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Help us with the animals on our family farm in Coyhaique, Chile

  • Last activity : 23 Oct 2026

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    My name is Cristian Ortega. My family has lived in the Aysén region since the colonization of Chilean Patagonia began in 1910. Today, my wife, my daughters, and I live in Coyhaique. We travel almost daily to our 120-hectare farm—located 30 minutes from Coyhaique—where we raise sheep, poultry, cattle, and horses. We have to plant crops, harvest, and provide feed for the sheep and cattle during the winter; because of the heavy snowfall, there is no natural pasture available for the animals, so we must supply them with baled hay ourselves. We also spend time cutting wood from the forest for fuel and repairing fences. Occasionally, tourists and friends visit us to see our poultry and farm animals, learn how to milk cows, and enjoy a traditional lamb barbecue—which I prepare myself over an open-air fire.
    Since we began working on the land (nearly 8 years ago), we have found great happiness in enjoying the fruits of our labor—witnessing the birth of lambs, calves, and chicks; eating fresh, healthy eggs; and chatting by the wood-burning stove while sharing some *mate*.
    There is always work to be done, and I would appreciate a helping hand from time to time. I also truly enjoy sharing stories about life in Patagonia with our volunteers.
    I love teaching others about our Patagonia, and I also enjoy learning from our volunteers!
    ========
    Mi nombre es Cristian, mi familia vive en la región de Aysén desde la Colonización de La Patagonia Chilena en 1910. Hoy, mi esposa e hijas vivimos en Coyhaique y viajamos casi diariamente a nuestra granja de 120 hectáreas a 30 minutos de #Coyhaique, donde trabajamos para criar ovejas, aves de corral, vacas y nuestros caballos. Tenemos que sembrar, cosechar y dar alimento a las ovejas/vacas en invierno, ya que aquí hay mucha nieve que no deja pasto para nuestros animales, debemos darles el pasto en fardos nosotros mismos. También trabajamos cortando del bosque árboles para hacer fuego y reparar cercos. Nos visitan ocasionalmente turistas y amigos para conocer nuestras aves de corral, animales de granja, aprender a ordeñar vacas y comer asados de Cordero, que yo mismo preparo en una fogata al aire libre.
    Desde que trabajamos en el campo (casi 8 años), hemos sido muy felices al disfrutar de los frutos de nuestro trabajo, como por ejemplo: ver nacer las ovejas, las vacas y los pollitos, disfrutamos de comer huevos saludables, conversar junto a la cocina de leña mientras tomamos mate.
    Hay trabajo que hacer cada día, me gustaría una ayuda de vez en cuando, a la vez que disfruto compartir relatos de la vida en La Patagonia con nuestros voluntarios.
    ¡¡¡ Me encanta enseñar de nuestra Patagonia y me gusta Aprender de nuestros Voluntarios !!!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • 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

    Very few of us are fortunate enough to have been born in Patagonia, to know it, and to live here. Life here is quite expensive, and tourists spend a lot of money just to see a part of it. I offer my farm, my experience, and my stories so that travelers can learn firsthand what it's like to be a farmer in Patagonia, free of charge.

    =======
    Somos muy pocos los afortunados de haber nacido en La Patagonia, conocerla y vivir aquí, la vida aquí es algo costosa y el turista gasta mucho dinero en conocer sólo parte de ella. Yo ofrezco mi granja, mi experiencia y relatos para que el viajeros aprendan de primera fuente lo que es un Granjero en La Patagonia, sin costo para ellos.

  • Help

    Help

    I'll need help with tree pruning, and also with transporting poles... knowing some carpentry wouldn't hurt, and above all... being willing to help me work with animals.
    =======
    necesitaré ayuda con la poda de árboles, también para transportar postes... saber algo de carpintería no estaría mal y sobre todo... tener buena disposición para apoyarme en el trabajo con animales.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    i need practice my english

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will have a private room in my house, equipped with a wood-burning stove for cooking, hot water, and a bathroom with a washing machine. I will provide basic food supplies (oil, flour, vegetables, fruit, bread, rice, pasta), and any additional items will be at your own expense.
    ========
    Tendrán una habitación exclusiva para los voluntarios, dentro de mi casa, con cocina a leña para la preparación de sus alimentos, agua caliente y baño equipado con lavadora. Yo entregaré los víveres básicos a los viajeros (aceite, harina, vegetales, frutas, pan, arroz, pastas) y si necesitan adicionales deberán costearlos ustedes.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    In your free time, you can go trekking on the farm itself, visit Coyhaique, the regional capital, explore the countryside and collect firewood for your own use, or go fishing in the rivers and lakes near our farm. IMPORTANT: The internet signal here is not good; however, if you buy a Claro SIM card, you will have a stable and good quality signal. It costs US$3.
    -----------
    en su tiempo libre, puede hacer actividades de trekking dentro de la misma granja, o bien ir a Coyhaique, Capital Regional o bien recorrer el campo y recolectar leña para su uso propio o bien salir a pescar en los ríos y lagos cercanos a nuestra granja. IMPORTANTE: no es buena la señal de internet aquí, sin embargo... si compran una tarjeta SIM de la Compañía Claro... tendrán una señala estable y de buena calidad, valor en el comercio U$ 3.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Tenemos mucho espacio para su vehículo, RECIBIMOS FAMILIAS TAMBIÉN.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 179942118929

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