Quick Facts
Program code
CL-FS117
Category
Farm Stay, Farm Work
Country
Chile
Location
San Pedro de Atacama, Northern Chile
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
8 weeks
Minimum age
20 years (possible from 18 years of age if you have very good riding skills)
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 have a passion for horses and are you longing for an unforgettable adventure in the midst of unique natural landscapes? Then this farm stay program in northern Chile is just right for you! As a volunteer, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Atacama Desert and experience first-hand the charm of this truly unique region.
The ranch offers its nature and animal-loving guests various horseback riding tours to the sights in the area. Horse riding trips lasting several hours and even horse treks lasting several days are offered. There are 6 cozy guest houses available. They offer space for a total of 20 people and are built and decorated in the typical style of the Atacama Desert.
The ranch is located in a beautiful oasis about 1 km outside the popular tourist town of San Pedro de Atacama. The ranch is a place of peace where people and animals live in harmony. In addition to the approximately 15 horses, llamas, dogs, goats, a donkey, a sheep, cats and lots of chickens also call the ranch home.
Depending on the season, 7 to 10 people work on the ranch to ensure the well-being of both the animals and the guests.
Tasks
With this Farm Stay program, you really get out of your comfort zone. You live and work in one of the most breathtaking regions of Chile, which has a very special fascination for its visitors.
Together with the experienced ranch staff, you will ensure the well-being of the horses and other ranch animals. If you are firmly in the saddle and have good language skills, you can also accompany the guests on horseback tours and discover the fantastic landscapes of the Atacama Desert on horseback.
You will have the opportunity to improve your riding skills, expand your language skills and gain valuable experience in the field of animal care and tourism.
Not all working days are the same and flexibility is required. This is not an office job and working on a ranch is dynamic and you should lend a hand where help is needed. There are days when things are quieter and days when there is a lot going on.
Your tasks may include:
- Care for, feed and keep the horses clean
- Clean and maintain the stables and surrounding area
- Bring horses into the paddock/take them out of the paddock
- Maintain the grounds of the ranch tidy and in order
- Accompany the horseback riding tours
- Help guests wherever possible, look after them and advise them
- Interpret for guests if necessary
- Feed the other animals on the ranch
- Other tasks related to ranch and tourism operations
For this farm stay it is important that you have good riding skills and experience dealing with horses. You should also have good knowledge of English and Spanish. Further language skills are a plus when working with international tourists.
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
Our volunteers live directly on the ranch in one of the guest houses. The houses are built in the local style, rustic and cozy. The cottage has space for up to two volunteers. It has a bathroom and also a small kitchen. Internet is also available.
The volunteers prepare their own breakfast and dinner. The food is provided. The employees and volunteers eat lunch together. The food is delicious and healthy.
Location
The ranch is located in an oasis not far from the desert town and tourist hotspot of San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro is about 1 km away and can easily be reached either on foot or by one of the ranch's bicycles.
San Pedro de Atacama is located 1700 km north of Santiago de Chile. The Atacama Desert, considered the driest desert in the world, offers an unparalleled backdrop for unforgettable adventures.
Discover the bizarre beauty of the salt flats, the majestic volcanoes, the picturesque highland lagoons and the fascinating rock formations that stretch under the bright blue skies of the Atacama Desert. Ride through the barren landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and fertile oases. Here you can enjoy the energetic silence and learn a lot about the local culture and old traditions of the picturesque Andean Highlands.
Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Chilean culture and get to know the way of life of the people in the Andes highlands. Enjoy delicious local specialties, experience traditional music and dance culture and make new friends with people from all over the world.
Located in the heart of the Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama is an ideal base for exploring this fascinating region. The small oasis town, located at 2,438 meters above sea level, offers a unique mix of traditional Chilean culture and modern comfort. Colorful mud-brick houses line the narrow streets, which are home to numerous restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. The beautiful white clay church, which dates back to the 18th century, is the symbol of the town.
There are many attractions in the surroundings of San Pedro de Atacama, such as the Valle de la Luna, the Salar de Atacama, the Geysers del Tatio and the highland lagoons of Miscanti and Meñique, to name just a few of it.
The weather in the Atacama Desert is characterized by mild to hot days and cold nights. The air is extremely dry, and the amount of precipitation is very low.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your farm 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
- Intermediate Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Good English skills
- Minimum age 20 years
- Good physical condition
- Riding skills and experience with horses
- 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 Farm Stay on the Ranch in San Pedro de Atcama includes:
- Single or shared room (depending on occupancy)
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your Farm Stay 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
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 410 (minimum duration 8 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
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 …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
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.
Farm Stay Guide
Find valuable information about Farm Stay 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.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!