The Arajuno Road Project

Creating Opportunity in Ecuador

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Volunteer Travel Information for Ecuador Projects

All you need to know to help you make the most of placement and be prepared for everything!

The information given below is intended as a rough guide only, the Arajuno Road Project will not take responsibility for consequences of the taking of this advice.

Local Local Information for Puyo and the Arajuno Road

Climate
Situated just south of the ecuator, the annual temperatures remain fairly constant (20°c to 25°c) although its best to pack a jumper as some nights can bring a chill. The air is humid but fresh with the northerly winds. Being the rainforest, rain comes frequently, with rain almost daily in the rainy season (Dec-Mar)
Health
All injections and vaccinations should be explained by your local doctor. The Arajuno Road area is not considered a malaria zone. If you have any worries, or are considering jungle tours or weekend trips it is recommened that malaria pills are taken. Small health centres exist in Arajuno and El Triunfo, but the main doctors surgery and hospitals are found in Puyo.
Wildlife
The Amazon holds a diverse range of wildlife, from pumas and monkeys to armadillos and parrots. Poisonous snakes and spiders do live in the area but you will be hard pressed to find one. Most animals are more scared of people than you will be of it. Mosquitos are around although most people do not use insect repellent, and remain unbitten. Bring a bottle for the jungle walks and just in case. Rabies has not been a problem in the area and the nearest clinic is within 24 hours of the volunteer hostal. It is still recommended that you take the vaccine
Currency
The national currency is the US$. ATM machines are common, with at least 5 in Puyo. All can be used with Visa, Mastercard and Maestro. Travellers cheques can also be changed from one shop in Puyo at a high rate of interest.

Travel Tips and Advice

Flights
Quito and Guayaquil both have large international airports altough Quito is the closest to Puyo (5 hours). Iberia offer cheap flights from Europe and it can be cheaper to buy 2 separate tickets, from you home country to Madrid, and then from Madrid to Quito.
Quito
$5 should be enough for a taxi from the airport to one of Quitos hostals. Try and agree a price beforehand. Casa Bambu and the Secret Garden are recommended (both under $10 a night). $3 is ample for a taxi to the Terminal Terrestre (or Cumand Bus Terminal) for buses to Puyo. Buses run regularly (every 30mins), cost around $5 and take around 5hrs, but be patient.
Puyo
The main bus terminal is a short (2 min) $1 taxi ride to the centre of Puyo. Hostel Cumanda (opposite the bus terminal) and the Hotel Aracuano or Hotel Jared are all recommended (under $10). Restaurants of all shapes and sizes are within stones throw of whichever place you stay.
Arajuno Road
Buses run from the smaller Arajuno terminal in Puyo to the Arajuno Road at 8am, 12pm, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8pm. Taxis will take you but can cost up to $20.

Living & Working in Ecuador

Visas
You will normally be issued a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival into Ecuador. A flight out of Ecuador or other ticket is required but rarely asked for, however you may be forced to buy another ticket at customs if you don`t have one. Visas can easily be extended for a further 90 days by going to the Jefatura Provincial de Migracion in Quito or by leaving and re-entering the country. Under the tourist visa it is only possible to stay in Ecuador for 6 months in any 12 month period. A volunteer visa of upto 2 years can be purchased in your home country (ring local embassy).
Communications
Puyo is the main port of call for the internet, and phone lines only make it as far as El Triunfo. For international calls a 1 1/2 hour journey to Baños will give you much cheaper calls (25% of the price) than calling from Puyo. The Movistar cellular phone company gives partial reception to the Arajuno Road. Mail can be sent to the Correo Central, Puyo, Pastaza, Ecuador.
Spanish Lessons
Baños (in between Quito and Puyo) offers and extensive range of Spanish schools offering week and weekend lessons. It is recommended that volunteers at least buy a "do it yourself" Spanish learning book. The best way to learn from home is to get a book written in Spanish and a dictionary.