Volunteering in Mexico through Worldpackers during Pandemic

01.02.2021.

As always I look for my travel companions and that’s how the idea for Mexico was born. Actually, South America was the first choice, but somehow we concluded that it would be cheaper via Mexico. Volunteering in Mexico was a main catch when I saw an ad in a popular travel site. Suggesting to go to South America few mounts plus volunteering- I just had to respond, even if nothing happens. Considering current Covid situation, it was the most secure thought in our heads that it will already pass. Or better there than at home even in the lockdown, but who would think that it would be a second lockdown?

If you want to know more about various volunteering experiences, be inspired with these work and travel opportunities.

The captivating power of Mexico

Mexico was a captivating idea for many in the recent months since it doesn’t have many restrictions. As bars and restaurants were always open, it was more recharging than being at home. It certainly felt like good old times, but more than that.

I discovered a special charm that belongs only to Mexico: cheerful vibe, colourful houses and amazing street art everywhere I go. Let’s add the ancient history being so mystical but full of wonders, cenotes where crystal clear water is the best swimming choice.

Thank you Mexico for making me so alive, cheerful and metting so many amazing people. Definitely, life in Mexico seems so smooth.

For those who don’t know staying in Mexico without any special visa (only a card you get on arrival) is limited to the long six months.

Why to go volunteering

But now let’s talk about volunteering. Ever since the rolling hank of travelling easier and cheaper is pulling me to go. But always the same old excuses, especially money. I even tried workaway years ago but due to family reasons it never happened.

Worldpackers vs Workaway- which volunteering site to choose

Why to choose Worldpackers and not Workaway? First, I must say that Workaway offers the richer choice. Last winter by backpacking India, Sri Lanka and Bali I was introduced with people that were doing volunteering through Worldpackers. It was a moment that pulled my attention saying: „I never heard of it, have to check it out“.

The comprehensive reach of Worlpackers that included hotels & hostels, ecological projects and social communities was the doorknob. Including the discount while signing up meant the cheaper cost than Workaway. The highest benefit involved some kind of security if things turn wrong. Anyhow, I decided to try it.

Voluteering in Mexico

Unfortunaely, I didn’t succed to find some nice hostel near the beach. Mayan Monkey where I applied to teach yoga + breakfast help really fascinated me. Though some of my fellow travellers started volunteering directly by asking at the place, I didn’t want to risk. If you’ll go volunteering, take this as your basical idea.

Volunteering in the tranquil village near Puerto Vallarta

The first volunteering position was at the village El Nogalito near the fascinating town Puerto Vallarta. Firstly, the photos of this guesthouse just blew my mind. As my flight landed in Cancun, I had to take the flight to another shore of Mexico.

Flying across Mexico

Volaris airline is the most affordable choice in Mexico, though you would still need to buy the ticket in advance. At my example, instead of Puerto Vallarta I flew in Guadalajara as the ticket was much cheaper. It was an awesome opportunity to explore Guadalajara and surroundings. Just of a sudden the direct flight to Puerto Vallarta rised the prise.

It just went up the same evening resembling the prices across Atlantic. Guadalajara was my next airport, which is located around 5h by bus towards Puerto Vallarta. Unfortunately, I sticked in Guadalajara only 2 nights and missed the lake Chapala. The sweet town of Tequila was a delighful experience

Beautiful guesthouse in nature

Casa Anthakarana is a beautiful guesthouse surrounded by nature and sounds of the river. This refreshing ambiance was full of lovely decor giving the tropical feelings.

Instead of working in the kitchen as my position, I was mostly doing the cleaning. As Internet was very slow in my room, I was usually using spa room (with office desk in front) or circulary shaped saloon. My hosts left earlier before me going to their second home in Guadalajara. Most of the tasks were in the hands of one older man from Spain. Can you imagine he’s living in Mexico for 15 years?

Learning the Spanish while volunteering

Only speaking Spanish with me (my roomate from Oaxaca speaks no English), I had to adjust with Google translate. Though in the beginning we were speaking English, my hosts wanted to share their culture and language. Spanish was not difficult specially considering that I already have the knowledge of French and Italian. But sometimes, I could not really understand what they said. Sometimes I understood from the context.

Regarding the capacity, groups were mostly coming for the weekend. Two sisters from Arizona were the pleasant company and stayed few months.

Meals while volunteering in Mexico

The only downsite of this place happened to be the meals (I had two meals, breakfast and lunch), The fact was that lunch was always somehow small. Sometimes only spaghetti with white sauce and no salad at all, once only the mixed salad. Without our hosts, the meals were richer. Also during days-off I was not allowed to have meals. It was somehow weird as Worldpackers announces meals every day of my stay with the images. I understood that the reason for that was the possibility that I’m not here.

Volunteering in Mascota, a magical mountainous town

Second place of my volunteering was Mascota, magic town settled in the mountains and only 1,5h from Puerto Vallarta. I was very lucky to have a ride with my next hosts as they’re having unfinished house also in El Nogalito. Bus schedule on Internet underlines Pet, not Mascota (as Mascota in Spanish means pet).

It was a lovely boutique hotel with beautiful garden and many pets. Though I never considered dogs to be my favourite animals, these dogs took my heart. Always so ready to greet you, I even had a chance to meet 5 puppies. A cat that I had in Puerto Vallarta was so gentle and never grabs you. Pigs were also the inhabitants of the garden so my tasks was to collect their ka-ka or faeces.

Actually, I applied here to do the painting but their house in El Nogalito needed the painting. Needing the help with cleaning the rooms, kitchen and washing the dishes, I came to Mascota. Italian food was awesome here and pizza was a daily venue to local shop and other places. Marco, an italian host was living 7 years in Puerto Vallarta working in one pizzeria. What an awesome opportunity to learn about pizza and lovely family.

Organic garden in a small hotel

Unfortunately, organic garden as announced on Worldpackers was a bit low, but avocados and mangoes grow here in abundance. Not during my visit though. My roomate from Brasile only spent 2 weeks here. Also, I had the chance to meet two other volunteers, but they left before me. What a funny time, really loved my stay there.

About the meeals in Mascota

About the meals- I also had two meals. The first one usually was starting around 11 or rather 12/1. Sometimes it would be oat porridge with fruits (fabulously made) and sometimes typical mexican breakfast with tortillas and beans. Or even sandwiches sometimes. Sometimes we had even cookies with coffee or tea to warms us up right at the start around 9h. The second one ended to be at the dinner time (6-7pm), but never at precise time.

Volunteering in the communal garden in Merida

Volunteering in Merida at one communal garden was my third volunteering. Instead of staying at the village I had my room at the parent’s place in Merida as the guesthouse was occupied. Additional to gardening, I was also writing few blog post for the website including the photos and videos. This one step further will hopefully give me a better job in future if needed. My hosts were very nice but I had can you imagine driving every day on Merida’s gnarled roads?

Beautifully decorated plant beds gave me the chance to know more about tropical plants specially papaya. I was treated with everyday’s treasure of pumpkin. The tasks were focusing mainly on watering and weeding off. Unfortunately, it was raining few days so I couldn’t go anywhere still cleaning the house ie. windows was unbeatable task. Participating in one garden workshop enlightened my visit and the last day I was honoured to give a yoga class.

Final thoughts

As this post will be too long, I don’t want to go further. I was working in the hotel and seems quite similar to volunteering specially considering the busy hours. So what is the difference towards volunteering? Volunteering with Worldpackes is an excellent opportunity specially if you’re low with money, local lifestyle will be in your hands.