Quick Facts
Program code
CL-WT123
Category
Working Holiday, Hostel Work
Country
Chile
Location
Pozo Almonte
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year-round
Minimum duration
3 weeks, maximum 12 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
Project details
This place is an oasis. And this time we don't mean that figuratively, but literally. An oasis in the middle of the Atacama Desert that offers tourists relaxation, recreation, and refreshment, whether they're just passing through or want to take in the stark beauty of the area for a longer period.
Victor and Gloria, together with a manager, run a small hotel offering cozy guest rooms for a total of 12 guests. There's also a campsite for tents and RVs. Most guests come from Europe, primarily Germany and France.
Everything is built from local materials in the original style of the area. The walls, made of salt crust and cactus sap, create a cozy ambiance and ensure that the temperature in the rooms always remains stable. The ceiling made of woven mats and the floor made of natural stone, along with numerous splashes of color in the form of traditional blankets and pillows, give the whole place such a rustic charm that you immediately feel at home.
The outdoor areas, with simple but lovingly designed furniture and decorative elements, solar lights, hammocks, and a fire pit, provide a touch of adventure romance under the stars of the Atacama Desert.
The special highlight: All energy comes from the sun, whether it's electricity for the sockets or the energy for cooking, because here you can enjoy "solar gastronomy" made from local ingredients, served under a tamarugo tree.
For those who appreciate peace and nature but still enjoy socializing; If you want to experience a completely different atmosphere than at home, or if you want to shake off the stress of everyday life and the big city and find yourself, this is the place for you.
You don't necessarily have to know Spanish, but you do need to be willing to learn.
Tasks
To maintain the boutique hotel and provide guest service, the owners need helpers who are willing to lend a hand wherever help is needed, whether on the grounds or in direct contact with customers. Responsibilities include:
- Watering the plants on the grounds
- Serving guests at breakfast and dinner
- Washing dishes
- Washing linens
- Other hotel and guest service tasks
There are no set hours or shifts; work depends on occupancy, so flexibility is essential. Work begins at 9 a.m., or earlier if guests are present. There are two days off per week.
Note: Tasks may vary depending on factors such as the number of volunteers, time of year, current project needs, and personal motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all of the tasks listed.
Accommodation
You'll live on-site in your own room with a shared bathroom. The program includes three healthy meals a day, with ingredients primarily sourced locally.
The small staff and volunteers eat meals together in the main house. Everyone is expected to help out.
Internet access is available via Starlink.
Location
The Eco Boutique Hotel is remote, but not "out of this world." It is located in the Pampa de Tamarugal nature reserve in northern Chile (about 1,800 km north of the capital, Santiago). The nearest large city with an airport is Iquique, about an 80-minute drive away, and the nearest small town is Pozo Almonte, a half-hour drive away. The area is part of the famous Atacama Desert – not only the driest desert in the world, but also one of the best places in the world to observe the starry sky. Due to the aridity, the sky is almost nowhere as clear as here.
On your days off, you can also visit Iquique. The city still retains a glimpse of its former glory, when saltpeter made it rich and important. Iquique offers a beautiful sandy beach, paragliding excursions, year-round surfing lessons, climbing a giant dune, or simply relaxing by the sea. There are several museums in the city center, including one on the historic sailing ship Esmeralda.
The Pampa de Tamarugal is a nature reserve and reforestation area. There are ancient geoglyphs, a salar (salt lake), and an astonishing number of animals that defy the aridity. Guided geological tours are offered for tourists.
La Tirana, a desert village with 5,000 inhabitants, is about a 10-minute drive away. Regular buses serve these towns. If you're there in July, you'll experience Chile's largest religious festival. Around July 16, the village of La Tirana transforms into a bustling hubbub of over 200,000 people, dancing and celebrating traditional dances in colorful costumes in honor of the Virgen del Carmen.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your Working Holiday 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 and to meet like-minded people in a relaxes atmosphere.
You can book your Spanish course in Chile directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile here)
- Good English skills
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 6 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.)
- Completion of a 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, to reach us in case of emergency 24/7.
In Chile you will be supported by our in-country staff based in Santiago de Chile.
Costs & Services
Working Holiday in the Eco Boutique Hotel in the north of Chile:
- Accommodation, single room
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your Working Holiday placement
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 350 (minimum stay 4 weeks)
Each additional month: US$ 15
Additionally, you can book:
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Working Holiday Guide
Find valuable information about working 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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