Quick Facts
Program code
CL-VOL117
Category
Volunteer Work, Nature Conservation, Construction
Country
Chile
Location
Maitencillo, Central Region of Chile
Program start
flexible start and end dates year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
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
Would you like a job with a view of the sea and a life deeply rooted in ancestral ways of life? With this interesting volunteer project right on Chile's beautiful Pacific coast, we give you the opportunity to live and work in Chile's first eco-village. The beautiful sandy beach is about 7 minutes away. The eco-village is a non-profit project that shows how we can live in a way that conserves resources. Sustainability, learning and entertainment are the axes of the project.
The project is located close to the picturesque seaside resort of Maitencillo, approximately 2 hours northwest of Santiago de Chile. Maintencillo is a well-known and popular holiday resort for Chileans and international guests. Maitencillo is one of the jewels of Chile's Pacific coast, yet not too far from the lively capital Santiago. The place is surrounded by forests and a lovely landscape. It is characterized by the long, beautiful sandy beach. There is a small harbor where you can buy fresh fish and seafood from local fishermen every day.
The eco-village itself was inaugurated in 2018. The founder's great idea was to create a maximum of beauty and comfort with a minimum of materials to show people that you can live very well with little. The founder of the small eco-village truly succeeded in this goal, and it beautifully illustrates his life's work.
The sea-view eco-village covers 16 hectares and has 5 km of hiking trails. The eco-village is open to day visitors and overnight guests and offers simple but cozy glamping-style accommodation options. Guests live in harmony with nature and can take part in activities such as guided tours, workshops, yoga and the like.
The small, idyllic village has a cozy kitchen area, a swimming pool, nice light-filled rooms and spacious outdoor areas. A special feature are the recreated ancient ways of life such as a Bedouin hut, an African cave, Neanderthal hut, Inca garden, Mayan oven, an amphitheater, etc. All buildings were built with elements from nature. The objects and textile designs are inspired by different tribal eras and the five first civilizations of humanity (Maya, Inca, China, Mesopotamia and India).
Tasks
The tasks of the volunteers who live and work here primarily revolve around the ongoing maintenance and expansion of the small eco-village. You will learn a lot about a sustainable lifestyle, resource-saving construction, and gardening according to ancient Maya and Inca traditions. You help maintain the mini-village and keep it clean. With guidance, you can also bring in your own creativity and let your ideas run wild.
Such a large property requires a lot of work. The park and trails must always be inspected, maintained and cleaned. Volunteers with sufficient knowledge of Spanish can also use their skills in the small village school and provide support to the teachers.
Overnight guests come mainly on weekends. If necessary, volunteers can help attend the guests.
Working hours are approximately 4-5 hours per day, 6 days a week. Maitencillo is not far away (approx. 7 minutes by taxi) and there is also time during the week to relax in the lovely seaside resort or on the beautiful beach.
This program is an excellent combination of work, learning and fun.
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 directly in the pretty eco-village in a shared room with a shared bathroom. The rooms are flooded with light and built mainly from wood, which creates a very homy atmosphere.
The fully equipped and large kitchen is available to volunteers where they can store groceries and prepare their own meals. A supermarket is 1 km away.
The location of the eco-village has a pleasant climate all year round. In summer it is still cooler in the morning and it only gets really hot in the afternoon. Winters are mild with irregular rainfall.
Location
Maitencillo is a small town in the Valparaíso region and is located directly on a picturesque sandy beach. The capital Santiago de Chile is approximately 160 km away. Worth seeing UNESCO World Heritage city of Valparaíso is about an hour away.
The area around Maitencillo is characterized by dream beaches and wooded hinterland. The landscape is very idyllic and attracts many Santiaguinos (residents of the capital Santiago) who want to take a break from hectic city life, especially in summer and on long weekends.
The main activities include sports such as surfing, stand-up padel, paragliding, swimming.
In the Chilean summer, tourist activity reaches its peak. Many small shops and handicraft stalls, as well as lots of restaurants and bars round off the entertainment offering in Maitencillo.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer 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
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Chile!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- 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 Volunteer Work in the Eco Village in Chile includes:
- Shared room in the Volunteer House
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- 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$ 280 (minimum duration 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 15
Additionally, you can book:
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