Culture, ancestral knowledge, rights of nature and conservation in service of life.
We work together with communities and guardians of the territory to preserve the living memory of the Andean peoples, protect the ecosystems that sustain life, and strengthen the recognition of Nature as a subject of rights.
AyaPuma Samay is part of the Taita Imbabura Consortium, the Northern Andes Biocorridor (BIAN) and the UNESCO Global Geopark Imbabura, being recognized as a geosite of ecological, cultural and spiritual importance in northern Ecuador.
Culture
We promote the artistic expression and cultural practices of indigenous peoples as living heritage.
Ancestral Knowledge
We facilitate the intergenerational transmission of ancestral knowledge, traditional medicine, and Andean worldviews.
Conservation
We develop projects for the protection and regeneration of ecosystems in the Imbabura region.
Our approach is rooted in the principles of the Sumak Kawsay, promoting educational, cultural, and community processes that defend the Rights of Nature, recognizing the Pachamama not as a resource, but as a living, sacred being with its own dignity.
We promote the strengthening of an ecological and spiritual consciousness that recognizes water, forests, mountains, and all forms of life as part of a great living community and interdependent.
Projects
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We believe that protecting Nature is also protecting the memory, culture, spirituality and future of humanity.
Ayapuma Samay
Connecting Past and Future
We Preserve Living Memory
Join us on our journey
And be part of the community processes of the Aya Puma Samay Association.
We invite individuals, groups, and nature guardians who wish to contribute their time, energy, and knowledge to strengthening ancestral culture, conserving the cloud forest, and caring for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
We believe in collective work, reciprocity, and shared learning as paths to building more conscious and harmonious communities.
We invite individuals, groups, and nature guardians who wish to contribute their time, energy, and knowledge to strengthening ancestral culture, conserving the cloud forest, and caring for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Our volunteer opportunities include activities such as:
- community reforestation,
- environmental conservation,
- support in ceremonies and cultural gatherings,
- work in gardens and seedbeds,
- community education,
- and strengthening sustainable projects.
We believe in collective work, reciprocity, and shared learning as paths to building more conscious and harmonious communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join AyaPuma Samay as a volunteer? +
You can contact us through our contact form or send us an email telling us a bit about yourself, your interests, your skills, and the time you wish to share with the community. At AyaPuma Samay, we welcome people from different paths who feel called to collaborate with nature, art, conservation, regenerative agriculture, and ancestral Andean traditions.
What are the requirements to be a volunteer? +
You do not need prior experience. The most important thing is to come with respect, willingness to learn, openness to community work, and sensitivity toward nature and indigenous cultures. We especially value responsibility, care for shared spaces, and the willingness to live together in harmony.
What projects can I join? +
Depending on the season and your interests, you can collaborate on projects such as:
Native Andean forest restoration: planting native species, recovering soils, and protecting water sources.
Regenerative agriculture and conservation of ancestral species: agroforestry work with medicinal plants and sustainable farming systems.
Natural construction and community maintenance: support in natural building, trails, ceremonial spaces, and infrastructure.
Community kitchen and logistical support: food preparation, organizing retreats, cultural gatherings, and ceremonies.
Communication, photography and audiovisual content: documentation, material production, and educational outreach.
Research and academic projects: support for theses and studies on agroforestry, Andean biodiversity, water conservation, and ancestral medicine.
Conscious tourism and mountain guiding: hiking, camping, and ecological experience projects.
Educational activities and knowledge transmission: workshops and learning spaces in art, spirituality, ecology, and traditional knowledge.
Native Andean forest restoration: planting native species, recovering soils, and protecting water sources.
Regenerative agriculture and conservation of ancestral species: agroforestry work with medicinal plants and sustainable farming systems.
Natural construction and community maintenance: support in natural building, trails, ceremonial spaces, and infrastructure.
Community kitchen and logistical support: food preparation, organizing retreats, cultural gatherings, and ceremonies.
Communication, photography and audiovisual content: documentation, material production, and educational outreach.
Research and academic projects: support for theses and studies on agroforestry, Andean biodiversity, water conservation, and ancestral medicine.
Conscious tourism and mountain guiding: hiking, camping, and ecological experience projects.
Educational activities and knowledge transmission: workshops and learning spaces in art, spirituality, ecology, and traditional knowledge.
Is there a cost to be a volunteer? +
It depends on the project and the length of stay. Some projects have community budgets that can cover part of the food or basic expenses. In other cases, we ask volunteers to cover at least their food and transportation costs. AyaPuma Samay can provide guidance, orientation, simple accommodation, and logistical support for the volunteer experience.
What should I bring if I go as a volunteer? +
The mountain has cold and changing weather, so we recommend bringing:
Depending on the type of volunteer work and the season, we may offer a small community cabin for lodging or coordinate camping spaces.
If you need to bring a tent, we recommend one that is resistant to rain, cold, and mountain weather, and that you have a good sleeping bag for low temperatures.
All of this is coordinated in advance according to the area and project you will participate in.
For long-stay volunteers, there is also the possibility of a reference house in the city of Ibarra, allowing you to alternate between days of work in the mountain and days of rest or logistics in the city.
- Comfortable clothing for mountain weather
- Warm clothing for the night
- Work or hiking shoes
- Raincoat
- Flashlight
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal items
Depending on the type of volunteer work and the season, we may offer a small community cabin for lodging or coordinate camping spaces.
If you need to bring a tent, we recommend one that is resistant to rain, cold, and mountain weather, and that you have a good sleeping bag for low temperatures.
All of this is coordinated in advance according to the area and project you will participate in.
For long-stay volunteers, there is also the possibility of a reference house in the city of Ibarra, allowing you to alternate between days of work in the mountain and days of rest or logistics in the city.
Can I participate even if I don't speak Spanish? +
Yes. We welcome volunteers and visitors from different countries. Some members of the community speak English, and we believe that shared work, respect, and coexistence create a common language beyond words.
Can I visit AyaPuma Samay even if I am not a volunteer? +
Yes. We also welcome visitors interested in learning about the project, participating in retreats, cultural gatherings, workshops, hikes, and community activities.
You can write to us to ask about dates and activities open to the public.
You can write to us to ask about dates and activities open to the public.
How can I support the project if I cannot travel? +
You can support us by sharing our work, making donations, creating partnerships, or participating in online activities.
You can also collaborate by promoting research, educational programs, or conservation projects related to:
All help contributes to caring for the territory, conserving the forest, and transmitting ancestral knowledge to future generations.
You can also collaborate by promoting research, educational programs, or conservation projects related to:
- Andean forests
- Native fauna and flora
- Water protection
- Endangered species
- Regenerative agriculture
- Ancestral medicine and cultural heritage
All help contributes to caring for the territory, conserving the forest, and transmitting ancestral knowledge to future generations.
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What people say about us
"Working with AyaPuma Samay has been a transformative experience. Their commitment to culture and conservation is inspiring."
Jelena Rimanic
"A dedicated team that truly makes a difference in our communities. Their work in cultural preservation is invaluable."
Maria Garcia