Ecuador
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We're an elderly couple living with our daughter Enrica plus family on a sustainable finca at the edge of Vilcabamaba, Ecuador. Located at the banks of the river Chamba we enjoy clean air and pure water thanks to being close to the Podocarpus National Park. At 1600 mtrs. altitude and 3.5° South of the equator the climate is characterized as temperate tropics. This translates to 15°C - 25°C year round. The main activities are garden and orchard work, growing fruits and vegetables. Apart from that we continue to invest time and effort in infrastructure like remodeling and landscaping.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Vilcabamba has a large expat community from around the world that blends in well with the locals of Spanish descent and the indigenous people. You'll encounter all walks of life from Rastafarians, Hare Krishnas to New Agers, Conspiracy Theorists, Alternative Health Care Providers, Spiritual Healers, Permaculturists, Bio-dynamic Gardeners, Computer Freaks and many diverse special interest groups in a much more concentrated mix than in your general western town population.
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
In need of farm hand/handyman/gardener. Join in our daily activities of growing food from nursery to harvest. This includes building soil by composting, making bokashi, making terra preta, use of effective microorganisms EM. Help with small construction projects through wood working, welding, masonry. Our animals are chickens and a cat. Planning to have milk goats in the future. We also have four young bee hives. This is a smoke free environment.
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
We provide a comfortable western style bedroom and a nicely equipped kitchen where you can cook your meals with healthy vegetarian homegrown and local ingredients. The kitchen will be stocked with basic food items such as rice, beans, potatoes, salt, etc. Vegetables, eggs, meat, coffee, bread etc. are available for you to purchase at the weekend market. You are welcome to help yourself with herbs, vegetables and fruits from the garden on base of availability as directed by Silvia.
Take a hike or book horseback rides on scenic trails around the valley. There is a comprehensive website called Vilcahike.com with phantastic information.
The Finca is 1 hour walking distance to Vilcabamba or 15 min. by shuttle taxi which costs $2. Meet interesting people in town in a large variety of hang out places like bars, coffee shops, gelaterias, clubs, pubs and good restaurants.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We have a fiber optic connection at ~ 40 Mbps.
Two
Maximum 5 hours a day, 25 hours a week
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
