The TVL program has quickly become one of our most popular offerings, perhaps due to its combination of volunteer work with intercultural experiences and pure adventure.

June 14 to June 28 2010                July 12 to July 26 2010

August 2 to August 16 2010          August 23 to September 6 2010

Day 1 - You will meet Finding Species staff at their office in Quito for orientation, then travel to La Hesperia Biological Station.  Time to settle into your accommodation. After lunch an introductory tour will be given about the organic farm, the reserve, the projects and the facilities.  After dinner we will have a talk about Ecuador’s biodiversity and cloud forest ecology.

Day 2 - Before breakfast we will milk the cows in the traditional way. After a delicious breakfast we will take a four hour hike to the cloud forest to learn about its ecology and importance.  We will enjoy a packed lunch.  At night we will learn about nocturnal insects and strategies, using a light trap.

Day 3 - After breakfast we will receive an explanation about the reforestation project as well as machete lessons. We will have the opportunity to plant native and endangered species, and we will also learn about the different processes of reforestation. After a picnic at the camp site, we will continue with the work.

Day 4 - This morning we will continue working on the reforestation project. After lunch we will come back to the main area to have free time, to explore the self-guided trails and gardens or to swim in the pond. In the late afternoon we will make chocolate and we will learn about the history of this amazing product. At night we will enjoy the fire with a hot cup of cocoa.

Day 5 - After breakfast we will hike through the Tupi trail and enjoy its wonderful waterfalls. We will have the option to rappel some of them. After lunch we will have the option to play football with the local staff and to prepare for our visit to the Tsáchila Community.

Day 6 - After breakfast we will depart for the Tsáchila community of Chigüilpe.  We will take part in some activities at the community, and we will learn about the culture, especially about medicinal plants. Overnight at the village.  We will have the option (not included in the price) to take a traditional steam bath or healing with the shaman.

Day 7 - After lunch we will return to La Hesperia. After a free afternoon we will have a discussion about Ecuadorian politics and economics. Overnight at the station.

Day 8 - This day the group will participate in a Eco-construction workshop. We will learn “Cob” techniques and we will work on a special project.  At night a hike will be led to see and to hear the wildlife (optional).

Day 9 - We will continue with our Eco-construction workshop.

Day 10 - Early in the morning we will go bird watching.  After breakfast we will participate in a field techniques workshop: The group will learn about simple methods of ecological research, for example, data collection methods and will enjoy a talk about wildlife.

Day 11 - This day we will focus on sustainability. We will work in the vegetable garden; this work includes planting, weeding and harvesting. After lunch, in groups we will prepare bio food like cheese, yogurt, pasta, coffee and lemon grass tea.

Day 12 - We will have a free morning to prepare for camping. After lunch we will hike to the camp site, where we will learn about basic survival techniques, such as building a shelter and eating food from the forest.

Day 13 - Today requires all of our energy, because we are walking around the reserve’s borders; this hike takes approximately seven hours. By doing this hike we will come to understand the conservation problems that the station is trying to combat and we will patrol the reserve.  If someone in the group chooses not to hike the whole distance, there is the option of a shorter hike going back to the main house.

Day 14 - After breakfast we will work at the “Semillitas de Luz” Children’s Nursery or at the local school and we will carry out educational activities and games with the children.  Later we will have a free afternoon to take pictures or to rest.  At night we will enjoy a traditional farewell dinner, a campfire and a salsa and merengue lesson.

Day 15 - After a late breakfast, we will have time to prepare for the trip back to Quito.