This is a wonderfully varied and interesting project where you get to experience many different types of work. For example, you'll work to eliminate introduced/invasive plant species and to restore native and endemic species. You’ll help with data collection, identifying plant species and you’ll also assist in community projects.

Volunteering activities vary from day to day and season to season, but there is always lots of work to be done and huge variation in the types of activities. Typical work may include:

  • Reforestation – volunteers help to eliminate introduced/invasive plant species and then restore native and endemic species.
  • Identifying and logging fauna
  • Identifying native and endemic species
  • Recycled Construction Projects
  • Improve trails and paths around the plots of the lands.
  • Working together with a local institution on nearby farms
  • Work in the plant nursery, either on the land or in the Galapagos National Park. Grow and nurture native plants in the nursery and then move them to their permanent locations.
  • Community Work - Painting Schools, beach cleaning, etc.
  • Help to grow and cut down plants used as food for the Galapagos National Park tortoise breeding centres.
  • Working with the national park and the Consejo de Gobierno on water system measurements

You’ll typically work Monday to Friday from 8am – 1pm, leaving the afternoons and evenings (and of course weekends!) free for you to explore your stunning surroundings. As the work is physical and days are hot, you’ll definitely appreciate this rest time!

ACCOMMODATION

You'll fly into Quito in Ecuador, where you will be met and have an overnight stop in the city. The next day you’ll be taken back to the airport for your flight to San Cristobel Island.

Once at San Cristobal, you'll be picked up on arrival and taken to your accommodation and settled in before your induction. Your volunteer work will start on Monday.

Your return flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands is included in your project price.

During your time on San Cristobel you'll live in a cosy hostel in the island's capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The hostel is basic but comfortable and you'll share a room with other volunteers and backpackers. Your room has air-conditioning and a private bathroom and the hostel also has a lovely garden where you can sit and watch the sun set. It also has a well equipped kitchen.

Wi-Fi / Internet: Wi-fi facilities are available on in the lobby, so you are able to Skype and Facebook friends and family..

FOOD: Food is not provided on this project. You can buy provisions at the supermarket (and also take some staple foods, like rice and pasta, with you from Quito) and use the kitchen facilities to cook.

As you are based in the town, there are lots of facilities nearby such as restaurants, bars, supermarkets and ATM machines.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.