Exploring Mexico

About the program

The objective of the Camino del Mayab is to generate direct benefits for the people of the communities that make up the Camino del Mayab. The main objective is to grow tourism in the area, to give all community members opportunities for employment in guide services, food catering, lodging, transportation, and many more.

During the program, travelers will be able to live like locals, participating in daily life activities such as beekeeping, handicrafts, cornfield work, tending to livestock, and more.

There are three main problems that we work to eradicate:

- Social Inequality;

- Species Extinction;

- Environmental Destruction.

It is estimated that when this project is in its fifth year of operation, it will generate benefits direct to 360 indigenous people; of which 216 will be women and 72 young people. Most recently, Globe Aware completed the construction of a structure that will serve as a welcome building for volunteers at the start of the trail. Here, community members will be able to gather to sell goods, offer guide services, and host events that benefit both tourists and locals. The goal is that each village along the trail will have such a building for community members to offer services and gather.

The conservation of the environment of the Camino del Mayab is vital for the recharging of the aquifer that supplies the City of Merida. During the program, different activities will be carried out on rural construction, trail labeling and clearing, cenote restoration and infrastructure maintenance, agricultural work, rehabilitation of schools, and animal/environmental conservation. The specific project that you work on will depend on the needs of the community at the time the group travels, but rest of assured there is plenty of need and work to be done by our volunteers and community members.

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Leisure and Activities

Mayan ruins, cenotes, haciendas and more! This program offers a truly immersive experience for the volunteer. Not only will you have the chance to spend quality time with our local coordinators and guides, but you will also take meals and participate and various duties and activities with community members in a homestay. There are various unique archeological sites, biodiversity zones, and spectacular nature walks along the trail. Visits to archeological sites are included in the price of the program. Coordinators will arrange a variety of team/community activities ranging from bonfires to cookouts to team games.

One of the favorite activities for volunteers on this program is the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the various cenotes in the area. Cenotes are sunken, underground, bodies of water that have generally been created from ancient collapsed limestone. The result is a gorgeous natural wonder with aqua water and lush vegetation. While you may not be working directly on cenote infrastructure projects every day, there are plenty of opportunities to go for a refreshing swim while on the project site.