Q: What is VOLUNTOURISM?
A: The acts of a VOLUNTEER combined with TOURISM done responsibly.
Q: What is TOURISM done responsibly?
A: TOURISM that contributes and not just takes away.
Q: Is voluntourism right for me?
A: Only YOU know the answer to that. But let's say right up front that nobody is excluded: We feel voluntourism has a place for everyone, whether they wish to be involved a lot or a little. If you have an affinity for a beautiful, simple lifestyle, are not afraid of meaningful work and real human interaction, then we think this is an awesome experience that you will treasure all your life. If you truly ENJOY contributing to the happiness and well-being of others, while enriching your own life and reflecting on the things that really matter, then we invite you to contact us for further details.
Q: What, exactly, is the service you provide?
A: We are a conduit between our traveling volunteers and the practical needs of the community. As volunteering residents ourselves, we have spent the time networking into the community, gaining the trust and support of the residents. Most importantly, we understand the essence of life in Vilcabamba and what is needed. We orchestrate and organize so that the needs of the community get matched with expertise, simple labor and willingness to help.
Q: What are the Benefits?
A: Benefit to the Community: positive impact on the environmental, economical, and socio-cultural aspects of the local community. New ideas and solutions to problems are born via synergy of a group of people's efforts. New participants, gifted in divergent skills and disciplines, bring a wealth of inspiration, as well as practical benefits to the community.
A: Benefit to the Traveler: fulfillment of a purpose that transcends self-gratification. Our clients leave us, not only with the memory of spending time in one of the most beautiful spots on earth, but with the profound inner satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of a people... of a community.
Q: Are you affiliated with any organizations?
A: The only organization we have affiliation with is the Vilcabamba Cultural Community Center, which we are working with to try to bring needed education, arts, and sciences to the community.
Q: What is the impact of voluntourism
on the local community? Is it well received?
A: We have experienced only very positive feedback from those in the local community about our efforts. We are in constant communication with the local people about what is important to them and what is needed in their community. We make consistent efforts to invite public feedback, and continually assess how we can do things better.
Q: Are you a Travel Agency?
A: No. We do NOT schedule air travel. However, we do take care of everything else:
Our job begins with the landing of your flight into the nearest airport at Catamaya (LOJA). Tame airlines run regular flights from Quito and Guayaquil, the two largest cities in Ecuador. We can arrange ground transporation (via reputable taxi service) to and from the Loja airport, accommodations in Vilcabamba, desired activities, along with your service projects.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: We keep our fees as affordable as possible and still be able to operate this service efficiently and responsibly. We charge a sliding fee based on how much an individual wishes to give of their skills and/or labor. The more of oneself one can put into their visit, the lower the fee. Each case must be individually considered for an accurate cost estimate.
Q: Is Ecuador safe?
A: Yes. The present political climate in Ecuador is quite peaceful and positive. Ecuador is a constitutional republic and has a new President that has proposed many positive changes to benefit the people of this country. The quiet village of Vilcabamba is virtually crime free and very safe. You will find the majority of the people here to be peace-loving and friendly.
That said, always excercise a fair amount of caution and prudence in any public place. Use common sense: do not flash money around and keep your valuables secure on your person. We have yet to report any unfortunate incidence involving any of our volunteers.
Q: What is the weather like in Vilcabamba? What is the Altitude?
A: Very comfortable. Mostly between 67 and 78 degrees farenheit. We have a wet season from November to April and a dry season from about May to October. The village of Vilcabamba is at 4900 feet above sea level, with some of the homes and inns on the mountainside as high as 6000 feet.
Q: Can I have time to myself to do the things I want to do?
A: Yes, of course. All clients have time to themselves to enjoy the beauty of the valley and explore where they wish, how they wish. The beauty of our voluntourism programs are their flexibility toward each participant. We are here to help you make this all that you want it to be.
Q: Is there a time limit as to length
of stay?
A: Ecuador grants a standard 90-day tourist visa. Your length of stay is really up to you. A few days... a week or two... or several months. Should longer residence be desired, we can point you in the right direction in obtaining the appropriate visa's required by the government of Ecuador.
Q: Who are you and what are your qualifications?
A: Julia French, Director of VIVE4U, is bi-lingual (Espanol and English) and has traveled the world extensively through 33 countries. In her younger days, she spent time traveling through Latin America, the Carribean, and Europe, working at a variety of jobs along the way to finance her trip, as she explored many different cultures. Since then, Julia has taught and served in school administration in the USA for more than 13 years. She has also served in a hospital, as a Registered Nurse and in Case Management, interfacing with families and problem solving. This diverse background has uniquely endowed Julia with a specific set of skills that is perfect for voluntourism work. She is a natural networker and has a talent for connecting people with purposes. Voluntourism is her passion and her life here in Vilcabamba.
Jack Crompton is an artist, musician, writer, graphic designer, and webmaster, along with wearing many other hats in regard to VIVE4U. He is also well-traveled and has previously visited Ecuador twice, before being inspired to make Vilcabamba his home. Jack has illustrated several children's books, including 'Mountains to Climb', which is a tale of an Ecuadorian boy and the cultural challenges that exist in contrast with western culture. Jack assists Julia with the promotion of VIVE4U, the creation and maintainence of this website and also in the practical day-to-day operation of voluntourism. He is also a regular contributor to the Cultural Community Center in various capacities. Website: spiraldream.org
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Start by filling out our online form. We will respond in a timely manner to help plan your trip.
