GO to the Galapagos! UBELONG has the BEST prices!

Of all the places I've been, I loved the Galapagos the most. The physical labor was personally very rewarding and the work environment was very relaxing and friendly. M-Th we would work in the mornings, break for lunch, work for 2 hours in the afternoon and have the rest of the evening off. When we worked we were usually chopping down invasive plant species and replanting native species or working in the nursery. We also got to work at the National Park's nursery and visit the giant tortoises. When we were not working we played a lot of cards, we played Bananagrams, we told stories, there were some instruments to play music, and generally just enjoy each others' company. It was so nice to live somewhere away from internet and cell phones and the buzz of everyday life and just enjoy getting to know people from all over the world. On the weekends we would go into town on the coast and go to the beach, eat at restaurants, go out at night. Sometimes the work was frustrating when directions were vague or it felt like we weren't working very hard, but working on South American time was part of the experience. UBELONG is a facilitator that filters volunteers into local programs. So although the organization at the site could be frustrating, the support from UBELONG was great. Cedric made sure to check in with me on a regular basis and help me with anything I needed. And the prices are UNbeatable. I know there were other volunteers doing the same work I was doing who had paid more through other international volunteer organizations that function similarly to UBELONG. There were more additional costs than I had expected on the island - the Galapagos are expensive so expect to spend around $80 per weekend, including hostel cost for 2 nights. Also, you are in the perfect position to go snorkeling or diving, and volunteers get huge discounts if you buy directly from travel agents on the island, so plan some additional time before or after volunteering to see the other islands.