Organic Agriculture Volunteer Program

Organic agriculture at the hacienda Picalquí

This week is both a separate program and also a part of our month long cultural exchange volunteer program. The length of time you decide to stay at the hacienda is flexible.

We invite you to spend an educational and enjoyable stay at our hacienda in Picalquí, set in beautiful, tranquil grounds with stunning panoramic views of the Andes .

At the hacienda you can learn about organic agriculture, agro-forestry, animal management (cows, pigs, llamas, guinea pigs etc.), and the conservation of native forests. You will learn details of each subject through daily practical experience and conversations with our staff.

* Please note there will never be more than four volunteers per staff member in order to facilitate learning. Our volunteer program caters for those with experience in these subjects, and those without who simply enjoy life in the countryside.

Below are examples of just a few tasks you will perform during a typical week - your knowledge of each area will develop as the week progresses:

Vegetable garden : soil management, organic seed beds, natural pest control, worm compost, BIOL liquid fertilizers, crop rotation
Tree nursery :prepare seeds and substrate, graft plants, transplant seedlings, learn the when and why for the uses of different tree species, reforestation work in Ecuador
The fields : use the "azadón" to cultivate the land, water crops, harvest fruit and vegetables, crop diversity, live fences
Guinea pigs : collect feed and sex them (as a traditional meal, the "cuy" forms an important part of local culture)
Cattle : milking, feed them, and organic composting methods

The cost includes: 5 lunches (Monday to Friday), facilities to cook your own breakfast and dinner (we feel independence is important for many volunteers), comfortable accommodation, hot showers and access to our gardens to harvest your own fresh, organic vegetables.

You will need to bring any rice, pasta, or meat that you require (NB: there is a town just 30 minutes on foot for buying supplies). If you wish to be provided with all your meals there is an additional charge of $30.

On Saturday we recommend either a trip to Otavalo's famous craft market(just 30 minutes on the bus), or a hike up to Laguna Mojanda (approximately 14 km each way!). Additional night’s accommodation at the hacienda can be arranged if necessary.

For those wishing to take Spanish classes we can arrange them for you during this week at the hacienda.

To contact former volunteers and learn about their experiences please follow the link to the volunteer contacts page.

Please see the fees and application page

Two day educational program at the hacienda Picalquí

Visitors will participate in a variety of activities as listed above so that a broad overview of our work is experienced. The general formula for the 2 days will be:
Day 1: arrive in the morning, have an explanatory reconnaissance of the hacienda, followed by lunch. In the afternoon organic agriculture will be discussed and practiced.
Day 2: visitors will work with the animals in the morning and in the afternoon will receive a talk about forestation followed by some practical work in the tree nursery.
Day 3: visitors will help feed the guinea pigs and leave mid morning after breakfast (there will be the opportunity to extend the stay if desired)
*Please note we are one and a half hours by bus from Quito, and just 40 minutes from Otavalo.

Please see the fees and application page

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