Volunteer/Research

The Oso volunteer program began about 1993 when a dirty, hungry expatriate named Jim stumbled off the train and asked our guide for help. We were kind of broke ourselves but we took Jim in and he stayed with us four years, helping out with guiding, hiking, and other work.

Since then, volunteers from many countries have come and left their mark at the Oso. We look forward to having them around and have prepared the following guidelines. Likewise, we welcome qualified researchers and support them in every way possible. Researchers are required to submit a research proposal to us, pay $20 U.S. per day for meals, provide us with a copy of any results of their research and allow us to publish these results on the web (with any sensitive material deleted). Under certain circumstances, researchers may also work as volunteers and receive free meals. We are also seeking bilingual oral historians to help in interviewing our fast disappearing old-timers.

Volunteer Program

This program provides qualified volunteers an opportunity to work on their Spanish and/or experience an environmentally oriented adventure. At the same time they provide valuable services such as guiding, hosting, interpreting, and assorted other work, depending on our client load at the time. A similar program can also apply to individuals wishing to do research in this region.

            A minimum of two months and a maximum of six months participation are suggested although we may sometimes make exceptions. Generally, however, several weeks to a month are necessary to learn about our area and the basic tours. Given, the initial learning is just an introduction, a lifetime could be spent in the area and there would still be things to learn.

            The program carries no salary and since volunteers are not formally employed, they need only a tourist visa. We provide room and meals along with two soft drinks or Margaritas daily when the volunteer is socializing with clients. We also try to arrange at least one backpacking or horse packing trip for each volunteer; in some cases, qualified volunteers may be trained to guide longer packing trips. Guides frequently receive generous tips from clients who feel they have received good service.

            Depending on time of year, there may be periods of high movement or slow times with little actual work. During slow times, volunteers may be asked to join with our staff in whatever chores need done at the time or they may be invited on exploratory or learning treks.

            The main qualifications are a good attitude combined with an outgoing personality and enjoyment of being with people and teaching them about our region. At least a limited familiarity with Spanish is required but virtually everyone improves dramatically during his or her stay. We could care less how old you are or whether you are male or female. Outdoors interests such as horse riding, hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, birding, etc. are pluses.

            We generally accept only one volunteer at a time, except in the case of couples. To assist in scheduling, we prefer arrangements as far in advance as possible. At the time of acceptance, we request a $100 U.S. deposit, this deposit is only to ensure a commitment, it will be returned to the volunteer the first month they are at the hotel.

            Prohibited activities are use of illegal drugs, drunkenness, and any conduct which could reflect adversely on the operation or could place staff, horses, or guests in danger. Volunteers are expected to take meals at the same time as staff or guests and to dress neatly and conservatively when working.

            For the right type of person, our program is a tremendous opportunity. Please contact us if you are interested.

Bonnie - from Canada

I initially heard stories about the Copper Canyon in the early nineties and had been interested in hiking there and of course, the spectacular train ride. Finally in 2005, I was fortunate to visit some different areas of the canyon with a group of 8 friends. We thoroughly enjoyed all the areas we visited and the last place we stayed was the Paraiso del Oso. This was where I first learned about the Volunteer Program. It seemed like just the experience I was looking for. I had been studying Spanish but had not really had an opportunity to put it to use in Canada.

After receiving permission from Diego to become a volunteer, I arrived at the hotel at the end of March and stayed until the end of May. Before leaving Canada, I prepared myself by reading from the extensive website. I was able to learn about the history, geography and flora and fauna of the area, so that by the time I arrived I had some background information to build on. I was fortunate to have some overlapping time with two other volunteers (Jacqueline and Gunner), who had a wealth of information to share. The time just flew by. I met people from several different countries, all ages, all abilities and all with a wealth of their own knowledge that they were willing to share.

The hotel is situated in a very quiet rural setting rich in history, unique cultural heritage and natural beauty, all which can be experienced on the myriad of hiking trails or by vehicle. By sharing information whether bird watching, identifying trees and plants, visiting some of the many caves that were previously inhabited by the indigenous Tarahumara people or just relaxing; a special connection is made which considerably enhances the volunteer experience and also enriches the stay for the guests as well. Despite the language barrier all the staff at the hotel are kind and friendly and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Diego’s involvement in projects to improve conditions in this small area allows volunteers and guests a special insight into the community. It was a privilege and a pleasure to share this connection with everyone I met.

Gunnar & Jacqueline from Germany

After 10 months traveling through North America we found the lovely Hotel Paraiso del Oso a nice spot to stop for a while.

In the Internet we were actually looking for some information about paddling the Rio Urique in the Copper Canyon, found the website of the hotel and read about the Volunteer Program. Spontaneously we sent an e-mail to the owner Diego and asked about the availability for the time of February to April. We thought this might be a good opportunity to learn some more Spanish before we go further south into Mexico, and we wanted to get to know the Copper Canyon Region and its indigenous people more specifically.

During our stay we learned about this area in more detail, did hiking trips from 1 hour to 3 days, horseback trips, visited remote Indian schools and learned a lot about the human and natural history, about the flora and fauna, about the Tarahumara Indians that live throughout the Copper Canyon area, got to know some of their families and learned about their way of living and their culture.

Best of all was, that we were able give this knowledge to the guests that stayed here in the Hotel Oso. We enjoyed being with them and teaching them about the area. Going on hiking trails or on horseback rides with the guests was always a special experience and always different. We met a lot of interesting people and collected lots of contacts and information for our way further South into Mexico, Central and South America. With some of them we are still in contact today.

Even if we spoke English to most of the guests, our Spanish improved during our stay here, since virtually nobody at the hotel, except Diego, speaks English.

The most memorable experience for us was the three day hike down into the Urique Canyon to Guadalupe Coronado during the Semana Santa, the Holy Easter week in Mexico.

In Guadalupe we attended one of the most primitive Easter Ceremonies of the Tarahumara Indians in the entire Copper Canyon Area. This was a special treat for us to be here and we cannot thank Diego enough taking us to this special event.

All in one we say that our time here at the Oso was one of the best experiences ever. We were welcomed by the warm hearted staff and enjoyed our time here at this wonderful place. By the end we felt like leaving a family.

Gunnar & Jacqueline
www.vanagold.com

Mira - from Switzerland

On being here: I volunteered already the second time in the Paraiso de Oso. Besides enjoying to meet a lot of interesting people from different parts of the world, I love to be outdoors (hiking, horseback riding, ATV-Tours) and to share my knowledge about the region. The knowledge I gained during my first stay here and a lot of guests are scientists which add even more to it. The traditional and simple life of the Tarahumara seems almost to offer healing and I appreciate Doug's social engagement for the community. Working together with Mexicans questions a lot of our habits in Switzerland – so the time in the Paraiso de Oso is an experience for lifetime. And I hope to be here again next year!

I learned some Spanish before I came to the Oso. I think it would be hard to be there without any Spanish knowledge. So I am happy that I could improve my language skills and have chats with the staff.

During my first stay there were different Highlights. I had two times the option to join traditional Tarahumara fiestas. To be with them at a special day, to listen to their songs and prayers, see their dances and faith, to feel their unity - and all besides a huge campfire with different pots in for the later meal was very moving. Further I loved the three-day-trip to Urique (once walking, once riding). With this especially the overnight stays at Doña Nate and Meleton's houses. For me traveling is about meeting people and learning about other customs.

On the best experiences this time: This time it was the Pizza-Party for the Tarahumara girls, visiting the teachers of the public school in their private house (which is very poor), seeing Felipe, a paralyzed man, smile about a little kiss I gave him on his forehead and again: walking down to Urique and staying at Meleton's house, while he had a "thank you Party" for the guys which helped him with his harvest.

On the differences between Mexico & Switzerland: Mexicans in this area are much more easy going in a lot of things, more emotional and seem to be much more in a good mood. I could write a book about the differences and the reasons for it! So, let me see... We think in a longer time frame (sometimes of 30 years), we plan before we do something already the next step and think a lot about consequences, while the Mexicans in Cerocahui seem to do one thing after the other. They handle life in a complete different way and are masters of improvisation. They are more open to foreigners. The Indians are more shy, a tourist has to make the first step. Copper Canyon is volcanic while the Alps are formed by earthquakes and glaciers. This gives a different shape of Scenery. Everything is different - the flora, the fauna, the mentality, the lifestyle, the political system, the religious beliefs. There is no way to compare these two regions - besides that the human feelings and basics of life are the same all of the world: to hope, to love, to hate, grief, broken hearts, jealousy, pain, suffering, give birth, to die ...

German volunteers Julia and Manuel take a break during a return hike from Cerro Gallegos. Depending on abilities and desires, volunteers can participate in many different activities, some more adventurous than others.