Deer Conservation Volunteer in La Ventanilla, 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
Passionate about wildlife and want to be a conservation volunteer in Mexico? International Volunteer HQ’s Deer Conservation project in La Ventanilla offers you the unique opportunity to support rescued deer and vital conservation efforts while helping to protect and care for wildlife saved by local environmental police. These deer are kept safe in a protected area, where they are monitored and cared for until they can be reintroduced to the wild.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Volunteering with rescued deer allows you to make an impact on the community project by helping to ensure the well-being of deer through tasks such as habitat maintenance, feeding, and monitoring their health, directly contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. For you, this volunteering offers personal growth through developing skills in animal care, teamwork, and leadership.
As a volunteers on the Deer Conservation project, your tasks will vary depending on the time of year. Some of your tasks might include:
- Cutting grass and collecting branches to feed deer
- Maintenance and cleaning of the area
- Counting individual deer and monitoring health status
- Beach clean-ups
Why do Deer Conservation volunteering in La Ventanilla with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Deer Conservation project in La Ventanilla, you’ll be adding value to the local community while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Caring for wild deer populations
- Protecting native wildlife
- Gaining experience in animal care
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself fully in the Mexican culture
- Exploring the natural beauty of La Ventanilla
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
La Ventanilla is a small, vibrant village located along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The community here has come together to promote sustainable eco-tourism as the cornerstone of their local economy, prioritizing the protection and conservation of their natural environment. This grassroots initiative has allowed the people of La Ventanilla to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of their surroundings, including the nearby lagoon and pristine beaches while safeguarding them from over exploitation and commercial development.
One of the key achievements of the community is the establishment of a UMA (Environmental Management Area), which grants them the authority to protect the local wildlife, particularly from illegal trading and habitat destruction. This unique designation is critical in the fight against poaching and environmental degradation, enabling the village to play an active role in wildlife conservation efforts.
Beyond La Ventanilla, 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.
The combination of eco-tourism and conservation efforts has created a sustainable model that not only supports the local economy but also promotes environmental stewardship and the protection of local wildlife.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Puerto Escondido on the 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 La Ventanilla. 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 La Ventanilla 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, lasting 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 Deer Conservation project may look like this:
| 7:00 - 7:30 AM | Breakfast at a nearby restaurant. |
| 8:00 - 12:00 PM | Volunteering on your placement for 4 hours alongside the placement staff. You will be given a plan for your volunteering work. |
| 12:00 - 4:00 PM | Lunch at a nearby restaurant and free time. |
| 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Resume volunteering at your placement for 2 hours. |
| 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Dinner at a nearby restaurant. |
Weekends
Weekends during the Deer Conservation 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 are accommodated in a dormitory-style house within the La Ventanilla community. A coordinator also resides on-site but in a separate private room.
The living conditions are comfortable and include essential amenities such as electricity, running water, and shared ecological toilets. Rooms are furnished with double beds, and volunteers typically share a room with 1 to 3 others of the same gender. Showers have low water pressure and are not heated, but the region’s warm climate ensures this is rarely an issue.
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 at the volunteer house and in the restaurant where you will eat your meals on weekdays, so remember 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.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £243) 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 | $794 Equivalent to $113/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,380 Equivalent to $99/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,815 Equivalent to $86/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,188 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,727 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 6 weeks | $3,266 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 8 weeks | $4,344 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 10 weeks | $5,422 Equivalent to $77/day |
| 12 weeks | $6,500 Equivalent to $77/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £243) 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
- Personalised 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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