Wonder of Nature
This project on San Cristóbal, one of the world famous Galapagos Islands, gives you the opportunity to admire both the beautiful archipelago and at the same time contribute to conserving its breath-taking biodiversity.
Project Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean on either side of the equator. Politically, they are part of Ecuador, but they are situated about 1000 kilometres from the west coast of South America. Here you come face to face with wildlife that you will not encounter anywhere else in the world. Because the animals do not have natural enemies, people can easily approach them. In 1835 Charles Darwin arrived on the islands. His theory of evolution is in part based on the animals, plants and fossils he encountered on the Galapagos islands. In short, this is a must-see destination that never fails to amaze visitors. Those who decide to travel there do have to pay for the privilege, but general consensus is that it is well worth the investment!
Today, the Galapagos Islands are threatened by the exponential growth of tourism and local population. As a result, many plant species have been introduced into the fragile local ecosystem. The conservation project on San Cristóbal island therefore aims to preserve the native plant species and to minimize the impact of invasive new plant species in this unique and vulnerable environment.
As a volunteer you will stay with a host family or in a volunteer house, and work together with the locals in the urban and rural areas of the town of Puerto Ayora and surroundings. On the weekends you are free to explore the rest of the amazing Galapagos Islands.
How can you help?
Spanish
Location
Costs
Requirements
Typical day
- Control and eradicate invasive species and plant endemic plant species;
- Working in the greenhouse;
- Help setting up instructive workshops on the local environment and the importance of protecting the indigenous species and creating awareness of this issue among locals;
- Collecting seeds, preparing the soil for planting and producing seeds;
- Help taking care of the local population’s gardens;
- Collaborate with local farmers when building infrastructure around the farms to make these self-sufficient , and exchange ideas about organic farming techniques.
Before participating in the Galápagos project you need to first complete an intensive Spanish course at our office in Quito, unless you can prove that your knowledge of Spanish is already sufficient. For more information, see our Spanish course page.
It is important to take spanish lessons to be able to participate and communicate with local people. In our office in Quito we have experienced teachers. During the lessons besides Spanish you will learn about culture and get enough experience. This is ideal because you will also have the opportunity to participate in all our projects in Quito: English school, swimming school, soccer school and other interesting activities.
Local Dreamers offers its volunteers and interns excellent Spanish classes (private) for the price of only € 11 per lesson. Every volunteer and intern are very excited about our Spanish lessons.
- Spanish Basic: €264,-24 lessons
- Spanish Intensive: €440,- 40 lessons
- Spanish Specialist: €660,- 60 lessons
For more information, take a look at the Spanish course page.
Quito is the meeting point to direct our volunteers and interns to the different projects. Upon your arrival at the airport, José Luis (our driver) will be waiting to take you to our office, where one of our guides will be waiting for you to help you with everything you need to know before going to Galápagos
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean on either side of the equator. Politically, they are part of Ecuador, but they are situated about 1000 kilometres from the west coast of South America. As a volunteer you will stay with a host family or in a volunteer house, and work together with the locals in the urban and rural areas of the town of Puerto Ayora and surroundings
First week: €650,-
From the 2th week onwards: €595,- p.w
Important:
- The minimum stay on the Galapagos Islands is 1 week.
- On the Galapagos Islands you will stay with a host family. We do not yet have a residency at this location.
- We do not offer a Spanish course at this project location yet.
ATTENTION: Costs for transport to and from the Galapagos Islands are not included in the price.
As a serious and responsible organization we ask for the following requirements to participate in our projects:
• Fill out registration form
• Sign general terms and conditions
• Sign code of conduct
• Have travel insurance
• Vaccines
• Criminal background check
• Copy of passport
Important: to reserve it is necessary to pay a registration fee
During the mornings, from 07.30-13.30, the volunteers are expected to work on the ‘Hacienda de Esperanza’ (Ranch of Hope). Here you help to preserve the nature of the San Cristόbal highlands. Invasive species of plants are a huge problem here, so much of the work consists of eliminating these plants with machetes. Depending on the needs, there is variation in the work; other days volunteers go to plant small native plants, or work in the local greenhouse.
Free-time activities
Volunteers have free time in the afternoon and on the weekend to explore the incredible Galapagos Islands and admire the breath-taking biodiversity. Local guides offer snorkeling and diving activities as well as surfing courses and island hopping tours.
PHOTOS
