Location
This project takes place in an extremely remote area of the Amazon which rests at the borders of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Volunteers for the project will meet in Leticia, a small tropical rainforest city, in an area known as Tres Fronteras (Three Borders) just over the Colombian border. After a 2 day orientation, you will cross the border into Brazil by boat.
Set deep into the Amazon, the Eco Lodge is surrounded by lush greenery and exotic wildlife. This is your chance to witness nature in its purest and most organic form. Expect to see lizards, frogs, monkeys, wild tropical birds, and exotic fish, as this jungle is their home, as well as your backyard. However, you should also be prepared to encounter snakes, spiders, and wasps, and be able to handle these sightings in a mature and reasonable manor, treating all species with respect and understanding. Remember, you are in their territory, not the other way around.
While the local climate is distinctly tropical, the temperature does not fluctuate much throughout the year, remaining at a steady 32 °C, or about 90 °F. There is, however, a noticeable change in precipitation, with the Wet season peaking in January, and the "Dry" season peaking in July. Keep in mind that "dry" is relative, and humidity is high, as there is considerable rainfall throughout the year in this tropical climate.
About the Project
The program was started by Ahuvia, an old friend of GoEco, who has lived in Colombia for 20 years, and in this specific region for 9. Ahuvia found an area on the stream Javali, just on the side of Brazil, where he could build and run a locally staffed Eco Lodge. The Lodge lies on 15 hectares of well protected land, inhabited by indigenous tribes who have never before seen western peoples. The area surrounding the lodge is full of lakes, and tight-knit local villages.
Project Structure
Days 1-2: Orientation, preparation, and training in Leticia.
Day 3: Boat ride to Eco Lodge (4-6 hrs), and time to get settled.
Day 4-13: Volunteer work at the Eco Lodge.
Day 14: Boat ride back to Leticia.
Orientation
Volunteers begin their adventure with 2 days of orientation and training in Leticia, Columbia. Events during these days include:
- Lessons on local Spanish terms used in common conversation as well as terms commonly used on the project (such as local flora and fauna);
- Instruction on safety and general precautions in the Amazon wilderness - from snakes to poisonous plants
- Introduction into behavior among local tribes and indigenous peoples;
- Increasing perspective on life in the jungle - debunking myths and identifying truths.
- Down-time to adjust to time difference and jet-lag.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteering takes place during the middle 10 days of the 2 week trip, and can be extended up to an additional two weeks. Volunteer duties and responsibilities vary greatly depending on time of year and current project development, but may include:
- Teaching English to locals and staff
- Maintenance of the Eco Lodge - cooking, cleaning, renovation, etc.
- Documentation of the project, writing reports, taking photographs, and creating formal presentations for public education.
- Interacting with and understanding the natural surroundings of the Rainforest.
Accommodation
Volunteers will reside in large shared dorms with 4 toilets and 4 showers. The buildings are built sustainably, and are naturally cool at night. You are provided 3 meals a day, with breakfast consisting of coffee and cakes, eggs, fresh fruit local juice, and occasionally pancakes. Lunch and dinner will most likely include meat, chicken, or fish, served with beans or lentils, chickpeas, or rice, and local fruits and vegetables. Drinking water at the lodge is from certified natural springs of rainforest-clean water. This is the best and purest drinking water in the world.
It is important to note that this program is located in an extremely remote location. This means there is no Internet or telephone reception on premises. While there is a generator for charging electronics (iPod, camera, etc) it will only run for a few selected hours each day/night.
Not just work...
During your experience at the Eco Lodge, you will have plenty of free time to explore the jungle, relax by the placid waterside, and experience the adventure of the Amazon. The lodge also runs activities for its patrons, in which you may be able to take part. Go canoeing or fishing down the local rivers, take canopy tours, ziplining from treetop to treetop. Watch the endangered pink dolphin in its natural habitat. Go bird watching or on a number of nature hikes in the surrounding area.
You Should Take into Account...
This program is perfect for a strict naturalist, looking to get as far away from society and technology as possible. With no telephone or internet access, you must be willing to separate yourself from the civilized world in order to truly make the most out of this amazing opportunity and to experience the heart of the Amazon.
Minimum Requirements:
- Min age 22 - Or minimum of 2 months experience in Rainforest settings
- Basic English and Spanish
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to live and work in a remote location
- Full travel & medical insurance***
- Immunizations and necessary medications(please consult your doctor)
*** It is imperative that you come prepared with full medical insurance. This is a remote area with limited access to medical facilities, and in the event of an emergency, you must be equipped with insurance protection.