Educative Park San Jose 2

Project: The San Jose Educative Park is a zoological park and conservation organization located in the
village of Zinancantan, near San Cristobal de las Casas. The park is part of the Institute of Environment and
Natural History of the State of Chiapas. Its primary objective is the protection, preservation, and
exhibition of the native flora and fauna of Chiapas. It is also a research center where biologists work to
study and conserve the biodiversity and natural resources of the region. The park occupies approximately
16 hectares, of which 2 hectares are in use. The administration seeks to reorganize, rehabilitate, and
expand the facilities and exhibits in harmony with sustainable and ecologic principles so as to offer an
experience of responsible tourism to nature lovers, families, and student groups.
Work: The work done by volunteers will depend on the needs of the park at the time of the workcamp.
Proposed projects include the creation of demonstrative exhibits on the themes of water cycle, soil
resources, ecosystems, etc. (from planning to the implementation of the design), a mural, and the
development of environmental education materials and children's games. Volunteers will also assist with
maintenance of the animal enclosures, feeding of animals, and improvement of cycling and hiking trails.
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a convivial youth hostel in San Cristobal de las
Casas, located five minutes walking distance from the Natate office and ten minutes from the historic city
centre. They will have access to all basic facilities, including eco-kitchen and eco-bathrooms. Be prepared
for hand washing your own clothes (or send them to a laundry).Try to be environmentally friendly as
possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your behaviour is part of the
project ;)
Location: The park is located in the village of Zinacantan, 9 km from San Cristobal de las Casas. The State
of Chiapas, is one of the regions with the most biodiversity in the world. It offers many sights and
adventures such as waterfalls, white-water rivers, lagoons, mangroves, tropical jungles, canyons, ancient
Mayan ruins, and magnificent Pacific coast beaches, all within a half-day’s travel. Guatemala is also a few
hours away. Volunteers will have a wealth of opportunities to discover and experience this cultural
richness.
Language: English is the most common language used in workcamps, however, being able to
communicate in Spanish can be very useful. Taking the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish while
here, will greatly enrich your experience!
Comment: You are invited to join the Intensive Spanish Week Program for Volunteers, or also a Mayan
Language Week Program if you are a Spanish speaker and you would like to discover the richness of the
Natate Voluntariado Internacional A.C. Calle Real de Mexicanos, 10 ,Barrio de Mexicanos-, 9240
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Phone: +52 (01) 967 631 69 18 Cel: +52 1 967 102 59 47 e-mail: natate@natate.org
Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Arrival: The closest international airport: Angel Albino Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (TGZ). Bus
Terminal: OCC San Cristobal de las Casas.
Extra-fee: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp, you are asked to
contribute 2,950 Mexican pesos (170 euros aprox.). It includes accommodation, food, administrative
costs, transportation within the project, and some extra activities. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to
campleader or to Natate’s Workcamps Coordinator upon arrival to the meeting point.