Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

The Volunteer Dormitories (included in program fees)

We call our volunteer accommodations "Casa Colibri" The dorm has eight bedrooms (dormitory style) with shared bathrooms. Guests can swim in the pool (rules posted), receive free WIFI and there's a small kitchenette area where volunteers can fix small meals.

Dorm living requires sharing. Volunteers from all over the world must understand they will be sharing a room with at least one other volunteer. The large rooms accommodate as many as five volunteers.

Volunteers staying at the guest house, are served breakfast at 6:30AM to 7:30AM weekdays (a bit later on the weekends). Breakfasts are cereal, milk, bread and fruit. It is self-service, but we do provide eggs in the morning for volunteers who wish to cook. Lunch is available at (or near) the volunteer placements. We use local kitchen services and diners for these lunches.

Dinner is served at the volunteer house between 7:30 and 8:30 PM. We have a local woman (experienced cook) who prepares dinners most evenings during the week. Dinners come from local establishments in the area on weekends. Any special dietary needs including vegetarian/vegan diets can be met by providing requirements in advance.

*It is important to note that the volunteer inn does not have AC or a water heater. It is common for houses to have a water tank on the roof that holds water and heats up during the day in order to have warm water at night.

Homestay Option

If you would like a private room. We offer a Homestay option we have local families that are happy to receive students and volunteers into their home. This is an excellent opportunity to practice Spanish and conversation, and experience the local culture firsthand.

Our administrative staff maintains an extensive listing of carefully selected host families. We choose the host family that will be the best match for each student or volunteer’s needs, interests and preferences

With such families, volunteers and students are provided with a clean, private room and three delightful, home-cooked meals daily. Safe water for drinking, warm water for bathing, clean sheets and bath towels are also provided. Any special dietary needs including vegetarian diets can be met by providing requirements in advance.

Volunteers who are interested, please let us know that you wish to upgrade to the host family homestay. The upgrade to family homestay is an extra $180 per week.