Join our living lab in the heart of the Mayan Biosphere, Guatemala

Details

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  Description

  Hi, I’m Jon, part of the team at a jungle-based Living Lab located in the heart of the Petén forest, within the Mayan Biosphere region of Guatemala. We live and work on-site as a small, committed team, developing a long-term project focused on rewilding, community life and regenerative practices.
  
  The land is home to several interconnected initiatives, including a rewilding and land-restoration project, small-scale conservation efforts, creative and cultural activities, and the gradual development of shared spaces for retreats, gatherings and hosted experiences.
  
  Rather than a single activity, this place is an evolving ecosystem — a place where people, ideas and practices come together to regenerate land, host meaningful encounters and explore new ways of living in balance with nature.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Music

  

  Photography

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Cycling

  

  Hiking

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Camping

  

  Nature
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are looking for grounded, proactive people to support our jungle-based Living Lab through a structured work-exchange rooted in rewilding, shared responsibility and community life.
  
  help can take different forms depending on your skills and experience. Current focus areas include:
  
  • Land & Agro / Permaculture Support – gardening, planting, composting, trail care, basic agroforestry work and maintaining shared natural spaces.
  • Property Host & Community Support – preparing and maintaining common areas, light kitchen support, small DIY projects, general upkeep, and assisting with the hosting of groups and small events.
  • Content Creation & Communication – photography, short-form video, social media support and helping develop simple communication or promotional materials aligned with our values.
  • Mobile Library Outreach (La Fantástica) – supporting rural community visits; experienced drivers may apply to help operate our manual transmission library bus on jungle roads.
  
  All roles are integrated into the life of the reserve. While each position has a primary focus, we value flexibility and collaboration. Creative skills are welcome, but the core of the exchange remains land restoration, responsible hosting and community support.
  
  This is not a resort-style volunteer experience — it is a living, evolving project where initiative, maturity and teamwork matter.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are looking for motivated, grounded people to support our Living Lab through a structured work-exchange rooted in rewilding, shared responsibility and community life.
  
  La Reserva – Rewilding & Community Life
  Support includes hands-on land care, trail maintenance, planting, composting, preparing and maintaining shared spaces, light kitchen support, small DIY projects, general maintenance, and supporting the hosting of groups and small events as part of the life of the reserve.
  
  Creative skills such as photography, design or social media are welcome as an optional layer, always secondary to the core work of land restoration, community care and group hosting.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  We enjoy sharing both English and Spanish in daily life and see language exchange as a natural part of living and working together in a multicultural environment.
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  Accommodation

  Shared dorm-style accommodation with shared bathrooms, kitchen and lounge areas.
  There is plenty of natural space to walk, rest and disconnect, surrounded by jungle and wildlife.
  One served meal per day included during working days, and kitchen access with supplies for the rest of the time and meals

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  What else ...

  On days off, Workawayers can rest, explore nearby towns, swim, read, write, create, or simply enjoy the jungle. The surrounding area offers a unique mix of nature, culture and history, including access to lakes, forest trails and nearby communities.
  
  Because of our remote location, we encourage people who enjoy calm environments, meaningful routines and intentional living. This is not a party place, but a space for learning, contribution and genuine exchange.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  - Yes, we are in a remote jungle area, so connectivity can be limited or slower than in cities. - While this is a living, natural environment with animals around, we have certain restrictions around allowing pets beyond the animals that are already on-site. - Smoking is limited to designated areas only. - We have shared co-working areas. At the same time, your presence will help us continue shaping the space into something functional, balanced and respectful of the environment. This is a great place for focused work, but flexibility and patience are important due to our remote location.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Campers and motorhomes are welcome. There is plenty of space and nature around to park, rest and connect with the environment.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Kasha

  Caoba

  Ezekiel

  Capitan

  Pepis

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