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Our Conservation  Environment Project in Colombia  is based deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Volunteers stay at the  4.106,9 hectare Yahuarcaca Ecological Reserve. This project offers you the chance of a lifetime to visit and help preserve the most diverse ecosystem on the planet! Yahuarcaca you will get to take part in exciting activity. This has recently been recognised like World Heritage Wetlands .

Yahuarcaca has  3 big  indigenous  reserves (Ticunas, Kokamas and Huitotos with 8 communities: S. Antonio de los Lagos (Ticuna people), San Pedro de los Lagos (Ticuna people), San Juan de los Parentes (Ticuna people), San Sebastian (Ticuna people), La Playa (Ticuna-Kokama people), Kilometro 7 (Huitotos people), Km 6 y 11 (Ticuna-Huitoto), Comunidad Indìgena Castañal de lo lagos (Ticunas peple). Throughout your stay you will be supported by our team of expert staff.

You do not need previous experience to take part in this project. Volunteers are welcome.This project is perfect for anyone who is outgoing and has a passion for the Wild Nature. You will get hands-on, practical experience and learn about the natives way of life and their balance with the environment.

The main work will be reforestation. Working on reforestation includes planting trees, shrubs and orchids, also extracting bad grass and alien species that invade the Area.
Help plant fast-growing endemic trees to reforest deforested areas for crops. Not only are trees a source of commercial timber, fruit, dyes, resins and building materials, they also contribute to regenerating the land and reducing the harmful ecological impact on forest areas still intact.
In subsequent visits, the growth of the trees will be verified and the lianas and climbing plants that will inhibit the growth of the trees will be removed.

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The Volunteering week

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Volunteers follow a timetable and normally work between 3 to 4 hours each day. Some of the work is seasonal and you will work on a variety of tasks during your time in Yahuarcaca. Some morning tasks start early. There is also plenty of time in the evening to relax after work. You will normally rest during the middle of the day to avoid the midday heat!

The Solidasur staff at Yahuarcaca give regular talks and presentations to the conservation volunteers. Our specialised staff will provide you with a valuable insight into topics relating to life in the jungle including animal behaviour, local eco-systems and topical issues relating to the world of conservation.

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Spanish lessons

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Alternatively you can undertake a short 5-hour, 15-hour, or 30-hour course in Spanish. These courses are tailored to your needs and run alongside your main volunteer project. If you are planning on volunteering abroad for twelve weeks or more, you could also complete a 60-hour course alongside your volunteer experience

Spanish  are the main languages taught in Solidasur. These classes are available for volunteers and special prices. Volunteers should consider taking classes, it helps to better communicate in the project.

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Food

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Freshwater fishes are the main component of the Amazonian cuisine. There are dozens of exceptionally tasteful species of fish  that are usually served grilled or fried. Fish stewed in yuquitania (local chilli) is also typical. Mandioca arepas (pastries made of a variety of cassava flour) are also a basic food in the region.

Besides fish and mandioca, the other typical food are the local fruits that are unique flavour and names: Arza, caimo, copazu, umari, carambola, cayarana are some good examples.

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The Weekend

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Normally the volunteers have the option of visiting Leticia city at weekends. Here you will find hotels, bars, shops and internet access. This is also where volunteers are picked up from the airport when they arrive. Leticia is  around 30 minutes away by car, next to the Amazon River and bordering Brazil and Peru. In the center of town, the boardwalk has river views. The main square is Santander Park, with a pond and trees where hundreds of parrots roost. Neighboring Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace is a modern building, with city views from its bell tower. The Ethnographic Museum has displays on the region’s indigenous groups.