Regular volunteers live and work at Estancia Ranquilco and are involved in all aspects of ranch life. Living here is never boring!
While at Ranquilco, your work may include: gardening, cow milking, guest guiding and facilitation, building, fencing, canal work for irrigation, livestock and land management, firewood gathering, lodge maintenance, food preparation, cleaning, landscaping, trail building, weed eradication…along with whatever odd jobs appear.
Our organic vegetable garden and orchard is a really important part of life here at Ranquilco. Volunteers are asked therefore to rotate through the garden; weeding, watering, planting, turning compost, mulching, etc. We also host horse riding guests at the main lodge and volunteers are asked to rotate through the kitchen when guests are present, helping our chef by cleaning, serving, or cooking; including making fresh bread (hands on lessons first, we promise!)
Volunteers work Monday through Friday, eight hours per day. Saturdays and Sundays are for rest and relaxation. Volunteers are expected to be on time and to contribute with energy and willingness.
Our Philosophy
At Ranquilco we endeavor to match our volunteers’ skills and interests with available tasks and projects. As such we conduct an entry interview and share ideas as to which possibilities will work best. We are not taskmasters and always put volunteers’ enjoyment and learning foremost. There are many kinds of ranch activities to get involved in and everyone is invited to take part in the areas of their interest. We feel it is of great value to embrace the lifestyle at the estancia, including the free time and relaxation to open up to the priceless experiences of nature.
We welcome input about appropriate technology, gardening, orchards, animal husbandry, vineyards, weaving, alternate building techniques, etc. and hope that you would also explore your interests while you are here. The estancia does host eco-tourists (riders and fishermen), and volunteers often help attend to these guests. There will always be opportunities to create and participate in community events: volleyball, talent shows, dress up nights, music playing, dancing, and entertaining the fishing and riding clients.
Rest and Relaxation
Estancia Ranquilco has a swimming pool, riding and walking trails, a beautiful river, sauna, and a library. We are very relaxed at the estancia and work with the volunteers to set up situations that insure maximum benefit. We strive to accommodate travel, backpacking, or meditational retreats. Just let us know what your desires are.
Living at Ranquilco
There is a main volunteer house with a fireplace, kitchen, and wood-heated shower/bathroom where volunteers live. Volunteers take care of themselves (cooking, baking, washing clothes and sheets). Other living options include private rooms or cottages with kitchenettes.
Most work and projects will be alongside the gauchos who speak absolutely no English, thus it is a very effective “de facto” immersion course in Spanish.
There are no phones or regular email at the estancia. We do have limited email for emergency purposes. Volunteers are charged $5.00 USD for each email sent.
Dates and Pricing
Volunteers are welcome at Estancia Ranquilco from Spring through Fall, September to April.
There is a one month minimum for our Regular Volunteer Program. We prefer volunteers who want to stay 3 months and our prices reflect this. Final pricing depends on your accommodation option. As an example, the most basic option, living in our volunteer house is:
One month – $750 ($25 USD/ day)
Two months – $1200 ($20 USD/ day)
Three months – $1500 ($16.50 USD/ day
A one time fee of $150 covers your entry and exit to the estancia by horse, including a pack horse or mule for your luggage, plus an orientation to our traditional tack and western-style riding.
See our pricing summary page for complete accommodation options and pricing.
Using a horse at the ranch
Regular volunteers will be able to take part in some pleasure riding at the ranch and may occasionally be asked to use horses to accomplish their work. Horse use is always a privilege and depends on availability.
If you are an advanced rider and want a more intensive horse experience, see if our mounted volunteer program is right for you.
All potential volunteers must read:
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
A Message from Ashley
Volunteer Accommodation Options & Pricing
How to Sign Up for our Volunteer Program
Return to the Volunteering main page.
