Volunteering
At our farm, we welcome volunteers who are eager to assist with farm activities, animal care, and general upkeep of the ranch. If you’re naturally curious, self-motivated, and want to learn about agroforestry hands-on, this might be the perfect spot for you!
What to expect
During your stay, you will work 5 days a week, in exchange for accommodation and food at the ranch. A workday is five hours. Considering the heat, the work starts early. The specific tasks you will be involved in depend on seasonal needs, the ranch’s priorities, and, of course, your skill set and experience.
It’s important to note that volunteering on a farm is no easy task. Depending on factors like the physical demands of the work and the weather (yes, it can get hot!), it’s a rewarding but challenging experience. While we definitely make time for fun and connection during the workday, we take our work seriously and expect volunteers to be assertive, flexible, and dedicated.
The tasks you’ll be involved in include:
Helping in our forest garden
Gardening and landscaping
Pruning
Harvesting and planting crops
Cooking dinner
Construction and DIY tasks
Animal care
General farm assistance
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the rewarding work of farm life,
we’d love to have you join us!
Stories of volunteers
Syd
From: Oregon, United States
Age (during stay): 25 years
Duration of stay: 3 months (2024) and 1 month (2025)
I think Rancho Palmar is the most beautiful place in the world--the surrounding environment, the river, the gardens and orchards, and the accommodations are all absolutely gorgeous.
I first came because I was interested in agroforestry and wanted to work with trees that don't grow in Oregon, where I am from. I quickly fell in love with the land, the project, and the community of humans and dogs. In total I have spent over 3 months there, between 2 visits. It's pulling me back!
As a person with dreams of having my own land project one day, Paloma's system is so inspiring. Everything is for the health of the ecosystem. Paloma sets an amazing example of adaptability, always learning from observations about what is and isn't working. My favorite thing is building soil through constant mulching and tending the individual plants to learn their habits. And spending time with the amazing pack of dogs!
I recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience the reality of growing a food forest and stewarding land. It can be hard work, and there can be sacrifices compared to the average life in the city, but I find the slow, intentional, active pace of living more aligned with how our bodies thrive. I feel so healthy there, surrounded by passionate people existing in such a healthy place.
Meli
Nationality: The Netherlands
Age (during stay): 28 years
Duration of stay: Two months (2025)
My time at the farm was incredible, making it impossible to leave (I’ll definitely come back as soon as possible). Initially I came here to learn more about regenerative farming, but the rancho offered me so much more. The location of the farm to begin with. Located next to the Tomatlán river, makes it the perfect spot to wash away all the sweat you collected during work in the morning. Most of the swims you will be joined by one or all the dogs that are given a home at the farm.
As a hobby chef, this place is incredible. I got to learn so many new trees, herbs, , nuts (did you know that peanuts grow in the soil), flowers, and vegetables that grow on the farm. Within my two months I was able to see so much grow. The sensation of eating a full plate of food that is completely harvested from this land is something I will not forget soon.
However, what makes this place unforgettable, is Paloma. The way she runs this successful business is so inspiring. She’s incredibly kind, funny, clear (but flexible) in her expectations, loves to share her knowledge, is patient, and most importantly, she makes you feel welcome after the first minute.
I really love the way that Rancho Pa´lmar brings people together with a shared passion for nature, animals, farming, and food. It is such a happy place where everyone loves to hang out together, accept each other for who they are (no matter the backgrounds or beliefs), mobile phones are rarely used, games are played, books are read again, and stories and emotions are shared.
If you are looking for a place to learn about regenerative farming, unwind, and get to know amazing people, this is your spot!
Josée
Nationality: Quebec, Canada
Age (during stay): 39 years
Duration of stay: 5 weeks (2025)
My stay at the Pal'mar ranch was the most beautiful part of my trip in Mexico. A spectacular place to rest in nature with incredible people. Paloma welcomed me as if I were part of her family, a wonderful person with a big heart. Good and flexible schedules, there's so much to learn about permaculture, delicious food, a river to refresh yourself, a very comfortable cabin... Everything was perfect. I recommend everyone to visit this beautiful place and meet Paloma.
Questions? Start here!
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May - Oktober: During summer you will have the opportunity to sleep in one of the cabins alone or with max. three other volunteers.
November - April: During summer the farm will be open for visitors. Therefore, the cabins will be used for the guests. The volunteers sleep in the bunkroom during this period.
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Fresh ingredients like eggs, tortillas, fruit and vegetables grow on the farm or are provided frm the shop. Besides that we dried goods (i.e. pasta, rice, flour, coffee, spices, etc.).
Breakfast and lunch you’ll need to prepare yourself. Dinner is made every day by one of the volunteers.
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As a volunteer you will work 5 hours a day 5 days a week. On Wednesday and Sunday you have a day off. On these days the volunteers sometimes do daytrips together to the dam, Tomatlán or the beach.
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Weeks in advance we know the main jobs we will do on the farm. In general winter (Dec - April) we will be busy with watering the forest garden, harvesting citrus and crops from the garden, and making the preparations for summer. This contains making mulch for new lines of trees, enhacing the fire barrier, pruning, etc.lant new tr
In summer we will plant new trees
Besides that we all take care of our common living area by cleaning and preparing food.