Participate in Our Ecuadorian Field Research Program

Our Ecuador research program is open for participation by volunteers, students, interns--anyone with a great enthusiasm for the subject, a solid work ethic, and the ability to work 8-16 hour days in remote, muddy, areas. Check out the links to the right for more, and read more about the project here.

Upcoming Expeditions:

Western Ecuador:

2012: February 3-14, February 17-28
2013: February 2-13, February 16-27

Our Spring expeditions visit various tropical forest Ecuadorian sites, including the coastal reserves of Lalo Loor and Jama Coaque. We will also have 2 nights vacation in the beach town of Canoa upon completion of the research trip.

Amazonian Ecuador:

2012: May 29-June 9
2012 Student Trip*: June 11-20
2013: June 2-June 13
2013 Student Trip*: June 16-24

For Summers, we travel to the wet eastern side of Ecuador in the Amazon rainforest to sites such as Reserva Rio Bigal. On our way up the mountains, we stop overnight at Pappalacta Hot Springs for a long, relaxing soak.

*While most of our expeditions are only available to those ages 18 and up, unless accompanied by an adult, our special student trips in 2012 and 2013 are available for those 14 and up.

Check out our requirements and apply here.

Previous participants: take a few minutes to fill out our post-expedition survey.

Apply > >

2012 Program Fees

• One term: $1,200
• Two terms: $2,200
  

Note: Those attending two terms will be responsible for paying for three nights accommodation between terms. We can arrange accommodations and possible volunteer activities for you.

Full payment is due one month prior to departure. See our payment page for instructions.

Expenses

What is paid for with your registration fees:

• Personal escort to and from Quito airport
• All transportation in Ecuador directly related to expedition
• Two nights hotel in Quito
• Housing in cabins on reserves
• Three hot meals per day
• Specialized field equipment and reading material
• Individualized training on field methods
• Guided forest walks with expert naturalists
• Services and supervision of the guides and instructors
• Two day/one night vaction experience in an eco-lodge and/or hot springs (Amazon) or beach town (western Ecuador)

What is not paid for:

• Airfare and $44 airport exit tax
• Required Travel Insurance
• Anything on the "What to Bring" List
• More than two nights hotel in Quito
• Three nights' extra accommodation and food for participants staying for two terms.
• Food in Quito
• Alcoholic beverages and snacks
• Tuition for independent study