Description

Go beyond the beaches and join us for a fantastic week of volunteering and exploring in beautiful coastal Mexico. This guided tour combines volunteering for local community development with snorkeling, hiking, ziplining (if you like), visits to traditional villages and more.

How it Works
Volunteers travel individually (or with friends) to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and are transported to Bucerias where the group will be staying in the guesthouse. The week consists of three days of volunteering, three days of Adventure Touring, and plenty of time to relax, shop, and get to know the local area. Exact schedule depends on number of volunteers and local need at the time of tour. Therefore, exact schedule will be distributed to all registered volunteers two weeks before departure.

Highlights

The Volunteer Activities
As a volunteer you may:
* Paint murals as a part of community beautification
* Participate as a part of a beach clean-up team
* Build a park from recycled materials
* Serve lunch to disadvantaged children and youth
* Teach English to community members (learning English enables them to be meaningfully employed in the tourist economy, which is the mainstay of the local area)
* Assist in a traveling spay and neuter clinic for cats and dogs
* If you have a skill that you would like to teach, we may be able to arrange for you to teach these two local youth or women's groups. Examples of skills include:
- Arts and crafts
- Topics in health education
- Yoga, dance or sport
- Music
- Other ideas you want to approach us with

The exact schedule of volunteer activities will depend on final group size and is subject to change.

The Phenomenal Adventure Tours

Las Marietas Kayaking and Snorkeling
A short boat-ride away from Puerto Vallarta awaits the exotic Marietas Islands. This short trip will give us the opportunity to spot dolphins and other sea life. Upon arrival at Las Marietas the group will begin snorkelling and kayaking. Everyone can explore rocky caverns and archways are their own leisure. As well, the island boasts a vast array of marine life, and a plethora of majestic giant manta rays, sea turtles and exotic tropical fish. The island also hosts many birds and some of the world's remaining Green Macaws.

Majestic Canopy Adventure
In the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, a 45 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, lays a virgin tropical forest. Here the jungle exploration begins above its floors as you move on zip lines, suspended walkways and platforms, throughout a treetop canopy. Safety is the number one priority with highly trained guides, state of the art equipment (including two safety ropes), with all of it rigorously inspected and maintained.

Off the Beaten Path
A fun Unimog jeep drive away, through streams and forgotten settlements, lays the Mexican "outback" of Sierra Madre. You will see traditional villages and visit the home of a local Mexican family. Here you will taste delectable corn tortillas, beans and salsa, all fresh and prepared in front of you. Afterward it's time for a short hike to explore fauna and flora with an expert eco-guide!

In total, you will enjoy two and a half days of adventure tours, four days of volunteering, and have the remainder of your time for exploring, shopping, and becoming enchanted by the local charm.

A Typical Day
A typical day begins by waking up to a tasty breakfast with your fellow roommates. Your food will be prepared and delivered by a local woman to your particular accommodation. Once finished your meal you will leave Bucerias for Punta de Mita on one of the daily local buses. After arrival, volunteer work will commence, with plenty of time to get to know the local area and fellow team members. Finally there will be free time or a planned activity. For example, one may head back to Bucerias to do some shopping, or beach bathing, or sight-seeing.

Other Activities
There will be plenty of time for volunteering, free time, and two group activities (covered in your program fee).

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Kayaking (Sea)
• RainForest Tours
• Snorkeling

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

790 USD per volunteer

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* 7 Nights Accommodation. Double occupancy in apartment or guesthouse,
* Breakfast & Dinner daily (and several lunches)
* Variety of group volunteer activities designed for you to both learn about local issues and contribute to local development
* Three phenomenal adventure tours
* Transportation from the airport in Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias,
* Introductory Spanish language lesson
* Fundraising Kit
* Trained & highly qualified group leader
* In-country support

Furthermore this price is extremely competitive, fees for comparable programs average 1400 USD.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This trip attracts all types of volunteers. Everybody welcome.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 15

Scholarships are Available

Media Matters Award We offer awards of up to 300 USD to defray the costs of volunteering abroad. Applicants must demonstrate a desire to contribute to our online community in the long term through various forms of media. Types of media include but are not limited to blogging, photography, online articles, and video content. Other forms of media which can be transferred for viewing online, for example painting, drawing, and sketching, are also possible. We welcome innovative ideas. Successful applicants have a clear and well-organized plan regarding what media they will create, and demonstrate a commitment and proven ability to complete their media project. Application Deadlines: March 15th, June 15th, September 15th, December 15th

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 days

The Humanity Exchange's Mission Statement

To provide exceptional international exchange experiences, that foster globally minded conscientious leaders and contribute to development in cooperation with local communities.

Year Founded

2009