Come practice permaculture techniques in the Ecuadorian Andes.

United States

3

The Center was not as much of a learning experience as I had anticipated. Diego was quite reserved with us and did not seem interested in the work we were doing; directing us then retreating immediately to his quarters. I did not get a sense of leadership, vision or enthusiasm about his property; I spent 15+ hours picking overgrown grass out from between shrubbery (mainly cactuses). There was no yoga/ activities.

11 months ago

United States

3

The experience wasn't as educational as I had hoped. The descriptions and reviews suggested that Diego was trying to create a community on his land by building and growing food and herbs while teaching volunteers how to work with the natural land. Two days in we were the only volunteers there (volunteered with my boyfriend) and it was just us weeding plant beds that seemed left alone for months. While there isn't anything wrong with this- it just wasn't what was advertised and the only other person there was Diego, who kept to himself most of the time, so it was quite lonely. Peaceful though.

11 months ago

Italy

5

Diego is a really kind and true person. I liked the way he was creating a group with all the volunteers, we shared great experiences and emotions together. I truly connected with nature in the Center, it's a wonderful place and a space where to enter deeper in touch with your soul. I really liked the vegan food, the baths, the chants together, the Pambamesa and the cerimonies. Thank you Diego for opening your sacred space to us, for sharing your true self and permit us to do the same.

over 1 year ago

Italy

5

Wonderful experience! Diego made us feeling at home, giving us the opportunity to express ourselves. It was not only work, but sharing time and experiences together, focusing on the connection with nature. We spent great days with him and the other volunteers and the place is really a place of peace. Gracias Diego!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

I am SO grateful that I experienced the Center. Diego has created such a beautiful space that fosters a connection with nature, others, and above all, yourself. I ended up staying an extra week because I loved it so much. He is an AMAZING vegan cook, and shared his medicinal plants and spiritual ceremonies with us. I learned so much and he helped me meet locals and plan my future travels. It was magical.

over 1 year ago

United States

5

Diego was extremely welcoming from the moment he picked us up. His calm and kind attitude is exactly what the world needs in these uncertain times. His project is grand, it is rebuilding his house and the surrounding area to make a retreat center. I can't wait to come back when it's finished! In addition, we really appreciated how in the local area Diego was - La Merced is a beautiful little community and it was awesome to explore there every day and really get to know all the locals - the local immersion could not have been better!

over 1 year ago

Germany

2

Since i can find multiple reasons why you should avoid this place and unfortunately cant find a single reason why you should go there my final advise is to look somewhere else save travels & best wishes Ben

over 1 year ago

DIEGO replied

Esta pareja de alemanes estuvieron 2 días y al tercer día decidieron irse de manera inesperada. A mi modo de ver, simplemente ellos buscaron todos los motivos para no tener que admitir que tomaron una mala decisión al pensar que querían destinar tiempo de su viaje a hacer un voluntariado. Son gente sin experiencia en trabajos de la tierra que se dió cuenta que no necesitan de un voluntariado que los ponga en una situación de incomodidad que los saque de sus altos estándares y expectativas de vida. Es una pena encontrar gente tan mal agradecida con la vida y al mismo tiempo creo que son muy injustas sus reseñas.

Germany

2

Unfortunately, I didn't feel comfortable at all. Mainly because of the accommodation. The pictures on the Worldpackers App, doesn't show the bedroom for the volunteers. We had to sleep in an old garden shed. Our bed was a big pallet with a mattress on top. Inside the shed, it was really cold and clammy. Comparing the accommodation with the hard work (mainly digging with crappie tools) and the 15$ per week, didn't feel fair. There wasn't any yoga classes or holistic therapies offered.

over 1 year ago

Ecuador

5

The Center es un hogar-santuario rodeado de agua La casa es muy acogedora y está rodeado de naturaleza , La comida es muy deliciosa y nutritiva. Fue una bonita experiencia ✨

over 1 year ago

Brazil

5

Que experiência linda! O espaço possui muito propósito e diversos projetos para serem executados. Trabalhei com jardinagem e marcenaria. Mas o mais incrível é poder ver que tudo que é feito tem um sentindo. Amei poder ajudar com esse espaço e desejo um futuro lindo para ele. Além disso, o Diego (anfitrião) é uma pessoa maravilhosa, que prepara refeições PERFEITAS e que está disposto a trocas sinceras e verdadeiras. Também nos mostrou muito da cultura local. :) Não poderia ter pedido mais para esse voluntariado. Me senti realizada e fazendo algo realmente incrível. OBRIGADA o centro!

over 1 year ago

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