Caimans, Crocodiles and Turtles 1

Project: Wildlife Units Conservation (Unidades de manejo para la Conservacion de la vida silvestre-UMA) can be defined as production or exhibition units within a delimited area under ownership (private, municipal, communal, federal, etc.), allowing the greatest use of wildlife natural resources, which implements management strategies. UMA “El Caiman” aims to protect the local ecosystem and promote awareness for the protection and conservation of the regional flora and fauna. The main objective is the protection and reproduction of the crocodile, the caiman and the freshwater turtles. These species are at risk due to the exploitation made by the local population.
Work: Volunteers will help with the cleaning up of some areas of the center, preparing food for the
species, welcoming visitors, implementing environmental educative workshops, helping with the guided tours of the center.
- 5 working days – days off on Monday and Tuesday.
- Working hours from 7 am to 11 am OR from 11 am to 3 pm
Accommodation: Volunteers live on site in the community, in the UMA “El CaimAn” facilities, with other volunteers. Living conditions are otherwise communal. Be prepared for hand washing your own clothes. Try to be environmentally friendly as possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your behaviour is part of the project ;)
Location: Puerto Arista, Chiapas. Puerto Arista is located 195km from the state capital of Tuxtla
Gutierrez, making it a popular getaway for this city as well as TonalA along with Boca del Cielo 15 km east. Although it is crowded mostly during Mexican vacation periods such as Holy Week and Christmas and empty most of the rest of the year, it is still the most visited beach area in the state.
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 Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Terminal: 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.