Voluntary Project Overview

Machalilla National Park was created on the 26th of July, 1979. Its objective is the protection of the coastal region's natural resources (both land and maritime). It is the only national park and one of the largest protected areas in Ecuador's coastal region. It is divided into land and maritime zones; the former contain rare tropical dry forest among other flora, while the latter feature much of the same bird and marine life as is observable in Ecuador's Galápagos Islands.

The Volunteer Abroad Role

Volunteers play two main roles within the park.

1. Teaching staff English and educating groups of tourists and school parties.

For this role, volunteers will require a good level of Spanish and need to be happy to get involved in some informal teaching. It is really important for the staff to be able to speak English as they want to be able to communicate with tourists.

2. Hands-on work around the park.

This will include a variety of activities such as building fences, maintaining nature trails and conducting nature surveys. This role does not require such a high level of Spanish and is a great way to experience the national park whilst doing something worthwhile. 

Other Volunteer Abroad opportunities

Coastal Ecuador is very beautiful and a great place for anyone who has a keen interest in wildlife. There are many opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts here with activities available from bird watching to whale watching, and many kinds of animals to be spotted in the Park. There are numerous kinds of fish, turtles and reptiles. Surfing is very popular along the coast and if you are keen you'll have plenty of opportunity to improve your technique.

Voluntary Programme Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

Knowledge of Spanish is essential, as very little English is spoken. This is a great chance to learn Spanish. We can organise classes in Quito before your placement. There is a 8 weeks minimum commitment to this project. Volunteers need good communication skills, an open mind, lot of enthusiasm and a good sense of humour! You must be willing to join in and get your hands dirty!

Volunteer Accommodation and Living arrangements

Accommodation and food are provided with the Park Manager, just 10 minutes walk from the Park office. Volunteers will have their own room - breakfast and dinner are included. This is a great way to experience local life, as well as to improve your Spanish. There is an abundance of fresh fish to eat: for breakfast, lunch and dinner if desired!

What’s included in your Programme Fee?

• Project selection and placement - Our in-country teams work constantly to identify and select projects that are doing exemplary work in developing countries but need your skills and effort. Our staff are in dialogue with you to ensure that we choose a project that really needs you, where you will use your skills and contribute, because at MondoChallenge, we believe that a great volunteering experience is largely dependant on matching you with the right project
• Pre Departure Briefing - Before you leave, we will arrange for a pre departure briefing where we help you with small but extremely helpful details on your chosen destination. Things like: what to pack, local culture and customs, food, safety and precautions if any - simple things to make your life easier!
• Guidance for processing visa - MondoChallenge will arrange for any relevant documents and guide you through the visa process.
• Airport Pick Up - Arriving in a new city and not knowing where to go and how to go can be quite unnerving. A MondoChallenge representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your place of stay where you can put your feet up after a long flight.
• In country Orientation and Welcome Pack - When you arrive in the city, you will be given an orientation where you could meet other volunteers from MondoChallenge, know all about the city, how to find your way around, where to get SIM cards for the phone, small bits that you will need help sorting out in the first few days.
• In Country Support - Our local co-ordinators are there to guide you through out your stay. They will make sure that you are settled at your project, are comfortable with your accommodation and provide guidance on local culture and customs to ensure that you have a memorable and rewarding experience.
• Accommodation - In most cases you stay with a local host family. It gives you a taste of the daily life of a local. You will be sharing a room with another volunteer, however if you prefer to have a single room to yourself, this can be arranged but a cost supplement may apply. If you prefer totally independent accommodation, this may also be possible in certain areas at an additional cost and our Programme Managers will be able to assist you with this.
• Breakfast and Dinner - Local home cooked food, will be provided at the home stays. This gives you a chance to experience local dishes.

Not Included:

• International Flights
• Visa and Travel insurance Costs
• Vaccination
• Local Transport and Travel
• Personal Expenses

Project photos

Testimonials