Experience an authentic journey and make a meaningful contribution to conservation by traveling alongside local communities as you explore the coastline of Mexico’s hidden shores.
Join a mission with a purpose: help strengthen the conservation efforts of local community groups by supporting their work—from patrolling beaches to protect sea turtle nests from poaching and monitoring wildlife, to caring for rescued deer, contributing to community development, restoring ecosystems, and much more.
In addition, the project is located next to Escobilla Beach, one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Here, these turtles exhibit a remarkable synchronized mass-nesting behavior known as an arribada, a phenomenon that occurs on only twelve beaches worldwide. The beach is also an important nesting habitat for the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
PMORRO AYUTA AND ESCOBILLA BEACHES
THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES WORLDWIDE
WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE?
The journey is divided into two weeks. One week will be spent in San José Manialtepec, a rural village located just 25 minutes from Puerto Escondido by public transportation.
San José Manialtepec is a charming countryside community surrounded by rivers, mountains, and rich local traditions—offering an authentic connection with nature and community life.
The second week will be spent in the community of Ventanilla, about 1.5 hours from Puerto Escondido. Ventanilla is a hidden gem on the Oaxacan coast, where pristine beaches and extraordinary wildlife create a unique natural paradise. Deeply rooted in local culture, the community is dedicated to protecting and preserving this remarkable environment through its conservation efforts.
Travel as a volunteer in Mexico
AND ENJOY AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
Yes! This trip is for you if:
- You’d like to discover a new way of life and experience the charm of rural living ♡
- You’re willing to take part in a variety of activities, including night patrols, natural area maintenance, rural tasks, teaching, ecotourism, and conservation work
- You love Mexican culture—or are curious to fall in love with it ♡
- You’re ready to embrace a warm, humid climate, along with a few tiny local companions (insects ♡) waiting to welcome you
Then this adventure is for you!
What Is a Typical Day Like on Our Volunteer Program in Mexico?
Every day is different during our week in Manialtepec. During the first few days, we’ll introduce you to the village and show you what makes it such a special place.
Mornings are usually dedicated to rural and nature-based activities, while afternoons are spent teaching English to local children or helping with horse care and maintenance. For many volunteers, the biggest challenge is letting go of their busy schedules and adapting to a slower, more relaxed rural lifestyle. Here’s an example of what a typical week might look like:
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Monday 1 |
Arrival and orientation with the Ecoturismo Manialtepec project. Guided tour of the village and its surroundings. Meet the horses. |
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Tuesday 2 |
Visit to the hot springs and preparation for the workshops (English and/or Environmental Education). |
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Wednesday 3 |
Morning: Setting up camera traps in the jungle, tree planting, or a hike to a stunning viewpoint. |
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Thursday 4 |
Morning: Mexican tortilla-making workshop and construction activities (designing and improving the volunteer house). |
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Friday 5 |
Morning: Maintenance activities, including helping around the house and caring for the horses (feeding, watering the grass, and bathing them). |
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Saturday 6 |
Free day |
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Domingo 7 |
Free day |
En la semana de Ventanilla, tenemos dos áreas que requieren más trabajo. Antes de que llegues, puedes decidir concentrarse en una sola o dividir tu semana en dos para trabajar en ambas:
- Trabajo de conservación de las tortugas
- Cuidado de venados
Es posible (aunque no está garantizado) trabajar con crías de cocodrilo antes de su reintroducción en la laguna.
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Monday 8 |
Welcome and project orientation. Baby sea turtle release* and free time, or an optional night patrol to help protect sea turtle nests. |
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Tuesday 9 |
Morning: Checking the nursery enclosure and helping with the maintenance of natural areas. |
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Wednesday 10 |
Morning: Checking the nursery enclosure and helping with the maintenance of natural areas. |
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Thursday 11 |
Morning: Feeding the rescued deer, maintaining the enclosure, and monitoring their health and well-being. |
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Friday 12 |
Morning: Feeding the rescued deer, maintaining the enclosure, and monitoring their health and well-being. |
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Saturday 13 |
Free day |
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Sunday 14 |
End. |
When Can I Start?
If you’d like to take part in a hands-on conservation experience and work directly alongside local groups dedicated to protecting endangered species, you can start on any Monday throughout the year.
Please note that the program does not operate in May, as weather conditions make conservation work particularly challenging during that month.
WHAT IS IT INCLUDED?
- Shared rooms within the communities where we work (Manialtepec, Escobilla, Ventanilla)
- 3 meals per day during working days. Lunch and dinner elaborated by oaxacan cook to whom we will help when possible (there are options for vegetarians and vegans).
- Bottled water
- Local guides who will teach you to understand nature in a completely different way.
- Activities coordinador to unlock your full potential
- Basic material to work and for common using.
- Volunteering certificate.
- Liability insurance, although you will need a travel insurance
- Accompaniment in public transport between the conservation projects.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- National or international flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Transport and meals during 3 free days
- Special drinks or snacks food
- Visa (if needed)
- Drop off. It will ve very easy as we travel in public transport!
Book your spot for the volunteering trip with the coordinator!
