Work Exchange Program

Participation in the PachaMama Work Exchange program entails a responsibility and commitment to adhere to the community’s ecological guidelines and support its efforts at sustainability.

Work Exchangers will take a radical pledge: to become part of the solution, not part of the problem. The guiding principle of this pledge is to Leave No Trace, make conscious changes to consumption habits, and shift into a zero-waste lifestyle.

This means not bringing non-biodegradable or non-eco friendly packaging including tetra packs, plastic bags, straws, plastic water bottles, plastic wraps, aluminum foil, metal cans, one-time-use items and non-biodegradable hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, etc.) for the entire stay in PachaMama.

Our village’s Jungle Shop offers food and hygiene products that are safe for the earth and this ecosystem – biodegradable and free from harmful, disposable packaging.

In addition, the Work Exchange kitchen, Verde restaurant, and Wild Treats cafe are vegetarian and do not allow meat or fish products to be brought in from outside, including canned or dried items..

• Discounted Accommodation – depending on the length of stay (see chart below)

• Discounts on Workshops, ceremonies, healing arts therapies, and events (‘see chart below)

• Lunch and Dinner (7 days) – a simple meal of local cuisine and organic salad are served for lunch and a nourishing soup and rice for dinner

• Daily Yoga & Movement Classes – enjoy free daily classes and activities such as meditations, yoga, dance, tai chi, and pilates

• Daily Meditation – the community meets for Silent Sitting each night at 6:30pm in Osho Hall to collect and cleanse the energy, and to meet stillness. Once a week a Sharing Circle takes the place of Silent Sitting, to check in with one another and share in a receptive space. On Thursdays we hold the PachaMama Heartbeat- an audio discourse of Tyohar’s Satsang followed by live music.

Please read our full work exchange commitment and cancellation policy before applying.

Expenses

Though the program gives discounts on many things you will still have expenses during your time with us. How much you will spend in PachaMama depends on your individual needs and your budget. We estimate an extra $750 per month for participation in ceremonies, events, food, laundry, transportation, and other life necessities. 

Please note that the cost of workshops and a casita is not included in this $750 a month.

*Due to weather conditions camping is only available from December

The process of work placement is dependent on the needs of the community at the time of your arrival. Once you arrive you will have a heart to heart meeting with the Work Exchange Managers to go over the commitment and ask any questions you may have. During this meeting the Work Exchange Managers will ask questions about your life to get a feel for where you may thrive within our community.

Below you will find some of the many work exchange opportunities that we offer. When filling out the application please note you will be asked to choose an area of interest but this does not guarantee placement in that department. Work will be designated according to one’s interests and skills, in consideration of the community needs and available positions. 

• Kitchen/ restaurant
• Wild Treats Cafe
• Jungle shop
• Eco (working with plants)
• Recycling center

Casita

There are a limited number of casitas available exclusively for the work exchangers. Casitas are booked by blocks, please inquire what dates are available before making any travel plans.

Once the casitas are rented, work exchangers are asked to camp. If you wish to stay in a casita please let us know as soon as possible as it requires a $200 deposit before it is confirmed. The price of your accommodation depends on your length of stay. 

Camping

Our camping opportunity runs from December 1st – May 1st with 40 available camping spots. The price is $2 a day for two month work exchangers and $1 a day for 3 to 6 month work exchangers. 

There are compost toilets and showers that are maintained daily for you available within the camping area. Hot showers, regular toilets, and lockers for your valuables are available downtown just a short 5 minute walk away.

There is also free WIFI available in the camping area for your convenience. 

Camping is booked by blocks, please inquire what dates are available before making any travel plans.

Workshops are considered 3 days or longer (example: Who is in?, Silent Retreat, Freedom From the Past, etc)

Ceremonies and day events are not counted as a workshop. Please make sure to calculate this into your monthly budget.

All Work Exchangers must attend one workshop per month that they are here (example: 2 month work exchangers, 2 workshops, 3 month work exchangers, 3 workshops, etc) One of them must be a therapy workshop.

Please take a moment to check out our yearly schedule and see what is being offered during your requested dates. Note: If you are interested in attending any of our Trainings (Yoga Teacher Training, Clarity Breathwork, etc) please know that you will receive a 10% discount on said training. Please inquire about the conditions regarding your accommodation and food during the time of training.

If you are staying in a casita you should arrive before 3 pm but no later than 5 pm as you need to arrive during the daylight hours so you can orient yourself to PachaMama.

If you are camping you must arrive before 3 pm. If you arrive too late to set up your tent you will be charged for the accommodation you are put in for that night.

If you are interested in participating in this program: