Mexico – Jaguar Jungle Conservation

Calakmul is an ancient Mayan archeological site that is submerged in the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. Calakmul is a federal natural reserve where people have been living since the 12th century. It is located in the middle of the state of Campeche, which is a very rich oil state in Mexico. The project is based in Calakmul, Campeche, in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Campeche is home to the second largest jungle in Latin America, which provides a habitat for a diverse array of species. Campeche was originally built as a fort to protect the Caribbean coast from pirate attacks and is now a major attraction for tourists. The historic town is lined with cobblestone roads and multicolored, pastel houses.

Jaguars live in tropical jungles and the species is an iconic animal, recognized in traditional Mayan culture. The species has been labeled as endangered due to the destruction of its habitat, as seen by the decreasing population in the past several decades.

If you are passionate about helping preserve and protect threatened wildlife and want to make a difference in a location free of tourism, this project is for you.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Installation of cameras to document for wildlife
• Conservation of the felines and other species that inhabit the jungle
• Wildlife monitoring
• Learning the importance of recycling in a jungle

Internet: No WiFi is available.

Laundry: No laundry facilities are available.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in simple, shared, single-gender rooms in cabins. Clean sheets and blankets are provided. Bathrooms will be shared with other volunteers. Room upgrades are available for an additional fee.

Food: Three meals are provided per day. Most meals include meat dishes, but vegetarian meals can be supplied.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
• Minimum age of 16 years old
• Basic level of English
• General good health in order to endure working in hot and humid conditions

The project is based in Calakmul, Campeche, in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Campeche is home to the second largest jungle in Latin America, which provides a habitat for a diverse array of species.

Campeche was originally built as a fort to protect the Caribbean coast from pirate attacks and is now a major attraction for tourists. The historic town is lined with cobblestone roads and multicolored, pastel houses.

Volunteers often travel in Yucatan Peninsula before their volunteer placement. Some places you may want to check out include:

Ría Lagartos
You can visit this little town with pink lakes, crocodiles and flamingos. Ría Lagartos is one of the most popular places in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Chichén Itzá
One of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins centrally located on the northern half of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Mérida
Mérida is the capital and largest city in the Yucatán. It is the best place to eat typical Yacatecan food and purchase local handicrafts.

Izamal
Izanal is a small, vibrant town very close to the capital. There you can find archeological sites, churches and handicrafts.

If you arrive in Mérida before the program starts, we recommend joining a city tour and visiting the museums, restaurants and markets.