Research & Internship Program

Real Fieldwork. Real Forest.
Real Results on Your CV.

Hands-on research in one of the most biodiverse cloud forests on Earth — Ecuador, South America. Design your own project, monitor species recently discovered for science, and leave with publishable data and practical field skills.

700 hectares of cloud forest reserve as your field site

Personalized research plan, mentorship, and certificate

From $880/month — meals, lodging, and $220+ in activities included

Apply Now — Limited Spots

The Problem

Textbooks Can Only Take You So Far

You've studied ecology, biology, or environmental science in classrooms and labs. But your CV still lacks real field experience. The research programs you've found are either prohibitively expensive, overly structured, or treat you as an observer rather than a contributor.

You need a place where you can actually do the work — design your own project, collect publishable data, and develop practical skills that set you apart.

The Solution

A Research Station Where You Lead the Work

Located where the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena and Tropical Andes regions meet, La Hesperia has been a place for research for over 50 years. Its model is designed to sustain itself — supported by its programs and farm operations — allowing conservation work to continue with a high level of independence.

Program Overview

Tailored for students and early-career professionals in biology, ecology, agriculture, and related environmental fields. You may join ongoing research or design and execute your own independent project. Current monitoring examples include:

High-Priority Taxa Tracking: Monitoring felids including the Clouded Tiger Cat (Leopardus pardinoides) and primates like the Ecuadorian Capuchin (Cebus aequatorialis).
Holistic Livestock Management: Evaluating regenerative grazing and soil health within integrated farming systems.
Grant Writing & Development: Contributing to professional proposals to secure funding for conservation initiatives.

These are select examples — many other opportunities exist depending on seasonal needs and your interests.

A detailed list of flora and fauna recorded at La Hesperia is available upon request.

Conservation Meets Agriculture

As both a protected reserve and a working farm, La Hesperia offers a unique space where forest ecology and food production come together. Focus on conservation, explore systems like cacao and coffee, or study how they connect.

Your Research, Your Goals

Each participant receives a personalized internship plan, developed together with our team and adapted to your interests and schedule.

Program Details

Duration4 weeks – 5 months

Start DatesYear-round (Mondays)

ClosedDec 23 – Jan 3

Starting From$880 USD / month

LanguageEnglish / Spanish

Altitude1,100 – 2,040 m

WhoStudents & early-career professionals

InsuranceInternational medical required

Capacity Max 16 (shared) · Groups of up to 20

Apply Now

Career Impact

What You Will Take Home

Field experience, mentorship, and access that translate directly into your academic and professional path.

Publishable Field Data

Collect publishable data from a globally significant biodiversity hotspot — material strong enough to support a thesis, paper, or grant application.

Personalized Work Plan

A research and internship plan designed with our team around your specific academic goals, timeline, and study system.

Practical Field Skills

Wildlife tracking, GPS mapping, behavioural observation, and rigorous data collection — taught hands-on in real field conditions.

Full Reserve Access

Work across 700 hectares of cloud forest, with an altitudinal gradient that crosses three distinct ecosystem types.

Conservation Network

Direct introductions through Fundación Tangaré — connecting you with conservationists and environmental professionals.

Lead Your Own Project

Design and run your own study — you are not slotted into someone else's research. A Certificate of Participation documents your work.

Included at No Extra Cost

What You Get (Included — $220+ Value)

Most programs charge extra for these. Here, every participant receives them as a gift in appreciation of your commitment to conservation.

Chocolate & Coffee Tour
1 per stay — harvest, process, and taste from tree to cup

$50 value

Traditional Ecuadorian Cooking
2 workshops per stay — hands-on with ingredients from our gardens

$50 value

Weekly Educational Talks
1 per week — environmental, cultural, and conservation topics

$40 value

Educational & Recreational Walks
Guided walks focused on ecology, geology, and natural history

$80 value

Total Value Included$220+ — Free

Limited Capacity

A Place Reserved for Those Who Show Up to Work

We keep it intentionally small so every participant gets real mentorship, real access, and real results.

Individual Researchers

Forest House — shared rooms

Max. Participants

Groups of up to 20 participants

50+

Years of Research

Continuous since 1971

Daily Life

Life at La Hesperia

You will live on the reserve in comfortable, simple accommodations surrounded by cloud forest. This is not a hotel — it is a working conservation station where daily life follows the rhythms of the forest.

Accommodation: Shared rooms with hot water. Clean, comfortable, and immersed in the forest soundscape.

Food: Three daily meals prepared with ingredients from our organic gardens. Home-style Ecuadorian cooking. Vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary needs are accommodated — just let us know in advance.

WiFi: Good, reliable internet — suitable for work, video calls, and data uploads.

Transport: Transport from the highway to the reserve is included on arrival and departure. We can also help organize transportation from Quito or the airport for an additional cost.

From Our Researchers

What Past Participants Say

★★★★★

“In 2024 I was in La Hesperia conducting my master's thesis. I studied behavioural contagion in a group of Ecuadorian capuchin monkeys, a species that is critically endangered. I enjoyed it so much, learned a lot about field research, and we also learned many things about the monkeys! Not only that, I had the opportunity to help my colleagues with their projects and participate in them, such as camera trap research. I learned about nature, I learned about Ecuador, and I learned so many things! I 100% recommend this experience. I will always carry La Hesperia and Ecuador in my heart, and I will definitely come back!”

Nuria Hannaoui

Master's Researcher · Primate Behavioural Ecology · 2024

Speak With a Past Researcher

We have hosted researchers and interns from universities across three continents. If you would like to hear directly from someone who has done fieldwork here, we are happy to connect you.

University of Berlin · Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences · Universitat de Girona · University of British Columbia · University of Bristol · and more

Get in Touch

Affiliated With & Recognized By

Pampas Cat Working Group

Tiger Cats Conservation Initiative

Trusted by Universities & Research Institutions

University of Berlin · University of Bristol · University of Michigan · Kalø Organic Agricultural College · Boston University · University of British Columbia · Deakin University · Czech University of Life Sciences · Kent University · University of Wisconsin · Universitat de Girona · USFQ · HAS University · Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences · School for International Training

Wildlife at La Hesperia

A Living Field Site

Investment

Pricing & What's Included

Research & Internship Program

We adapt to your educational and research needs. Scholarships are available in some cases depending on reserve needs — contact us to discuss.

Reference cost (shared rooms)From $880 USD / month

Duration4 weeks – 5 months

ArrivalsMondays only

AvailabilityYear-round (closed Dec 23 – Jan 3)

What's Included

Food and accommodation

Internet access

Transport from highway to reserve

Personalized Internship Work Plan

Research mentorship & supervision

Certificate of Participation

$220+ in cultural activities included

Access to all reserve trails & habitats

Not included: International flights, visa fees, and international medical insurance (required).

Your program fee goes directly toward conservation and long-term protection of the reserve.

3 Simple Steps

How to Apply

Submit Your Application

Send us your CV/resume, a motivation letter with your research interests, and your preferred dates. Via email or WhatsApp.

Interview & Goal Setting

We schedule a call to discuss your goals and expectations, ensuring your research experience is fully tailored to your objectives.

Confirm Your Stay

We design your personalized plan, help you prepare with packing list and logistics, and welcome you to the reserve.

No Risk

We respond within 24 hours. Everything is agreed upon upfront. And we're happy to connect you with past participants before you commit.

Limited Spots · Response Within 24h

Ready to Apply?

Fill out the form below and we will respond within 24 hours.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No — Spanish is not required. Mentorship and coordination are available in English. Our local staff may not speak English, but communication is easy and natural. Many participants say this is one of the best parts — learning Spanish organically through daily life.

What equipment do I need to bring?

We have basic field equipment for our on-going projects. For specialized research, bring your own. We will send a detailed packing list tailored to your research focus.

Is it safe?

La Hesperia has operated safely for over 50 years. The nearest hospital is in Santo Domingo (1 hour). We have a first aid station on-site and staff trained in wilderness first response. International medical insurance is required.

What physical fitness is needed?

Moderate fitness. Fieldwork involves hiking on steep, muddy forest trails at altitude (1,100–2,040m). You should be comfortable walking 3–5 hours in rugged terrain.

Can I design my own research project?

Yes. You can design and carry out your own project with supervision and guidance from our staff. You can also join ongoing monitoring programs if you prefer a structured starting point.

Do I need a visa or travel insurance?

Most nationalities can enter Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days. The tourist visa can be extended easily for an additional cost if you wish to stay longer. International medical insurance is mandatory. We provide guidance on both after you confirm your dates.

Real Fieldwork. Real Forest.
Real Results on Your CV.

Textbooks Can Only Take You So Far