Quick Facts
Program code
CL-FS118
Category
Farm Stay, Farm Work
Country
Chile
Location
Puerto Varas, Southern Chile Lake District
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
4 weeks between May and September, the remaining time of the year 8 weeks minimum stay
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
Program details
This farm stay placement is more than just a dairy farm. It is a large agritourism farm that produces first class produce. The farm is a family-run business committed to sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. The farm carries the Empresa B seal and is proud to be part of this global movement of companies that want to make a difference and provide solutions to social and environmental problems. Because B Lab certified companies meet strictly tested standards for social and ecological performance, transparency and responsibility. The farm operates within the framework of strict rules in the areas of animal welfare, recycling and protection of resources, sustainable management of agricultural land, reduction of water and energy consumption and fair working conditions for employees.
Located in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Llanquihue very close to Puerto Varas, the farm offers day visitors the opportunity to experience farm work and nature up close, familiarize themselves with the local culture and at the same time make an important contribution to environmental and animal protection afford.
The farm was founded in 2010 by a local family, inspired by a love of nature and a desire to promote sustainable living. They have set themselves the goal of creating a place where people live and work in harmony with nature and animals.
In addition to agricultural products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, the farm's focus is on dairy farming and raising Jersey cows. Approximately 500 cows call the farm home. The cows are joined by 40 sheep and around 10 chickens. Cats and dogs also live on the farm. Around 35 employees look after the farm operation.
The cows provide fresh milk that is processed into delicious cheese, fresh yogurt and other local dairy products. The farm's products are known and loved throughout Chile!
The farm's working areas include:
Permaculture: Sustainable farming methods that mimic nature's natural processes for the benefit of plants and animals.
Organic farming: Synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are avoided to protect the environment and ensure the health of animals and people.
Agroecology: The integration of agriculture, forestry and livestock farming in a closed system to conserve natural resources.
To give the population, and especially children, an understanding of the sustainable working methods of the farm, the farm opened up to agritourism years ago and regularly welcomes individuals or entire groups. This includes guided tours of the farm grounds and through the production facilities. Guests can end their visit with delicacies in a cozy cafeteria.
Tasks
Grab your rubber boots, get your hands dirty, and have fun! Varied and interesting tasks await you on the farm near the idyllic town of Puerto Varas in southern Chile.
As a volunteer, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating world of sustainable agriculture and agritourism. Here you can experience nature up close, get to know the local culture and at the same time contribute to animal care and environmental protection.
What exciting challenges are waiting for you?
- Become a farmer: Help to plant, harvest, weed and irrigate in the large vegetable garden, fields and greenhouses. Enjoy working in the fresh air and experience the satisfaction of growing and harvesting healthy food with your own hands. Assist with milking, in the calf barn, learn how to deal with cows and their reproductive cycle.
- Animal lovers wanted: Take care of the animals of the farm. Feed and water the cows, sheep, chickens, ensure their well-being and maintain the stables. Petting and cuddling with the animals are part of this work area! It also includes rearing calves using bottles as well as sanitary handling. The pastures and fences must be kept free of weeds, the water lines of the troughs must be clean and the pastures must be maintained.
- Sales talent required: Assist in the farm shop with the sale of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, manjar and other products from the own production. Bring customers closer to the philosophy of sustainable agriculture. You can also help make the wonderful products in the factory. You will learn how to make cheese, manjar and yogurt.
- Discover your inner travel guide: Accompany visitors on tours of the farm and the surrounding area. Share your knowledge about agriculture, animals, production, the region and local culture of the Mapuche with guests and ensure unforgettable experiences.
- Handyman wanted: Repair fences, paint buildings and assist with general gardening work. Get involved where necessary and help preserve the beautiful farm and the wonderfully idyllic surroundings.
The volunteers are divided into work areas depending on the needs of the farm. Personal interests, strengths and skills are taken into account. Working hours are approximately 40 hours/week. Depending on the work area, the work shifts vary.
To keep in mind: There is a bonus of 150,000 pesos per month (approx. 150 USD) for volunteers. It is important to be responsible, punctual, put team spirit before self-interest and have a good work ethic to be eligible for the bonus. The booked program duration must be adhered to. The head of the respective work area decides whether the bonus is granted.
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
The volunteers live in a small house directly on the farm. It is a wooden house typical of the area, equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay. The house has 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each, a bathroom, a cozy living room and a dining room with space for 6 people as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
After a day full of work and adventure, you can relax here, read an interesting book or chat with other volunteers. In the farm's beautiful gardens you will find peace and relaxation and can enjoy the fresh air and nature. From some places on the farm you have a breathtaking view of the snow-capped majestic Osorno Volcano and the surrounding green hills.
If there are other volunteers on site, you will share accommodation with them, which is a great opportunity to make new friends. In the cozy communal kitchen you can cook, eat and hang out together.
There is WiFi available in the house.
Location
The farm is located in the beautiful south of Chile amidst the picturesque landscape of Lake Llanquihue, just 15 minutes by car from the center of the popular tourist destination of Puerto Varas. Puerto Varas is located directly on the shore of Lake Llanquihue and is surrounded by impressive volcanoes, deep green forests, rushing mountain rivers, waterfalls and lots of excursion options, national parks and nature reserves. Nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts especially love this area. Mountain biking, trekking, climbing, canopy, rafting, kayaking, boat tours, to name just a few attractions.
Puerto Varas is a very popular destination among both Chileans and foreign tourists, especially during the warm months between October and April.
Lake Llanquihue is the second largest lake in Chile and covers an impressive area of 860 square kilometers. Due to its fairytale surroundings, the lake offers a breathtaking natural spectacle that enchants visitors from all over the world.
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!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Good physical condition
- 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 diary farm in Puerto Varas includes:
- Single or shared room (depending on occupancy)
- A bonus of 150.000 Pesos/month (with good work performance)
- 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$ 350 (minimum duration 4 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
The minimum duration is 4 weeks from May to September, and 8 weeks in the remaining months.
Additionally, you can book:
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
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 âŠ
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!