Alandaluz, coastal conservation

Product Details

Alandaluz overlooks a stunning beach on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. It is a small village near the town of Puerto Lopez, about 45 minutes from the popular surfing centre of Montanita. Near the centre of Alandaluz is a 320 hectare reserve called Cantalapiedra, supporting virginal and secondary forest. This is part of the stunning Machalilla National Park. It is a remote and wonderful area with tremendous diversity of fauna and flora, surrounded by ocean, hills and a crystal clear river. In the summer months humpback whales can be seen from the beach making ‘The Dance of Love’. It has won numerous awards for sustainable tourism, eco-tourist initiatives, organic gastronomy and social responsibility.

Volunteer activities

The three areas of work are conservation, education and eco-tourism. Conservation initiatives are carried out at Cantalapiedra. It is being carefully managed for its wildlife (particularly birds, butterflies, virginal forest, orchids and bromeliads) in conjunction with providing bamboo for local builders and fruit. There is a lodge house where the occasional tourist can stay but this is more frequently used by volunteers. Work at the Alandaluz centre is primarily with the local people. Many of these people are illiterate. They are very keen to learn English however so they can work with tourists. Although not a significant tourist destination there is huge potential due to the whales, sea turtles, ornithology, beaches, proximity to Isla de la Plata (‘poor man’s Galapagos’) and high standard of accommodation. There is a spacious, purpose-built room for teaching. You would also be asked to teach English and extra-curricular activities such as ‘the coastal conservation club’ in one of the local schools. On one side of the centre is a 25 hectare botanical garden. There is a canopy walk and butterfly sanctuary incorporated in this. The garden needs constant maintenance and improvement. Billboards and educational trails need establishing for tourists and local children.

Accommodation and time off

The main centre and outbuildings are beautifully created structures made out of massive lengths of bamboo and thatch. This is all grown locally. You would live with other volunteers in a purpose-built lodge house. The buildings are carefully designed to minimise the effect on the environment, to create maximum shade, comfort, dramatic charm and beauty. They have fantastic views over the ocean and backdrop of forest. Recycling, water conservation and power generation are given careful consideration. You would be expected to actively promote sustainable living through example and through education programmes set up for the local community. The working day starts at around 8am to avoid the heat. You would be given eight days off each month. Meals are taken with other volunteers at the main lodge house. The staple diet is fresh fish, prawns and an abundance of fruit and vegetables which are all grown locally.

Spanish classes would be taken for two weeks in Quito prior to beginning the project.