Galapagos Islands: Agro-ecology & Regenerative Food Systems

Introduction

The Galápagos Islands are world-renowned for their unique biodiversity, but beyond the iconic wildlife lies a deeper story of human resilience and innovation. On Santa Cruz, where challenges like food insecurity, reliance on imports, and invasive species threaten both ecosystems and livelihoods, local communities are finding creative ways to live in balance with nature.

This internship is based on a permaculture farm on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos, where a small team of dedicated farmers is showing what food sovereignty can look like on a remote, ecologically sensitive archipelago. The farm is one of the first in the Galápagos to experiment with regenerative, chemical-free, and resilient food systems—serving both as a community seed bank and a hands-on agroecology school. Interns support efforts to strengthen local food security, restore soils, and protect native biodiversity in a landscape facing rapid change.

This placement is ideal for those curious about sustainable agriculture in one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. From soil regeneration to seed saving and from composting to permaculture design, you’ll contribute to daily farm operations while learning what it takes to grow food ethically and independently in an isolated region that still depends heavily on imports. Depending on the time of year, interns might also support educational programming, seed germination projects, or community-based ecological initiatives.

Daily Life

You’ll live on Santa Cruz Island with a local host family, immersing yourself in both the rhythms of small-scale farming and the everyday culture of the Galápagos.

Mornings are typically spent working at the finca, some potential activities include:

• tending to gardens
• weeding beds
• building compost piles
• reforesting areas with native plants
• help manage the seed bank
• test natural fertilizers
• help design water conservation systems
• If you’re inclined toward outreach, you may also get involved in the farm’s storytelling, marketing, or social media.

Interns generally work 4–5 hours a day, Monday through Friday, with plenty of time in the afternoons and weekends to explore the natural wonders of the island. This is a grounded placement offering an experience rich in learning and connection. You’ll gain practical agroecology experience while participating in a movement toward greater food autonomy, biodiversity protection, and ecological regeneration in the Galápagos.

Interns need to bring extra spending money for their transportation, meals not eaten with the family, and activities and travel outside of the program. The cost of living and transportation costs are explained in more detail in the intern manual provided to incoming participants to help them calculate how much extra money they should bring.

Travel & Accom.

The best airport to fly into is Quito (UIO, Mariscal Sucre International Airport). At the Quito Airport, you will need to purchase your flight to go to the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos. Upon your acceptance to the program, you will receive information on how to book your flight to the Galapagos and additional details to prepare you for your arrival.

Requirements

We recommend that interns commit to 4 to 12 weeks on the ground in Ecuador, have an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency (or a strong motivation to learn quickly before and upon arriving!), and bring knowledge in their area of research if looking to do a personal project. Interns are expected to finance their own travel costs. Further requirements include:

• Minimum 2 weeks commitment (40 hours/week), recommended 4-12 weeks
• Motivated students, industry professionals, graduate/undergraduate students majoring in environmental studies, food systems, agriculture, ecology, development, and related fields
• Full travel & medical insurance
• Necessary vaccinations
• Flights & visas (Most nationalities are granted a 3-month tourist visa automatically upon arrival, and you can extend this for 3 more months for a fee while in-country.)

Costs

$850 USD for the 1st week, $ USD 650* for each week thereafter.

* Currency conversions are approximate. Use xe.com for up to date currency conversion rates
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Places are confirmed with a 1 week deposit.

What’s Included:

• Accommodation and 3 meals a day with a host family. Includes a private room, bathroom, all bedding, and place to do laundry
• A pre-departure orientation
• In-country introduction and orientation during your first few days on Santa Cruz
• 1:1 check-ins every 2 to 3 weeks
• 24/7 emergency support
• Network of doctors, therapists, Spanish tutors in-country
• Access to network of experts and information databases for research support
• Exit interview and end-of-program reflection
• Alumni group and future references

What’s not included:

• Costs of flights and visa
• Costs of vaccinations
• Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($200 for foreigners)
• $15 per day for food during orientation training
• Personal transportation
• Any other activities outside of scheduled program activities

Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators. We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.