From serene beaches to exotic jungles and mystical waterfalls, Mexico is a collage of beauty and adventure. Visitors can explore desert landscapes with a chance to spot lynx and puma, or hike through volcanic caves and watch fur seals splash in the tide. The country’s fascinating cultural heritage is derived from its colorful history. Vibrant and sophisticated indigenous cultures thrived in Mexico in the early first millennium, building temples and making developments in writing, mathematics, and the arts. Spanish invaders conquered these empires in 1521 and Mexico remained a Spanish colony for 300 years. The contributions of each of these societies are preserved everywhere you look in modern Mexico, from pre-Colombian archeological ruins to colonial cathedrals and city centers.
Program Location: Tapalpa
The alpine town of Tapalpa is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains about 90 minutes from Guadalajara, in the southern region of Jalisco. One of Mexico’s most enchanting towns, Tapalpa features verdant hills, rushing waterfalls, and miles of mystical pine and oak forests. A combination of cobblestone alleys and quiet dirt roads meander through this peaceful village, more than 7,000 feet (2,220 meters) above sea level. In the bustling town square, children ride donkeys and horses past restored churches while adobe houses with white and brown tile roofs provide a charming backdrop for local crafters peddling handmade artworks.
Why Volunteer in Mexico?
Despite Mexico’s beauty, history, and vibrant populace, the country faces serious challenges. Poverty, pollution, and political corruption are among the nation’s most significant issues. The state of Jalisco on Mexico’s western coast is no exception, with many of its residents living in extreme poverty. Many don’t have water, sewer systems, electricity, or necessary infrastructure. The impoverished state also suffers from environmental degradation, pesticide pollution, and over-consumption of natural resources.
Our partner organization works in the state of Jalisco, where, in response to widespread poverty, many fathers have fled to the United States, hoping to create a better life for their families. This migration and the ensuing atmosphere of broken families have resulted in variety of social and emotional disadvantages for the local children. Working with children with a variety of disadvantages or disabilities, our partner gives students the tools necessary to seek new opportunities while supporting a positive social transformation.
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Phone: 303.785.8881 | Toll-Free 1.877.847.8917
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