Types of Help & Learning Opportunities

At our farm and sanctuary in Patagonia Verde, we welcome volunteers from all walks of life who are open to sharing, learning, and contributing in whatever way feels natural to them. Life here is simple and grounded in nature — every day brings new tasks, discoveries, and moments of connection.

You don’t need any previous experience to help here. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness are more than enough. That said, if you do have knowledge in areas like carpentry, farming, music, building, animal care, gardening, or biology, that’s always a big plus!

Farm & Eco Projects

• General help on the farm (feeding animals, collecting firewood, etc.)
• Gardening and planting vegetables
• Natural building, fencing, barn or greenhouse projects
• Composting, recycling, and eco-friendly practices

Animal Care

• Daily care of cows, dogs, and other animals
• Feeding, grooming, and making sure they are safe and healthy

DIY & Construction

• Building and repairing fences, shelters, paths or small structures
• Helping with tools, carpentry, and basic maintenance

Creative & Artistic Projects

• Murals, painting, woodwork, photography or video documentation
• Music is a big part of life here — we often play and rehearse together in the evenings

Cultural Exchange & Language Practice

• Practice Spanish or English with us and other volunteers
• Share stories, traditions, music, food and more

Teaching & Learning

• Share knowledge in areas like permaculture, sustainable living, biology or botany
• Teach music, dance, languages, or help locals and fellow travelers learn something new

Household & Daily Life

• Cooking meals, sharing recipes, and eating together as a family
• Helping keep shared spaces clean and welcoming
• Occasional house-sitting when needed

Digital & Online Support

• Help with social media, website updates, photography, or small online tasks

Had been an exchange student and lived in many countries, I can only say there is no bad experience when it comes to living abroad, there is bad, good, strange, wonderful, amazing and shocking moments that can only make you grow as a person. The benefits and new things one can learn are up to each one personally, what is it that you want from an experience like this one? that’s the first question and from that on you can learn and feel free to experience whatever your daily country life will throw at you.

Accommodation

Volunteers and guests are hosted in a recently built wooden house that comfortably sleeps up to 10 people. The house is equipped with hot running water, a wood-burning stove for both cooking and heating, and electricity, with back-up generators in case of power outages — quite common in rural Patagonia.

We’re also building a small private cabin ideal for couples or solo travelers looking for more privacy. Additionally, showers and toilets are being built for a nearby forest camping area, for those who prefer a more rustic, off-grid experience surrounded by nature.

Meals & Cooking

All three daily meals are provided by the host. We cook simple, hearty meals with fresh ingredients — and volunteers are warmly encouraged to share and prepare dishes from their own cultures. Cooking together is one of the best ways to connect, exchange, and enjoy the richness of our different backgrounds.

This is not just a place to stay — it’s a space to live, share, and feel at home in nature.

How to Get Here

The farm is located about 75 km south of Puerto Montt, at the northern entrance of Chilean Patagonia. Getting here is part of the adventure, and the route offers beautiful coastal and forest landscapes along the way.

Route from Puerto Montt

1. From the Central Bus Station in Puerto Montt, take a bus heading south along the scenic coastal road.
   → 45 km of paved road leads to the small harbor of Caleta La Arena.
2. At Caleta La Arena, take a 25–35 minute ferry across the Reloncaví Fjord to Caleta Puelche.
   → The ferry is free for foot passengers and those traveling by bus.
   → If you’re bringing a car, the cost is $10,300 CLP (only the vehicle pays).
3. Once in Caleta Puelche, follow the Carretera Austral (Austral Highway) for another 25 km. The road is recently paved and leads directly to the entrance of the farm.

The bus ride from Puerto Montt takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the service and connection times. Fares range from $3,500 to $5,000 CLP.

Explore Patagonia Verde

Patagonia is a land of forests, lakes, rivers, volcanoes, and mountains, and the region around the farm offers countless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

We encourage helpers and guests to take time to explore the nearby national parks and reserves, where you can enjoy:

• 🥾 Trekking & climbing
• 🛶 Kayaking & rafting
• 🎣 Fishing & (regulated) hunting
• 🌋 Visiting iconic volcanoes like Hornopirén, Yates, and Michinmahuida

The area is home to some of Chile’s most iconic wildlife, including:

• The puma (mountain lion)
• The pudú (world’s smallest deer)
• The Magellanic woodpecker
• The monito del monte
• And the rare Darwin’s frog

You’ll also find ancient Alerce trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old — among the oldest living organisms on Earth.

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