Puyo, Ecuador
Monkey sanctuary experience: Make an impact & immerse in local culture in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Step into the Ecuadorian Amazon and be part of something truly meaningful at Paseo de los Monos. This wildlife rescue center is home to over 100 animals, with a special focus on rehabilitating monkeys rescued from illegal trafficking. Help to prepare food, assist in daily care, and support reforestation efforts—all while living in a cozy jungle home, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where you'll bond with wildlife, explore the rainforest, get immersed in the local culture, and make a real impact!
- Nancy
- Worldpackers host since Mar/2025
Available group trips
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
Ich bin Celine – Weltenbummlerin seit 2,5 Jahren ☀️🌍
Was als Soloabenteuer begann, wurde zu meiner größten Leidenschaft: das Reisen. Ich weiß, wie unsicher sich die ersten Schritte anfühlen können – mir ging’s genauso. Allein reisen war anfangs nicht leicht, aber es hat mich wachsen lassen. 🫶🏼 Heute möchte ich genau diese Erfahrung mit anderen teilen.
Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
Immerse yourself in Ecuador’s wildlife with Marko!
Join Marko at a wildlife rescue center caring for over 100 animals—especially monkeys saved from illegal trafficking. Help with daily care, prepare food, and support reforestation projects while living in a cozy jungle home. Connect with nature, immerse yourself in local culture, and make a real impact!
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
Noémie's monkey sanctuary experience: Let's immerse ourselves in Ecuador’s Amazon wildlife!
Join me on stepping into the Ecuadorian Amazon and being part of something truly meaningful at Paseo de los Monos. This wildlife rescue center is home to over 100 ANIMALS, with a special focus on rehabilitating monkeys rescued from illegal trafficking. We'll help to prepare food, assist in daily care and support reforestation efforts—all while living in a cozy jungle home, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. <3 Get ready with me for an unforgettable experience where we'll bond with wildlife, explore the rainforest, get immersed in the local culture and make a real impact together!
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
By 12:00 PM - Arrival in Quito
Flights must arrive by 12 PM so the driver can pick up the group at the arrivals area of the international airport.
Afternoon
01:00 PM - From Quito to Paseo de los Monos
The driver will safely take the group on a 5-hour journey with stunning landscapes from the airport to the project. Let the adventure begin!
Evening
7:00 PM - Welcome Dinner & Chuchuguazo Ritual
Kick off your adventure with a special group dinner and try Chuchuguazo, a traditional liquor from the Ecuadorian Amazon—an authentic experience to start your journey with great energy. Plus, take home a unique souvenir: your exclusive Paseo de los Monos t-shirt!
Day 2
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious spread of fresh fruit, bread, cheese, eggs, yogurt, and drinks. Fuel up for the adventure ahead!
08:00 AM - Introduction Tour
Get to know the project, explore the region, and learn about the impact of your visit on all 102 animals cared for at Paseo de los Monos. This one-hour tour is the perfect start to your experience!
Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious meal at the project—fresh, local, and made with care!
03:00 PM - Monkey Snack Time
Your first hands-on activity with the animals! Join a biologist to prepare and serve a special snack for the monkeys and other rescued wildlife.
Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner & Canelazo Night
Wrap up the day with a group dinner, then enjoy Canelazo, a traditional Andean drink, served by your hosts. Relax, play pool, and sing your heart out at karaoke for a fun evening at the project!
Day 3
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious spread of fresh fruit, bread, cheese, eggs, yogurt, and drinks. Fuel up for the adventure ahead!
08:30 AM - Animal Feeding
Join a biologist to prepare and serve the animals' main meal of the day—a hands-on experience that connects you to their daily care.
Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious meal at the project—fresh, local, and made with care!
02:00 PM - Group Holistic Therapy
The group will be taken to visit Centro Holístico Los Yapas, just 15 minutes from the project, for an afternoon of holistic therapies and self-discovery.
Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner
End the day with a shared meal, relaxing and reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Day 4
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious spread of fresh fruit, bread, cheese, eggs, yogurt, and drinks. Fuel up for the adventure ahead!
08:30 AM - Animal Feeding
Join a biologist to prepare and serve the animals' main meal of the day—a hands-on experience that connects you to their daily care.
Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious meal at the project—fresh, local, and made with care!
03:00 PM - Traditional Indigenous Jewelry Workshop
Learn the art of indigenous jewelry-making in this hands-on workshop. Create your own unique piece using traditional techniques and materials while immersing yourself in the local culture!
Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner
End the day with a shared meal, relaxing and reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Day 5
Morning
03:00 AM - Guayusa-Upina Ritual: Kichwa Shamanic Cleansing
Experience an authentic limpia (spiritual cleansing) led by a Kichwa shaman, a sacred tradition of the region. A deep, immersive journey into Ecuadorian culture!
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch
Recharge with a nutritious meal at the project—fresh, local, and made with care!
03:00 PM - Interact & feed the monkeys!
After 3 days, you can enter monkey's parks and feed them directly!
Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner
End the day with a shared meal, relaxing and reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Day 6
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures.
08:00 AM - Free Day!
Choose an optional tour (extra cost) with pickup from the project: Full Day in the Jungle or Full Day Adventure. Prefer to stay? Enjoy the river, play pool, or simply relax at the house.
Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner
Gather for a delicious group meal, sharing stories from the day’s adventures.
Day 7
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Start your morning with a delicious and energizing breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures.
08:30 AM - Omaere Ethnobotanical Park
Join a 2-hour guided tour through this national park, spot local wildlife, and learn about the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
11:00 AM - Mercado de los Plátanos + Traditional Lunch
Explore a vibrant regional market, discover Ecuadorian culture, shop for souvenirs, and experience the local gastronomy. Then, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner
End the day with a shared meal, reflecting on the day's experiences.
08:30 PM - Night in Puyo
Extend your adventure by exploring Puyo for the evening! The host will indicate trustworthy taxi contacts for the group.
Day 8
Morning
07:00 AM - Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast together, savoring the last moments of this incredible experience.
Farewell
Say your goodbyes and take with you unforgettable memories of your journey! A driver will take the group back to the airport in Quito.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Women only
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Prepping animal meals
Team up with a biologist to prep fresh, healthy meals that keep rescued animals happy and thriving!
Feeding the animals
Deliver food to the animals and watch them chow down: an up-close experience you’ll never forget!
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Group Holistic Therapy
Head to a nearby holistic center for an afternoon of healing therapies and self-discovery.
Centro Holístico Los Yapas
Guayusa-Upina Ritual: Kichwa Shamanic Cleansing
Experience a sacred ‘limpia’ led by a Kichwa shaman—a powerful regional healing tradition.
En Paseo de Los Monos
Traditional indigenous jewelry workshop
Craft unique jewelry using indigenous techniques and natural materials.
In Puyo
Mercado de los Plátanos + Traditional Lunch
Discover local culture at a vibrant market, find unique gifts, and savor an Ecuadorian meal.
Omaere Ethnobotanical Park Tour
Explore Ecuador’s biodiversity on a guided walk and learn about native plants and traditions.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Full Day Adventure
A full day of adventure with rafting, caves, and more in the heart of the jungle.
Aprox. US$70
Full Day in the Jungle Tour
Full-day jungle tour with Indigenous villages, waterfalls, and unforgettable nature experiences.
Aprox. US$70
Night out in Puyo
Explore downtown Puyo, visit local shops, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Aprox. US$15 - US$20
Videos
christy
United States
Volunteering at the shelter was truly an unforgettable experience. The staff are incredibly kind and supportive. They were easygoing and nondemanding which made the whole experience more relaxed. The monkeys were so entertaining and full of personality. The landscape was super beautiful i can never get over it. You get the opportunity to meet volunteers from around the world, while interacting with locals too. There were so many highlights of volunteering here, i genuinely did not want to leave. Overall this was one of my favorite volunteer experiences and i highly recommend
3 months ago
athena
United States
We had a great week here! We really enjoyed the lunch it was super tasty and the staff is very friendly and sweet. You do different tasks throughout the week which is nice and learn a lot about the monkeys, we miss the shelter already! Highly recommend volunteering here you won't be disappointed.
4 months ago
Nicole
United States
My experience was amazing! The accommodation was very comfortable, and the meals were delicious. The hosts and staff were incredibly friendly and made me feel at home and supported every day. The activities with the animals were both enriching and fun – it's an experience I'll never forget. It was also a great opportunity to practice my Spanish and immerse myself in Ecuadorian culture. I hope to return in the future!
6 months ago
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Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
Experience an immersive stay at Paseo de Los Monos, where accommodations are located in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest. The project’s main house features five spacious shared rooms, each equipped with sturdy bunk beds to ensure comfort and rest. While offering privacy, the accommodations allow you to remain fully connected to the surrounding nature, with the tranquil sounds of the jungle enhancing your stay. The facilities include well-maintained bathrooms with hot showers, a communal space with a pool table for socializing, and a serene outdoor area where you can unwind in a hammock while observing the local wildlife, including playful monkeys. Fresh linens are provided, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your stay.
- Free to use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Hot water showers
Meals
Kickstart your day with a fresh and energizing breakfast—enjoy coffee, tea, water, fruit juices, seasonal fruits, yogurt, granola, eggs, bread, jam, and chocolate spread. Need a snack? Bread, jam, and drinks are available throughout the day for you to enjoy at any time.
For lunch and dinner, savor a variety of hearty meals featuring local ingredients from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Expect a mix of rice, proteins (chicken, beef, or a vegetarian/vegan option), and delicious sides like lentils, potato stew, or vegetable lasagna. Plus, throughout the week, you’ll get to try authentic Ecuadorian Amazonian dishes like Mayto de tilapia, shrimp ceviche, and fritada de papas!
Arrival orientation
To ensure a smooth journey, your flight should arrive at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) by 12 PM on the first day of your trip. Our team will be waiting for you at the arrival area with a sign for Paseo de Los Monos. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Ecuador, with lush mountains and winding rivers guiding the way. After about 5 hours on the road, you’ll arrive at the heart of the Amazon, ready to start your adventure!
About the project
Originally from Switzerland, Yvan spent the ‘80s and ‘90s traveling the world, developing a deep passion for conservation and sustainability. Of all the places he visited, Ecuador captured his heart. He kept returning until, in 2005, he founded the first wildlife rescue center in the Pastaza region, dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating trafficked and rescued Amazonian monkeys.
A decade later, he met Nancy, a former lawyer who left her career behind to join him on this incredible journey. Together, they’ve built Paseo de los Monos into a true sanctuary, not just for animals, but for travelers looking to make a real impact.
Conservation authorities regulate the project in Ecuador. It aims to rehabilitate animals, as well as ensure a good quality of life for those that cannot be released back into their natural habitats.
About the destination
Nestled in Puyo, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon, Paseo de los Monos is surrounded by lush rainforests, winding rivers, and an abundance of wildlife. Located in the Pastaza province, this region is home to diverse ecosystems, breathtaking waterfalls, and vibrant Indigenous cultures that have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. The lush jungle is teeming with exotic animals, from playful monkeys to colorful birds, offering a truly immersive Amazonian experience. Whether you're exploring hidden trails, swimming in the river, or simply relaxing in a hammock to the sounds of the rainforest, this is the perfect place to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
Impact & Purpose
Paseo de Los Monos is more than a rescue center—it’s a hub for positive change. By training and employing local youth, the project provides hands-on experience that helps them grow professionally while making a real impact. The center also strengthens the local economy, including Indigenous communities, by attracting eco-conscious travelers. Through sustainable tourism and financial support, Paseo de Los Monos creates opportunities that benefit both people and nature.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Decent work and economic growth
Paseo de Los Monos empowers young professionals by providing hands-on experience at the center, helping them grow in their careers. Plus, the project collaborates with local businesses to support a sustainable economy.
Climate action
From reforestation efforts to river cleanups and wildlife protection, the project is committed to preserving the environment. Every visitor gets the chance to learn about sustainability and take part in real climate action.
Life on land
Home to 102 rescued animals, Paseo de Los Monos is a leader in wildlife care and rehabilitation. The team works tirelessly to restore natural habitats and give these animals a second chance at life.
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