Experimenta la elaboración del cacao en las selvas de Toltepec

United States

5

One of my best volunteer experiences. Don Lupe has lived an interesting life and has many an interesting story to tell. There is a group f funny dogs that will follow you around and a river which will give you a back massage after a hot day. The work is variable and satisfying. My favorite was harvesting the cacao. Since the cacao trees are mixed in with the rest of the jungle it is like an easter egg hunt. The one thing I would recommend people take into account beforehand is that the town is very small with no pharmacies or restaurants so it is a good idea to stock up on supplies beforehand.

3 months ago

Don Lupe replied

Gracias por tu ayuda

Turkey

5

The camping with Don Lupe was such a wonderful experience for me. I had never imagined to have the experience to witness the entire procedure of how chocolate is made from the cacao fruit, from start to finish. The tasks were reasonable either 4 or 5 hours per day (depending on whether you want to have the Saturday free)- the tasks consisted from watering the cacao seeds and the bigger plants to the many other great potential future projects. It was hard work but it pays off with Maria's delicious vegetarian cooking and sleeping in a tent in the full jungle. Fyi- Bring mosquito repellent!

9 months ago

Don Lupe replied

Gracias por la ayuda se te extrañará y que dios guíe siempre tu camino

Germany

5

You get in touch with locals very easily. It's in a small village and the residents are very friendly and open. You learn a lot about nature and chocolate. Internet costs a little and mobile data doesn't work. I really enjoyed it and would do it again. At the end i was sick and i din't need to work and stay very friendly.

11 months ago

Don Lupe replied

Gracias por la ayuda

Portugal

5

I'm glad I chose the camping for my first volunteering experience. Toltepec is a really small town with the loveliest people I've ever met. The hosts treat you as a member of the family, I truly felt at home from the first moment I arrived. The way of living (as Don Lupe says) is as primitive as possible and it might not be easy to adapt, but to put ourselves out of our comfort zone is something we all should do every once in a while. I certainly will appreciate everything I have more than ever! I learned so much from the hosts, their workers and everyone I met in the town!

about 1 year ago

South Korea

5

I thoroughly enjoyed this volunteering experience. 😀 It was my first time volunteering outside of the city, and I could really feel the nature around me—the roosters, cats, dogs, birds, and especially the clear air. There was a small river where I could swim after working, which was a refreshing treat. The working hours were reasonable, and the food was amazing. Thank you, Marina, for cooking and taking care of us. Lupe is a knowledgeable, fun, and nice person to talk to. I learned a lot from his stories. I feel so lucky to have had this experience. I will miss everyone..Thank you again

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

I am very grateful to have stayed with Don Lupe, Haber and Mari on their finca. They helped me understand the life and properties of cacao even better and how to harvest and produce it in a traditional way. I felt very welcomed, the food was delicious and I was able to improve my Spanish. If you are looking for an educational, authentic experience, this is a beautiful place to be.

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

The finca is a beautiful place to connect to nature and find calmness in our sometimes rushed life. Don Lupe and his family are very great hosts that really cares about the well-being of the volunteers. He is a fun person that has a lot to tell and teach. He is very open to feedback and new ideas to always be improving :)) I really liked his mindset. The working hours are very fair and you learn about cacao and you get to taste delicious chocolate. I recommend everyone to stay at the finca and enjoy the simple life in nature, enjoying the river, the birds and the clear sky every night :))

over 1 year ago

Puerto Rico

5

Volunteering at the camping was a fascinating experience. The familial atmosphere and daily tasks at the cacao farm were engaging. Accommodations were minimal, yet allowed for a deep connection with nature. Don Lupe, Mari, and Heber were incredibly welcoming and supportive, even encouraging my experimental cocoa butter making. Mari's home-cooked meals were delicious. Swimming in the river after the shift and campfires at night were magical. Communication with Don Lupe was effective. I highly recommend the camping for those seeking to disconnect and learn about cacao cultivation firsthand.

over 1 year ago

Mexico

5

A unique experience. the camping farm is a magical place to disconnect from the chaos of the city. The amenities are minimal, but they take a back seat after such good experiences as nights at the campfire. I was lucky that my volunteering coincided with the town festivals, which are celebrated in the last weeks of January. During the week of the festival there was free food, greased pork contest, calenda, free mezcal, wow I had never danced so much in my life. Don Lupe, Mrs. Marina and Heber are very kind. The food was delicious. Thank you very much for such a good time.

almost 2 years ago

Germany

5

I felt very welcomed at the Finca. The family helped me with any questions I had, Don Lupe was very clear and flexible with the work-schedule and the food was very good and healthy. Also they made sure that I get some insights into the different stages of the cacao cultivation. One has to be prepared for a bit simpler accomodation regarding the sanitary equipment, but in exchange one gets access to the beautiful nature, a clear starry sky and to the river on the property.

about 2 years ago

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