Volunteer in Mexico

Protecting the Sea Turtles in Guayabitos
Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit       13 projects of 2 wks from July to February

Volunteer project: Experience the paradise and protect the turtles at the beach! We have been organizing this volunteer project regularly in Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit since 2014. The aim of the project is to protect the sea turtles with the help of volunteers who will be cooperating with a team of biologists. Up to now, the project has been quite successful and has reached extraordinary results. Participating in marine turtle conservation is a great opportunity to discover the rather charming life of sea turtles.
There are five species of turtles arriving to this area: Negra (Black Turtle), Golfina (Olive Ridley Turtle), Laud (Leatherback Turtle), Carey (Hawksbill Turtle) and more! The size of the turtles varies from 1 meter to 2.4 meters long and the weight from 40 kg to 500 kg. Every turtle makes a nest of around 150 eggs.

Based on the time of the year, the volunteers will be working during the day or at night in the months of August and September from 8:00pm to 8:00am. Depending on the number of turtles that come ashore, two teams might be formed among the volunteers. This way, each group will be taking turns, working one night and taking the next night off for recovery. In addition, the weekends are also spared for resting. The main work consists in patrolling the beaches at night. The goal is to find the adult turtles and collect their eggs, to move the eggs to a protected place called Vivero and release newborn baby turtles into the sea when they hatch. Activities must be carried out at night since turtles do not go out of the ocean during the day (because of natural predators, it is safer for turtles to get out of the ocean in the dark). The group will also take part in the reconstruction of some of the most important turtle camps in the region.

Please take into account that the schedule is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and the condition of the sea turtles. It is also possible to work with crocodiles in case there is no work with turtles - this can happen mostly in the months of January and February. The coordinator or the group leader will be informing you regarding your work schedule. Some of the activities to be performed are:

If you love nature, want to have a great time by the beautiful beaches, at the same time enjoying all the amenities of a hotel and witnessing the magical spectacle of natural miracles that has been reoccurring for millions of years... then this project is for you!

Special requirements: This camp is open to everyone who is sensible and open minded. It is crucial for the participants to be respectful, open to learn and appreciate the conditions of rural lifestyle of indigenous communities, as well as their culture and wisdom.

Language: English

Leisure time: Volunteers will have free time during the day to do many fun and interesting activities and to discover many marvelous places around. The volunteers can learn to surf, go fishing, visit local towns, get to know and enjoy the local culture. Rincón de Guayabitos is well connected by bus to localities and cities around.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit solitary beaches and towns with an extraordinary natural richness. Among those places are Flamingos, with its three beautiful lakes; Bucerias, with a long beach and cobblestone streets; La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a picturesque fishing town; Destiladeras, a paradise for surfers. Volunteers will have the chance to visit the Islas Marietas - one of the most beautiful places on Earth, or travel to Sayulita - a bohemian town ideal for camping. The beaches of Rincon de Guayabitos with crystal-clear waters and calm waves resemble a large swimming pool. Nearby, participants will find the pre-Hispanic sanctuary of Altavista and the semi-virgin beach named Chacala, the perfect site to be amazed by nature.

Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a hotel in shared rooms with all facilities at their disposal: private bathroom, hot water, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Three meals a day are provided at the hotel restaurant consisting of good typical Mexican food. Vegetarian meals are also available.

Location: Rincon de Guayabitos, also known as Guayabitos, is a beach town located in the astonishing Sierra Madre Occidental, in the state of Nayarit and bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the cities of Tepic, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Nestled in the imposing Sierra Madre Occidental, and washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Riviera Nayarit is emerging as one of the most attractive and magic destinations of Mexico. The area extends approximately 300 kilometers along the coast, backed by mountainous jungle and facing coastal islands. There is plenty of remote backcountry for those wanting to see a more rustic side of rural Mexico. Banderas Bay, on the southern section of the Riviera Nayarit, is famous for being the destination spot of thousands of humpback whales that offer an unmatched spectacle. In addition, Puerto Vallarta is famous for its long seafront walkway and its vibrant nightlife. The Huichol Indians are the most famous ethnic group within the region. They are characterized by their eye-catching clothing, hats adorned with feathers and their colorful handcrafts, such as masks and animal figurines made of beads.

Nearest bus station: La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit

Nearest airports: Puerto Vallarta International Airport Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Mexico City International Airport, Guadalajara International Airport

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 355 Euro
The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.

All available dates for this project:
July 5 - July 17, 2023
July 19 - July 31, 2023
August 2 - August 14, 2023
August 16 - August 28, 2023
August 30 - September 11, 2023
September 13 - September 25, 2023
September 27 - October 9, 2023
October 11 - October 23, 2023
October 25 - November 6, 2023
November 8 - November 20, 2023
November 22 - December 4, 2023
January 10 - January 22, 2024
January 24 - February 5, 2024

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Saving the green areas of Apizaco
Apizaco, Tlaxcala       August 9 - August 16, 2023

Volunteer project: The state of Tlaxcala is one of the smallest in the Mexican Republic and it has been suffering environmental deterioration since the last decades of the 20th century. This has caused different problems like loss of forests, environmental pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Currently, it only has 17% of its environmental vegetation.

In the municipality of Apizaco, green areas are very important, and this is why the ecological department of the city council is in charge of maintaining these areas, seeking to stop the debarking worm plague, since this plague affects not only the infected tree, but also its environment. Also, in Apizaco there is a lagoon in which it is still possible for people to swim, therefore it is necessary to give it the adequate treatment in order to be able to keep enjoying this place. This project is looking to rescue the green areas of Apizaco through environmental practices with the support of local and international volunteers, promoting teamwork, culture, respect, empathy towards nature and in this way promoting the development of the community.

The volunteers will participate in the cleaning of the Apizaquito lagoon. They will carry out reforestation work in the Anden Park - this place is considered the largest lung of the City of Apizaco. The volunteers will paint murals creating a union between the different counties, where they will be able to express part of their culture, carrying out a cultural exchange through painting together with the community and guided by a local professional muralists.

This project is for those interested in the conservation and learning about the environment, willing to get their hands dirty for a better planet.

Language: English

Leisure time: During their free time, the volunteers can spend time in Tlaxcala which is the capital of the smallest state of Mexico. The state’s name is Tlaxcala as well. It has a small colonial downtown with a large student population, good restaurants and cafes with vibrant cultural life. As it is not far from the state of Mexico and Puebla, the volunteers can travel to both states by bus and discover the beautiful Mexico City and Puebla.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be provided in Apizaco. Vegetarian food is available.

Location: Apizaco is located in the state of Tlaxcala and it is around half-hour away by car from the capital, Tlaxcala. The name of Apizaco comes from the local indigenous language of Nahuatl.

Nearest bus station: Tlaxcala, Apizaco, Humantla

Nearest airports: Mexico City International Airport, Puebla International Airport

Age range: 18 and over

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Tree planting and environmental awareness activities in Puebla
Ciudad Serdán, Puebla       August 23 - September 4, 2023

Volunteer project: The “Tecnológico Nacional de Mexico” located in Ciudad Serdán is committed to environment care and they have been doing activities related to this topic since 2022. This is why, they are looking to make a follow up of intercultural and environmental activities with volunteers and students from the same institution, creating awareness and learning from the participants the different environmental care techniques that they use in their countries.

The volunteers will be planting trees in educational institutions and areas that require reforestation with the participation of high school and university students. They will also perform awareness talks for groups of people between the ages of 15 and 20 regarding the activities or strategies they carry out in their countries of origin to care for the environment.

This project is for those interested in the conservation and learning about the environment, willing to get their hands dirty for a better planet.

Language: English

Leisure time: If you like nature and cold weather, then you will enjoy to visit the mountain near Ciudad Serdán called “Pico de Orizaba”. Also, you can find in Ciudad Serdán beautiful places like gardens or museums.

Accommodation: Food and hosting will be provided during the project. Vegetarian food is available.

Location: Ciudad Serdán is located in the state of Puebla and it is around hour and a half away by car from the capital Puebla. The name of Ciudad Serdán is in honor or Aquiles Serdán who was a important leader it the Mexican Revolution.

Nearest bus station: Puebla bus station, Puebla City

Nearest airports: Mexico City International Airport, Puebla International Airport

Age range: 18 and over

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