Volunteer Opportunities

What is a volunteer project?

It is a project that corresponds to the new interests of the travelers, providing an opportunity to have a unique experience of contributing to a local community and environment while traveling.

How does it work?

If you want to become a volunteer in Puerto Escondido, send us a letter to inscribe to a certain program. We are going to contact the local organizations, such as Red de los Humedales, Iguanarium, Centro Cultural del mercado Benito Juárez, kindergartens and others, and check the availability. After that, our coordinator will organize the program for you according to the goals that you wish to reach and problems that are to be solved.

Does it cost anything to become a volunteer? Are housing, food and transport included?

The localization and orientation service for the volunteers are done with no cost. However, it is necessary to make a donation to the projects and pay a certain fee for the coordination of the volunteers.
We have also created special packages for you to have a unique and complete experience, including: housing, surf classes, transportation, excursions, food and coordination.

What do I need to become a volunteer?

1. To be 18 years old.
2. Be responsible.
3. Select a project that you would like to participate in.
4. Decide how long you would like to participate.
5. Choose a package.
6. Send us an e-mail.
7. Come to Puerto Escondido!

Will I receive any volunteer certificate upon completion of the program?

Yes, upon completion all the volunteers receive a certificate issued by the organization where they worked.

When can I start my volunteer project?

Normally all the programs start on Monday. This is the reason we suggest all our volunteers to arrive to Puerto the weekend to start their project beginning of the next week.

How long do the projects last? Is there anything I can do as a volunteer for just a couple weeks?

Normally the volunteer projects last from 1 week to several months. For 1-2 weeks you can do social work with kids, teach English to primary school kids, work with iguanas or on a farm or coffee plantation.

Do I need any Spanish for volunteering?

Yes, you do need a minimum basic knowledge of Spanish (simple conversation). Therefore we recommend taking about 2 weeks of a Spanish course before starting the volunteer program.

What do I need to do to volunteer in a Orphanage?

To volunteer in an orphanage you need a minimum participation of 2 months, minimum age of 21, Spanish level: intermediate, be flexible, have initiative and send a short CV with a motivation letter via email before you commence the volunteer program.

Can I exchange volunteer work for housing or food?

If you get any material benefits for you volunteer work as food or housing, from that moment it may not be considered volunteer anymore, but may be considered work. If this is the case, please send us your CV and we will contact you of the vacancies available.

I’ll be visiting Puerto for a few days but I’m hoping I can find an opportunity to help?

For 2 weeks you can participate in the program of social work with kids, teaching English to primary school kids, working with iguanas or on a farm or coffee plantation.