Garden and experience the healing wonders of the Amazon jungle in Orellana, Ecuador

Details

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  Description

  🌱 Main Description
  
  Update: We now have solar electricity and fiber optic internet on part of the land.
  
  We are a couple creating a raw vegan healing community in what is known as ecuador. Since 2014, this project has grown from a vision into reality. In 2022, we became the caretakers of nearly 22 hectares of pristine land in the northern Amazon jungle, currently in its early stages of physical development.
  
  Life here is still quite primitive and minimalistic as we work toward self-sufficiency in food and sustainable building. We collect rainwater and are blessed with several pristine rivers, streams, waterfalls, and possibly springs. This is a sacred space for those seeking spiritual healing, reconnection with Nature, and a life in harmony with all beings—far from cell towers and electrical grids.
  
  Our intention is to live by example, showing that humans can coexist peacefully with the Earth and each other. This is a nonprofit, non-competitive, and non-governmental project centered on community, healing, and respect for all life.
  
  🍃 Our Way of Living
  We live according to a set of core values and natural birthrights, guided by intuition and heart. Our community spaces are strictly raw vegan, meaning we consume fruits and vegetables in their natural state. We do not eat or use any products that come from nonhuman animals, including dairy, eggs, honey, or use animal-based fertilizers (e.g., manure, bonemeal, feathermeal, etc.) for growing food.
  
  Volunteers are welcome to cook vegan meals (non-raw) in a separate private cabin, as we honor each person's journey.
  
  One of our foundational values is body freedom. This land is clothing-optional, and we encourage nudity and barefoot living for those who feel comfortable, as a means of spiritual growth and deeper connection with nature. We hold a space of non-judgment, free of shame, or sexualization, where everyone is respected as the unique soul they are.
  
  This is a smoke-free, chemical-free, and scent-free zone. Out of respect for people, animals, and the environment, please refrain from smoking or using chemical-based products on the land.
  
  🌴 What We’re Growing
  We are currently growing over 60 types of edible plants, including exotic and tropical fruits like:
  
  Black Chocolate Sapote, Cupuaçu, Macambo, Cacao, Ice Cream Bean, Rambutan, Avocado, Morete (Aguaje), Rollinia, Salak (Snake Fruit), Araza, Chempejack, Jackfruit, Guava, Amazonian Tree Grape, Mango, and more.
  
  We've already harvested bananas, pineapples, papayas, peppers (hot and sweet), naranjilla and naranjilla de monte, katuk, cranberry hibiscus, turmeric, ginger, country borage, noni, and lemongrass.
  
  Although our food forest is expanding, we are not yet fully self-sufficient. We still purchase much of our food from the local markets. Food trucks occasionally stop by once or twice a week, but the best selection is typically in town on weekends.
  
  We love when volunteers participate in meal preparation and share in the joy of community life.
  
  🌿 Sustainability Practices
  We aim to plant veganically (vegan-organically)—that means no animal-derived inputs (e.g., manure, fishmeal, bloodmeal, bonemeal, etc.) and no use of domestic animals in our farming. Our construction approach is eco-conscious, always striving to do the least harm and the most good.
  
  We do not allow alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or plant medicines on the land. This helps us maintain a clean, respectful, and energetically clear environment. If you’re unsure whether a product is suitable to bring, feel free to ask.
  
  🏕️ Life on the Land
  Our home is nestled in the northern Amazon, at an elevation of 400–450 meters. Volunteers can bathe in nearby rivers, hike through the jungle, and experience the magic of wildlife, ancient trees, and sacred plants.
  
  We live simply, yet with a few comforts:
  
  Solar-powered electricity
  Fiber optic internet at 300 Mbps speed (currently via Wi-Fi; we plan to switch to ethernet for lower radiation exposure)
  Tents for 1–2 people, fully equipped with bedding, in a shared camping area with rainwater
  Compost toilet and rainwater barrels (500L and 120L) for showering and other uses
  
  Clothes can be washed by hand here or in town.
  
  🌞 Community & Vibes
  We express gratitude and meditate daily, and you’re always welcome to join. We also enjoy dancing to uplifting music—from electronic and latin to world and reggae. Our conversations are deep, respectful, and open-hearted.
  
  We have a ukulele and harmonica on-site, and welcome you to bring any instruments you’d like to share. Whether it’s music, meditation, movement, or meals, there’s space here for authentic expression and connection.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Art & design

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Gardening

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Videography

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Technology

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Languages

  

  Music

  

  Hitchhiking

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Carpentry

  

  Blogging

  

  Books

  

  Animals

  

  Mountain

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  🌿 Cultural Exchange & Learning Opportunities
  Staying with us offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, language learning, spiritual growth, and a return to living in harmony with Nature.
  
  Our land is located near loreto, orellana—a vibrant small town where you’ll find an abundance of fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts in the local markets. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and culture, with opportunities to:
  
  - Explore waterfalls, caves, and jungle trails
  - Take in breathtaking mountain views
  - Visit indigenous communities and learn about their traditions
  - Join guided tours to national parks and other ecological treasures
  
  Since most locals do not speak english, having basic spanish skills is helpful. One of us is a native spanish speaker, and we’re happy to help you practice or learn the basics during your stay. We both speak english fluently, and one of us also speaks intermediate portuguese.
  
  Beyond language and Nature, there are many chances to connect on a deeper, spiritual level. We love ecstatic and contact dancing, and you’re welcome to join us if that interests you! We also practice daily gratitude, meditation, and aim to live each day with joy, intention, and reverence for life. Whether we’re planting trees, preparing meals, or having conversations under the stars, we celebrate the gift of being alive.
  
  You’ll not only learn practical skills related to sustainable living, veganic permaculture, and natural building, but also have the space to explore a more conscious way of being, in community with like-hearted people.

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  Help

  🛠️ Help Needed
  We are still in the early stages of building our intentional raw vegan community. Currently, it's just the two of us, the founders, living simply, close to Nature, and working daily toward our dream of a self-sufficient food forest and healing sanctuary.
  
  Most of the physical tasks involves:
  - Clearing shade around young fruit trees using machetes
  - Pruning leguminous plants
  - Weeding and planting cover crops (like pinto peanuts)
  - Digging holes, hauling sawdust and sand, and assisting with other infrastructure tasks
  
  We don’t monitor volunteer hours with a clock, but we do expect everyone to contribute sincerely, with presence, energy, and a shared sense of purpose. If you’re looking for a free place to relax and chill without meaningful contribution, this may not be the right fit.
  
  💪 What We're Looking For
  We especially welcome volunteers with experience in natural or eco-building, sustainable farming, or permaculture. However, if you're willing to learn and bring a good attitude, we're happy to guide you.
  
  Please note: The work can be physically demanding and the climate is often hot and humid. If you're not comfortable with activities like digging, weeding, chopping with a machete, or lifting medium-to-heavy bags of organic material, this place may not be suitable for you.
  
  🌐 Additional Skills Welcome
  
  Aside from physical work, we also deeply appreciate help with digital and creative tasks, such as:
  - Web design / WordPress (specifically for creating manual WordPress contact and application forms)
  - Video making, editing, and drone footage
  - 2D/3D CAD drawings for structures
  - Content creation and online promotion
  - Website updates and social media
  
  If you have experience in any of these areas, your help would be incredibly valuable to the growth of our project.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Portuguese: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Learn better Spanish Learn better English
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  Accommodation

  🏕️ Accommodations
  We offer simple but comfortable accommodations to help you feel at ease while living close to Nature. Volunteers stay in a shared camping area with three private tents, each equipped with a foam mattress and basic bedding (sheets, pillow, and blanket).
  
  Our facilities include:
  - Running water from a rainwater tank
  - A squatting compost toilet
  - A seating area near the camping zone and also the ability to eat inside on a plastic sheet
  
  While we don’t yet have an official kitchen area, there are some basic kitchen tools available for food preparation, and limited space for food storage. We’re continually improving the space, and we truly appreciate any feedback or suggestions to make your stay more comfortable.
  
  Please keep in mind: this is a rural, forested environment, so expect to live minimally and naturally, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty! Many volunteers find the simplicity refreshing and spiritually grounding.

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  What else ...

  🚌 Transportation & Food
  We usually travel to the nearest town once or twice per week, leaving early in the morning to catch a bus, taxi, or hitch a ride, and returning in the afternoon.
  
  - We cover our own bus fares, and taxi costs are shared among those who ride.
  - There are only two bus services daily from our area, two in town (the second one doesn't work on sundays), there are many buses connecting to other regions of ecuador—frequent, reliable, and very affordable.
  - Taxis are also reasonably priced by international standards.
  
  Food in ecuador is generally much less expensive than in places like the united states., canada, europe, or australia.
  
  You’ll find:
  - A wide variety of fresh, local fruits and vegetables
  - Some specialty or imported items (nuts, seeds, exotic fruits) which can be more costly
  - An opportunity to bargain at many markets and small shops
  
  We are currently on a tight budget and can’t provide full meals for volunteers, but we happily share whatever food we have in abundance from the land.
  
  - Food trucks pass by once or twice a week
  - You’ll usually find more variety and better prices by shopping in town on the weekends
  
  If you have any questions or would like to know more about us or the project, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help.
  We look forward to connecting with you soon! 🤗❤️

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Yes, we welcome all kinds of people, including digital nomads and remote workers. We currently have high-speed fiber optic internet with a 300 Mbps connection (download), available via Wi-Fi in one area of the land. We’re working on expanding access to the camping area, where it will be connected via ethernet cables to minimize radiation exposure. Please note: Internet access is available during the day but is intentionally switched off at night to support natural rhythms and better sleep.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We don't have physical parking spaces but may be able to somehow accommodate people with automobiles. There is road access to our land, so there is always a way.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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