VOLUNTEER WORK

Volunteer work/research in Vilcabamba

Description:

Created and run by Alicia and Orlando Falco (biologists, ex-Galápagos naturalist guides) the Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve is a self-sustainable conservation project, on private lands with several owners. The Ecolodge -adjacent to it- provides housing for worldwide tourism and commits roughly a third of the profits, plus the help given by volunteer workers to the area's needs. The Reserve opened to the general public with an interpretive, self-guided trail system in December 2005. A contribution fee is expected from visitors not staying in the Ecolodge, which also partly goes to its maintenance. Rumi Wilco provides outdoor activities for travellers as well as students, scientists and volunteers who have an interest in nature, learning practical skills and performing scientific research.

 

Species diversity:

In spite of its proximity to town the number of species in the area is surprisingly high. So far, 118 species of birds have been identified and over 400 sp. of plants. A butterfly list of 78 sp. is available. Here is where more investigation is needed. Voluntary researchers are appreciated, and may receive special discounts.
Also present in micro-habitats: opossums, bats, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, weasels, red brocket deers, snakes, lizards and frogs.

Habitat:

Located deep in the valley of Vilcabamba -world famous for the supposed longevity of many inhabitants- the Rumi Wilco Reserve displays wilco-dominated forest remnants, open woodlands and grasslands on steep slopes, gullies, ridges and floodplain. Average temperature revolves around 20° Celsius (68° F) year round. Two distinct seasons (rainy and dry) are present.

Geographic location:

The little valley and village of Vilcabamba, located 45 km. south of Loja city in Ecuador 1500 mts. above sea level, sits within the buffer zone of the Podocarpus National Park, on the Pacific watershed side.
The entrance to Rumi Wilco is within 15 minutes walking distance from the main plaza of Vilcabamba, towards the northeast.

Travel Information:

Arrival can be by air to the Loja airport at Catamayo. Flights come from Quito or Guayaquil only. From Loja to Vilcabamba is a 1-hour travel by surface. Buses are frequently scheduled from large cities to Loja.

From the Loja terminal, mini-buses run every 30 minutes to Vilcabamba.

Duration of volunteer work/research:

Volunteers may stay for periods ranging from one week to three months.

Qualification and skills:

No specific skills are required for volunteers in general. Scientists or students interested in tropical ecology or other topics may perform their activities -under the pertinent norms- on the Reserve’s lands.

Volunteer work:

Our volunteers will normally work Monday through Friday, 4 hours per day. The rest of the day is usually spent reading, relaxing, walking around, taking spanish lessons, etc. Most work is in open air and includes: trail/ecolodge maintenance, reforestation, riverbank repair, organic gardening, minor construction, shade-grown coffee picking/processing, making marmalades, etc. For scientific research, adequate advance contact is required.

Language:

Spanish, English, French and Italian spoken.

Accommodation:

Volunteers will live at the Ecolodge with other possible guests. Rooms are shared, perhaps private; there are 2 well-furnished kitchens used by volunteers and travellers alike. Three bathrooms; hot water showers. Seasonal fruit, as well as natural medicinal/aromatic herbs and pure drinking water are available.

Cost:

$ 4.80 /day/volunteer.

Please note:

* Many kinds of foods/ingredients are easy to find in Vilcabamba village.

* Spanish lessons are available in town for $4/hour/person.

* There is now an ATM machine in Vilcabamba town square.

* Please contact us by e-mail and always confirm the date of your arrival at least one week in advance: rumiwilco@yahoo.com