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28 Jun 2025
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Description
Hello! I'm Allison, and my neighbors and I run an off-grid community center, El Cerrito. People come to stay with us to learn both the concrete skills of building, planting, and troubleshooting off-grid systems, but also the lived philosophy of living and working in harmony with the land. One of my neighbors is a natural builder--he built his house and the cabins we offer to guests, and the other is a healer, massage therapist and herbalist who has studied all around Central America. We invite visitors to take part in the project, not as arms-length guests but as integrated members of this lifestyle, lending a hand where needed and getting an immersive education.
We are seeking a fully bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteer who can support the project for a minimum of a month (we can always extend if everyone is having a good time!) Our volunteer would get to participate in the residency program, joining the inner workings of the farm, and would also assist us with social media and translation where needed. My neighbors speak only Spanish, and when I'm not at the farm in person, we need help with translating for guests and making sure all details get across. Our social media accounts are visitor-run, so during your time at El Cerrito you'd be updating social media with photos and videos, sharing your own perspective about what makes the place special and helping us spread the word.
MAY 2025: We are currently looking for a volunteer who can help with building and construction, preferably who has some experience in those areas. You'd be working directly with our host who has impressive experience building with natural materials from the land, and is an excellent teacher.
More about the project: We seek to offer an alternative to traditional tourism, where people can really be a part of something, not just observers. Past visitors have built tables, painted murals, constructed outdoor showers and more. Everyone leaves their own special touch, and ideas are always welcome. We're known for our big family dinners full of laughter and stories, valuing true cultural exchange, and fostering long-lasting bonds. The project is one of preservation--not just of land and wildlife, but of the human wisdom and skill that is so needed in these times.
We look for people who are:
-community and social justice-minded: interested in being an interactive and responsible part of the neighborhood (we can help connect you to local activism, history and regenerative efforts so that you can learn how to best spend your time and money in the area)
-creative: can bring fresh eyes and new ideas to the space and how to improve it
-self-starting: can work independently and take initiative
-flexible: are willing to lend a hand in various aspects of the project, whether that's cooking, woodworking, hospitality, technology, planting, or anything else that arises
Please note that we can only offer the long-term position to someone fully bilingual, but feel free to get in touch about our residency options (very reasonably priced) if of interest!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
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
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Nature
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The space is incredibly rich with plants, wildlife, and healing energy. You will live with a local couple who grew up on this land and know it intimately, sharing their wisdom at every turn. You'll be welcomed into a culture and tradition of rich exchange and mutual support.
Town is a ten minute drive or 45 minute walk away, and so is the beach. We're located in a quiet remote area, fully immersed in nature, but can pop down to town for whatever you might need. Volunteers traveling with a car or other transport would be at a great advantage, but taxis and moto taxis are available.
Help
Social Media: We live surrounded by incredible nature, with monkeys swinging from the trees and toucans flying overhead. We also have a pretty fun lifestyle, jumping in the back of the truck to go hiking at a waterfall, or walking up the road to pick ripe mangoes. Our volunteers will help by documenting through photo and video, sharing with the world what it's like to spend time at the farm. We look for people who are skilled at social media, and can help us spread the word.
Translation and welcoming guests: When I am not physically at the farm, we need someone on deck who is fully bilingual and can translate between our hosts and our guests. I will always be available to support from afar, but sometimes we need someone right there holding the drill to make sure nothing gets lost in translation!
General support for the project: We also look for people who are flexible and open to diving into whatever's needed at the time. Whether that's helping to get cabins ready for guests, assisting Lis in making a big group dinner, or helping Danger on a building project, every day is different and we work as a team to fill in as new needs arise. We love it when people are open to learning and can be flexible and dynamic in terms of tasks and schedules.
Construction: We currently have a number of building projects going on, and love it when people have excitement and a bit of experience working with wood or building. Danger is a wonderful teacher and can show you what jungle construction is all about! As much as possible we use materials from the land, and the style is rustic and natural.
Volunteers get all the benefits of the residency program. Whether you want to try your hand at woodwork, learn how to sew, or forage for dinner, we work with you to create amazing months full of curiosity, learning and wonder.
We request a minimum stay of a month from our volunteers so that you can really sink into the lifestyle. Longer-term stays are welcome too if we find the right fit!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: FluentThis 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.
Accommodation
You will have a cabin or apartment, with private bathroom and kitchen access.
What else ...
The place is large, and would be perfect for a couple or friends traveling together.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have high-speed internet.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
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