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United States
Immersive, unique, and I enjoyed the learning greatly. It's a great option if you want to get off grid, spend quiet afternoons, use your body, learn about a family farm. NOTE: - the town is really small, only three little markets. I was trying to practice my Spanish and found it more challenging to meet people to hang with, as there's no bars or restaurants. Don Lupe is very up for chatting though, which was fun and appreciated. Julio n Javier, who work there, are quiet but also kind and fun to be around. - the labor can be hard, but I enjoyed having a tired body at the end of the day.
3 months ago
Thank you for the help, and whenever you want, you have a home here.
United Kingdom
I thoroughly enjoyed my time staying at the camping. Don Lupe is a charismatic host with lots of knowledge (and plenty of anecdotes) from his time in the countryside cultivating cacao. The whole family are friendly and generous in sharing their space, as well as Mari's delicious cooking! We did a great variety of tasks across a reasonable work schedule, and I left knowing a lot more about how cacao is grown, harvested, and processed. Plus theres a small river you can cool off in after your shift, just remember to bring enough bug repellant to put on afterwards ;) Thank you to all!
3 months ago
Thank you very much, Kate, for your help with my project; I am grateful for everything, and if one day you wish to return here, you have your home whenever you like.
United States
This was an enjoyable experience. I got a lot of Spanish speaking practice. You are immersed in nature and have access to a small nearby town. The community is kind and welcoming. The work schedule was very fair and varied. 2 hours of work, 1 hour for lunch and 2 hours of more work after lunch. I felt challenged from a lack of everyday amenities perspective but it was a challenge I embraced and felt was healthy for my soul. Don Lupe was understanding and not forceful when I was too sick to work one day. Two great meals provided each day along with lots of produce and good energy by the hosts
8 months ago
Thank you very much for your help, and whenever you want, you have a home here.
Ireland
I'm sorry but this was the worst volunteering experience. I had to leave and contact Worldpackers support for the first time in my life on the second day after finding ticks where I was sleeping. I was excited to go and learned about cacao and because I saw the good reviews from years ago. This was just not as expected and turned out super disappointing. The place is disorganised, dirty and unattended. The host wasn't even there and their workers to follow are kids. It might just be a single occasion but it was a terrible experience for me. Wouldn't recommend at all.
3 months ago
United States
One of my best volunteer experiences. Don Lupe has lived an interesting life and has many an interesting story to tell. There is a group f funny dogs that will follow you around and a river which will give you a back massage after a hot day. The work is variable and satisfying. My favorite was harvesting the cacao. Since the cacao trees are mixed in with the rest of the jungle it is like an easter egg hunt. The one thing I would recommend people take into account beforehand is that the town is very small with no pharmacies or restaurants so it is a good idea to stock up on supplies beforehand.
about 1 year ago
Thank you for your help
Turkey
The camping with Don Lupe was such a wonderful experience for me. I had never imagined to have the experience to witness the entire procedure of how chocolate is made from the cacao fruit, from start to finish. The tasks were reasonable either 4 or 5 hours per day (depending on whether you want to have the Saturday free)- the tasks consisted from watering the cacao seeds and the bigger plants to the many other great potential future projects. It was hard work but it pays off with Maria's delicious vegetarian cooking and sleeping in a tent in the full jungle. Fyi- Bring mosquito repellent!
over 1 year ago
Thank you for the help; you will be missed, and may God always guide your path.
Germany
You get in touch with locals very easily. It's in a small village and the residents are very friendly and open. You learn a lot about nature and chocolate. Internet costs a little and mobile data doesn't work. I really enjoyed it and would do it again. At the end i was sick and i din't need to work and stay very friendly.
over 1 year ago
Thank you for the help.
Portugal
I'm glad I chose the camping for my first volunteering experience. Toltepec is a really small town with the loveliest people I've ever met. The hosts treat you as a member of the family, I truly felt at home from the first moment I arrived. The way of living (as Don Lupe says) is as primitive as possible and it might not be easy to adapt, but to put ourselves out of our comfort zone is something we all should do every once in a while. I certainly will appreciate everything I have more than ever! I learned so much from the hosts, their workers and everyone I met in the town!
about 2 years ago
South Korea
I thoroughly enjoyed this volunteering experience. 😀 It was my first time volunteering outside of the city, and I could really feel the nature around me—the roosters, cats, dogs, birds, and especially the clear air. There was a small river where I could swim after working, which was a refreshing treat. The working hours were reasonable, and the food was amazing. Thank you, Marina, for cooking and taking care of us. Lupe is a knowledgeable, fun, and nice person to talk to. I learned a lot from his stories. I feel so lucky to have had this experience. I will miss everyone..Thank you again
over 2 years ago
Germany
I am very grateful to have stayed with Don Lupe, Haber and Mari on their finca. They helped me understand the life and properties of cacao even better and how to harvest and produce it in a traditional way. I felt very welcomed, the food was delicious and I was able to improve my Spanish. If you are looking for an educational, authentic experience, this is a beautiful place to be.
over 2 years ago
