Community living and cultural exchange in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Details

• 

  Description

  our Casa is a rural community space located in the Andes of Imbabura, Ecuador. Over the last 13 years, the place has been slowly built and cared for through family effort, natural construction, permaculture, gardening and community activities.
  The space includes several small earthen houses surrounded by mountains, native plants, fruit trees, organic gardens and shared community areas. We are interested in creating a simple and respectful environment where people can connect with nature, rural life and cultural exchange.
  
  Our family has dedicated many years to caring for this land and keeping the project alive. Casa is not only a place for accommodation, but also a space for learning, creativity, gatherings and community experiences.
  
  We are beginning to develop small community workshops and cultural exchange activities with nearby families, children and neighbors. For this reason, we are looking for people who would like to share their knowledge, creativity or experiences while also participating in the daily rhythm of the space.
  
  We value simplicity, mutual respect, initiative, collaboration and human connection more than professional experience.
  
  The atmosphere here is calm, rural and community-oriented. This experience may be especially meaningful for people interested in permaculture, art, education, cultural exchange, slow living and learning from different ways of life.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet

  House & pet sitting
• 

  Interests

  

  Animals

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  Architecture

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Dancing

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Beach

  

  Mountain

  

  Camping
• 

  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

  ...

  ...

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  What's this?
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Travelers joining Casa can experience a slower and more connected way of life in the Ecuadorian Andes while participating in a meaningful cultural and community exchange.
  
  Beyond helping in daily activities, volunteers have the opportunity to:
  
  * connect with rural community life
  * learn about permaculture and organic gardening
  * experience natural building and simple living
  * share knowledge and creativity with local families
  * learn from local traditions and ways of living connected to the land
  * practice Spanish and intercultural communication
  * participate in a calm environment surrounded by nature
  
  This experience is especially valuable for people interested in community living, cultural exchange, sustainability, art, education and personal growth through shared human experiences.
  
  At Casa, we believe that learning happens in both directions. Volunteers are invited not only to teach, but also to listen, observe and learn from the community, the territory and everyday rural life.

• 

  Help

  We are looking for people interested in participating in a simple community exchange experience connected to rural life, nature and cultural sharing.
  
  From Monday to Friday, volunteers help around 3 hours in the mornings with light and collaborative activities such as:
  
  * permaculture and gardening
  * basic maintenance
  * natural building support
  * organizing shared spaces
  * community kitchen support
  * creative or cultural activities
  
  In the afternoons, volunteers are invited to share small free workshops with children, young people or families from nearby communities. Workshops usually take place in small groups of around 6 to 10 participants and last between 1.5 to 2 hours.
  
  We especially welcome people who would enjoy sharing:
  
  * art
  * music
  * drawing
  * languages
  * photography
  * cooking
  * crafts
  * movement practices
  * games
  * environmental education
  * cultural exchange
  or other creative and community-oriented activities.
  
  The goal is not intensive work, but a respectful exchange where everyone can contribute with their own abilities, ideas and experiences.
  
  Weekends are free for rest, exploring the area or enjoying the natural surroundings.
  
  Community contribution:
  
  We ask for a small contribution of 30 USD per week to help support the shared kitchen, gas, water and basic maintenance of the space.
  
  Meals are organized in a simple and collaborative community style.

• 

  Languages spoken

  Spanish: Fluent
  English: Intermediate

• 

  Accommodation

  Volunteers stay in simple shared accommodations within the rural community space. Casa includes several small earthen houses surrounded by gardens, mountains and natural areas.
  
  The environment is quiet, simple and connected to nature. Shared bathrooms, kitchen and common spaces are part of daily community life.
  
  Please note that Casa also occasionally hosts private group retreats or full-space reservations. In some specific situations, sleeping arrangements may need to be reorganized temporarily and collaboratively.
  
  Depending on the situation, this could include sharing spaces differently or optional camping experiences within the property for those comfortable with it.
  
  We try to maintain a respectful, flexible and honest atmosphere where everyone understands the dynamic nature of a living rural community space.

• 

  What else ...

  Casa is located in a rural area of the Ecuadorian Andes surrounded by mountains, gardens and small communities. Life here is simple, calm and connected to nature, so we recommend this experience for people who feel comfortable with rural living and flexible community dynamics.
  
  The weather can change quickly between sunny days, rain and cold nights, so warm clothes, good shoes and practical outdoor clothing are important.
  
  We encourage respectful coexistence, shared responsibility and open communication. This is not a hostel or a party-oriented place. We value rest, care for shared spaces and sensitivity toward the local community and environment.
  
  Spanish is helpful but not required. What matters most is openness, kindness and willingness to participate.
  
  The community workshops are free for local families and are intended to create meaningful exchanges through art, creativity, learning and shared experiences.
  
  We especially appreciate people with initiative who enjoy contributing ideas, adapting to simple living and participating in everyday community life in a respectful and collaborative way.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  My animals / pets

  Fauno

  Arceus

  Jerez

  Negra

  NIna

  Puma

  Rayo

  Rumy

Website Safety