Regular volunteers live and work at Estancia Ranquilco and are involved with all aspects of ranch life. Living here is never boring!

While at Ranquilco, your work may include: gardening, cow milking, guest guiding and facilitation, building, fencing, canal work for irrigation, livestock and land management, firewood gathering, lodge maintenance, food preparation, cleaning, landscaping, trail building, weed eradication…along with whatever odd jobs appear.

Our organic vegetable garden and orchard is a really important part of life here at Ranquilco – if we don’t grow it, we don’t eat it! Volunteers are asked therefore to rotate through the garden, wedding, watering, planting, turning compost, mulching etc. We also host horse riding guests at the main lodge and volunteers are asked to rotate through the kitchen when guests are present, helping our chef Georgie by making daily bread (hands on lessons first, we promise!), and doing dishes.

Volunteers work Monday through Friday 8 hours per day, Saturday and Sundays are for rest and relaxation. Volunteers are expected to be on time and to contribute with energy and willingness.

Our Philosophy

At Ranquilco, we endeavor to match our volunteers’ skills and interests with available tasks and projects. As such we conduct an entry interview and share ideas as to which possibilities will work best. We are not taskmasters, and always hope that volunteer’s enjoyment and learning will be foremost. There are many kinds of ranch activities to get involved in and everyone is invited to take part in the areas of their interest. We feel that it is of great value to embrace the lifestyle at the estancia and to have the free time and relaxation to open up to the timeless messages of nature.

We welcome input about appropriate technology, gardening, orchards, animal husbandry, vineyards, weaving, alternate building techniques, etc. and hope that you would also explore your interests while you are here. The estancia does host eco-tourists (riders and fishermen), and volunteers often help attend to these guests. There will always be opportunities to create and participate in community events: volleyball, talent shows, dress up nights, music playing, dancing, and entertaining commercial fishing and riding clients.

Rest and Relaxation

Estancia Ranquilco has a swimming pool, riding and walking trails, a river to enjoy, a sauna and a library. We are very relaxed at the estancia and work with the volunteers to set up a situation that insures maximum benefit. We strive to accommodate travel, backpacking or meditational retreats. Just let us know what your desires are.

Living at Ranquilco

There is a main volunteer house with a fireplace, kitchen, and wood heated shower/bathroom where volunteers live, taking care of themselves (cooking, baking, washing clothes). Other living options include private rooms, or cottages with kitchenettes.

Most work and projects will be alongside the gauchos who speak absolutely no English. Thus it is a very effective “de facto” immersion course in Spanish.

Dates and Pricing

Volunteers are welcome at Estancia Ranquilco from Spring through Fall, September to April.

There is a one month minimum for our Regular Volunteer Program. We prefer volunteers who want to stay 3 months and our prices reflect this. Final pricing depends on your accommodation option. As an example, the most basic option, living in our volunteer house is:

One month – $750 ($25 USD/ day)
Two months – $1200 ($20 USD/ day)
Three months – $1500 ($16.50 USD/ day

A one time fee of $150 covers your entry and exit to the estancia by horse, including a pack horse or mule for your luggage, plus an orientation to our traditional tack and riding western style.

See our pricing summary page for complete accommodation options and pricing.

Using a horse at the ranch

Regular volunteers will be able to take part in some pleasure riding at the ranch and may occasionally be asked to use horses to accomplish their work. Horse use is always a privilege and depends on availability.

If you are an advanced rider and want an intense horse experience, see if our mounted volunteer program is right for you.

All potential volunteers must read:

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
A Message from Ashley
Volunteer Accommodation Options & Pricing
How to Sign Up for our Volunteer Program

Return to the Volunteering main page.