Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Mexico
- Poverty is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas, with rural poverty rates nearly double those of urban areas.
- Indigenous communities in Mexico have some of the highest poverty rates in the country, with almost 75% of the indigenous population living in poverty.
- Poverty disproportionately affects women in Mexico, with higher rates of poverty and lower rates of employment and access to education compared to men.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on poverty in Mexico, with estimates suggesting that the poverty rate increased by around 10 percentage points in 2020 due to job losses and reduced economic activity.
- Despite the existence of a universal healthcare system, access to healthcare remains a significant issue in Mexico.
WHAT Does Culture Week Involve?
- Settle in to your new surroundings
- Learn about the local culture and norms
- Visit local sights, stunning beaches and learn to surf!
- Make friends with fellow volunteers before your project starts!
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Impactful Projects to Choose From in Mexico
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CULTURAL ORIENTATION WEEK
LOCATION: PUERTO ESCONDIDO
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: HOSTEL
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Step into a week of pure magic with our Mexican Culture Week! It’s a mix of culture, creativity, and beautiful coastlines that will leave you amazed. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed to Mexico, where your senses will come alive, and your imagination will take flight!
You’ll learn about Mexican customs, history, and art in a unique way. Try your hand at art in a fun workshop that blends old and new techniques. Enjoy a coastal boat trip as you sail along the Oaxacan coast and taste the delicious flavours of the region on a culinary adventure.
You can also explore Mexican wildlife, catch some waves in the Pacific, or help protect sea turtles. And don’t miss the chance to be wowed by the bright lights of a bioluminescence boat ride, creating memories to last a lifetime. Get ready to add your own story to Mexico’s wonders!
Location
Puerto Escondido, situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca, is a picturesque seaside town celebrated for its world-class surfing beaches, such as Zicatela Beach, and its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. This hidden gem offers visitors a taste of authentic Mexican culture, delightful cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat with a touch of adventure.
Project Tasks
- Get to know and understand Mexican culture through its inhabitants.
- Cultural immersion through hands-on experiences
- Take part in creative workshops
- Encounters with wildlife, coastal adventures, and activities focused on conservation
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in single gender rooms in a typical hostel setting in Puerto Escondido, with 1-8 people per room. Our local hostel host is enthusiastic about facilitating family-style interactions and cultural exchanges.
You will have a hot shower, fans, western toilet. Wi-Fi is not included by you may find this in nearby restaurants, etc. Laundry can be done by hand or at an extra fee.
You’ll stay in one of two hostels in the downtown area, conveniently located near the heart of Puerto Escondido, a charming beach town known for its friendly local community. While it has gained popularity over the years, it has retained its untouched, rustic charm and is part of one of the more affordable and underrated states in Mexico. Oaxaca is renowned for its exquisite beaches and capital city, making it a favoured destination for eco-tourist backpackers seeking an authentic Mexican experience away from the modern world’s influence.
In Puerto Escondido, there are plenty of beach-related activities to enjoy, with surfing being a major draw that attracts tourists from all over the world during the surf season.
You will get 3 meals a day on weekdays, and 2 on weekends. The food will be traditional Mexican, with plenty of corn tortillas, beans, rice, chili peppers, potatoes, wheat and other grains, and chicken, all of which are vegetarian-friendly. Keep in mind that some local dishes may be spicy!
All meals will be provided at the mentioned accommodation. Every day of the program, three full meals will be provided, beginning with breakfast at 8am, lunch at 12pm, and dinner at 6 p.m. On weekends, there are two meals available: brunch at 10 a.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Food consists primarily of traditional local dishes prepared and served at the accommodation or in the surrounding area. Meals will be served based on your dietary requirements, but you must notify us in advance.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
FAQ
This week is designed for those wishing to understand more on the local culture to get the best out of their volunteer project. It’s also a great chance to get settled in your new home, learn where to local shops and markets are and just to feel more comfortable with the local area and culture, before the start of your project.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) on Sunday from 8am to 5pm.
If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.
If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to your accommodation it takes around 10 mins by taxi.
Monday:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by an orientation meeting covering house rules, safety tips, and document handling. Learn about Mexican customs, history, and “Do’s and Don’ts.” Spanish lessons prepare you for local interactions. Enjoy a tasty lunch and explore the city and market. End the day with a delicious dinner, reflecting on newfound friendships.
Tuesday:
Today, we embark on a vibrant journey through the heart of Mexican creativity, where the air is infused with the scent of molten wax and the streets echo with the rhythmic clinking of artisans’ tools. In this enchanting workshop, our souls will be painted with the colors of tradition and innovation, as we meld ancient techniques with contemporary inspirations. With each brushstroke, each thread woven, and each bead strung, we’ll unravel the tapestry of Mexico’s artistic soul, a kaleidoscope of culture and craft that dances to the rhythm of our collective imagination. Today, we become artists, storytellers, and dreamers, in a world where creativity knows no bounds.
Wednesday:
Today, we embark on a voyage of wonder, setting sail on a coastal boat trip that promises to sweep us off our feet with its breathtaking scenery. As the waves dance beneath us, we’ll be captivated by the rugged beauty of the coastline, where lush jungles meet the azure embrace of the Pacific Ocean.
But our adventure doesn’t end with the boat ride. No, we’re in for a treat as we anchor on the shores of Oaxaca. Here, amidst the vibrant culture and flavors of this region, we’ll immerse ourselves in an Oaxacan cooking class. The secrets of age-old recipes will be unveiled as we don aprons, chop fresh ingredients, and stir pots filled with tradition.
Thursday:
Witness the incredible wildlife of the Oaxaca coast thriving in their natural environment. Explore the stunning Zipolite Beach and savor the opportunity to indulge in a delectable seafood brunch at Estacahuite Beach.
- Explore the wildlife at the Laguna Ventanilla Ecological Park
Take a boat through the mangroves and watch some migratory birds
Admire the famous beach of Zipolite
Cross the little ex-coffee port of Puerto Angel
Swim in the quiet water of Estacahuite Beach.
Friday
Kickstart your day by catching some waves with a thrilling surf lesson suitable for both novice riders and seasoned surfers. OR you could choose to immerse yourself in the world of turtle conservation during the day.
Cap off your evening with a captivating bioluminescence boat excursion that will leave you spellbound. Bid farewell with a grand dinner fiesta.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
Explore the ancient ruins: Mexico is home to many ancient ruins, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan. These sites offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture.
Relax on the beaches: Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including the popular resort towns of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta.
Experience the local cuisine: Mexican cuisine is world-renowned, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Mexico. From street tacos to fine dining, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Visit colonial cities: Mexico has many charming colonial cities, such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, that offer a glimpse into the country’s Spanish colonial past.
Attend cultural festivals: Mexico has many vibrant cultural festivals throughout the year, such as Dia de los Muertos, which celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Explore natural wonders: Mexico has many natural wonders, such as the Copper Canyon and the Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula, that are worth exploring.
Take a boat tour to see whales and dolphins: Mexico’s coastlines are home to a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins. Take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures up close.
Go on a hot air balloon ride: See the stunning landscape of Mexico from a new perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride over the countryside. This is a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Mexico.
Explore the art scene: Mexico has a thriving art scene, with many museums and galleries showcasing both traditional and contemporary Mexican art. The Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City are must-sees for art lovers.
Visit the monarch butterfly sanctuaries: Every winter, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico’s forests to escape the colder climate up north. Visit the sanctuaries in Michoacán to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.
Go on a jungle adventure: Mexico is home to some of the most biodiverse jungles in the world, offering opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and wildlife spotting. The jungles of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula are particularly popular for outdoor activities.
Participants are advised to bring the following items for a comfortable and enjoyable adventure:
Swimsuit and Beachwear: You’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches, so don’t forget your swimwear and beach attire.
Sunscreen and Sunhat: The Mexican sun can be quite intense. Protect your skin and stay cool with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
Comfortable Walking Shoes: We’ll be exploring the city and engaging in various activities, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a reusable water bottle. We’re committed to eco-friendly practices, and this helps reduce plastic waste.
Bug Repellent (Deet): While we strive to make your adventure as bug-free as possible, it’s always a good idea to have bug repellent on hand, especially for evening activities.
First Aid Kit & Personal Medication: Safety First! Carry a small first aid kit that includes essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may require. Please inform the program organizers of any specific medical needs in advance.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: MX – Holidays – All Programs
Mexico is a fascinating country located in the southern part of North America. It has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant and diverse population. Mexico is known for its iconic landmarks such as the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, the beautiful beaches of Cancun, and the impressive Mayan and Aztec architecture found throughout the country.
Mexico’s culture is a unique blend of indigenous, European, and African influences, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, art, and culture. The country is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, including dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. Visitors can explore the vibrant cities, picturesque towns, and natural wonders that Mexico has to offer, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the tranquil beaches of Tulum. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Mexico is a destination that has something to offer for everyone.
Mexico has a diverse climate due to its large size and varied topography. The climate in Mexico ranges from tropical to desert, with the temperature and rainfall patterns varying depending on the region.
In general, Mexico’s climate is characterized by two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season typically runs from May to October and brings heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the country. The dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by sunny and dry weather, with cooler temperatures in the northern regions of the country.
The coastal areas of Mexico, particularly on the Pacific side, are known for their hot and humid climate, with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round. Inland areas are generally cooler, with the central highlands experiencing a temperate climate with cooler temperatures and occasional frosts during the winter months. The northern regions of Mexico, including the Baja California peninsula and the Sonoran Desert, have a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
The country’s culture is famous for its colourful art, music, and cuisine, as well as its vibrant traditions and festivals.
One of the most significant aspects of Mexican culture is its art. From the ancient Mayan and Aztec art to the contemporary works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Mexican art is renowned for its vibrant colours, bold designs, and powerful symbolism. Mexican music is also an essential part of the country’s cultural identity, with styles ranging from mariachi and ranchera to salsa and cumbia. The country’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through its festivals and traditions, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a holiday that honours deceased loved ones through colourful altars, food, and music.
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