Jaguar de Madera 4

Project: Jaguar de Madera (Wooden Jaguar) is a demonstrative center for urban permaculture, bioconstruction,
carpentry, and intercultural exchange. The vision and objective of the organization is
sustainable self-sufficiency with a positive impact on the environment, interpersonal relations, and
lifestyle.
Work: During the workcamp, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and practice various
techniques of bio-construction using recycled materials of low cost and local availability. Much of the
work will be focused on projects that are in progress including the building of cabins, composting toilets, a
biodigester, organic garden, solar water heater, and demonstrative domes. Volunteers will also visit sites
in San Cristobal de las Casas where permaculture practices and bio-construction are already in place or in
process.
Accommodation: Volunteers stay at the Jaguar de Madera center in shared rooms. 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 beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas is the capital of the municipality of the same
name in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Located in the Maya Highlands at an altitude of 2,100 meters, San
Cristobal is a distinctly charming town that has maintained its colonial architecture and Mexican flavour,
while welcoming many contemporary influences. This “pueblo magico” (magical town) has an engaging
character that results from the meeting and blending of indigenous, Mexican, and international bohemian
cultures. The surrounding region exhibits incredible biodiversity and natural areas can be reached from
the city within a half day’s travel or less. Points of interest nearby include natural parks, lakes, Mayan
archeological sites, coastal mangroves, waterfalls, canyons, and the beaches of the Pacific.
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 3,400 Mexican pesos (195 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.