Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL112
Category
Volunteer Work, Farm Work
Country
Chile
Location
Rio Puelo, Cochamó, Patagonien
Program start
flexible start and end dates all year round. In the winter months between May and the end of September, the weather is very cold, rainy, sometimes with snow. For participants who are not weatherproof, the best time to participate is between early October and late April due to the climate.
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Do you love nature and like to be outdoors? Do you want to escape modernity for a time and slow down your life? Do you love animals and are you willed to work hands-on? Then this volunteer work in southern Chile is your opportunity to live a one in a lifetime experience.
Our program places in this project are about 6 hours southeast of the city of Puerto Montt in the mountains near the Argentinean border. It is an association of various small farmers in the region. Most of the farms are animal husbandry, vegetable or fruit growing.
The farms are located in the middle of a beautiful, untouched natural landscape, far away from the noise and polluted air of the cities. You will become part of the team here and gain valuable insights into the work of a typical Chilean small farm in Patagonia.
Furthermore, you get to know the Chilean mentality and culture first hand and you can share your own culture with the locals. Due to the remoteness of this area, the families are always very happy to receive volunteers from abroad, not only because of the helping hands, but also because of the cultural exchange.
Everyday life on the farms in southern Chile can be exhausting and also rough and lonely, especially in winter, when the cold temperatures and weather conditions make work and life challenging.
Due to their remote locations without road connections and mostly without cell phone reception, the farms are interdependent and rely on the help of their neighbors. This creates a friendly community that supports each other in various ways. This concept is not uncommon in Chile and a great way to stock up independently of external products and goods.
In addition to your work, you have the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings. The region is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and is perfect for enjoying kayaking or climbing adventures in your free time, hiking or riding excursions or watching birds and other animals.
Keep in mind, this project is not for city people. The nearest towns of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt are several hours away by car!
Tasks
Get up with the chickens, get milk from the cow, look for eggs, bake fresh bread and put home-harvested apples on the cake from our own ingredients ... sounds like from a picture book or another time?
In our volunteer project with small farmers in Patagonia, this comes up to you. Here, as always, nature determines the rhythm of life and work.
You will be amazed at how exhausting but also how relaxing life can be in harmony with nature. Hard work and mental relaxation go hand in hand here.
The tasks are assigned on site depending on the weather and needs, which may include:
- Tasks related to farming
- Feeding and caring for the animals
- Harvesting
- Work in the garden and in the fields
- Planting the orchard
- Help in the household (cooking, baking, canning fruit, etc.)
- Take care of family children (if applicable)
The working time is approximately 30 - 40 hours / week.
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
During your time as a volunteer on a small farm in Patagonia, you are part of the farming family and live in their household. You get your own room and access to all common areas such as the living room, kitchen, etc. The bathroom is most likely shared with the hosts.
The volunteer project includes full board, so you will eat together with your hosts and not only get to know the local home cooking, but also have the opportunity to exchange cultures.
Location
The area where our volunteer project is located belongs to the southern Chilean community of Cochamó and is about 1200 km south of Santiago and about 6 hours by car and boat from the next big city, Puerto Montt.
The Cochamó region is one of the most beautiful and untouched areas in Chile.
In this project you have the chance to live in front of an absolute dream backdrop of mountains, glaciers, temperate jungle and crystal clear rivers - but also as isolated as hardly anywhere else and therefore not suitable for city people.
Internet is available via the cell phone (buy data plan), cell phone only limited; a large part of the local population communicates via radio.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer 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
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 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 volunteer work with Smallholders in Patagonia includes:
- Single room with host family
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 430 (minimum duration 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 90 (maximum duration 8 weeks)
Additionally, you can book:
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
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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 …
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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.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering 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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