Coffee crops

Region: subtropical Andean mountains

The Project started in 2004 in the community of Maldonado, province of Carchi located in the north of the country, close to the border with Colombia.

The coffee is 100% Arabic, it´s cultivated by 250 families who live in Maldonado, El Chical, Gualchan, Juan Montalvo and Jacinto Jijón y Caamaño.

It grows in the subtropical zone, at a high of 900 to 2100 meters above the sea level, irrigated with water that comes from the Andean ¨paramo¨, rich in minerals from the Chiles volcano, it enjoys a humid weather and temperatures are between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, a very fertile land with a volcanic origin.

The coffee trees grow in the shadow of other trees, mainly bananas and citrus, which gives a particular taste to the grain.

Crops are grown in an organic way. Only natural fertilizer and biological methods to protects plants are used. The coffee is collected by hand, choosing only mature fruits.

Well balanced coffee with a delicious taste and an intense flavor, low acidity and bitterness. According to the international qualification, it reaches 80-84 points – expreso coffee, 85 points – gourmet coffee.

The crops are ecological and socially responsible. Plantations provide work to the local population with low incomes. All the steps of the process are handmade. At the same time, they reduce logging and protect the flora and fauna of the very close Golondrinas protective forest reserve.

Activities for volunteers

• Strenght activities with the surroundings families,
• Provide english lessons for the coffee growers
• Sell and promote coffee, elaborate a marketing plan,
• Design a website, a fanpage on social media etc.,
• Organize activities for children and teenagers of the community.

Why is it important?

Logging, protection of flora and fauna, support to fair trade and organic crops

The prefect volunteer for this Project

• Speak spanish, intermediate level,
• Knowledge in digital marketing, publicity etc.

Duration of the Project

Long term volunteering: 6 to 12 months

Short term volunteering: 1 week to 3 months

Availability of the Project

12 months per year

Working days

Monday until Friday. Week ends free to explore Ecuador

Accommodation

Family house

Includes

• Pick up at the airport,
• Transfer to the accommodation place,
• Feeding and accommodation,
• Orientation and support, before, during and after the volunteering,
• Spanish lessons.