight at the station.
Day 8
This day the group will participate in a Eco-construction workshop. We will learn COB techniques and we will
work on a special project. At night a hike will be led to see and to hear the wildlife (optional).
Day 9
We will continue with our Eco-construction workshop.
Day 10
Early in the morning we will go bird watching. After breakfast we will participate in a field techniques workshop:
The group will learn about simple methods of ecological research, for example, data collection methods and will
enjoy a talk of wildlife.
Day 11
This day we will focus on sustainability. We will work in the vegetable garden, this work includes planting,
weeding and harvesting. After lunch, in groups we will prepare bio food like cheese, yogurt, pasta, coffee and
lemon grass tea.
Day 12
We will have a free morning to prepare for camping. After lunch we will hike to the camp site, there we will learn
about basic survival techniques, like building a shelter and eating food from the forest.
Day 13
Today requires all of our energy, because we are walking around the reserve’s borders, this hike takes
approximately seven hours. By doing this hike we will understand the conservation problems that the station is
trying to combat and we will patrol the reserve. In case somebody of the group does not feel like doing the
hike, there is the option of a shorter hike going back to the main house.
Day 14
After breakfast we will do some work at the Local Children Nursery or at the local school and we will do
educational activities and games with the children. Later we will have a free afternoon to take pictures or to
rest. At night we will enjoy a traditional farewell dinner, a camp fire and a salsa and merengue lesson.
Day 15
After a late breakfast, we will have time to prepare for the trip back to Quito.
DATES FOR 2010
June 14 to June 28, 2010
July 12 to July 26, 2010
August 2 to August 16, 2010
August 23 to September 6, 2010
PRICE 2010
US $550, 00
The price includes accommodation in shared rooms at La Hesperia’s volunteer house and T´sachila Village,
three meals per day, activities as described in the program, transportation (La Hesperia-T´sachila Community-
La Hesperia), educational materials, bilingual coordination, program leader (one or two according to the size of
the group) and rubber boots use
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
La Hesperia offers additional services at an extra price:
- Spanish lessons: US$5,00 per person per hour
- Internet service: US$1,50 per hour
- Transportation: We can organize the transportation of the group (Quito – La Hesperia-Quito) at an extra
price.
NOTE:
In case that you have more time to travel you can spend more time at La Hesperia, combining our TVL
program with our Volunteer program.
LA HESPERIA
Biological Station & Cloudforest Reserve
Biological Station & Cloudforest Reserve
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| TRAVELLING VOLUNTEERING LEARNING PROGRAM 2010 |