Volunteer Opportunities

The following volunteer projects have been regularly recommended by guests of The Secret Garden:

• The Secret Garden
  

  That’s right!! You can often VOLUNTEER WITH US, serving in the restaurant/bar, greeting guests, organising reservations etc etc (a bit of helping to wash up, but no cleaning!!). In return we offer free food & board, UNLIMITED free drinks per week and 10 hours per month of free one-to-one Spanish classes. Minimum one month stay - email us if you're interested.
  Please note that due to high demand for these volunteer spots we will only accept applications maximum 2 months in advance of your possible start date.

  Email us at hola@secretgardenquito.com

• The Andean Bear Conservation Project
  

  Track Andean Bears through the Northern Andean Cloud Forests of Ecuador! This project is collecting information on the habitats and activities of wild Andean Bears and they need volunteers to help out. Volunteers live and work in rural Ecuadorian communities so this is a great chance to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and practice your Spanish while contributing to the conservation of this highly endangered animal.

  For more information see the project website at www.andeanbear.org

• The Magic Roundabout" Cloud Forest Cabañas & Centre for Community Based Tourism
  

  We recommend that anyone coming to Ecuador should spend at least a few days relaxing in this beautiful environment. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes with views over the Amazon rainforest, The Magic Roundabout offers a variety of land and community based volunteer programmes or you can even work for the hostal in return for free food and accommodation. Organic farming, permaculture practices, petting the llamas.....just check out the website...

  www.magicroundabout.info

• Bosque Nublado Santa Lucia
  

  Bosque Nublado Santa Lucia is a community-owned and community-run reserve and eco-lodge in the cloud forest - a biodiversity 'hotspot' - just two and a half hours north of Quito. Committed to conservation, genuine ecotourism and sustainable community development, they are looking for volunteers to help with tree planting, trail maintenance, agroforestry, organic gardening, teaching English, environmental education and afterschool enrichment programmes. A great opportunity to spend some time right in the heart of the forest while helping to conserve their forest and support their community. Click on www.santaluciaecuador.com to find out more

• Volunteer Latin America
  

  Volunteer Latin America provides a cost effective way to get involved in a wide range of environmental and humanitarian projects in Central and South America. Whether you are interested in wildlife conservation or want to help street children, we can help you find a suitable project at the right price. Volunteer Latin America is not only a great source of affordable voluntary work but a means to finding some of the best schools to learn Spanish in the region. Click on www.volunteerlatinamerica.com to find out more.