Horse Care and Village Support Volunteer in Manialtepec, Mexico
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Would you like to volunteer for a project that blends community development with animal care, all while immersing yourself in the charm of a traditional Mexican village surrounded by horses, rivers, mountains, and stunning beaches?
International Volunteer HQ’s Horse Care and Village Support project contributes to a community focused on sustainable development by promoting eco-tourism and conservation as a way of life.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a participant in the Horse Care and Village Support project, you will assist the local team with a range of tasks that contribute to the sustainable development of the area. You will likely work a combination of tasks that will vary depending on the time of year. Your activities might include:
- Assisting with eco-tourism hiking or riding horse tours
- Bathing, feeding and moving horses from different areas
- Cooking traditional Mexican food with local families
- Restoring natural areas through reforestation
- Beach and river clean ups
- Environmental, cultural and English workshops with children, teenagers or adults
- A day visiting and/or supporting local groups in Chacahua National Park (available during October - April)
- Monitoring wildlife by photo trap cameras and registering the data
- Supporting the self-sustaining farming initiatives of eco-tourism projects
It is also important to note that the work is fairly physical and the volunteer schedule is 5 days a week for up to 6 hours per day.
Why do Horse Care and Village Support volunteering in San José Manialtepec with IVHQ?
Volunteering on the Horse Care and Village Support project, you’ll have the opportunity to blend meaningful community development efforts with hands-on animal care. You’ll experience valuable personal and professional growth by:
- Contributing to sustainable community development and species conservation
- Enhancing your communication, teamwork, and practical skills
- Immersing yourself in Mexico’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and rich history
- Building meaningful connections with local residents
- Exploring Mexico’s stunning beaches, national parks, and lively communities
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this project, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Volunteers must speak fluent English.
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check to IVHQ after registering on the program.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Mexico photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
San José Manialtepec is a hidden gem on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community warmth. Nestled along the serene Manialtepec River, the village provides peaceful views, opportunities for birdwatching, and explorations of local flora and fauna. Nearby Puerto Suelo Beach invites visitors to relax on its unspoiled shoreline, enjoy gentle waves, and witness breathtaking sunsets.
For those seeking rejuvenation, the area’s natural hot springs offer a tranquil escape. The biodiversity here is remarkable, with vibrant bird species like herons and parrots, iguanas, and even sea turtles. At night, the nearby lagoon comes alive with the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton, a spectacle not to be missed.
Beyond San José Manialtepec, the Oaxaca coast offers a diverse range of experiences:
- Mazunte Pueblo Mágico – A laid-back village with a bohemian spirit, perfect for those seeking a unique cultural escape.
- Puerto Escondido – A world-famous surf destination catering to both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Yoga and Wellness – Unwind with yoga sessions or embark on scenic horseback riding adventures.
- Jungle Hiking Tours – Immerse yourself in nature with unforgettable treks through the tropical jungle.
Whether immersing yourself in the cultural traditions of San José Manialtepec or adventuring along the vibrant coastline, this region offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Puerto Escondido on Sunday before program orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) in Puerto Escondido on the Sunday before your program orientation by 4:00 PM. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in San José Manialtepec, a 20-minute drive from the airport. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Mexico prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Puerto Escondido on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Mexico team in San José Manialtepec for one day (approximately 6 hours). Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Mexico – an introduction to Mexico, Mexican customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Mexico, and an introduction to your project and placement.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
You will be escorted to your placement by a member of the local team and introduced to the placement staff you will be working alongside.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift, which will last up to 6 hours.
Schedules can vary depending on the time of the year and the tasks taking place when you join the program. A typical day on the Horse Care and Village Support project may look like this:
| 7:00 - 8:00 AM | Collect the horses from the ranch and bring them to the placement. |
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast at your accommodation. |
| 9:00 - 12:00 PM | Volunteering on your placement for 3 hours alongside the placement staff. You will be given a plan for your volunteering work. |
| 12:00 - 4:00 PM | Lunch at your accommodation and free time. |
| 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Resume volunteering at your placement for 2 hours. |
| 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Dinner at your accommodation. |
Weekends
Weekends during the Horse Care and Village Support project offer the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning beaches and natural beauty of the Oaxaca coastline. While the placement area offers some small shops and local restaurants, there is a wealth of other experiences waiting to be discovered, whether you’re looking to unwind or explore.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will be accommodated in a homestay and hosted by a local family who has been approved by our local team in Mexico. Your host family is given a fee for your support, food, and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Mexican way of life, meet local people, try traditional food, and speak the local language - especially when host families in Mexico tend to have limited English.
Living is often basic but comfortable, and all homestays have electricity, hot water, and western style bathrooms. However, low pressure showers are common, and the water is not heated, but the weather is very warm all year long. You will share a bedroom with up to two other volunteers of the same gender. Bedding is provided by your homestay.
WiFi is available in all volunteer accommodations, free of charge. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Mexico.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays. Breakfast typically consists of quesadillas, tostadas, eggs, and tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner typically consist of typical Oaxacan meals such as entomatadas, Mexican-style zucchini, chicken salad, vegetable soup with rice, lentils, and enchiladas.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not provided on weekends and you will need to purchase these yourself. You can expect to budget around US$4 - US$8 for breakfast and slightly more for lunch and dinner; however, prices will vary depending on what type of establishment you choose to purchase your meals from.
Bottled water is readily available in Mexico, and volunteers should budget approximately US$12 per week for two liters of water per day. Drinking water is also available free of charge in your homestay, so remember to bring your reusable drink bottle!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when submitting your application so we can make arrangements for you. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $744 Equivalent to $106/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,373 Equivalent to $98/day |
| 3 weeks | $2,042 Equivalent to $97/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,711 Equivalent to $97/day |
| 5 weeks | $3,380 Equivalent to $97/day |
| 6 weeks | $4,049 Equivalent to $96/day |
| 8 weeks | $5,387 Equivalent to $96/day |
| 10 weeks | $6,725 Equivalent to $96/day |
| 12 weeks | $8,063 Equivalent to $96/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit Mexico
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Mexico City |
| Population | 127 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Peso (MXN) |
| Time zone | UTC-06:00 |
Weather and climate: The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. The warm season lasts from April through June, with an average daily high temperature above 35°C (94°F). The hottest day of the year is May 7, with an average high of 36°C (97°F) and low of 23°C (74°F). Being prepared for the intense heat during this time frame is essential. The colder season lasts from November to February with an average daily high temperature below 31°C (88°F). The coldest month of the year is in January, with an average low of 18°C (65°F) and high of 29°C (85°F).
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