VIVA RESERVA NATURAL
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About the project
VIVA RESERVA NATURAL
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Our partner's purpose is to provide nature-oriented experiences while fostering the development of environmental citizenship. This involves nurturing individuals who are sensitive, cognizant of their rights and responsibilities, and committed to preserving their social, cultural, and natural surroundings. Another objective is to equip children and adolescents with the knowledge and skills essential for environmental conservation, empowering them to advocate for environmental education. Additionally, the project seeks to implement ecological programs across various societal groups, educational institutions, and organizations, aiming to steer collective efforts towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
💼 What the programme involves
- serving as facilitators in the Moxviquil summer course with an environmental emphasis;
- actively participating in the Monitor Training Program to enhance understanding of environmental issues, human-environment interactions, and sustainable living practices;
- providing support for workshops conducted in public and private schools, being trained in environmental topics including conservation, responsibility, and sustainable lifestyles;
- collaborating on the planning, organization, and execution of camps focused on environmental education aimed at influencing daily habits;
- engaging in various activities such as courses, workshops, camps, and adventure programs tailored for children and adolescents;
- assisting with reserve operations including visitor services and facilitating access to products and services offered by our ecological reserves;
- contributing to reserve maintenance tasks such as reforestation efforts, installation of signage, area cleaning, and construction projects such as fences or trails for visitors.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Shared rooms in the VIVA volunteer house. It has all the basic services (water, light, gas).
🍲 Food
Meals are NOT included in the participation fee. Vegetarian option is available. In each project, the volunteers prepare their own food
and they organize themselves or with other volunteers. Sometimes they may be invited to someone's home or a local restaurant.
In San Cristóbal de las Casas, you will find a rich variety of traditional dishes and regional specialties. Some notable options include Tamales chiapanecos, Cochito chiapaneco, Pozol, Enchiladas chiapanecas, Queso de Chiapas, Pache, and Chiapaneco coffee. These culinary delights offer a wonderful sampling of the local cuisine available in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
📍 About the location
San Cristóbal de las Casas is located in the state of Chiapas, in an area called Los Altos de Chiapas, 1 hour from the state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
San Cristóbal de las Casas, located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, is a charming colonial town nestled in the highlands. With its colorful streets, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of indigenous traditions and modern influences. Visitors can explore its bustling markets, visit ancient Mayan ruins, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of local art and cuisine. The town's stunning natural surroundings, including lush forests and towering mountains, provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Overall, San Cristóbal de las Casas is a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its beauty, history, and cultural richness.
🎒 Leisure activities
In San Cristóbal de las Casas, there are plenty of activities to suit all interests. Visitors can explore the charming colonial streets, visit historic churches, and admire the colorful buildings. The city is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with numerous galleries and shops showcasing local artisans' work. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the lively markets, such as the Santo Domingo Market, where you can find a variety of local products and handicrafts. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside, which offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring waterfalls and caves. Additionally, San Cristóbal is a great base for visiting nearby indigenous communities and archaeological sites, such as the ancient ruins of Palenque and Toniná. Finally, be sure to sample the delicious Chiapanecan cuisine at the city's many restaurants and street stalls, where you can taste traditional dishes like tamales, pozol, and cochito chiapaneco.
⚠️ Requirements
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: A specific profile is not required, but it is good to have basic knowledge of ecology, environmental education, conservation, biology or earth sciences. It is important to have a passion for nature and work in the field, taste and skills to work with groups of different profiles and diverse learning, be punctual, committed to the cause, proactive and enthusiastic.
ℹ️ Additional information
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The volunteer will cover their transportation to the project, so 16 pesos round trip per day should be considered.
On weekends there are normally no activities but it may happen that there are some visits, camps, workshops or outings that require the presence of volunteers. It is also important to consider that the reserve has a previous calendar, so the volunteers will be integrated into the activities that are being carried out according to the season of the year in which they decide to collaborate.
MINIMUM STAY: 2 months
PARTICIPATION FEE: $3,700 pesos. Includes accommodation and some administration costs. The fee can be covered with a prior advance and the rest upon arrival at the project.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
AMVIAC - VIVA 08 – Natural ReserveAUTO-EXT
17/12/2024 at 00:00 → 23/11/2025 at 00:00
AMVIAC-MLTV-07-2019
01/03/2019 → 31/12/2019
AMVIAC - VIVA 08 – Natural ReserveAUTO-EXTAUTO-EXTAUTO-EXT
01/11/2026 at 00:00 → 08/10/2027 at 00:00
AMVIAC - VIVA 08 – Natural ReserveAUTO-EXTAUTO-EXT
24/11/2025 at 00:00 → 31/10/2026 at 00:00
AMVIAC - VIVA 08 – Natural Reserve
10/01/2024 at 00:00 → 16/12/2024 at 00:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
3700.00 MXN ≈ 178 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chis., Mexico
Mexico
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Mexico Peso (MXN / Mex$)
Exchange rate
1 MXN = 0.048171 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Central Standard Time
Local time: 21:34 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken