Amazon - Cloud Forest & Beyond

Lend a hand in Latin America 's Garden of Eden and experience the delights of the Amazon Jungle.

Straddling the equator, Ecuador has a range of ecosystems from snowy Andean peaks to tropical jungles.   The Alto Choco Reserve covers thousands of acres of cloud forest with wildlife that includes Andean spectacled bears and dwarf deer.  We give you the chance to work in this beautiful reserve which is located in one of the ten most biologically important zones in the world.  Your experience is combined with a journey around Ecuador to discover a fascinating blend of colonial and indigenous cultures, charming towns and villages with impressive architecture and colourful local markets.

Your involvement at Alto Choco:

During your stay at Alto Choco Lodge you'll be involved in reforestation programs, collecting seeds from native trees and growing them in the nursery, or planting larger seedlings in the reserve.  You might be working in the botanical garden, rebuilding orchid containers or garden pathways, or marking reserve boundaries to prevent woodcutters from felling trees in the protected area.  The organic garden also needs to be tended as this provides much of the food that you will be helping to cook for yourself during your stay.  There are always plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, and in your free time you can swim in the river or explore the beautiful surroundings.

Itinerary (20 nights / 21 days)

Day 1, Quito
Arrive in Quito .

Day 2, Quito - Amazon
Head through spectacular Andean scenery into the Amazon. We spend the 3 nights in a secluded jungle lodge on the world's greatest ecosystem. (BLD) Approx 7 hours driving

Days 3 - 4, Amazon
We have two full days in the Amazon to fully appreciate the diversity of this unique wilderness area. We explore on foot and by canoe, accompanied by a native guide. (BLD)

Day 5, Amazon - Banos
We take a morning bus to Banos, a lovely town situated in an idyllic location on the slopes of Tungurahua volcano. (B)

Day 6, Banos
A full day to explore Banos and the surrounding area. There are a range of different options including hiking, riding horses into the mountains, exploring by mountain bike and relaxing in the hot pools for which the town is famous. (B)

Day 7, Banos - Riobamba
Morning bus journey to Riobamba at the foot of the Chimborazo Alps . The afternoon is free to explore the surrounding mountain scenery. (B)

Day 8, Riobamba - Cuenca
Board the famous 'Devil's Nose' railway for the journey across steep-sided ravines and rocky gorges to Alausi. Continue by bus to the old colonial town of Cuenca , stopping in Ingapirca , Ecuador 's finest Inca ruins. (Note: if the train is not running we will travel by bus instead). (B)

Day 9, Cuenca
Morning walking tour of this beautiful city. Its cobblestone streets, flowering plazas and whitewashed buildings with old wooden doors and ironwork balconies make it a pleasure to explore. (B)

Day 10, Cuenca - Cajas National Park
Over 250 lakes separated by rocky ridges make Cajas NP one of the most beautiful natural spots in Ecuador , with abundant birdlife including the condor and many hummingbirds. We spend the day touring the park by bus and on foot. (B)

Day 11, Cuenca – Quito
Last chance to buy an authentic Panama hat, originally made in Cuenca , before we fly back to Quito . (B)

Day 12, Quito
Quito is one of Latin America 's most historically important cities with a wealth of architectural gems and the dramatic backdrop of the Pichincha volcano. The day is free to explore. (B)

Day 13, Quito – Otavalo
We set off by bus to Otavalo, a traditional Andean town with one of South America 's best markets. The afternoon is free to explore the town. (B)

Day 14, Otavalo – Alto Choco
Saturday is market day in Otavalo and the streets throng with stalls selling the brightly coloured textiles for which the region is famous. In the afternoon you will travel north by public bus to the Alto Choco Reserve. (BD) Approx 5 hours driving

Days 15 - 19, Alto Choco
You spend the week volunteering and relaxing in the lodge amidst the beautiful surroundings. (BLD)

The Volunteer Programme

Alto Choco Cloud Forest
The Alto Choco Reserve is located in the Intag Zone of the Imbabura Province , Northern Ecuador . It is part of the Ecuadorian Chocó bioregion, which is one of the ten most important Biological zones in the world. The Reserve has diverse altitudinal levels, ranging from 1,800 to 4,000m, with temperatures that range between 5 and 23º centigrade. The Reserve covers 2,500 hectares, about 1,500 of which are comprised of cloud forest, the remaining areas are secondary forest, paramo and pastures. The reserve has a wide range of fauna including Andean (Spectacled) bears, Dwarf deer, and the Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana). There is a great diversity of plants, especially orchids and native forest species such as the Cascarilla, Arrayán and Sisin .

Volunteer Programme Hosts
Fundacion Zoobreviven is a non-profit organisation aiming to conserve the biodiversity of Ecuador . They achieve this through the responsible use of natural resources, scientific research, wildlife, plant and tree conservation and development of economic alternatives for local communities. Alto Choco is one of three cloud forests that are managed by the charity.

The Volunteer Programme
This conservation programme involves fairly light work such as collecting seeds and cuttings from native trees on the reserve and growing them in the tree nursery, rebuilding orchid containers, and clearing paths. There is time between your duties to enjoy a swim in the river, explore the peaceful reserve and relax. Volunteers will stay in the Alto Choco lodge, an adobe and timber building containing a kitchen, 4 bedrooms and a covered veranda with hammocks. Rooms are dormitory style and sheets, pillows and blankets are provided. It is a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag as it can get quite cold at night (minus 10 degrees C). There is no electricity at the lodge, candles are provided for lighting. Food is provided although volunteers will need to help prepare their own meals, bathroom facilities consist of an outside toilet and shower with hot water.

Day 20, Alto Choco – Quito
Say farewell to your hosts and return to Quito . (B)

Day 21, Quito
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

What does your donation cover?
100% of you donation goes to Fundacion Zoobreviven. It is used for general programme running costs, and to cover volunteer's accommodation and food. (See the fundraising section for ideas on how to fundraise for your donation).

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