Jaguar de Madera
Mexico
Construction
Environment
Construction
Environment
Permanent
About the project
Jaguar de Madera
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Project:
The project Jaguar de Madera (the Wooden Jaguar) it’s an educational center of eco-technologies established in 2007 in order to promote the bio-construction, permaculture, carpentry and cultural exchange.
After a process of rescue and cleanup of a vacant lot and the support and collaboration of other organizations, it was carried out the rehabilitation and construction of what would become a t raining center for use and application of various alternative technologies for recycling materials and natural resources. The mission of Jaguar de Madera is to aim the use of efficient natural resources, the sustainable self-sufficiency and improvement of life quality with a positive impact in the environment. Some of the bio-construction techniques applied are; superblock, construction with bottles, cob and adobe. It also develops organic agricultural projects and renewable energies such as “bicimaquinas” (bike-machines), solar panels and wood stove. Likewise, members of the center, follow the alternative philosophy of energetic Kung Fu, with the slogan “Learn to fight for not to fight. The warrior’s battles are with himself”. So this way they give a spiritual sense to their work (optional practice for volunteers).
💼 What the programme involves
Work:
Volunteers will be able to learn and practice different techniques of bio-construction, using low cost local recycled materials and natural resources. The tasks will depend on climate condi tions and needs of the center, but hard physical work as to be considered. Activities will be related with cabins construction, docks, digesters, gardening, permaculture, poultry and “bicimaquinas” (pedaling bicycles to generate power and operate machines as blenders or washing machines), assist in the design, organization and maintenance workshop and demonstration areas of agroecology, such as the garden and compost area, implement appropriate technologies through the use of materials available at the site whether natural or waste.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation and Food: Accommodation will be inside of Jaguar de Madera eco-town that still in
construction, located in Rancheria San José Buena Vista, around 1 hour away from San Cristobal’s center. Volunteers will sleep in tents ( it is required that each volunteer brings its own sleeping bag , tent and yoga mat), actually there are cabins in construction, so, some of them are for hosting volunteers, but sometimes there is not enough room. There are no hot water showers, however water can be boiled and use buckets to get a shower. The kitchen is very basic and ecological so wood stove must be used. About food, volunteers have to bring their own pantry to prepare their own food or, give a small money amount to the responsible of the project for the food. (This money amount is not included in the participation fee). On weekends volunteers can realize recreational activities inside and outside of the project, Nataté is not responsible of volunteers host on weekends. Any special requirement has to be informed before the beginning of the project. All volunteers have to participate in kitchen tasks and cleaning of communal areas.
🍲 Food
📍 About the location
Location:
This project will take place in Los Altos del Estado de Chiapas, in southwest of México, in Rancheria San Jose Buena Vista, close to the small and charming city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, which has maintained its colonial architecture and its Mexican flavor, while welcomes a mix of indigenous, national and international cultures. This is a strategic starting point for tourist attractions like parks, lakes, Mayan archeological sites, mangroves, waterfalls and beaches. For more information visit: www.vivesancristobal.com www.visitmexico.com/en/san-cristobal-de-las-casas
⚠️ Requirements
Requirements:
Interested volunteers to participate in this project must be older than 18 years old, to have an opened mind and flexibility to work in a totally ecological environment and contact with nature and to be prepared for physical work. The project requires a minimum of a month stay. Do not to complain about climate adversities and the living space.
Language: An intermediate level of Spanish is necessary. We encourage volunteers who require intensive language classes to improve their Spanish, or any other international or indigenous Maya language, to matriculate in the language and culture institute La Casa en el Árbol. For more information, please visit: www.lacasaenelarbol.org
🤝 Meeting point
Closest Airport: Closest airport is “Angel Albino Corzo (TGZ)” located in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Consider that it is necessary to take a transport from the airport to San Cristobal de las Casas either taxi or bus.
ℹ️ Additional information
Cuota de participación: Nataté does not get any institutional founding, so it requires a participation fee of $2,000 MXN monthly from each volunteer. This fee includes accommodation inside of the eco- town. A part of the amount goes to the project to support the purchase of materials, and also provides support from Nataté during the volunteer process. All transport or food expenses have to be covered by the volunteer.
Before Apply
You must be ready to live in a natural environment, surrounded by animals, mountain insects, far from daily life commodities.
The drinking water undergoes a natural filtration process according to the permaculture’s philosophy.
There is no electricity or telephone signal.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
NAT-ML16-07
11/01/2016 → 16/12/2016
Volunteers registered
0 / 6
♂ 0/3
♀ 0/3
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
0.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Chiapas Highlands, Chis., Mexico
Mexico
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Mexico Peso (MXN / Mex$)
Exchange rate
1 MXN = 0.048171 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🗣️ Languages spoken
English
Spanish