Experience the perfect mixture of working with horses and the advantages of living in a Latin American metropolis. Live and work in a renowned horseback riding center in a beautiful suburb of the Chilean capital, Santiago.
Programs Abroad
MEXICO - Farm Stay at Eco-Village 
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Booking Nº: MX100 Country: Mexico + Location: Michoacán Minimum Stay: 6 months Start dates: All year round Price: from 6 months, 1,420 USD |
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Task
- Building with natural materials: cobwood, adobe, straw-bale, earthen floors, etc.
- Maintenance and marking trails
- Cooking and cleaning
- Painting murals
- Creating rain and temperature charts
- Mapmaking and using GPS
- Identifying plants and researching plant uses
- Developing products
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 farm's 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, archery, pick-up sports, and using the sauna. 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 to experience 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 collection and solar panels 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 each cabaña. Currently there is one shower for all volunteers, though as we speak, another shower is being built.
During your stay you will be given 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 kindly catered to! 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 and banks is about one hour away by bus. Don't fret! On the farm is a small store where you can buy luxury items like beer and chocolate. Internet is available on the farm, but only for about thirty minutes a 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:Spanish skills required (you can book your Spanish course in Mexico with us!)
Skills:
No professional skills or experiences required.
Age:
18+ years
Vaccination:
Not required. Please consult us and your doctor for specific recommendations.
Insurance:
Full travel and medical insurance is required. You can purchase a full coverage, no deductible health and travel insurance at a special rate for our participants by contacting your South America Inside representative.
Visa:
Tourist visa valid for 90 days. For further information regarding visa requirements please contact us and the corresponding embassy or consulate in your home country.
Details
Founded in 2004, this private farm and retreat nurturing 80 acres of rolling forest land rests in central Mexico five and a half hours south of Guadalajara. Living 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 of living subsistently and through environmental stewardship. From collecting rain water, powering by solar panel, using composting toilets, to consuming whatever fruit and vegetable is most prevalent during the season at hand, this farm sets the bar for green-living.
Guests and volunteers have the luxury of residing in this calming countryside in Mexico with a diverse collection of people. Each year, volunteers come to this farm seeking a relaxing atmosphere and remote style of 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 sunny but mild climate of Michoacán fosters comfortable year-round living and prosperous growing seasons. The eight friendly farm dogs, a hand-built sauna, miles of hiking trails, wood-fired stoves, dozens of gardens and ideas on how to live sustainably await you!
Source: Google Maps
Prices
| Program duration | in USD |
|---|---|
| 6 months |
1,420.- |
| Additional week | 60.- |
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- 3 meals / 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 urban 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. Mexico borders 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 legislation. 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 of 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 some 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 very common to encounter famous faces as well as unique characters enjoying the entertaining city life and beach flair. Additionally, water sports, cultural and historical sightseeing, and tax-free shopping are all highly recommended activities to fill your vacation days in Playa del Carmen. When is best to visit Mexico? 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 cold spells, 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!
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