Orphanage Volunteering: Is it Right?
Mexico: 1 Week Volunteer & Adventure Team
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Mexico
Mexico is vibrant: the salsa dancing and fiestas, the rugged interior that gives way to gorgeous seascapes, and the people with affectionate hearts. Cradling the United States, Mexico bridges the gap between Anglophone neighbours to the north and a mixture of Latin American cultures to the south. This fusion combines to create an environment in which the curious traveler is most welcome, and there is no shortage of cultural meccas to explore, sports for the tame or the extreme, and festivals and nightlife to entertain.
The natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta’s jungle, beach and mountains draw millions of visitors from around the world. Delicious seafood and Mexican cuisine are offered from a wide range of restaurants. The easy-to-use bus system provides the means to explore the extreme biodiversity of the bay or enjoy some of the best surfing, snorkeling, and fishing in Mexico.
View All Programs in Mexico
Location: Punta de Mita, a small fishing village 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, located on the beautiful Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags).
Accommodation: Self-catering guesthouse or apartment with single or double occupancy
Fast Facts
Country Profile
- Population: 112.5 million
- Religion: 76% Catholic, 6% Protestant, 14% unspecified, 1% none
- Language: Spanish is official language, Mayan, Nahuatl, and several other indigenous languages also spoken
- Poverty Line: 18.2% live below the poverty line
- Interesting Tidbit: Mexico introduced chocolate, corn, and chilies to the world
Weather
- Average Temperature: 80F or 26C. It is warm throughout the year.
- Wet Season: June- October, with rain falling mostly in the late afternoon or evening.
Passport/Visa Requirements
- Is a visa required?: No
- Tourist Visa Extension: Yes
- Cost of Tourist Visa Extension: Enquire in-country
- Passport validation: 6 months required before expiry
- Return/onward flight ticket: Not required
- Confirmation of Funds: Not required
- For more information visit the websites of Mexico representation abroad:
Money/Currency
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
- Inform Banks: Give the dates of travel and destinations to prevent security blocks on your bank and credit cards.
- Cash: Always take enough cash to cover your expenses for the first week in case there is a problem with your bank cards or access to ATM’s is limited.
- Credit Options: Good idea to have at least two different credit/debit card options i.e. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, or Cirrus.
- Travellers Cheques: Can be cashed in major centres.
- Western Union: If at any time you have any problems in accessing money you can use Western Union transfer. Money can be sent from your home country and received in Mexico the same day.
Healthcare
- Vaccinations: There are no required vaccinations. There are recommended vaccinations. You must contact your local health clinic or family doctor for any medical advice.
- Malaria medication: Recommended depending on location in Mexico.
- Other Medications: Before leaving you should visit your travel clinic or family doctor for information on other medications you may need while travelling.
- Click here for up to date travel health information.
History
Present-day Mexico arose from great ancient civilizations including the Olmecs, the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. Spanish explorers arrived in 1519. In just two years the Spanish defeated the Atecs, a civilization which had prospered for nearly 3000 years. The Spanish conquered the majority of present-day Mexico by 1550. Colonial rule finally gave way when Mexico rose up as an independent state in 1821. Yet the future was not without strife.
Mexico City was occupied by the United States in 1847 during the Mexican War and by France for four years starting in 1862.
Heavy fighting ensued from 1910 to 1915, the years of the Mexican Revolution. The end of the Revolutionary movement marked the beginning of a period of dramatic social changes which led to the creation of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. Widespread land reform and nationalization of the country’s basic industries were achieved during the 1930′s.
The last 60 years have been characterized by industrial expansion, rapid population growth and political domination. In the first six years of the 1980′s the economy slowed down as a result of a recession in the global economy.
Major Issues
The region where we work has seen unprecedented growth due to the tourism market. Unfortunately, not all inhabitants have benefited equally. Poverty and squalor exists alongside all-inclusive resorts. Much work needs to be done to improve education, and access to the labour market. Women and children are a particular focus of our partners work in Mexico.
Life Here
See & Do
- No shortage of outdoor activities in local area including surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming & fishing
- Take a canopy tour in the nearby jungle
- People-watch in the nearby relaxed Bucerias and Sayulita
- Take a weekend trip to the island village of Yelapa
- Tour your surroundings on scooters or 4×4’s
- Swim with dolphins or go whale watching
- Visit Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
- Take a relaxing walk on the historic Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, then hit the town to enjoy some night life
- Visit Mazatlan, a gorgeous colonial district just a short walk away from beautiful beaches
In-Country Support
Nicole Majewski
Nicole Majewski
TheX Representative at PEACE
Originally from the United States, Nicole started working with PEACE several years ago. It has enabled her to be involved with local communities in the beautiful Puerto Vallarta region. Nicole screens and interviews volunteers for PEACE. She also manages aspects of your placement overseas including lodging, language lessons, organization placement, and country specific advice.
FAQ
Is Mexico safe?
Millions of tourists visit Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region each year. Punta de Mita is a small tranquil town just north of Puerto Vallarta. It is very far away from border cities like Juarez, which tend to be the places that travel warnings and the media report as being dangerous. Punta de Mita is a safe town to live in. You can live peacefully and take full advantage of what the region has to offer.
Where will I be living?
You will be staying in a self catering apartment located in Punta de Mita, or a short bus ride away in Bucerias.
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