PROJECT For over 10 years this project has been organized in the Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit with extraordinary results. This project is the source of many beautiful stories; hundreds of volunteers from all over the world had participated. The aim of these projects are to protect the marine turtles working in tight collaboration with a group of biologist and the local population who lives in La Peñita de Jaltemba or as they say “the place where dreams come true” volunteers along with a team of professional biologists will develop activities to protect the turtles, and will help to ensure the survival of the turtles for the future generations. You will also rebuild one of the most important turtlecamps in the region. There are two species of turtles arriving to this area: Negra (Black Turtle) and Golfina (Olive Riddle Turtle). The size of the turtles varies from 1 meter to 1.5 meters long and the weight from 40 Kg to 100 Kg. Every turtle makes a nest of around 150 eggs. If you like nature, to spend time in an astonishing beautiful virgin beaches, hotels and meeting new tourists, and witness the magic that nature had made for millions of years this project is for you!
WORK: The main work consists in patrolling the beach at night, the working hours are from 17:00 to 3:00 every day, the goal is to find the adult turtles and collect the eggs, burying them in a secure place (vivero in Spanish) and set the baby turtles free back in to the ocean when they hatch, volunteers will also help collecting statistical data in order to know the evolution of the species. You will rebuild a very important turtle camp in Guayabitos Beach. Activities must be carried out by night since turtles do not go out the ocean by day (because of natural predators, it is safer for turtles to get out the ocean in the dark).In collaboration with local people and biologists from La Peñita, volunteers will seek for the turtles taking care of their eggs and the baby turtles. Locals and Experts are very friendly and working with them is very pleasant as they explain to the group what to do. We need very motivated volunteers
LOCATION: Nestled on the imposing Western Sierra Madre, and washed by the Ocean Pacific waters, the Nayarit Riviera is shaping to be one of Mexico’s most attractive tourist destinations. The area is actually a 192 mile stretch of coastline, backed by jungle-clad mountains and facing offshore islands. There is plenty of remote backcountry for those wanting to see a more rustic side of rural Mexico. Along Nayarit’s coast, visitors will find beaches for all likes and tastes: some with exclusive hotel complexes for those looking for luxury; others with few visitors for those looking to relax; some with strong waves for surfers… and to the enchantments of this region, we can add islands, swamps and picturesque towns. Banderas Bay, on the southern section of the Nayarit Riviera, is famous for being the destination spot of thousands of humpback whales that offer an unmatched spectacle. Here, visitors will find several points of interest, such as Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita, home of luxury golf courses, marinas, shopping centers and hotels. In addition, Puerto Vallarta is famous for its long seafront walkway and its vibrant nightlife. The municipality of San Blas, located in the Riviera’s northern section, is home to a great biodiversity and archeological remains as well. Here, visitors can tour the Tovara swamps, take a tour to Isla Isabel, do some bird sighting in Singayta, surf at Matanchen’s bay, visit the ruins of the San Basilio fort, explore Mexcaltitlan Island and visit the archeological site named Los Toriles. There are many culinary options at the Nayarit Riviera: Luxury hotels and restaurants serve gourmet dishes prepared with fresh seafood, always with a pre-Hispanic touch. At the beach and the town, visitors can try exquisite delicacies, such as shrimp meatballs, the traditional grilled fish, aguachile (seafood served with a spicy lemon mix), fish rinds, shrimp tamales, marlin tacos or chalupas and many more. The Huichol Indians are the most famous ethnic group within the region; they are characterized by their eye-catching clothing, hats adorned with feathers and their colorful handcrafts, such as masks and animal figurines made of beads, pictures, purses and jewelry.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Volunteers will have the opportunity to know solitary beaches and towns with an extraordinary natural richness. Such is the case of Flamingos, where people can enjoy three beautiful lakes; Bucerias, with a long beach and cobblestone streets; La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a picturesque fishing town; Destiladeras, a paradise for surfers; volunteers will have the chance to know the Islas Marietas one of the most beautiful places on earth, take surfing classes and travel to and Sayulita, a bohemian town ideal for camping. In the middle of the corridor, we find Rincon de Guayabitos, whose beaches with crystal-clear waters and calm waves simulate a large swimming pool. Near by, visitors will find the pre-Hispanic sanctuary of Altavista and the semi-virgin beach named Chacala, the perfect site to get amazed by nature.
HOSTING: Volunteers will stay in Hotel Peñamar in La Peñita de Jaltemba. Volunteers will stay in Quadruple Rooms with access to free Wi-Fi, hot water, air conditioning and private bathroom in each room, full access to 2 swimming poolS. Volunteers will have 3 meals a day at the hotel restaurant with nice typical Mexican food volunteers do not have to cook unless they want to share typical food of their country with the other volunteers. WEB PAGE OF THE HOTEL: http://www.hotelpenamar.com/index.html
SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS: Beach clothing, raincoat, boots and sneakers, sunscreen and mosquito's repellent.
Do not forget to bring a pair of working gloves and a flashlight!
SPECIAL OFFER FOR VOLUNTEERS: For all the volunteers accepted in the Vive México Workcamps there are FREE SPANISH courses all year round at the Vive Mexico International Cultural Center at Morelia City, come and take place in a FREE Spanish course one week before your workcamp starts!.
EXTRA FEE: 295 EURO
INCLUDES (only during the project days), Hosting (according to the conditions specified at the project description) 3 meals a day, Local transportation with project purposes, Administration and organization expenses, tools and materials.
DO NOT INCLUDE: Airfare to Mexico, Transportation from international airport to the project place, Leisure activities, Insurances.