Volunteer Adventures

Do you want to travel and make a difference?

Eco-librium Sustainable Adventures has created an opportunity for travelers to take one step beyond just regular travel and tourism. We offer the ability to choose from a variety of volunteer projects in different countries and include this as an extension on our regular tour options. As part of our sustainable tourism mandate, proceeds from these volunteer experiences go directly to the communities we work with. Our one-month volunteer adventure tours include a two-week volunteer project and a two-week adventure tour in the country of your choice. You can choose from a variety of sustainable development projects in the areas of conservation, education, and health. Ecolibrium has teamed up with local sustainable development projects in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering gives you a more in depth travel experience of the cultures you are visiting and provides a more meaningful journey. You will have an experience of a lifetime while meeting new people from all over the world, contributing your talents, enhancing your world view, and making a significant impact in communities and the environment in fascinating places!

Adventure Tour!

Two weeks of the volunteer adventure tours will be enjoying an exciting adventure tour! Tours to choose from include rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, biking, surfing, horseback riding, snorkeling, rock climbing, salsa dancing and a whole lot of fun! Our adventure tours are geared for those who are eager to explore new places with a sense of adrenalin or with just a keen sense of wonder.

Who can Volunteer?

Volunteer placements are for any age and type of person. We encourage open-minded individuals who will be able to live outside of their own cultural context for some time and who can adapt to new ways of living. Living conditions are variable and may often be basic and in places away from cities.

Availability is based on time and project dynamics. Most volunteer placements will include groups with a maximum of 6 people on some projects and a maximum of 12 people on larger projects. The option to volunteer for a longer duration may be possible. When choosing a volunteer option, you will be required to list your top 3 choices of programs. We will do our best to place you in your preferred choice but due to availability, choices may be limited. If you are interested in a volunteer placement as an independent option or to conduct research, you can contact us and we will be able to offer placements.

We recommend that volunteers sign up for Spanish lessons before embarking on a volunteer adventure. If you would like to arrange one week of Spanish lessons before your tour or you would like to take classes on line, contact us and we can arrange this for you!

Documentation

Check for required documentation before you enter each country. Some countries may require a tourist visa. Make sure your passport has sufficient space for entry stamps and will not expire during or soon after your travels. Some countries also require vaccinations. Be sure to consult your local travel doctor before your departure. It is often recommended to have a return ticket back to your home country and a credit card for emergencies.

Currency

Using the currency of the local country you are traveling and volunteering in is required. US dollars is the more widely selected currency for international travel. Using bank machines in the local towns and cities is a good way for cash withdrawl while travelers cheques usually take more effort to cash. It is a good idea to bring an extra bankcard, a visa if you have one, and 100 dollars in travelers checks (just in case).

Accommodations

At the volunteer stations accommodations are simple and basic. Most accommodations are shared and bathroom facilities are shared and may involve living with a local family. The accommodations on the adventure tour are also shared (2-3 people). Most places have hot water but can not always be guaranteed.

Meals

Meals are often included in the accommodations for the volunteer adventures. You will be responsible for most meals during the Adventure Tour (breakfast is included in some hotels). Please indicate on the application if you have any special dietary needs.

Transportation

We use local transportation. There may be some instances where private transport is necessary.

Local Payment

There is a local payment included as payment for each tour. This is to be paid in cash to your Tour Guide at the welcome meeting. This is considered your final payment for the tour. Paying locally helps the flow of money into the country traveled in. This helps with paying our local operators and to keep trip costs reasonable.