Experience indigenous Mayan culture in Valladolid, Mexico

Details

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  Description

  We began the farm with the intention of growing, producing and exporting exotic tropical fruits and, little by little, we got captivated by the kindness of the local community and their extraordinary delicious recipes. So long story short, we ended up pivoting into a more culturally rich project, focused on developing Yucatan's first farm to table experience inspired in the Mayan cuisine and their traditional growing methods: La Chan Cocinita.
  
  The idea is to source 100% of the ingredients served in our menu at the farm or with nearby growers, we got a list of 26 crops that we've been planting so far, aiming to start receiving our first guests by december 2024. So, everythyng is quite early stage and we are full of energy and ideas that need a lot of energy and more ideas in order to materialize this dream. It's exciting times at our farm and we love to welcome energetic individuals that come with good attitude and vibes. Come join us and do your bit while we start building this together!
  
  Currently, we are starting some trials with the guests that stay at our rental place where we occasionally host groups like summer camps or retreats which gives us a lot of work too.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance
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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 enjoy exchanging our culture with people from all around the world and love hosting volunteers who are interested in dedicating time toward gaining new cultural knowledge and skills. You will be fully immersed in Mayan culture as some of the team is Mayan. Developing your language skills in Mayan and learning more about Mayan culture is always close at hand. Additionally, if you want to focus on speaking Spanish, the team is patient with language learning and we will be happy to assist you in your language journey.
  Near the farm there are many places to explore and meet the locals, as well as others traveling through. There are Mayan ruins (Ek Balam) and a cenote (Cenote Xcanche) very close to the farm (about 15 minutes drive).

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  Help

  We accept up to two volunteers at a time.
  Volunteers work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. We expect a general good work ethic which includes completing all working hours with full effort potential.
  Volunteers should also be aware that as a farm, problems arise and are hopefully quickly resolved, but sometimes systems may not be fully functioning while we solve them.
  Volunteers will have some choice in the work you involve yourself with (options below) but first and foremost you will be asked to help with the most urgent projects at hand.
  
  GENERAL MAINTENANCE & FARMING HELP
  *A hands-on person, who takes initiative and looks for solutions to everyday maintenance needs.
  Daily work includes assisting with construction projects (palapas, woodwork, masonry, painting) or assistance in the fields. We harvest a variety of fruits and vegetables in the garden, but have a large field of limes and dragonfruit. If interested, we also have opportunities to work with bees.
  
  GARDEN HELP
  *An attentive person who can assist with pre-existing garden projects and look for solutions toward healthier plant results.
  General assistance with maintaining garden beds.This includes planting and germinating new seeds in a smaller nursery, transplanting young plants, and assisting with maintaining larger plants. You will also need to assist with watering the plants and mixing soil for germination and transplantation.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent

  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.
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  Accommodation

  The volunteer house has two bedrooms, a kitchen (with freezer and fridge, stove, electric skillet) and one bathroom.
  When unoccupied, access to the pool at the bnb property. Access to explore the jungle. There are many paths through the jungle that you can feel free to use for exploration.
  
  We supply the house with groceries weekly based on a per person budget. We buy general foods like tomatoes, onions, garlic, chile, maíz, chicken, beans, milk, rice, etc. Our neighbour provides fresh free range chickens eggs upon request. Other foods may be added if there are leftover finances on the budget. No personal goods or specific dietary requests will be covered by the budget.

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  What else ...

  Valladolid is a beautiful city, located in the middle of the Yucatan peninsula with easy access to most attractions that are famously know to this area. Our farm is surrounded by:
  - South: 30 mins drive from Valladolid, 15 min drive from Ek Balam
  - North: 1hr drive from Rio Lagartos, las coloradas and el Cuyo beach.
  - East: About 2hrs drive from Holbox, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen.
  - West: 2 hrs drive from Merida
  
  Transportation Information: How to get to Valladolid and around the Yucatan Peninsula:
  AIRPORTS:
  There are 3 main Airports in the Yucatan, on average 2-3 hours by bus to Valladolid:
  1. Cancun airport (CUN)
  2. Merida Airport (MID) and
  3. Playa Del Carmen Airport (PCM)
  
  BUSES:
  The main bus system you will use is the ADO.
  From each of the airports, taxis can take you to their respective bus terminals, where buses travel daily to and from Valladolid Bus Terminal (Terminal de Autobuses) Address: Centro, 97780 Valladolid, YUC.
  Once you arrive in Valladolid, you will be able to take either the ADO or the Oriente bus to the front of the farm and walk about half a mile to the volunteer house.
  
  TAXIS & COLLECTIVOS
  Taxi Service to and from the farm and Valladolid center, cost about 250-300 Mex$
  Collectivos are small or medium cars that serve like a bus by picking up as many people as their car can fit. They can be found in different areas, so it is best to ask at the bus terminal or any other local people to know exactly where to find one.
  
  We will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about how to get here, and will do our best to arrange pick-ups whenever it is possible.

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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 a starlink antena that is interconnected to most areas of the farm, with stable internet connection at all times in the office.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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