Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
28 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
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Details
Description
Our organic Farm was selected by National Geographic as one of the 8 favorite destinations in Ecuador, and named one of the thirteen best examples of responsible tourism on planet earth by Channel 5 Montreal - Another Way to Travel.
It is nestled in a small valley on the tropical coast of Ecuador, 20 minutes by car from the popular beach and surf town of Canoa (a perfect weekend trip) and 40 minutes north of Bahia de Caraquez Ecocity.
10.10 hectares (or approx. 25 acres) make up the sustainable farm and learning center based on agroecology and permaculture principles. The property incorporates food forests, vegetable gardens, pasture, agroforestry, models of alternative energy, an animal area, and a meditation/yoga garden overlooking the river. There are over a hundred crops rotated throughout the year and we are home to pigs, chickens, dogs, composting worms, guinea pigs, a horse, an array of bugs, birds and insects, and of course humans.
The farm was developed by Ecuadorian, Dario Proano and New Zealander, Nicola Mears. Both have decades of experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture. It is currently being managed by the farm staff while the owners enjoy an extended family reunion abroad. The farm is keen to host travellers who are have food growing experience to assist in general coordination especially with English speaking visitors. There is accommodation for up to 40 people in rustic cabins housing guests for short and long term visits. Guests include volunteers, interns, work exchangers (national and foreign), tourists, student groups, and travelers.
Ecotourism is an important component which helps support the community and provide environmental education.
We offer a variety of programs ranging from 1 day to 1 month that consist of farm and cultural activities that are fun, educational, and life enriching.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
Hospitality/Tourism
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There is often a colorful blend of locals, tourists, students, and volunteers all sharing their experiences, skills and abilities. Local cultural activities include coffee and chocolate making from harvest to cup, jewelry making from local seeds, crockery making from gourds and much more. Many say it is an experience of a lifetime!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are seeking people with:
1. Experience in food production, horticulture- that are passionate about sharing and teaching others.
2. Communication/ marketing skills (writing, social networking, graphics, photography, video, web design )
At least an intermediate level of English and spanish is important. It takes time to learn our systems and understand the climate, so we prefer long term workawayers 2-6 months, however one month is possible.
Farm activities can include compost making, seeding, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and more. And other activities in marketing, and soft tourism social media, photography.
Workawayers enjoy participating in cultural activities, such as chocolate making, palm seed and vegetable ivory jewelry making, and hikes to the lookout and Giant Tree. Three delicious vegetarian meals are included daily.
Work is generally carried out Monday to Friday over 4.5 days and 5 hours per day, but occasionally we swap a weekend day for a week one!
Please contact us with any questions you may have. The languages spoken are English and Spanish.
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
The cabins, work structures, and main house are all constructed by hand and primarily from local materials. They house two to ten beds. We have dry compost toilets and warm showers are available.
3 meals a day are provided. There is no fee.
What else ...
On days off you can relax and explore the farm, or enjoy sun and surf at nearby beach town Canoa. Canoa is a small and increasingly popular beach town, with fabulous sunsets, great waves, and picturesque cliffs to the north. On weekends beachfront bars and guesthouses come to life, this is where both locals and travelers go for cocktails and music.
Transport between the farm and Canoa can be done either with a 1.30 hour walk to the main road or a ride with a local, then a bus ride. We can also arrange a pick up from one of our dedicated taxi drivers for $10 dollars (which can be split when shared) which will take you about 15 minutes from the farm to the beach.
Please be aware there is no ATM in Canoa, but a $1 bus ride to San Vicente will get you to the nearest cash point.
There is satellite wifi (and soon to be fibre) at the farm. However, cell phone reception is very weak so calling via applications such as WhatsApp and Signal is required.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This is a great environment for dogs. There is one dog at the farm who loves company
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
