updated  

Immerse yourself in community life and reconnect with nature in the heart of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome to our finca in the rural landscape of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador!

    We live and work in close connection with nature, the land, and the community around us. Guided by the principles of Analog Forestry, we focus on restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. Here you’ll learn about different methods of ecosystem restoration, especially Analog Forestry, as we actively regenerate new forests and strengthen existing ones. Our land includes conservation areas, an arboretum, multi-crop zones (featuring cacao and mangosteen), and a food forest.

    We also work closely with local farmers, women-led initiatives, and national and international networks, all committed to biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and sustainable livelihoods. As part of the Forest School network, we host community activities like bird-watching trips, composting workshops, English classes, movie nights, and more — especially for local youth.

    We’re looking for volunteers who want to reconnect with nature, contribute their skills, and become part of daily life here. Whether you have experience in gardening, eco-building, teaching, art, cooking, or simply a willingness to help and learn, you’ll find a place to contribute.

    But it’s not all work and no play! Whether you're into hiking or birdwatching, kayaking, playing ping pong, or simply relaxing in one of our hammocks with a good book, there’s plenty to enjoy. We also share the space with some friendly animals, adding to the diverse life here. Your safety is important to us - our team is WAFA certified, meaning we’re fully trained to provide first aid in the forest. So, rest assured, you’ll be in good hands during your stay.

    We look forward to welcoming you!


    ---
    PLEASE NOTE: we can only accept volunteers who stay for THREE WEEKS or longer. It takes time to settle in, get familiar with Analog Forestry, and find your own small project on the finca. A longer stay makes the experience much more meaningful for both you and the community.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Hospitality/Tourism
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Charity work
    Technology
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Farming
    Writing
    Drawing & painting
    Carpentry
    Cooking & food
    Gardening
    Books
    Plant care
    Music
    Art & design
    Languages
    Photography
    Yoga / Wellness
    Dancing
    Nature
    Outdoor activities
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    - We are an experimental and demonstrative project for the international Analog Forestry network - you'll experience lots of practical skills and not just theory.
    - We are one of the first private protected areas in Santo Domingo
    - There's lots of (metaphorical and physical) room for creativity and personal development here - if there's any specific project you would like to do (e.g. gardening, build something cool with bamboo, paint a mural, offer a workshop, create new recipes...), let us know and we'll see how we can make it happen!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Our project has been dedicated to forest regeneration for the past 10 years, and now we’re embarking on a journey of community development and eco-tourism. To make this vision a reality, we’re looking for some extra hands and creative minds to join us.

    We’re specifically seeking help from:
    - Architects, bio-builders, landscapers, and designers to help us shape sustainable and beautiful spaces.
    - Industrial engineers, cooks, or chefs, and anyone with skills in adding value to natural products. (This isn’t for paying customers—it’s all about enhancing our food processes and sustainability.)

    We also welcome anyone eager to learn about forestry and gardening: Whether you’re experienced or just curious, we’d love to have you join us in getting your hands dirty and helping out with gardening and building an analog forest.

    ---
    PLEASE NOTE: we can only accept volunteers who stay for THREE WEEKS or longer. It takes time to settle in, get familiar with us, and find your own small project on the finca. A longer stay makes the experience much more meaningful for both you and the community.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Spanish: Fluent
    English: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    Here you can practice Spanish, and we are interested in practicing our English as well.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have one fully equipped dormitory with 4 beds and it's own bathroom. Additionally, we have two rooms especially for couples and an extra bathroom (shared only during the day). In both cases, you will have full access to the general shared kitchen.

    We offer accommodation and three daily meals during weekdays and can adapt to a vegetarian or vegan diet. On the weekends, you will need to cook for yourself (though we will provide you with veggies and basic ingredients like rice).

    And of course, you can pick all the fruit you want from the finca during the day :)

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We love welcoming volunteers and are grateful for the experiences we've shared. Since opening our doors a few years ago, we've hosted over 100 volunteers who have helped shape our approach to restorative agriculture and conscious farming. Thanks to their passion and hard work, our food forests have grown and evolved — and now we’re excited to take the project even further. We’d love for you to be part of it!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We work remotely too and heavily rely on good WiFi, so you can count on that ;-) We also have solar panels to ensure WiFi connection even during power cuts. There's a few sitting areas you can use to work.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have space for a van or two, so feel free to ask anything in that manner.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    We can accept people with pets, but they have to be social because we have a dog, a donkey and a few ducks running around the finca. Also, to ensure the safety of wildlife especially during the nighttime, you need to be able to guarantee they won't go hunting at nighttime (e.g. keep them chained or comparable).

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Canela

    Canela (1 year)

    she is a very nice dog that likes jump into the lagoon

Host ref number: 225147132631

Website Safety

Feedback (23)



Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.8)




























Reforest, Conserve, establish Food Forest and live more Sustainably in Morona-Santiago, Ecuadorian Amazon
Discover local culture and community life in Gualaceo, Ecuador