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Medicinal garden and conscious living in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    ​🇬🇧 English Version: Our Vision & Project
    ​My name is Víctor Hugo, and I am a Professional Nature Guide (15+ years) and a Volunteer Firefighter in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. My life is dedicated to the land, safety, and conscious entrepreneurship.
    ​We are currently transforming our 3,000 m^2 area into a pioneering Eco-Village. This isn't just a farm; it’s a living laboratory for a self-sustaining Earthship, tiny houses on 12 \times 12 plots, and an official Private Conservation Area (ACUS).
    ​What makes this project unique?
    ​Botanical Mastery: We manage extensive Medicinal & Ornamental Gardens, as well as Exotic Orchards (Cacao, Ginger, Turmeric, and rare tropical fruits).
    ​Sustainable Building: We are actively constructing with Bamboo and recycled materials to create our eco-lodgings and future spa/sauna areas.
    ​The Future: We are developing spaces for motorhomes and workshops in mechanics, carpentry, bakery, and art.
    ​The Experience:
    I live here with my mother, maintaining a lifestyle centered on conscious living. You will integrate into our daily rhythm: from the "Cacao route" and garden care to the excitement of bioconstruction. If you are a proactive person looking to learn about self-sufficiency and tropical nature from a local professional, you are welcome here.

    ​🇪🇸 Versión en Español: Nuestra Visión y Proyecto
    ​Mi nombre es Víctor Hugo, soy Guía Profesional de Naturaleza (más de 15 años) y Bombero Voluntario en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. Mi vida está dedicada a la tierra, la seguridad y el emprendimiento consciente.
    ​Actualmente estamos transformando un área de 3,000 m^2 en una Eco-Aldea pionera. Esto no es solo una finca; es un laboratorio vivo para una Earthship (casa nave-tierra) autosustentable, cabañas tipo tiny house en parcelas de 12 \times 12 y una zona oficial de Conservación (ACUS).
    ​¿Qué hace a este proyecto único?
    ​Maestría Botánica: Manejamos extensos Jardines Medicinales y Ornamentales, además de Huertos Exóticos (Cacao, Jengibre, Cúrcuma y frutales tropicales raros).
    ​Construcción Sostenible: Estamos construyendo activamente con Bambú y materiales reciclados para crear nuestros hospedajes ecológicos y futuras áreas de spa/sauna.
    ​El Futuro: Estamos desarrollando espacios para motorhomes y talleres de mecánica, carpintería, panadería y arte.
    ​La Experiencia:
    Vivo aquí con mi madre, manteniendo un estilo de vida centrado en la vida consciente. Te integrarás a nuestro ritmo diario: desde la "ruta del cacao" y el cuidado del jardín, hasta la emoción de la bioconstrucción. Si eres una persona proactiva que busca aprender sobre autosuficiencia y naturaleza tropical de la mano de un profesional local, eres bienvenido.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Elderly Companionship
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Camping
    Cycling
    Hiking
    Mountain
    Nature
    Photography
    Plant care
    Gardening
    Carpentry
    Culture
    Farming
    Sustainability
  • 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

    🇬🇧 English Version
    How will travelers benefit from this cultural exchange and what can they learn?

    Travelers will experience daily life in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, beyond tourism.
    They will learn practical skills such as:
    Tropical organic farming (cacao, banana, plantain, fruit trees)
    Medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation
    Basic garden design and land care
    Sustainable living practices in a tropical environment
    They will also gain cultural insight by:
    Living in a local family environment
    Experiencing Ecuadorian traditions and food
    Understanding the relationship between land, plants and community
    This exchange offers personal growth through simplicity, responsibility and connection with nature.
    Volunteers leave with practical knowledge, cultural understanding and a deeper appreciation for conscious living.

    🇪🇸 Versión en Español

    ¿Cómo se beneficiarán los viajeros de este intercambio cultural y qué pueden aprender?

    Los viajeros vivirán la vida diaria en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, más allá del turismo.
    Aprenderán habilidades prácticas como:
    Agricultura orgánica tropical (cacao, banano, plátano, frutales)
    Cultivo de plantas medicinales y aromáticas
    Diseño básico de jardines y cuidado de la tierra
    Prácticas de vida sostenible en clima tropical
    También obtendrán una experiencia cultural al:
    Vivir en un entorno familiar local
    Conocer tradiciones y gastronomía ecuatoriana
    Comprender la relación entre tierra, plantas y comunidad
    Este intercambio ofrece crecimiento personal a través de la simplicidad, la responsabilidad y la conexión con la naturaleza.
    Los voluntarios se van con conocimientos prácticos, comprensión cultural y una mayor apreciación por una vida consciente.

  • Help

    Help

    ​🛠️ Type of Help / Tipo de Ayuda
    ​English:
    We are looking for proactive and respectful people to join our daily life. Depending on your skills and interests, you can help in these areas:
    ​Eco-Construction & Arts: Help us build the future with Bamboo, maintain paths, and bring color to the project by painting murals, signs, and creative signage.
    ​Botanical & Farm Care: Work in our nurseries and exotic gardens. Activities include sowing, watering, and maintaining our medicinal and ornamental plants.
    ​Language Exchange: Help us grow by teaching English, French, or Mandarin—essential for our future as a nature tourism site!
    ​Conscious Living & Household: General help keeping our home harmonious, including cooking, light cleaning, and spending quality time with my mother (senior care/company).

    ​Español:
    Buscamos personas proactivas y respetuosas para integrarse a nuestra vida diaria. Dependiendo de tus habilidades e intereses, puedes ayudar en estas áreas:
    ​Eco-Construcción y Artes: Ayúdanos a construir el futuro con Bambú, dar mantenimiento a los senderos y dar color al proyecto pintando murales, rótulos y señalética creativa.
    ​Cuidado Botánico y Agrícola: Trabaja en nuestros viveros y huertos exóticos. Las actividades incluyen siembra, riego y mantenimiento de nuestras plantas medicinales y ornamentales.
    ​Intercambio de Idiomas: Ayúdanos a crecer enseñándonos Inglés, Francés o Mandarín, ¡vital para nuestro futuro como sitio de turismo de naturaleza!
    ​Vida Consciente y Hogar: Ayuda general para mantener nuestro hogar en armonía, incluyendo cocinar, limpieza ligera y compartir tiempo de calidad con mi madre (compañía para adultos mayores).

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Spanish: Fluent
    English: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I want to learn English and French. I like to teach Spanish. Quiero aprender Inglés y francés. Me gusta enseñar Español.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    ​​🏠 Accommodation & Conscious Living / Alojamiento y Convivencia

    ​English:
    We live in a humble, natural country house in the subtropical heart of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. This is an authentic rural home, perfect for those seeking a real connection with the land, not a luxury resort.
    ​Your Space: We offer shared dorms (up to 6 people) or private rooms (up to 2), with shared family bathrooms and kitchen.
    ​The Environment: We are 100m from the road, so expect some ambient transit noise alongside the sounds of nature. As we are in a lush tropical area, light long sleeves and repellent are your best friends!
    ​Our Harmony Guidelines (House Rules):
    To maintain the safe, family-oriented, and healthy atmosphere of our project, we follow these principles:
    ​Pure Body & Mind: Our property is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free zone. We value clarity and health.
    ​Safety First: For everyone's peace of mind, we ask volunteers to be back home by 8:00 PM.
    ​Active Contribution: Shared spaces (kitchen, dining, paths) are kept clean by everyone. We sweep, organize, and wash our own gear and linens regularly.
    ​Eco-Responsibility: We strictly separate waste. Organics go back to the earth (compost), and recyclables are managed properly.

    🥗 Community Meals & City Life / Comidas y Vida Urbana

    ​Team Cooking: We believe in the power of the shared table. We don't just provide food; we create it together. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are a team effort. You will learn to cook local Ecuadorian dishes, and we invite you to share recipes from your home country.
    ​Shared Costs: To keep our project sustainable and our pantry full, we all contribute to the weekly grocery fund. Together, we go to the local markets to buy fresh produce (cacao, ginger, tropical fruits), cleaning supplies, and everything needed for a healthy week.
    ​Urban Sanctuary: Unlike remote farms, we are located within the city of Santo Domingo. We are currently in the process of being declared an ACUS (Area of Conservation and Sustainable Use). This means we are building a green lung and a biodiversity refuge right in the urban heart—the best of both worlds: nature's peace with city convenience.

    Final Note / Nota Final

    ​"To ensure you have read and respected our project guidelines and community lifestyle, please start your first message with the word 'CACAO'. We only respond to volunteers who take the time to understand our vision."

    Español:
    Vivimos en una casa de campo humilde y natural en el corazón subtropical de Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. Es un hogar rural auténtico, ideal para quienes buscan una conexión real con la tierra, no un hotel de lujo.
    ​Tu Espacio: Ofrecemos dormitorios compartidos (máx. 6 personas) o privados (máx. 2), con baños y cocina compartidos con la familia.
    ​El Entorno: Estamos a 100m de la vía principal, por lo que hay algo de ruido de tráfico mezclado con los sonidos de la naturaleza. Al ser una zona tropical exuberante, las mangas largas y el repelente serán tus mejores aliados.
    ​Manual de Convivencia y Armonía (Reglas):
    Para mantener el ambiente seguro, familiar y saludable de nuestro proyecto, nos guiamos por estos principios:
    ​Cuerpo y Mente Pura: Nuestra propiedad es una zona libre de humo, alcohol y drogas. Valoramos la claridad y la salud.
    ​Seguridad: Por la tranquilidad de todos, agradecemos estar en casa a las 20:00 (8:00 PM).
    ​Contribución Activa: Los espacios comunes (cocina, comedor, senderos) los cuidamos entre todos. Barremos, organizamos y lavamos nuestra propia lencería y ropa de trabajo con regularidad.
    ​Eco-Responsabilidad: Clasificamos estrictamente los desechos. Lo orgánico vuelve a la tierra (compost) y lo inorgánico se gestiona para reciclaje.

    ​Cocina en Equipo: Creemos en el poder de la mesa compartida. No solo entregamos comida; la creamos juntos. El desayuno, el almuerzo y la cena son un esfuerzo de equipo. Aprenderás a cocinar platos locales ecuatorianos y te invitamos a que compartas recetas de tu país.
    ​Gastos Compartidos: Para que nuestro proyecto sea sostenible y nuestra despensa esté llena, todos contribuimos al fondo semanal de víveres. Juntos vamos a los mercados locales para comprar productos frescos (cacao, jengibre, frutas tropicales), artículos de limpieza y todo lo necesario para una semana saludable.
    ​Santuario Urbano: A diferencia de las fincas remotas, estamos ubicados dentro de la ciudad de Santo Domingo. Estamos en proceso de ser declarados ACUS (Área de Conservación y Uso Sostenible). Esto significa que estamos construyendo un pulmón verde y un refugio de biodiversidad en pleno corazón urbano: lo mejor de ambos mundos, la paz de la naturaleza con las comodidades de la ciudad.

    ​"Para asegurarnos de que has leído y respetado las normas de nuestro proyecto y estilo de vida comunitario, por favor inicia tu primer mensaje con la palabra 'CACAO'. Solo respondemos a voluntarios que se toman el tiempo de entender nuestra visión."

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    🇬🇧 English Version

    🌿 Medicinal Garden & Conscious Living in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador 🇪🇨
    We are a small family eco-project located in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador.
    With over 15 years of experience in nursery work, landscaping and nature guiding, we host volunteers interested in learning about medicinal plants and tropical agriculture.
    🤝 Exchange Conditions
    ✔ 3 hours of help per day
    ✔ 5 days per week
    ✔ 2 days off
    We provide accommodation and access to the kitchen.
    Volunteers are responsible for buying and preparing their own meals.
    No mandatory fees.
    🌿 Activities May Include
    Medicinal and aromatic plant care
    Tropical fruit trees (cacao, banana, plantain)
    Garden maintenance
    Ecological practices and simple living
    🌎 Who This Is For
    We welcome responsible, proactive and respectful people who value simplicity over comfort.
    This is not a resort or entertainment space.
    It is a real, working garden and family environment.
    If you are looking for an authentic experience in Ecuador and are willing to contribute with commitment and respect, you are welcome.
    This space grows with respect, harmony and intention.

    🇪🇸 Versión en Español

    🌿 Jardín Medicinal y Vida Consciente en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador 🇪🇨
    Somos un pequeño proyecto ecológico familiar ubicado en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador.
    Con más de 15 años de experiencia en vivero, paisajismo y guía de naturaleza, recibimos voluntarios interesados en aprender sobre plantas medicinales y agricultura tropical.
    🤝 Condiciones del Intercambio
    ✔ 3 horas de ayuda por día
    ✔ 5 días por semana
    ✔ 2 días libres
    Ofrecemos alojamiento y acceso a la cocina.
    Los voluntarios compran y preparan su propia comida.
    No existen tarifas obligatorias.
    🌿 Las Actividades Pueden Incluir
    Cuidado de plantas medicinales y aromáticas
    Árboles frutales tropicales
    Mantenimiento del jardín
    Prácticas ecológicas y vida sencilla
    Buscamos personas responsables, proactivas y respetuosas que valoren la simplicidad más que la comodidad.
    No es un resort ni un espacio de entretenimiento.
    Es un jardín real y un entorno familiar.
    Si buscas una experiencia auténtica en Ecuador y estás dispuesto a aportar con compromiso y respeto, eres bienvenido.
    Este espacio crece con respeto, armonía e intención.

  • 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

    There are spaces, a garden, a good internet connection. Hay espacios, jardín, internet, irémos mejorando

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Si hay espacios para colocar un auto o camioneta. Yes, there is place for a car or a truck.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    If we accept, always under your responsibility. Si aceptamos, siempre bajo su responsabilidad.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of WUANG WUANG

    WUANG WUANG

    Profile photo of Lobito

    Lobito

Host ref number: 412725692919

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A close-up of a large yellow moth with purple spots and lines rests on a rough, light-colored surface. Text with a phone number is visible.
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A rustic footbridge with a corrugated metal roof spans a rocky river surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, creating a serene, natural scene.
Three friends sit around a wooden table, smiling and giving thumbs up. Behind them is a rustic kitchen with green walls, laundry, and plants visible outside.
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A whimsical fairy-like statue with outstretched blue wings stands amidst lush greenery and blooming white flowers in a vibrant, garden setting, surrounded by various plants.
A large white expedition truck is parked on a grassy yard beside a modest house with a slanted roof, surrounded by lush greenery and tall cactus plants.
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A man sits at a wooden table, writing on white cards with black ink, surrounded by papers, scissors, and other crafting tools.
The image depicts a plate of food on a wooden table, featuring a wrapped item and fried plantains, with a knife placed on the plate.
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