Finca San Andres - Recreational activities

About San Andres | Accomodation | Volunteer Activities | Recreation Activities

On the Farm

The farm is wide and expansive, with numerous hidden secrets like the waterfalls, a perfect environment for explorers. On days off or after the days working activities, volunteers are free to roam around the grounds of the farm.

Beauty spots include the 14 waterfalls, the beautiful stretch of the river Toachi, numerous areas of the San Andres forest, the patio around the fish ponds, and of course the cabins themselves.

Also, with the seven children of the farm, there are countless opportunities to play sports or just fool around in this beautiful setting.

Around the Area

Around the immediate area of the finca, there are the two towns of Palo Quemado and Santa Rosa. The people in these towns are very friendly and there are always opportunities to socialize, partake in sports or play with the local children. The local market is on Sundays in Palo Quemado, the towns busiest day.

There are the abandoned gold mines to visit near Palo Quemado. Now a mere ghost town, once there were 1000’s of workers living in a mining town further up from Palo Quemado. Due to disputes over wages, the mine was abandoned in full working order 20 years ago.

The area is rich in minerals, and who knows, you might just come across a bit of fortune on your visit. There are endless opportunities for hiking in the area, with a number of beautiful locations to choose from.

Further afield, there is the colourful city of Santo Domingo to visit, with its population of the unique Colorado Indians who still roam the streets in there eccentric attire. This city is full of life and there are always activities available.

Ten minutes before arrival in the city centre, there is a water park ideal for a fun day out with fellow volunteers. Santo Domingo is about 45 minutes drive from the farm, or around an hour on the bus that passes the farm entrance twice every morning, with buses returning to the farm in the afternoon.

At San Andres, you are also close to the coast. For a weekend trip to the beach during your stay, you only have a 3 hour bus trip to Pedernales, a peaceful fishing village in the central coastal region of Ecuador that is a far cry from the ‘Gringo Trail’.

The people of Pedernales are honest down to earth people who always like to help. The seafood here is cheap, reliable and very tasty. If you are interested in a trip to Pedernales, we highly recommend a hotel named Mr. John, which you will find in any of the guidebooks.

Quito, the capital is also only 2hrs 30mins from the farm and easily accessible via bus, for a weekend away from the farm in the all-encompassing capital that caters for all your city-based requirements.