Volunteer: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems, and Conservation in the Galapagos Islands

Introduction

This internship is based on a permaculture farm on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos, where a small team of dedicated farmers is showing what food sovereignty can look like on a remote, ecologically sensitive archipelago. The farm is one of the first in the Galápagos to experiment with regenerative, chemical-free, and resilient food systems—serving both as a community seed bank and a hands-on agroecology school. Interns support efforts to strengthen local food security, restore soils, and protect native biodiversity in a landscape facing rapid change.

Location

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Duration

Minimum 4 weeks (flexible for min. 2 weeks depending on intern’s qualifications)

Start Dates

Project is ongoing, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability

Costs

$800 for the 1st week + $600 for each additional week – see ‘Costs’ tab for further details

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture within an iconic ecosystem.
• Involvement in soil regeneration and seed saving practices.
• Training in composting and permaculture design.
• Insight into ethical, independent food production in a remote region.
• Opportunity to support educational and community-based projects (seasonal).
• Contribution to local food security in a system reliant on imports.
• Engagement in ecological initiatives focused on restoration and conservation.

Daily Life

• Mornings are typically spent working at the finca, some potential activities include:
• tending to gardens
• weeding beds
• building compost piles
• reforesting areas with native plants
• help manage the seed bank
• test natural fertilizers
• help design water conservation systems
• If you’re inclined toward outreach, you may also get involved in the farm’s storytelling, marketing, or social media.

Travel & Accom.

• The best airport to fly into is Quito (UIO, Mariscal Sucre International Airport).
• Upon your acceptance to the program, you will receive information on how to book your flight to the Galapagos and additional details to prepare you for your arrival.
• You’ll live with a local Ecuadorian host family, immersing yourself in Spanish, building real relationships, and experiencing daily life as part of the community. This homestay experience gives you a deeper cultural understanding that most travelers miss, and connects your internship work to the lives of the people it supports. Host families provide 3 meals per day, bedding, and a place to do laundry.

Requirements

• Minimum 4 weeks commitment
• Motivated students, industry professionals, graduate/undergraduate students majoring in environmental studies, food systems, agriculture, ecology, development, and related fields
• Full travel & medical insurance
• Necessary vaccinations
• Flights & visas (Most nationalities are granted a 3-month tourist visa automatically upon arrival, and you can extend this for a fee while in-country.)

Costs

$800 USD for the 1st week, $ USD 600* for each week thereafter.

• Currency conversions are approximate. Use xe.com for up to date currency conversion rates
• ** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
• *** Places are confirmed with a 1 week deposit.

What’s Included

• Accommodation and 3 meals a day with a host family. Includes a private room, bathroom, all bedding, and place to do laundry
• A pre-departure orientation
• In-country introduction and orientation during your first few days on Santa Cruz
• 1:1 check-ins every week
• 24/7 emergency support
• Network of doctors, therapists, Spanish tutors in-country
• Access to network of experts and information databases for research support
• Exit interview and end-of-program reflection
• Alumni group and future references

What’s not included

• Costs of flights and visa
• Costs of vaccinations
• Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($200 for foreigners)
• $15 per day for food during orientation training
• Personal transportation
• Any other activities outside of scheduled program activities

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there's a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators. We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.

Note

Puerto Ayora, Provincia de Galápagos, Ecuador

Note: Map coordinates are approximate