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Since 1971 · Cloud Forest Reserve & Sustainable Farmland

Where Conservation
Meets Experience

Located in Ecuador's cloud forest — South America's western Andes — La Hesperia has shown since 1971 that conservation and human activity can coexist.

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Cloud forest at La Hesperia
Our Story

Where the Will to Dominate Becomes the Choice to Coexist

The name La Hesperia means "Western Lands", a place shaped by generations who came here with the intention of building something of their own. In the early days, the focus was on working the land, raising cattle, and growing sugarcane and coffee.

Over time, that perspective began to change. With each new generation came a deeper appreciation for what was already here, the forest, its biodiversity, its unique species, and everything it quietly provides.

What started as an effort to transform the land gradually became something else. Today, La Hesperia is about caring for the forest and learning how to live alongside it, not above it, for our family and for everything beyond it.

Read Our Full Story

One Reserve. Two Ways of Living on the Land.

A Sanctuary of Global Importance

La Hesperia protects over 700 hectares of forest within the Toachi-Chiriboga Key Biodiversity Area. The reserve lies where the Tropical Andes and the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena regions meet, two of the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world.

This location makes it a refuge for a wide range of species, including the Ecuadorian capuchin monkey and the clouded tiger cat, among others.

A Sustainable Farm

Guided by Holistic Management, organic agriculture, and permaculture, the farm has become a diverse and dynamic landscape. From shade-grown coffee, cacao, and bananas to bamboo and vegetable gardens, everything is connected. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and pigs are all integrated into the land in a way that helps keep it healthy and productive.

It is a way of farming that shows it is possible to produce while still allowing nature to thrive.

What We Stand For

Mission

Conservation Through an Integrated Model

To conserve and restore the Ecuadorian cloud forest through a model that brings together scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable production, creating a real and lasting positive impact for both nature and people.

Vision

A Benchmark in Private Conservation

To become a national and international reference in private conservation and sustainable development — demonstrating that it is possible to protect high-value ecosystems while creating meaningful experiences, applicable knowledge, and real opportunities for communities and future generations.

Find Your Path in the Cloud Forest

Whether you come to research, learn, work, or explore with your family — there is a place for you here.

Scientific Fieldwork

Real research. Real forest. Real results.

Join ongoing long-term research projects at La Hesperia, or design and develop your own. The reserve offers the ecological complexity, infrastructure, and forest access that serious fieldwork requires — from ornithology and primatology to botany and ecosystem monitoring.

  • Participate in active long-term monitoring projects
  • Develop and carry out your own research project

From $880/month · Limited spots

Learn More
Researchers conducting fieldwork in the cloud forest at La Hesperia
Family Education

The world is the curriculum.

Give your children an experience that goes far beyond a traditional classroom, with real, hands-on time in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Led by Alexandra Hoeneisen, a mother who homeschooled her own children for over 20 years, with a background in Montessori and Positive Discipline, the program is organized but flexible, adapting to each child.

At La Hesperia, families don't just learn about nature, they spend time in it. Children explore the cloud forest, take part in daily farm life, and learn through experience, from harvesting to simply being present in the land.

  • Forest immersion through farm life and natural science
  • A balance between guided activities and free exploration

From $800/week (family of 4) · Limited spots

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Mother and son exploring the cloud forest at La Hesperia
Focus & Reconnect

Your office is a cloud forest.

Whether you're finishing a thesis, working on a project, or just need to step away from the city, La Hesperia offers the space and quiet needed to focus. The forest is right outside your door.

  • Stable fiber internet · dedicated workspace
  • All-inclusive: meals, internet, workspace, and activities

From $880/month · Limited spots

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Working remotely with the cloud forest in the background at La Hesperia
Hands-On Conservation

More Than Just Volunteering

Join us for a hands-on experience that brings together forest conservation and sustainable farming. It's a chance to support one of the most biodiverse places on the planet while learning practical skills in ecology and permaculture.

Working alongside our team and volunteers from different parts of the world, you'll be part of daily life on the reserve, with time to learn, reflect, and connect with the land.

  • Reforestation, gardening, and wildlife monitoring
  • Open to all experience levels
  • Minimum stay: 2 weeks. Contact us for details

Contact us for details · Limited spots

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Volunteers looking out over the cloud forest at La Hesperia
Tailored Experiences

Designed around your group.

Whether it's a university field course, a corporate retreat, a school trip, or a specialized workshop — we design custom programs that use the reserve and farm as your classroom, workspace, or base.

Every group program is built from scratch based on your goals, group size, and schedule. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.

  • University field courses, school trips, and retreats
  • Fully customized itinerary and activities

Custom pricing · Contact us to design your program

Learn More
Group experience at La Hesperia cloud forest reserve

Voices from the Forest

Stories from researchers, families, volunteers, and remote workers who have spent time at La Hesperia.

Volunteer · Spain

“I was going to stay for one month, but in the end I stayed for almost four. My experience was one of the best of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world and learned things that are very practical for life.”

Diego Teje
Worldschooling Family

“For the kids, it was incredible. They didn't feel like they were 'in school' but they were constantly learning, asking questions, and being part of something that actually matters. We left very inspired.”

Sandra Cummins
Worldschooling Family
Michelle Harder
Remote Work · Parent

“La Hesperia allowed me to focus on work while the kids enjoyed learning and playing on the farm. The team were super flexible. The internet and power supply were flawless — something I don't take for granted after a year of remote work and travel.”

James Cummins

Want to hear directly from someone who has been here?

Connect With a Past Participant
Affiliated With & Recognized By
Socio Bosque Socio Bosque
Corporación Nacional de Bosques y Reservas Privadas Corp. Bosques y Reservas
Red Bio Red Bio
Pampas Cat Working Group Pampas Cat Working Group
Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative
We Have Received Guests From
University of Berlin University of Bristol University of Michigan University of Girona Kalø Organic Agricultural College Czech University of Life Sciences HAS University Boston University University of British Columbia Deakin University University of Wisconsin Kent University USFQ
In Partnership With Fundación Tangaré

Tangaré Foundation

Conservation is a shared responsibility. While La Hesperia works toward being self-sustaining, this is not something we can do alone.

We collaborate with the Tangaré Foundation to support environmental education in local schools and to carry out research projects. Donations are managed through the Foundation, helping ensure that each contribution directly supports this work in the cloud forest.

Scientific Research Conservation Projects Environmental Education
La Hesperia Art Boutique — sustainable products from the reserve
Support Conservation

La Hesperia Art Boutique

Our online store offers carefully made, sustainable products inspired by the reserve and its biodiversity. Every purchase directly supports our conservation and reforestation work.

When you buy from La Hesperia, you're not just taking something home, you're helping protect the forest behind it.

Take a piece of the cloud forest with you.

Eco-friendly & bio-sustainable Every purchase funds conservation
Visit the Boutique

Approximately 2 Hours from Quito

90 km from QuitoKm 58, Vía Aloag–Santo Domingo
1,100 – 2,040 mAltitude range
~2 hours by carFrom Quito or Mariscal Sucre Airport
Accessible year-roundPaved road from Quito

La Hesperia sits in the transition zone between the Andes highlands and the coastal lowlands — one of the most biologically rich corridors on Earth. The reserve is part of the Puma Biological Corridor, a regional initiative to maintain ecological connectivity across the western Andes. Transport from the highway to the reserve is included. We can also help organize transportation from Quito or the airport for an additional cost.

Send Us a Message

Have questions or ready to apply? Fill out the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.

We respond within 24 hours. No commitment required.

Come to the Forest

Whether you come to research, to learn, to work in silence, or simply to be somewhere that feels real — the conversation starts here.

Not sure which program fits? Reach out — we'll help you figure it out.