Quick Facts
Program code
CL-FS106
Category
Farm Stay, Farm Work
Country
Chile
Location
Los Molles
Program start
Flexible start and end dates between August and April
Minimum duration
4 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 23245 9801
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
The ecological reserve is located on an area of approx. 370 hectares of dry coastal land. It is embedded in a lovely hilly landscape, which forms a wonderful mosaic of different landscapes. The area is characterized by a high diversity of flora and fauna.
A sustainable farm is part of the nature reserve. Among other things, honey and care products derived from it are produced, alpacas are bred, a gardening center is operated, and seedlings are raised in nursery. In the seaside resort of Los Molles, the reserve operates a small shop where products from its own production are sold.
The activities in the ecological reserve go back to 2010. At that time, the first efforts were made in forestry work in the rather dry coastal region of Valparaíso. The aim of this development was to create added value for the local forest through sustainable activities such as beekeeping, South American camel breeding, and the reintroduction of native plants. Roads, renewable energy sources, productive facilities and sustainable water use were created for this purpose. Gradually, the reserve began soil restoration and reforestation projects to preserve biodiversity and to create the right conditions for the continued existence of natural flora and thus food sources for native animals.
Dedicated people work in the nature reserve, for whom respect and love for nature and wildlife are paramount. Conservation of nature and species is what drives them.
For day visitors from Chile and abroad, the ecological reserve offers guided tours to transmit knowledge about the natural wealth, the forests, the flora and fauna of the reserve as well as sustainable farming.
The children as well as day visitors can take part in various activities in the ecological reserve and the sustainable farm. These include e.g., feeding alpacas, checking beehives, making compost, weeding, cleaning stables, collecting seeds, working in the tree nursery, watering, shearing alpacas, planting trees, maintaining hiking trails, as well as contributing to the protection and preservation of the sensitive ecosystem.
Tasks
The tasks of the volunteers are broad. They include work in the nature reserve as well as on the small sustainable farm, as well as in the shop in the seaside resort of Los Molles.
The tasks are wonderful learning opportunities to learn more about nature conservation, sustainability and the local flora and fauna.
The exact work schedule will be set on site, taking into account current needs, the number of volunteers and your own strengths and abilities.
The tasks may include:
- Supporting beekeeping activities
- Cleaning the beekeeping equipment
- Harvesting honey and other honeycomb products
- Feeding the animals (alpacas, horses, etc.)
- Cleaning the stables and enclosures
- Helping in the vegetable garden
- Harvesting vegetables and fruits
- Supporting reforestation projects
- Planting and transplanting small trees and plants
- Collecting seeds and forest fruits
- General cleaning and maintenance work
- Labeling products from the own production
- Helping in the shop
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
Life in the middle of nature under a starry sky. At night you can listen to the sounds of the animals and recharge your batteries for a new eventful day in the nature reserve. The participants live directly in the ecological reserve. You live in a cozy cabaña (wooden cottage) on the grounds of the farm. The cabaña is shared with other volunteers and / or employees. Accommodation is in shared rooms with shared bathrooms.
Groceries are provided for cooking. In the cabaña there is a kitchen and space to store food and dishes.
The farm and the cabaña use sustainable electricity and water sources. Volunteers are encouraged to use natural resources respectful and consciously.
Location
The ecological reserve is located near the pretty little seaside resort of Los Molles in the Valparaíso region. Los Molles is about 190 kilometers north of the capital Santiago de Chile. Los Molles used to be an idyllic little fishing village. Even today, Los Molles has not lost its charm, although it has blossomed into an insider tip for local tourists. Los Molles has a beautiful beach and a great bay where you can watch the fishermen work. The Bioparque Puquén is a popular destination. One of the main attractions there is a geological phenomenon that resembles a geyser. Thundering sea water shoots through the rocks and then rises in a vertical gap.
The park, with its semi-desert ecosystem, has flora and fauna with unique biological properties. Many birds can be observed, but also huge sea lions and with a little luck even penguins.
The area around Los Molles is characterized by beautiful cliff landscapes, geological formations, beaches with natural pools, petrified shells and plants, as well as the beautiful flowers, especially during spring.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your farm work in Chile, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Intermediate Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 8 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office in Santiago de Chile you will be supported by an on-site volunteer coordinator.
Costs & Services
Our Farm Stay in an Ecological Reserve includes:
- Shared room
- Full board
- Professional English-speaking advice
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer Work Placement in Chile
- English-speaking in-country support
- Country handbook Chile
- Intercultural guideline
- Insider tips Chile
- 24/7 Emergency number
- Information about suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Application fee: US$ 120
Program fee: US$ 450 (minimum duration 4 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
Additionally, you can book:
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
- 2 stay abroad programs: save US$ 55
- 3 stay abroad programs: save US$ 75
- 4 stay abroad programs: save US$ 165
- 5 stay abroad programs: save US$ 220
- 6 stay abroad programs and more: save US$ 325
Note: Language courses are excluded from this promotion. These discounts can not be combined with other promotions.
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Farm Stay Guide
Find valuable information about Farm Stay abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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