Help out at an organic avocado farm while you experience the Andes Mountains in Peru

Infos

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  Description

  Located in a beautiful valley in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, we are running an ever-expanding organic farming project at an altitude of 1700m. with a warm climate and a 100'000m2 land (currently focusing on the growing and harvesting of avocados).
  
  Please let us know or use Google Translate (translator) if you don't speak Spanish !!
  
  Some of what we offer include a warm, welcoming community of people to learn and work with and a chance to live in an incredible, remote and peaceful location in the Andes Mountains (see photos!).Tucked high up in the mountains and away from the rest of the world, wake up every morning to remarkable mountain views, the sounds of birds and fresh food. There are many things to do in the region, plenty of free avocados and a chance to experience an unseen side of Peru while living an alternative, sustainable, natural lifestyle removed from society, with a great group of people.
  
  My name is Vilzeth, and I am the founder of the organic farming project. I am 44 years old and am an easy going person that loves to laugh, playing chess go explore the mountains, write and read. I have a strong vision for this project and a keen interest in modern entrepreneurship, organic farming and sustainable living. I am looking to begin new enterprises using the farm as a base including a small local organic restaurant and lodge and producing other types of avocado based products.
  
  Currently, Jonas, our Volunteer Manager is managing the online/volunteer component of the project (English/Spanish, lo que quieras!) so all contact will be with him. Although is not at the farm right now, he knows how it all works as he travelled Peru for 6 months and stayed at Vilzeth's place for 3 and a half month. Feel free to ask him any questions you might have, he knows the details of the project and will relay all the information to me.
  
  I live on a large property in the Andes Mountains (1 hr from Celendin) with my dog and cat and am new to WorkAway! We are currently looking for engaged, committed, like-minded people who are willing to learn, work diligently in the set hours whilst experiencing the Peruvian Andes authentically. People who are interested in an alternative, off-grid, community-based lifestyle and who have knowledge or interest working in organic farming are perfect for our team. See ´What else´
  
  This project is ideal for people who want some quiet time to learn and reflect on their travels and see a rarely seen side of Peru. Many volunteers have enjoyed the spiritual and personal growth they have experienced (check out the feedback if you want an idea of how people have found it), and there is plenty of time for reading, meditation, jamming, cooking and other activities.
  
  Although we are in quite a remote location, up in the Andes mountains (incredible views, stargazing and bird watching) our property is only around an hour from Celendin by collectivo (a few hours from Cajamarca airport). We are not connected to the main power grid so we have a completely solar-powered battery, which can be used to charge phones and for music and lights at night.
  
  We do not offer food currently (we are working on this and there will be occasional food provided) but have plenty of avocados to be eaten (a versatile fruit as you will see!!) and volunteers can use our firewood and beautiful woodfire kitchen and oven (fresh bread and pizza!) at any time. Food (rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, vegetables etc) should be purchased from Celendin (very cheap local market) before arrival or on days off, there is only a very small shop near our property).
  
  The Help:
  
  While the main project we have running is the avocado trees we are looking to expand and are interested in working with people who have ideas or experience with running lodges, small restaurants
  and other business in relation with avocados.
  
  One of the main priorities we have is of course harvesting, caring for and tending to the various avocado trees that we have on the property (2000 trees right now) and general house, gardening, planting and farm duties that we need help with!
  
  However, as we are a relatively new project with plans and resources to keep growing (many types of seeds and space for new projects), we are open to ideas or people with experience and knowledge in this field and there is an abundance of opportunities to offer your creative input for new projects we are starting in a relaxed and beautiful environment!
  
  These range from cooking, general garden, carpentry, art/design and farm work, to helping with the organization, management and planning of the project and property to helping manage various online platforms and the digital side of the project.
  
  Generally, 3/4 hours a day of work (volunteers can choose their hours as they please but we recommend starting in the morning and have the afternoons and evenings to relax and enjoy yourself as the sun can make the work more difficult). Schedules are flexible and can be discussed on arrival. We work hard during these hours and this is a great chance to learn, try something new, make friends, enjoy the nature, help innovate and most importantly be part of a great project and make an impact through a sustainable project built on a sense of community. Groups welcome!
  
  One of the core principles of our project is a respect and love for nature and each other. We have a no drugs policy and are looking to create an environment and culture of friendship and willingness to help and innovate. We do not charge anything to stay here, and are always happy to have volunteers and visitors come and meet us and see the place and decide if they would like to stay and help!
  
  The local people of the region speak Spanish and Quechua, and I have a very basic understanding of English (and much interest in improving - I had help with this description, of course, haha :)) and there will usually be someone around to help with translation if needed. If you have any questions or want to know more about the project, send us a message!

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et projets de construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Accueil / tourisme

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique / avec Internet
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  For those who are interested in learning Spanish, this is a great opportunity, and as we are always trying to improve our English there is a great language exchange opportunity.
  
  There is also an incredible opportunity to join our project, learn and offer new ideas about organic farming and living sustainably, separate from mainstream society through an alternative, natural lifestyle.
  
  As we are located in the central mountain range of the Andes, volunteers will wake up, work and explore amidst the heart of some of Peru´s most nature and local cultures, well removed from any tourist establishments.
  
  The people of the region have a very different culture and way of life and we are native Peruvians and would love to share and learn from each others culture through friendship, music and of course food!

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  Aide

  - Currently our main priority is harvesting and caring for the avocado plants. As we are using an all organic system and are conscious about not wasting water, the avocado plants need to be observed and cared for regularly. This would include revising the watering system, trimming plants, assessing the plants health, ensuring that the surrounding plants are working together and not harming each other, and of course harvesting them! This work is not particularly difficult and does not require any previous experience. There are a lot of opportunities to learn and there is a lot of room for growth and improvement. We are receptive to new ideas and tips!
  
  -General gardening tasks
  
  -General house duties
  
  -Help with the digital side of things (if interested)
  
  -Building huts
  
  -Helping manage volunteers and organize and plan projects (for the right person)
  
  - Offering innovative ideas about the project
  
  -Whilst our priority right now are the avocado trees, there are many other projects we need help and expertise with including making art and furniture out of wood, constructing bird feeding houses, planning and planting flowers and vegetables in the garden (many new vegetables and fruits ready to be planted!!)

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  Langues parlées

  Espagnol: Courant
  Anglais: Intermédiaire
  Portugais: Intermédiaire

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  Hébergement

  For now, we offer you the possibility to sleep on a tent, inside the house in a shared room (depending on the number of people), or outside (if you want to enjoy the stars during the night). The accommodation is quite basic, but is comfortable, with a shared bathroom. If you have a tent please feel free to bring it! (I also have some that you could use here)
  
  We do not offer food (working on this currently, and will have the occasional meal provided when we can - communal cooking can be cheap, delicious and fun!) but have plenty of avocados to be eaten (a versatile fruit as you will see!!) and volunteers can use our firewood and beautiful woodfire kitchen and oven (fresh bread and pizza!) at any time. Food should be purchased from Celendin (potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, vegetables etc at a very cheap local market) before arrival or on days off, there is only a very small shop near our property).

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  Autres infos...

  There are plenty of things volunteers can do in their free time, given our location (exploring the area together, the town of Celendin, cooking, hammocks, reading, hiking, board games, music, yoga, go to the river, fishing etc).
  
  There are many touristic and non touristic places in the region including ancient ruins, thermal baths,Traditional markets (barter) etc. This is a perfect base to explore the wonders of the region.
  
  As we are located in the heart of an indigenous community volunteers should be respectful while engaging with the locals and currently we do not permit any type of work or arrangements with the local community for safety reasons.
  
  We also have a communal guitar, a didgeridoo and nightly campfires where we can relax, eat, drink and enjoy the evening weather and starry sky.
  
  Other positions -
  
  Person(s) with knowledge of organic farming to help in a creative, managerial role:
  
  We are looking for a person(s) with knowledge/experience and passion for organic farming and alternative lifestyles, to join us and help develop our project and utilize the resources we already have (a variety of seeds and space to grow, and construction and food ideas) to grow in a sustainable and modern fashion. This is a great opportunity for the future for people interested in organic farming and alternative lifestyles. The position entails a lot of creative freedom and you would be working closely with the owner and the volunteers of the farm, helping oversee, organize and plan the numerous other projects we want to pursue.
  
  To add to the Workaway page:
  While these aren’t necessities, a few extra things you may want to bring: Suncream, a headlamp, insect repellent, toiletries, clothes to work in, good walking shoes, a tent/sleeping back (If possible! would be super helpful), some good books!

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 15 hours a week (flexible)

Feedback (19)