Farm Work Assistant

location
1 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Live on a authentic peruvian farm on the north coast of Peru
  • Taking care of the horses, cows, dogs, cats and chicken
  • Gain spanish while living with a family close to a small village
  • Visit pyramids from pre-Inca Culture, as well as one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Peru, the pyramids of Tucume, or the museum of the famous lord of Sipan from the Moche Culture
  • Relax on the hammocks in the shade of the carob trees


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Be a vital hand in maintaining our beautiful farm, ensuring it remains a welcoming haven for both our animals and visitors.

For over two decades, our farm has stood as a beacon of agroecological innovation, a testament to the enduring pursuit of sustainable living. Founded 22 years ago, our journey has been one of constant growth and evolution, powered by the shared belief that a greener, more harmonious world is ...

About the program

For over two decades, our farm has stood as a beacon of agroecological innovation, a testament to the enduring pursuit of sustainable living. Founded 22 years ago, our journey has been one of constant growth and evolution, powered by the shared belief that a greener, more harmonious world is possible. People from all corners of the globe have graced our farm with their presence, forging connections, and becoming part of our extended family. We are a vibrant tapestry of cultures, a blend of both passionate foreigners and dedicated locals. In this harmonious collaboration, our collective mission is simple yet profound: to co-create a more sustainable world. With open arms and warm hearts, we extend an invitation to you, a fellow champion of sustainability, to join our community. Here, you won't just visit; you'll become an integral part of our daily routines. You'll share in our joys, challenges, and discoveries as we work side by side, nurturing the earth, and our shared dream of a better, greener tomorrow.

Here are some examples of activities you can do during your time with us:
If your heart beats for horses and you're eager to be a force of good for equine welfare, then Rancho Santana warmly welcomes you. 
Here, we extend an invitation to be a guardian for not just our beloved horses but also our cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, and cats.  
Your days at the ranch are brimming with meaningful tasks. You'll become their caretaker, ensuring they are well-fed, brushed to perfection, and given the love and exercise they deserve. For those with prior experience, an incredible adventure awaits – riding our horses (max. weight: 75 kg). If you're new to the equestrian world, don't worry. We're here to teach you! Riding lessons are on the horizon, should you wish to embark on this exciting journey. 
But our ranch is more than just horses. You can roll up your sleeves and help in the fields or explore the culinary arts in the kitchen. Learn to milk cows and craft dairy delights like yogurt, butter, and cheese. Our Farmstay program is your ticket to an authentic Peruvian farm experience, immersed in the serene countryside. Rancho Santana isn't just a place to stay; it's a classroom of rustic wisdom. Whether you're looking to expand your horizons or gain practical skills in farming, you'll leave with a wealth of knowledge and a heart filled with fond memories.
You will get hands on, in this project that will require some hard labour.  

The farm is located in the countryside of the northern coast of Peru, a 5 minutes walk to the village of Pacora which is close to the city of Chiclayo. 



Typical day

A typical day start with breakfast at 8am. You will be working from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12am and after siesta from 3pm to 5pm. 

Tasks include:

  • Feeding and grooming of the animals
  • Exercising horses, walk with them
  • Groundwork with foals
  • Cleaning barn and stables
  • Gardening
  • Some farm maintenance like ...

Typical day

A typical day start with breakfast at 8am. You will be working from Monday to Friday from 9am to 12am and after siesta from 3pm to 5pm. 

Tasks include:

  • Feeding and grooming of the animals
  • Exercising horses, walk with them
  • Groundwork with foals
  • Cleaning barn and stables
  • Gardening
  • Some farm maintenance like watering, planting, harvesting and beautify the farm
  • Light household chores
  • You will learn a great deal about horses and farming 
  • washing the dogs and playing with them



Free-time activities

In your freetime, you can spend your time to visit the archeological sites of Pre-inca and Inca Culture around the area, museums, like the Musuem of the royal thombs of Lord of Sipan, which is the second richest thomb of the word after Tutanchamun.) Close to the farm, there is one of the largest ...

Free-time activities

In your freetime, you can spend your time to visit the archeological sites of Pre-inca and Inca Culture around the area, museums, like the Musuem of the royal thombs of Lord of Sipan, which is the second richest thomb of the word after Tutanchamun.) Close to the farm, there is one of the largest archeolocical site of old Peru, the piramids of Tucume (26 piramids, where you can climb up at a view point to have a beautiful view over the temples and the surounding)

  • Visit the Pomac forest, where there are 17 temples of Pre inca culture, it is the largest dry forest of the world.
  • There is a nice Swimmingpool just 5 minutes away.
  • You can visit the beach of Pimentel, which is notable for its tradicional fishermen who still use the same reed boats their ancestors has for centuries of the time of pre inca culture 
  • In the city of Chiclayo there are lots of restaurants, clubs and bars, shopping malls


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Volunteers are expected to keep a respectful and healthy attitude towards the farm, neighbors and sorroundings. We appreciate very much a proactiveness and good communication skills, everything can be learned, our attitude is what defines the experience Our Ranchstay program is designed people looking to spend some time on a rustic farm away from all the bright lights and big cities

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Rancho Santana

Program fees include:

  • Airport pickup
  • accommodation
  • food & drink - Fullboard (Monday to Saturday) Sundays is self-catering

Airport Pickup at Cornel Ruiz Airport

We pick you up at Chiclayo Airport (CIX) or at a hotel or a bus station in the city of Chiclayo

Accommodation

  • Single room with bathroom and hot shower
  • Rustic bungalow with bathroom with hot shower and a little garden with hammocks
  • Double rooms with shared bathroom, hot shower and kitchen

Food & Beverages

  • Typical Peruvian dishes, milk, butter, cheese from our cows.
  • fruits depend on the season from our field (for example Mangos)
  • Vegetarian and Vegan meals are available

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cornel Ruiz Airport (CIX) in Chiclayo. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

It's possible to start anytime from March to December

You will be picked up at Chiclayo airport. (1 hour flight from the capital, Lima to Chiclayo (CIX)

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 250€
2 weeks 500€
3 weeks 750€
4 weeks 1,000€
8 weeks 1,800€
16 weeks 3,550€
24 weeks (max. stay) 5,200€
Average fees 233€/week

Program fees

233€ per week 1 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Rancho Santana during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Rancho Santana

Excellent 4.8 rating (33 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2001

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Juan

Spoken languages: English

About the project

We are taking care of horses, streetdogs and cats financing with horseback riding tours to preinca pyramids

Meet your organization

Who are we?
We are a Swiss-Peruvian family living on a nice farm on the north coast of Peru

What are we doing?
We do have lots of animals and planting our fields. We do have typical Peruvian Paso horses and are offering riding tours to the inca pyramids and worlds largest dry forest nearby.

Where do we work?
Our farm is on the north coast of Peru in the department of Lambayeque. We are a 5 minutes walk from a small village where you can get almost every thing, there are butcher, bakeries, pharmacies and lots of grocery shops. It is a nice village where you can feel very safe even at night.

Our mission/vision:
We are taking care of the environment and the animals

Who are we looking for? 
We are looking for volunteers to help us taking care of the animals, training our typical Peruvian Paso horses and guiding our visitors to the pyramids of Preinca culture

Why choose us? 
Our farm is a beautiful place full of animals and nature where you will feel at home!

33 reviews · rating4.8

Emma Gardner rating5

2024 at Farm Work Assistant

Amazing Experience at this lovely Ranch. Just returned from Rancho Santana and I was sad to leave, I had the best time. Andrea was just amazing, always got a smile on her face, so kind and helpful. Her English is brilliant too. If you want an authentic experience with Peruvian Paso horses ...
Emma Gardner rating5

2024 at Horseback Riding Assistant

Just returned from Rancho Santana and I was sad to leave, I had the best time. Andrea was just amazing, always got a smile on her face, so kind and helpful. Her English is brilliant too. If you want an authentic experience with Peruvian Paso horses (not to mention the dogs, cats, 200 chickens ...
Christine Schoch rating5

2024 at Horseback Riding Assistant

Ich war zwar leider nur kurz bei Andrea und Manuel, habe mich aber sehr wohl gefühlt, und wäre gern auch noch länger geblieben. Die Unterkünfte sind einfach, aber gut, das Preis/ Leistungs Verhältnis unschlagbar. Manuel hat eine tolle Art, mit seinen Pferden zu trainieren und leitet auch gut ...
Klaudia Boran rating5

2024 at Horseback Riding Assistant

I have made a wonderful experience staying at this autentic farm at the north coast of Peru. I have learnt how to train this typical Peruvian Paso horses, ride them and also how to work with the lovely foals. At the farm there are so many animals, I have played a lot with the dogs and with all of ...
Mustapha Ouaksel rating5

2024 at Horseback Riding Assistant

J'ai passé de merveilleux moments au Ranch Santana, Andrea est venue m'accueillir à l'aéroport, j'ai fait la connaissance de son mari Manuel, tout était parfait , je peux dire que durant mon séjour j'ai été un vrai Cowboy , travailler avec les chevaux d'aussi près est une expérience ...
Daniela Kröger rating5

2024 at Horseback Riding Assistant

I had no experience with horses at all. I did learn how to take care of them, to do ground work with the foals and i also did learn to ride. Thank you Manuel and Andrea for the wonderful experience and time at your beautiful ...

Location

Americas > South America > Peru > Chiclayo

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