Programs Abroad

MEXICO - Farm Stay at Eco-Village

	Project: Farm Stay Booking Nº: MX100 Country: Mexico + Location: Michoacán Minimum Stay: 2 months Start dates: All year round Price: 6 months, from 1,420 USD
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Task

Natural building: cobwood, adobe, straw-bale, earthen floors...etc.
Trail maintenance & marking
Cooking & cleaning
Mural painting
Creating rain and temperature charts
GPS and mapmaking
Plant identification and research of plant uses
Product development

With over 100 gardens in different microclimates, this farm offers volunteers a unique experience to expand farming knowledge and explore alternatives to organic farming and permaculture.

Depending on what season you choose to volunteer, there are many projects awaiting the creative thinker and dedicated environmentalist. Most of your daily task will involve getting your hands dirty in projects like planting, harvesting, digging new soil beds, farm maintenance and building new items which further encourage this farms off-the-grid status.
You will be expected to put in a solid 5-6 hours of work each day and receive one to two days free each week to explore this fantastic area. If you choose to rest and relax on the farm during your free days, you're invited to take part in the countless activities and classes on site such as yoga, pottery making, basket-weaving, sauna, archery and pick-up sports. Moreover, this farm brings community locals to the farm to run 'off-the-sleeve' lessons of practical tools in conversational Spanish.

Accommodation

Volunteer house
Single or double room
Shared bathroom
Full-board (Vegetarian-Mostly Vegan)

While living on this alternative farm, you will have the opportunity of experiencing a way of life off-the-grid. This style of living means all uses of water and electricity are supplied by alternative energy sources. In turn, this farm is independent from city utilities for water and power and dependent on systems like water catchments and solar paneling for power.

While volunteering at this unique farm, you will be accommodated in one of five rustic cabañas, which house up to four volunteers each. To follow the off-the-grid lifestyle you will be treated to the experience of not just practicing sustainability, but you will have a chance to live it! All of the toilets on the farm are composting toilets and located nearby all cabañas. Currently there is one shower for all volunteers, though as we speak, another shower is being built.

During your stay you will be accommodated with three meals a day. Breakfast foods are provided and prepared in the guest house independently, while lunch and dinner are served family style. While living on the farm you will have the unique opportunity to eat healthy meals prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients. As most meals are vegetarian, vegans are also catered to kindly! The nearest town is about a twenty minute walk away, though shopping is very limited to convenient stores and internet shops. The next nearest town complete with supermarkets to banks is about one hour away by bus. Don't fret however, on the farm is a small store where you can buy luxury items like beer and chocolate. Internet is available on the farm, though only for about thirty minutes/day.

During your free time the farm invites you to stay warm by the fireplace in the colorful and cozy guesthouse, relax, enjoy the breathtaking Mexican country-side and take advantage of the activities run by the retreat.

(Special requirement: Non-smokers!)

Requirements

Language:
Functional English and/or Spanish

Skills:
Good work ethic & appreciation for organic living

Age:
18+

Vaccination:
Not specified. Please consult with your doctor in your homecountry and check immigration requirements.

Insurance:
Full travel & medical insurance for Mexico.

Visa:
Please request further information.

Details

Founded in 2004, located in central Mexico five and a half hours south of Guadalajara, rests this private farm and retreat nurturing 80 acres of rolling forest land. Living in side by side with some of the most pure forms of gardening and development, you will have a chance to experience the world of organic farming first-hand.

In regards to living completely off-the-grid, this farm sets an example for what living sustainably and environmental stewardship is truly about. Between rain water collections, solar paneling power sources, composting toilets and eating whatever fruit and vegetable is most prevalent for the season at hand, this farm sets the bar for green-living.

Guests and volunteers have the luxury of residing in this calming country side of Mexico with a diverse collection of people. Each year, volunteers have been coming to this farm in seek of a relaxing atmosphere and remote style living. Though sometimes the farm is host to dozens of guests and volunteers, there are other periods when the farm is a very quiet and serene place. Those who are content to pass their nights reading a good book next to a crackling fire are ideal candidates. Further, for those who can work both independently and in small groups, while entailing a diligent work ethic, this farm may just be your ideal home away from home!

The mild sunny climate of Michoacán fosters comfortable year-round living and prosperous growing seasons. The eight friendly farm dogs, hand-built sauna, miles of hiking trails, wood-fired stoves, dozens of gardens and ideas of how to further practice sustainable living await you!

Prices

Program duration	in USD
6 months	1,420.-
Additional week	60.-

One time registration fee 75 USD.

What’s included:

Accommodation
3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Orientation kit
Local support
24h-Emergency Number

What’s not included:

Flight
Airport Pick-up
Medical Insurance
Visa (if necesary)
Personal expenses

Country

Mexico is a country of big dimension! Everything in Mexico is a little bit bigger, larger, wider and higher. Mexico is the world's 14th largest country with about 775,000 square miles. Mexico has a population of 105 million and is considered one of the most inhabited countries in the world. Mexico City, the country’s capital, totals upwards of 20 million people, which makes it the third largest agglomeration in the world.

Mexico is situated on the southern part of the North American Continental Plate thus geographically belonging to the North American Continent. Historically and culturally however, Mexico proclaims Latin American pride and nationality. The boarders of Mexico are the United States, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and southern neighbors of Guatemala and Belize.

Mexico is one of the 18 mega diverse countries of the world with over 200,000 different species. Mexico is considered to be the second most active country in conserving their ecosystems, with approximately 2,500 species protected by Mexican legislations. Further, Mexicans are lively people who greatly prioritize family and religious values. The numerous big cities of Mexico, though modern in style, still entail many indigenous features in Mexican society. Even today, there are large Mayan communities that hold true to their Native traditions.

Mexico's tourism industry is also booming with world-breaking records of tourists each year! Maybe the most famous place on the Pacific coast is Acapulco, where inhabitants are regular risk takers by jumping from incredible heights into the bay below. The Caribbean coast, the Yucatán peninsula, city of Cancún and numerous beaches are widely known amongst tourists. Additionally, the Mexican Volcanic belt contains both active and dormant volcanoes, reaching heights of almost 19,680 feet.

The beaches of Playa del Carmen are recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world! While enjoying the amazing beaches and sun in Playa del Carmen, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Playa del Carmen offers excellent restaurants, shopping and amazing nightlife! It is vey common to encounter famous faces as well as unique characters enjoy the entertaining city life and beach flair. Additionally, water sports, cultural/historical sightseeing, and tax-free shopping are all highly recommended activities to fill your vacation days in Playa del Carmen.

When to visit Mexico? - Simple, year round! Nearly every month holds some public holiday with general weather conditions of warm and dry. Although, small variations of weather exist in the months of May through September with particularly humid conditions and frequent rain showers. Further, November to February entail spells of cold, especially in northern Mexico.

Mexico has an incredible amount of attractions to offer to anyone who ventures over its borders. Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, mountains, volcanoes, deserts, cacti and much more await you! Of course, get your appetite ready for taste tantalizing tacos, enchiladas, tortillas and a huge variety of different sauces ranging from very mild to smoking hot!