Estancias Patagonia is a magical place in Chilean Patagonia, where ranch life, beautiful landscapes, and local culture come together. With a long history in ranching and a love for tourism, they offer guests unique nature experiences away from the crowds. Whether exploring nature or enjoying exciting adventures, every moment here is unforgettable. Volunteers and trainess are welcome year-round to experience ranch life up close.
About the volunteer / work exchange program
Estancias Patagonia has several trainee & volunteer programs to choose from, please find below the details:
Standard volunteer
At Estancia La Peninsula, the volunteer program is straightforward and flexible, with a minimum stay of one month and a maximum of two months. Volunteers stay in a room with four bunk beds, though it’s rare for all beds to be occupied at once. Typically, there are two volunteers at a time.
The work involves a variety of tasks, often alternating between different areas. One day, volunteers may help the house staff prepare for tourists, while another day they might assist with horses or a mix of both.
Common tasks include:
- feeding the chickens,
- cleaning the stables,
- taking care of the dogs,
- taking out the trash,
- and collecting firewood for the asados.
Tasks are coordinated by a farm staff member, who also manages days off and assigns duties.
The work schedule generally follows an 11-day-on, 4-day-off pattern, similar to the rest of the farm staff. However, the schedule can vary due to busy periods or other factors. The family ensures that volunteers get at least 8 days off each month.
Meals are not always prepared for volunteers—sometimes the staff will cook, sometimes not—but groceries (including fruits, vegetables, and meat) are provided. Volunteers are welcome to cook for themselves or pitch in with cooking for the group. If there are special dietary requests, they can ask for specific items to be bought, or bring them during their days off.
What’s in it for You?
- Volunteers are free to stay on the estancia during their days off to explore. However, food and lodging off the Peninsula during time off are not covered.
- Occasionally, if activities align or help is needed at other ranches, volunteers may have the chance to join work parties and explore new places.
- Additionally, volunteers with the right riding skills may join the multi-day tours at La Peninsula. If not, there’s an opportunity to improve riding skills and join in after a month of practice.
Riding on the ranch outside of scheduled activities is not allowed unless specifically permitted.
Horse volunteer
This new program is created for horse-loving volunteers. Volunteers will spend time at both Estancias, primarily helping with training horses, preparing them for rides, and joining in on riding tours—ranging from 2-hour to full-day and multi-day tours. The family will guide volunteers in learning their unique approach to horseback riding, as well as share helpful tips and techniques for horse training and management.
The minimum stay is 4 weeks, with volunteers spending at least 2 weeks at each ranch. Time off can be taken between the ranches. To apply, volunteers must provide a clear explanation of their riding skills.
Ranching trainee
This hands-on program involves spending a lot of time with the host, helping with daily tasks across the province. It’s more focused on physical labor like fencing, trail building, construction assistance, and ranch work, along with multi-day horse riding tours. The minimum stay is 2.5 months, with no maximum limit.
Volunteers will live a nomadic lifestyle, moving between ranches—spending a week at one, going on a multi-day tour at another, and then having a few days in Natales before moving to the next ranch. There are no fixed work or time-off days; it’s based on the projects and tasks at hand. The family tries to give volunteers enough free time to explore the region and will help with tours from partner companies (for free). Usually, only one volunteer is accepted at a time, though occasionally there may be two for a few weeks. Volunteers will also spend some time at La Peninsula.
Horse riding experience is required. Volunteers should be able to follow along, and it would be great if they can take on small tasks while riding after some time. A minimum of 3 months is necessary, as the family will teach you how to ride in the backcountry and ensure you understand the necessary precautions.
Volunteers must be willing to sleep in tents, old houses, vans, etc. The family will teach you how to be comfortable in these settings, as outdoor living is a big part of their lifestyle.
Speciality trainee
If you have a special skill that you think could be valuable to Estancias Patagonia, then this progam is for you. Examples of skills that could be useful include biology, conservation and research, carpentry, masonry, chainsaw work, photography, videography, and more.
More details about the programs listed above are available on this link!
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