Finca Organica Canoa
is a brand new project located in Ambache, which is located 10kms inland from Canoa.,a popular tourist destination on the coast of Ecuador.
The project of the farm is for tourists to experience our community and culture and help build and maintain organic farming practices and contribute to
the community . We are currently producing organic products such as cacao, mandarinas, oranges, melon, passionfruit, grapefruit, corn, coffee, different
types of lemons, different types of bananas, plaintain, peanuts, mamey, avocado, sugarcane, medicinal plants and other tropical fruits.
We invite volunteers to help with our project and learn a variety of organic and
traditional farming methods, composting, natural fertilizer, natural pest control,
plantinig seeds, transplanting, harvesting, make cafe, jams, fruit wines, yuca bread,
corn tortillas, natural cheese etc .
Volunteers receive 3 meals a day consisting of products from our farm, including
chicken, fish, rice, exotic fruit & other local food. You will be living with
the Estacio family .
It is also possible to help in the local school, or perhaps teach some some english to the local kids,
or contribute your own particular expertise. This is also an excellent cultural exchange program
where volunteers can experience life in a traditional farming community and offer their
knowledge and information about their own culture.
You need to help around 4 hours a day, but customised stays can be designed if you just want to
learn about the lifestyle of the community. You will get a free day where you can explore the
surrounding area, or visit Canoa, to swim or enjoy the restaurants, bars and cafes.
There is internet and phone available in Canoa. Free bicycle use to explore the area
Location
Ambache/Rio Canoa is an area where approx 50 families live, it is a poor community
that leads a simple and natural lifestyle. Most houses have electricity but they are a
simple wood construction.
To get to Canoa from Quito you can take the Reina Del Camino bus from the bus
terminal in Quitumbe or from Reinas' office on Av. 18 de Septiembre y Larrea.
From Canoa you will be taken to the farm by the most convenient
form possible, this could be on the back of a motorbike, by truck , horse or
by foot!
The finca has electricity but facilities are basic with clean
drinking water, basic toilet and showers cold
(but The climate is warm-hot subtropical so hot water is not
needed)
At present Volunteers need can sleep in the house (depending on available
space) or bring a tent if needed. Toilet and washing
facilities are basic but we are in the process of constructing basic
cabanas for volunteers.
Accomodation and Cost
The cost is $80 for one week
includes 3 meals a day, vegetarian option possible. Normail min stay is
one week , but shorter visits are possible. The finca would also be grateful
help improve volunteer facilities and the community, or donations
such as books, pens, clothes, food, toys for kids, non perishable food etc.
REGISTRATION COST To register we request $20 just to cover the
administration costs. The registration fee can be paid at hostel revolution
in Quito, or paid by Paypal. The registration fee is non refundable.
Please note personal insurance is your own responsibility. No liability will be taken for any injury or inconvenience suffered. The volunteering
program is at your own risk., and keep it mind facilities are basic. But it is a great opportunity to be part of a new project and can be very rewarding
Contact Information
To apply contact project coordinator Juan at FincaOrganicaCanoa Juan.estacio@googlemail.com phone 05 3027220 (spanish) Please note due to the
location Juan will not be able to respond to emails each day, so please be patient. Contact Hostel Revolution stay@hostelrevolutionquito.com or phone
593 2 2546458 for information in English
