from 2,395€

Perfect 4.6rating (70)

Amazon Ranch Caretaker

location
4 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Venture in to the amazing savannas of South America and help out on a local remote cattle ranch
  • Set up sustainable eco-tourism with the vaqueros and help protect their way of life
  • Learn how to live and survive a truly rustic lifestyle along side real vaqueros
  • Experience incredible Tropical wildlife right on your doorstep
  • Make unforgettable memories!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Go back in to time in remote and beautiful Guyana and help to sustain local Amerindian cowboy community’s centuries old lifestyle by rebuilding the ranches.

Did you ever dream to live the life of a cowboy but you haven’t figured out how to travel back in time yet? Then this is your chance! Go back in to time in remote and beautiful Guyana and help to sustain local Amerindian cowboy community’s centuries old lifestyle by rebuilding the ranches and ...

About the program

Did you ever dream to live the life of a cowboy but you haven’t figured out how to travel back in time yet? Then this is your chance! Go back in to time in remote and beautiful Guyana and help to sustain local Amerindian cowboy community’s centuries old lifestyle by rebuilding the ranches and help them set up basic eco-tourism facilities.

Times are dire for the cattle ranches of Guyana Savanna’s, no longer being able to sell their meat to neighboring Brazil and not even longer allowed to sell their meat in the coastal regions of Guyana they struggle to continue. With the times changing and barely any source of income left the Amerindian Vaquero’s of the Savannas are in need of your help! They are on the brink of abounding their centuries old lifestyle, help now by building basic eco-tourism facilities and relive the days of old as a Cowboy (or girl) in beautiful Guyana!!! This is a great volunteer abroad opportunity for all adventures especially for those who love the ranch life, who are interested in native Amerindian cultures and have a passion for horse riding.

You will volunteer alongside experienced Cowboys as well as international volunteers. For a full kit list please contact us.

This is Why
  • Venture in to the amazing savannas of South America and help out on a local remote cattle ranch
  • Set up sustainable eco-tourism with the vaqueros and help protect their way of life
  • Learn how to live and survive a truly rustic lifestyle along side real vaqueros
  • Experience incredible Tropical wildlife right on your doorstep
Requirements:
  • You must be physically and mentally fit. 
  • Age: 18 and over. There is no upper age limit but good health is essential for this project.
  • Must love animals/outdoors
  • Make sure to contact your local health organization to inquire about the needed/recommended vaccinations and medicine.
  • Strong work ethics are required: reliable, responsible, honest, good sense of humor and dependable.
With this project you will be involved in sustaining the rancher’s way of life as they struggle in their existence. Since the government of Guyana no longer allows them to sell their meat along the coast, and the Brazilian government does not allow the import of meat form Guyana their only option for sales is locally in the small town of Lethem.
The ranch you will be working with currently has about 15 horses, all of which are used to work the cattle and need regular feed and care. The horses are important for ranch work but are also an opportunity for the family to take potential paying guests out into the savannah.



Typical day

This great experience will take you to the golden savannahs of Guyana, a magnificent landscape of open grasslands and jungle covered mountains, where vaqueros on horseback have lived and raised cattle  in co-existence with the local wildlife for many centuries. It was here that even Frank James ...

Typical day

This great experience will take you to the golden savannahs of Guyana, a magnificent landscape of open grasslands and jungle covered mountains, where vaqueros on horseback have lived and raised cattle  in co-existence with the local wildlife for many centuries. It was here that even Frank James (Jesse James older brother) used to gallop through the vast planes. His great experience will take you to the golden Savannas’ of Guyana a magnificent place where Vaquero’s with its horses and cattle have lived in co-existence with the local wildlife for many centuries.
Your help is needed to set up ecotourism facilities and related projects so that the ranchers have an income to sustain their ranch. In addition, and as part of the longer term eco-tourism plan, a lot of work is needed to renovate, improve and maintain the ranch itself. One of the tasks that needs to be completed is constructing an 8km fence to keep the cattle nearer to the ranch during calving. The fence will make a  huge difference to the ranchers. At present the cattle can roam unrestricted. This means a lot of time spent finding the cattle and bringing them in for branding or castrating. It also makes valuable unbranded cattle vulnerable to rustlers. A fence would protect the cattle and create more valuable time for the ranchers to embark on ecotourism.
Projects or activities you will mainly be involved in: 

  • Constructing a new cattle fence
  • Developing the vegetable garden and managing the chickens
  • Helping to bring in the cattle and manage them in the corral
  • General maintenance around the ranch buildings
  • Repairing the compound fence
  • Day to day cleaning and preparing of meals
  • Building additional accommodation for tourism
  • Constructing a horse coral
  • Improving the out buildings
  • Fishing
The projects you are involved in will directly benefit the local ranch community. We concentrate on things that work, not that look fancy. This is the real deal! It's no American dude ranch! Are you ready for a genuine adventure while helping to preserve the original cowboy culture and experiencing wildlife and landscape like nowhere else on earth?

Free-time activities

During your days off, volunteers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rupunini Savannahs; tropical wildlife viewing animals such as the giant anteater, deer, armadillo and cougars. Also enjoy swimming in the tributaries of the Rupununi river; hikining trails and climbing small mountains. However ...

Free-time activities

During your days off, volunteers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rupunini Savannahs; tropical wildlife viewing animals such as the giant anteater, deer, armadillo and cougars. Also enjoy swimming in the tributaries of the Rupununi river; hikining trails and climbing small mountains. However these activities are at the volunteers own expense.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Required Documents

CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and signed Policies and Liability Form (provided during application process)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Fronteering Travel

  • Accommodation: While working at the ranch you will stay in basic shared cabins next to the main ranch house. 
  • Meals: While at the ranch you will eat with the vaqueros and all your meals are included. 
  • Airport Pick Georgetown + Hotel night: An employee of the project will pick you up from the airport near Georgetown ( 1 hour) and will transfer you to your hotel where you wil stay for 1 night. The next morning you will be picked up from the hotel and you will be brought to a local domestic airport.
  • Domestic flight (return flight incl) + Airport Pick up: An employee of the project will pick you up from your hotel in Georgetown and will transfer you to the airport. Included in this package is a domestic flight from Georgetown to Lethem by small airplane (approximately 2 hours flying over seemingly everlasting jungle). You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lethem where you will stay one night.
  • Transfer to the project: You will be  picked up from your hotel in Lethem and transferred to your project by 4x4. It is approximately 4 hours drive through the beautiful Tropical savannahs of Guyana (return flight inlcuded).
  • Returning home: After your time at the project has been finished you will be transferred back to Lethem by 4x4 after which you will stay one night in a hotel. The next morning you will take a domestic flight from Lethem to Georgetown. At this point you can choose to travel home or to explore more of Guyana. We are of course happy to assist you with this.
  • Work permit: For volunteering in Guyana a work permit is required as well as premmission needed to visit the Amerindian reserves. This will all be arranged after your arrival (as Guyana has no embassies abroad) and will be HASSLE FREE for you. The fee for this is included in the program cost.
  • Mail and Communications: It is possible to receive and send mail from the town of Lethem via our Fronteering representative, however the postal service is very variable in such a remote area and the process regularly takes over a month. It is not unheard of never to reach it's destination! There will be internet connection and cell phone reception in both Georgetown and Lethem. The ranch is very remote and the only communication is by transistor radio and satellite phone which are used for emergencies only.
  • Ongoing service and 24/7 Emergency contact

Airport Pickup at Cheddi Jagan International Airport

You will arrive in the capital of Guyana where you will be met and stay over night in a hotel.

Accommodation

When staying overnight in Georgetown *shared rooms, while in the savannah you will stay in shared cabins.The cabins have simple beds or you can choose to sleep in a hammock if you wish! The cabins are open buildings with traditional thatch  made from Ité palm leaves. To begin with wash facilities will be in the main house. As you will read in these details, part of your tasks will be to improve the cabins, including building an adjoining washroom. But of course there is always the creek as the true vaquero way to wash! When Arriving in Georgetown and Lethem you will stay in a private hotel room!

Food & Beverages

During your stay in Georgetown and Lethem meals are not included, while at the ranch all food is included. Each project member will be involved with preparing (and sometimes catching!) your meals.Local food is basic but hearty to keep your energy up for an active day on the savannah. Typical dishes include farine (a carbohydrate made from a local root called cassava) and meat either raised at the ranch, such as pork or chicken, or fresh fish caught by you from the creek! You will also help to develop the vegetable garden and harvest the fruit trees. Please note that the diet at Saddle Mountain Ranch is not suitable for vegetairians. During your short stopovers in Georgetown/Lethem, meals are not included.


What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Cheddi Jagan International Airport (GEO) in Georgetown. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guyana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guyana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Guyana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guyana. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

There are no specific start/arrival dates for this project, however, we recommend that you arrive on a Monday.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 2,395€
6 weeks 2,875€
8 weeks (max. stay) 3,163€
Average fees 496€/week

Program fees

496€ per week 4 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 8 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Fronteering Travel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Fronteering Travel

Perfect 4.6 rating (70 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2010

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Patrick

Spoken languages: English, Dutch, German

About the project

Fronteering arranges volunteering programs related to wildlife and indigenous people in less visited places of this world as well as more unique destinations.

Meet your organization

Fronteering arranges volunteering programs in some of the last frontiers of this world as well as more unique locations that other organizations ignore. From Field research programs in the Far north of Canada and Husky ranches in the Canadian Arctic to Amerindian community programs and wildlife conservation in the Amazon Rainforest and everything in between.

Most of our programs Focus on either wildlife rehabilitation and release, wildlife conservation & research or involve local indigenous communities.

Fronteering currently offers programs in Canada, Guyana, USA, Australia, Brazil, Borneo, South Africa, Madagascar and Panama.

True good causes: FRONTEERINGS volunteer abroad projects are either existing local projects or projects that are build from the group up by FRONTEERING. What these projects have in common is that you will be supporting a true good cause! You will have the opportunity to help where the need is the greatest. Our projects focus on helping the local communities, wildlife, indigenous people and the environment in cooperation with the local/indigenous communities. We focus on true volunteer projects where your effort really makes a difference. That’s why through Fronteering you will rehabilitate injured & orphaned wildlife with the goal to release the animal. That is the reason why will not send you to some far southern country to cuddle with tame lions & tigers with any real purpose. If you want to volunteer abroad with a real purpose, contact us!

Safety: At FRONTEERING we do our outmost best to provide the safety measures needed for our Volunteer Abroad projects and Adventure Travel Trips. However due to the fact that many of our projects and trips involve wild animals and/or are in remote locations there is a small element of risk involved. Not all of our projects and trips are for the faint at heart however we do cater to those of all walks of life. If you are not too sure about the suitability of a Volunteer Abroad project or an Adventure Travel trip then feel free to ask as we are always ready to answer any questions or discuss any doubts that come to mind. For more information please check our Safety & In-country Support section before you volunteer abroad.

A real adventure: We do not want our volunteers to end up trying to safe or clean up some small patch of rainforest which in some places they might call a wilderness. Instead you will volunteer in the immense jungle of the Amazon rainforest or venture in to the vast Canadian wilderness! Our volunteer abroad projects are situated in the remote areas of the world and we focus on countries and regions with the lowest population densities. We at FRONTEERING focus on what works; from sleeping in the jungle underneath the stars with nothing more than your own private hammock to back-to-basic cabins in the northern tundra with a cozy smothering fireplace and no electricity! When you volunteer abroad with FRONTEERING you can be sure it will be adventure.

Off the beaten path: With FRONTEERING volunteer abroad projects you will venture to places less visited. We focus on places that are fairly undiscovered where the nature, wildlife and indigenous cultures are still common. You will have the great opportunity to see these amazing places while they are still unspoiled and pure. It is these places where there is the most to lose but even more to gain through successful conservation work and sustainable tourism. 

Community involvement: Foremost when volunteering abroad the well being of the community should come first. For all of our trips we use local guides, local transportation and local communities so that through sustainable tourism we can help to protect the environment, wildlife and sustain the way of life of indigenous cultures & communities. More and more and governments choose the long term benefit of sustainable tourism over the short term gain of mining and logging. A good example is Gabon which in 2002 after recommendations from environmental researchers set up 13 new national parks. The government of Guyana is currently considering protecting its entire rainforest region which still covers 80% of the country. Hopefully through our combined effort this dream will one day become true.

Mission
FRONTEERING specializes in organizing volunteer abroad projects to preserve the environment, wildlife and indigenous people throughout the world while giving the volunteers a real and raw experience in some of the most beautiful and often remote places in the world to make a true difference.

Vision
FRONTEERING strives to provide real off the beaten path volunteer abroad experiences worldwide that satisfy the need for volunteer projects that truly makes a difference for the environment, wildlife and indigenous people.


70 reviews · rating4.6

Vesela Balev rating3.8

2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

The accommodation conditions were very good, even luxurious. The mission consisted of observing the Takhis in the morning and entering collected data in the afternoon. The people who took care of us were lovely. We learned a lot about the life in Mongolia, we attended Naddam in a neighboring region, ...
Carol Breen rating5

2024 at Raptors & Owls Caretaker

I spent 8 weeks, 5 days a week, 7 hours a day volunteering with this organization. It was so worthwhile! They not only rescue injured raptor, but they rehabilitate as many as possible and get them back to where they were rescued in order to release them in the same place. They have a network of ...
Enya Niedermeier rating4.6

2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

My stay at the project was great! The food was awesome and I rather felt like I was at a hotel at times with the quality. Watching the Takhis was an experience I will never forget! The room was basic but clean. Riding through the National Park was an insane experience and I’ll always cherish those ...
泽宇 张 rating5

2024 at Wild Takhi Research & Conservation

The national park is spectacular! We went for an outing every morning for wild Takhi observation every morning. Having a moment in your lifetime in the wild with all the nature surrounding you is probably the most wonderful experience. The accommodation managers and staffs are super helpful and ...
Deirdre Conroy rating4.2

2024 at Pantanal Wildlife Research

My experience on this volunteer program was excellent due to the hard work and planning by my host Alexine. She is a fund of knowledge and is dedicated to her project (Peccary Project, see also on Instagram, peccary_queixada_project). I also worked with an amazing team working with the giant ant ...
Nadia Riad rating5

2024 at Scottish Husky Ranch Caretaker

I volunteered here earlier this year and I had a great time. Unfortunately I could not go in winter due to some other obligations I had so I knew I was going to miss out on the dogsledding season. Luckily because it was still quite cold in April and May we were still able to do some dry training and ...

Location

Americas > South America > Guyana > Region 9

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