Volunteering at El Zopilote

Introduction

Volunteering at El Zopilote is a unique opportunity to experience community life, learn about permaculture, and contribute to the daily rhythm of our eco-farm. We offer two different volunteering programs , one for long-term volunteers who stay a minimum of two months, and another for short-term volunteers who join us for at least one week.
Both options are designed to support our community while giving volunteers the chance to enjoy nature, connect with people from around the world, and learn through direct experience.

Types of Volunteering We Offer

At El Zopilote, volunteers usually help with a variety of tasks, not just one specific activity. We appreciate flexible, curious people who enjoy learning new things and contributing to the daily life of our eco-farm.
Here are the main areas where volunteers can get involved:

• Social Media
  Helping us create content, take photos, make short videos, and share updates about life at El Zopilote.

• Food Preparation
  Assisting with cutting, cleaning, peeling, and preparing ingredients for processing: jams, tomato sauce, ginger beer, hibiscus juice, and other homemade products.

• Yoga
  Teaching yoga classes (usually with a reduced number of work hours).

• Pizza Nights
  Helping serve during our famous Pizza Nights every Tuesday and Saturday.

• Painting and Decoration
  Working with natural lime paint, making signs, decorations, and artistic touches around the farm.

• Gardening & Farming (Experienced Only)
  For skilled gardeners or people with strong farming experience, we offer work in the gardens every morning from 7 to 12. This area is only for experienced volunteers.
  If you want to learn more about permaculture, we recommend joining our paid Permaculture School, which offers a deeper and more structured learning experience.

• Carpentry & Construction (Experienced Only)
  Opportunities for volunteers with carpentry or building skills to support ongoing construction projects.

• Promotion Around the Island
  Helping distribute flyers and spread the word about our activities on Ometepe and beyond.

• …and many other small tasks
  Volunteers with open eyes, a good attitude, and willingness to learn usually discover many things to do. It’s a fun and enriching experience.

We welcome responsible people of any age, with no harmful habits, open-minded, willing to learn, and ready to help our community grow.

1) FREE FOOD AND FREE ACCOMMODATION VOLUNTEERING (MINIMUM 2-MONTH STAY)

If you’re interested in joining our long-term volunteer program, the best way is to come directly to our reception with at least two months of availability and speak personally with our volunteer coordinator.

We prefer in-person conversations over email because it’s important for prospective volunteers to see the place firsthand and make sure we are a good match.
Please note that we cannot reserve volunteer positions in advance , the only way to secure a spot is by coming here personally.

General Conditions

• 25–28 hours of work per week, with 2 days off

• Free meals and accommodation

• All meals are prepared in our restaurant , no need to cook

• Accommodation is usually in a mixed dormitory

• For more privacy and to enjoy the full Zopilote experience, we strongly recommend bringing a tent and sleeping mat to stay in the camping area

Please contact us in advance if you plan to come.

zopilotevolunteering@gmail.com
Thank you.

2) ACCOMMODATION IN EXCHANGE FOR WORK IN THE FARM (MINIMUM 1-WEEK STAY)

This short-term volunteering option offers free accommodation in our volunteer areas , La Brisa (no 110 V plugs), Elsewhere Land (no 110 V plugs), or the camping area.

To help support our community and enjoy our delicious food, volunteers contribute USD 50 per week.
In return, each volunteer receives a USD 50 credit to spend in our restaurant.
If you prefer cooking in the communal kitchen, that’s totally fine , the weekly contribution remains the same, and you can still spend your credit on meals, snacks, or drinks whenever you want.

Work Conditions

• 5 hours of work per day, 5 days per week, with 2 days off

• Minimum stay: 1 week

• Extensions are possible

• Extending up to eight weeks does not automatically qualify for the 2-month long-term program — this must be decided from the beginning

Please contact us at zopilote volunteering@gmail.com

Thank you for helping us keep El Zopilote alive with good energy, cooperation, and a balanced community life.