Vilcabamba, Ecuador is a small village in Ecuador's southern-most province of Loja, bordering Peru. It lies in a most picturesque, fertile valley at about 4,900 feet above sea level. Thirty miles east is the Amazon rainforest, and 30 miles west are the high peaks of the Andes.
Vilcabamba's pristine living conditions (clean air, water, and vitamin and mineral-rich soil) provides the support for extraordinary long lives of it's people. It has been studied for decades by interested scientists and medical researchers. Indeed, many of Vilcabamba inhabitants exceed the age of 100 (without the aid of western medicine) and ages past 130 have been recorded and documented in the last century – hence it's earned subtitle:
'The Valley of Longevity'.
Vilcabamba makes the ideal location for providing voluntourism opportunities. It provides exceedingly ample natural beauty, health and vitality, and is unspoiled by industry, intrusive technologies, and pollution. Yet, it is in need of volunteers for specific projects to better the community and help preserve it's essence. The native people are friendly, supportive and respectul. Crime is virtually non-existent here. It is a tranquil place that embraces all visitors with equal warmth and hospitality.
The Village: Most activities are offered through the Cultural Community Center (CCC), close to the center of the village. Vilcabamba has a traditional town center with a beautifully manicured park and a mosaic tile water fountain at the center. Shops and cafes line the streets on each side. A magnificent cathedral overlooks the town center and provides the most visible landmark. The atmosphere of the village is friendly and relaxed; most people do not wear watches.
Recreation: The village of Vilcabamba is watched over by the sacred mountain of Mondango, which is always in sight. Local trails through the Podocarpis National Park provide wonderful hiking options. Breathtaking views and spectacular waterfalls may also be enjoyed by horseback or mountain-biking tours. More adventuresome travelers may want to experience a zipline in the cloud forest or a kayak trip on the river.
Local Economy: Vilcabamba has a robust local economy with small shops that sell essential staples, unique boutiques, and street cafe's. Most people use their feet rather than cars to get around, but taxis and bicycles are available as needed, all for low cost.
Accommodations: Vilcabamba has several options for either a short or lengthy visit. There are several bed 'n' breakfast homes, hostels, and eco-resort/hotels that are available, such as the beautiful Montesuenos, Izhcayluma, and Tierra Madre Hotel and Spa. Most visitors are awestruck at the simple beauty that exists here.
Interested in taking a voluntoursim trip? Contact Julia French to book a custom tour that is tailor-made to your personal skills, volunteering desires, and objectives.
