Experience life on a former henequen plantation on the Yucatan Peninsula in Seye, Mexico

Details

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  Description

  ABOUT THE HOST
  We are a new, small, and modest community of individuals who seek to live a peaceful and sustainable life. Your host, Jameelah, is a retired Spanish teacher from Chicago who moved to Mexico after working for the Department of Defense in Japan, to continue her research on Mexican Spanish. She holds a master's degree from the UNAM in Mexico City, where she studied Hispanic Linguistics and Mexican history and culture.
  
  OUR HACIENDA
  Our lush but modest property includes four small fruit orchards (lime, orange, grapefruit, plantains, banana, avocado, guayaba, guava, pistachio, mango trees, and some local treasures like chicozapote, nance, anona, chaya, jicaro, guaya, and tamarindo). We also grow medicinal trees such as neem, kalanchoe, and moringa, offering a connection to the natural health traditions of the region. Additionally, our land is rich with fossilized seashells and remains of ancient Mayan living, making it a fascinating spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. We have a bamboo garden that adds a touch of serenity to the landscape, providing a peaceful and calming space to relax and reflect.
  
  OUR PROJECTS
  As a new community, we are aiming to build the property's infrastructure, and we need your help. The projects mostly include tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, pruning, and landscaping. Some light building of structures may be needed as well. However, our most important and ambitious project is the restoration of the henequen trail and tracks, which were built in the 1880s. Over the centuries, the trails and tracks used to transport the henequen for shipment worldwide have been covered by the rainforest and are no longer visible. But, with your help, we can rescue the remains that are left.
  
  ABOUT THE PROPERTY
  The Yucatán was once the global center of henequen production, a fiber known as oro verde "green gold" that was used to make ropes, textiles, and other materials. During its peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the henequen industry brought prosperity to the region and shaped much of its cultural and architectural heritage. Today, our property stands as a quiet reminder of this fascinating era, with its rich history woven into the land.
  
  LOCATION
  Located about an hour south of Mérida, Yucatán, on the Mérida-Cancún highway, the area is surrounded by working farms, including a cattle farm, pig farm, coconut farm, and dragon fruit farm, giving you a true taste of rural life in the Yucatán. Additionally, we are located about 10 miles from the new Tren Maya (Teya Station). Finally, we are also located about an hour from Chichen Itza, one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization. Chichen Itza was a major political, economic, and religious center from the 7th to 10th centuries and is renowned for its incredible architecture, including the towering pyramid of El Castillo. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  
  We recommend that volunteers fly into the Mérida International Airport, which is approximately one hour from our hacienda. Although it is possible to fly into the Cancun Airport, it is a long drive of about three hours.
  
  HOW TO GET TO OUR PROPERTY
  Getting to our property depends on your starting point. Most volunteers fly into Merida. Once you are in Merida, (or at the Merida airport), you can take an Uber or a taxi to our property. The cost is roughly $35-$40 USD. We live about 45 minutes south of Merida. Additionally, from Merida, you can take the bus company called Oriente from el centro (downtown) to get to the town of Seyé. From the Oriente bus station in Seyé, you can take a mototaxi to our property (about a 20-minute drive). Tell the driver you want to go to Nohchan.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help
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  Interests

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Languages

  

  Books

  

  Dancing
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  LOCAL ATTRACTIONS and CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
  Volunteering at our historic hacienda is a special opportunity to connect with the land, learn about the fascinating history of the region, and improve your Spanish while surrounded by peaceful, historic charm. Volunteers will learn about the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula. We have deer, jabalí (wild pigs), and wild turkeys on the property, and many species of birds, including the yellow-throated euphonia songbird.
  
  During your free time, you can explore nearby cenotes, archaeological sites (Mayapan, Aké, and Chitzen Itzá are about an hour away), and other attractions, or relax in the tranquil surroundings while experiencing the traditions and flavors of the Yucatán.
  
  Additionally, volunteers can visit the local farms and nurseries and learn Mayan planting traditions and techniques. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and are effective and sustainable. Finally, volunteers who commit to at least three weeks will receive my book, "Spanish for Expats", for free.
  
  We can’t wait to welcome you, share our language and culture, and work together to make this historic space even more beautiful!

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  Help

  Volunteers are expected to help for three hours a day, five days a week. We are seeking long-term volunteers who are willing to commit to at least three weeks or more. We ask that you confirm your stay at least two weeks before you plan to join us so that we are prepared to receive you.
  
  Duties include gardening tasks such as planting, watering, weeding, and maintaining our grounds and orchards.Please bring your own gardening gloves as they will come in handy.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  In exchange for your help, we provide humble yet comfortable accommodations in a cozy casita called the Cactus House. Volunteers will live like the locals and sleep in locally made hamacas (hammocks). In other words, there are no beds (just like in most Mayan homes). I, too, have adopted this practice. The Cactus House also comes equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave oven, a mini stove, and other small appliances. Volunteers are responsible for their own meals, transportation, and personal expenses. Since our hacienda is remote, volunteers can expect a ride to the nearest town of Seyé or the main city of Merida once a week to go shopping and buy groceries.

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  What else ...

  Since our hacienda is remote, volunteers can expect a ride to the nearest town of Seyé or the main city of Merida once a week to go shopping and buy groceries.
  
  Illicit drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the premises.
  
  Our hacienda is sacred. There is evidence of community life from centuries ago on the property. We ask that you respect their presence. Gracias

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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

  We have three Australian Shepherd guard dogs.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have ample space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Migui, Kuro, and Shiori (1 year)

  Australian Shepherds

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