Organic project, seasonal help with the farm and animals near Cochabamba, Bolivia

  • Favourited 1018 times
  • Last activity: 24 Apr 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello Workawayers!

    My name is Teresa (Tere) and I own a small plot of land around 1 hour from the city of Cochabamba near the municipality of San Benito. I bought this land in 1993 and have worked for a long time now, together with many Workawayers as well, to make it a small green oasis with different fruit trees (for example pears, apples, figues). Especially Olive trees and Aloe vera plants feature prominently on the farm. There is also a fenced in garden as well as a small greenhouse, where we mainly grow vegetables and tropical plants respectively. We also have quite some animals on the farm: seven cats, three dogs, around 20 chicken in three chicken houses and three free roaming lamas! We also produce our own honey with currently three beehives, one more to be installed soon. At times my children, Natalia and Sergio, who are at the moment studying abroad, are staying at the farm as well.

    For this year 2024 I will probably be away from home during approximately 5 weeks at the mid of the year (dates are not yet confirmed, probably around June-July), and therefore we would like to receive Workawayers willing to stay as long as possible here.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    True rural Cochabamba experience, the food, the language, and the countryside with a clear vision of organic production. We are happy to provide new insights into the culture of our country and will most likely also visit the nearby market town of Punata together.

  • Help

    Help

    The work varies widely depening on the season that you are visiting us in. We usually need help with the olives, apples and other trees. We have to attend the parcels and prepare the soil (e.g. putting fertilizer, rearrange the dripping irrigation system), control the weeds (the main task almost all over the year), a bit of gardening (e.g. planting new vegetables or flowers) and to prune/rake the acacia "forest". Also our fences continuously are in need of improvements and repairs. During harvesting season we usually require help with harvesting the different crops.

    In general there is always a multitude of building, beautification and construction projects going on where we value creative input. If you would like to, there is the opportunity to teach English (no native level English needed) to interested local children of the community.

    The hens and the lamas need attention the whole year, the pets also like to have some extra care.

    We intend to build an even bigger green-house soon. For this project we are looking for helpers with some construction experience. We also have always projects that generally require some woodworking skills.

    If you have experience with...
    1) rain water harvesting
    2) renewable energy (especially with planning and installing photovoltaic panels and solar thermal energy)
    3) constructing a dry toilet
    4) automatization of drip irrigation systems
    5) restauration projects

    ... we would be especially happy to receive you and realize one of those projects together! Naturally knowledge in these areas is no requirement for hosting you, so do not feel intimated to write us if, even if you do not have experience in those areas.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Italian: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will be sleeping in one huge bedroom (double bed and single bed available) with your own bathroom and well equipped kitchen (see pictures). You will have great mountain views.
    Fast WiFi (2,4 and 5G), hot shower and washing machine available 24/7.
    We generally eat lunch together (and we are happy if you share occasionally your local cuisine with us). Breakfast and dinner you will normally prepare by yourself for yourself. Fridge and pantry full of the basics (no meats), such as bread, milk, cheese, fruits and oats, are available at no charge.

    Over the last couple of years we were able to host many volunteers and have gained a lot of experience.

    We highly appreciate you to keep clean your apartment.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Valle alto is a region of Cochabamba, which is famous for its agricultural produce and the clear, beautiful light. Old little towns all around can be visited, mountains everywhere and full touristic attractions a few hours away. Distance from downtown Cochabamba is around 30km and it takes around 1 hour to go there by public transportation (minibuses and buses that pass by on the mainroad every few minutes, price is around 5 to 10 Bolivianos). There are some small shops and eateries available in walking distance. Rural Bolivia is not expesive at all.

    Due to the thorns of the acacia trees we recommend that you bring sturdy shoes or boots. The tempureature variations between day and night are significant, so bring some warm clothes as well. Ample solar protection is recommendable too, since we are located at 2.700 meters above sea level. Some of the neighbour´s dogs are barking quite a lot, also during night time. Therefore, you should bring good earplugs if you are senstive to noise.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 836748859746

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