Children playing and swimming in a natural outdoor pond surrounded by trees.

Chambalabamba

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2011

What we do

Welcome to Ecoaldea Chambalabamba, evolving community. You can spend time participating in the volunteer program that includes organic garden management-permaculture, agroforestry implementation, bioconstruction of natural buildings, art workshops, making crafts, creative projects, alternative schooling, carpentry, vegetarian cuisine, etc. You can also experience the dynamic organization of the living cell, in which we are creating a caring and sustainable culture. Living near each other, cooperate and share resources so that we can live more lightly and joyfully on earth.
We are always under construction and development of homes, gardens, artistic, and educational projects, which daily physical effort is conducted and intellectual and spiritual work, where you’ll find a balance for a fuller life.
We will wait for you!!!
Bienvenido a Ecoaldea Chambalabamba, comunidad en evolución. Puedes pasar tiempo participando en el programa de voluntariado que incluye manejo de huertos orgánicos-permacultura, implementación de agroforestería, bioconstrucción de edificios naturales, talleres de arte, elaboración de artesanías, proyectos creativos, escolaridad alternativa, carpintería, cocina vegetariana, etc. También puedes experimentar la organización dinámica de la célula viva, en la que estamos creando una cultura solidaria y sostenible. Vivir cerca unos de otros, cooperar y compartir recursos para que podamos vivir más ligeros y alegres en la tierra.
Actualmente estamos en construcción y desarrollo de viviendas, jardines y proyectos educativos, en los que diariamente se realiza un esfuerzo físico y un trabajo intelectual y espiritual, donde encontrarás un equilibrio para una vida más plena.
¡¡¡Te esperamos!!!

Our Mission

Our focus is to create an environment where human beings can THRIVE. Food forests, arts & entertainment, happiness and rainbows. we are exploring, living in freedom and love.
Nuestro objetivo es crear un ambiente en donde los seres humanos puedan prosperar. Bosques de alimentos, artes y entretenimiento, la felicidad y el arco iris. exploramos viviendo en libertad y amor.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Sustainability practices
  • Permaculture design
  • Natural / low-impact building
  • Activities
  • Farming
  • Education
  • Experiences

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2011
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2012
  • Started living together

Video

  • 7 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
18

How to join

volunteer initially for one month or more, then after more months, if it feels right on both sides, one can become a member. we are mostly a latino community of artists, so its good to speak spanish and have artistic or other kinds of skills. it takes some months as a volunteer until its a big yes from all the community and a big yes from the new residents. one needs to write to us through chambalabamba.org under volunteers.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Please email for a visit through our website: chambalabamba.org under volunteers.! For better integration and learning, we suggest a stay with us for a period of one month as long as there is harmony between the two sides. After a month of volunteering, if you intend to remain, a meeting will decide on the matter to be, We are also open to the possibility of new residents — families with children, couples and singles. And we have 4 beautiful rental houses and 3 rooms in the treehouse.

Primary decision-making authority

  • All Community Members Together

The whole membership decides collectively.

Decision-making process

  • Full Consensus

Everyone must agree before moving forward.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Conflict resolution approach

we are a living example of anarchism. that is, consensus decision making process, all are equal, no rules, only agreements, self organizing.

Economic model

  • Partial Income-Sharing

Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation

Additional economic information

Regular fees: $20
Labor: Yes (20 hrs/week)
we are looking for ways for the community to make money, like retreats, workshops, festivals, concerts, making things in our wood and metal shop, products from our gardens. if anyone reading this can help bring people here for a 10 day retreat, please contact us. and also, people currently must spend about $20 per week for us to buy food at the market.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Community activities and engagement

  • School, Educational Institute or Experience
  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Substance use is prohibited in the community

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Multi-generational (all ages well represented)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a Community Land Trust or some other kind of nonprofit

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Ecovillage

    Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.

Community type

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Sustainability approach

  • Permaculture design
  • Natural / low-impact building

Land practices in our community

  • The community practices permaculture

Community type

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Some or all of the buildings are...

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Self-produced food

  • 33 - 66%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • Up to 33%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Food forest
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Land area size
    15 acres

Guest Book

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Location

  • Loja, Ecuador

Promoted Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just
Offer
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

Beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bath passive solar home in Southwest Colorado

Beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bath passive solar home nestled within Heartwood Cohousing, a thriving multigenerational community on 360 acres of meadow, pine forest, pastureland, and farmland just outside Durango, Colorado. Offering approximately 2,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this stick-built home combines comfort, efficiency, and connection to nature. Enjoy radiant floor heat, wood ceilings, abundant natural light, and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces for gathering, working, gardening, and relaxing. The spacious layout includes four bedrooms plus two flexible bonus rooms, four bathrooms, and a lower-level guest suite with living area, kitchenette, bedroom, and bath. Covered front and rear porches, a balcony off the primary suite, and private and extended backyards create inviting spaces to enjoy every season. Step outside to extensive drought-tolerant landscaping, fruit trees, perennial gardens, raised vegetable beds, flagstone patios, and direct access to forested open space. Heartwood Cohousing residents enjoy shared amenities including a greenhouse, hot tub, workshop, farmland, horse pastures, playground, Common House, and more than seven miles of trails right outside the door. Located just minutes from Durango, you’ll enjoy easy access to world-class recreation, including skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rivers, desert canyons, and the vibrant cultural life of Southwest Colorado. A rare opportunity to enjoy spacious living, beautiful land, and meaningful community in one of the region’s most unique neighborhoods.

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A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

Organizations

An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).

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