House sitting in Mexico has provided us an affordable, authentic way to explore a country we’ve adored for years. The methods in this guide will let you live there on a budget while diving into its heart – perfect for long-term travelers or anyone looking for more than just a vacation.
Mexico’s vibrant culture, mouthwatering food, and warm people keep pulling us back. Hannah and I had visited Mexico four times before leaving the UK in 2022, including our honeymoon in Cancun in 2011! Since then, we’ve learned a thing or two about stretching travel into something meaningful.
So, if you’re like us, seeking adventure with a practical twist, this is for you. Ready to explore Mexico? Here’s how house sitting and volunteering can make it happen.
Why House Sitting and Volunteering Work in Mexico
House sitting in Mexico eliminates accommodation costs, freeing up your budget for more tacos, tequila, and cultural exploration. Volunteering, on the other hand, includes meals and accommodation. Together, they’re a smart combo for affordable travel in Mexico and a strategy that’s worked wonders for us.
Mexico’s welcoming spirit makes it a natural fit. Homeowners trust sitters with their pets and properties, while locals embrace volunteers with open arms – we’ve felt that warmth every trip. It’s ideal for slow travel, letting you settle in properly.
Digital nomads like us benefit, too. Free stays and work exchanges support remote work without draining your savings. You get to soak up Mexico’s charm, one laid-back day at a time.
Exploring Mexico with Trusted Housesitters and Workaway
Two platforms power this approach: Trusted Housesitters and Workaway. Trusted Housesitters connects you to amazing house sitting listings in Mexico and beyond, with thousands of listings currently accepting applicants globally. For more details, read Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Workaway is the gateway to volunteering in Mexico. Teach English or help on a sustainable farm in exchange for lodging and meals. We’ve used it to dive into local life; see Using Workaway to Travel for our take. Both are gold mines for authentic experiences, friendly exchanges, and enhanced travel.
These two websites alone have been our go-to’s for deeply exploring Mexico and beyond. House sitting gives you a home base; Workaway builds community ties, skills, and friendships.
Getting Started with House Sitting in Mexico
House sitting in Mexico starts with a polished Trusted Housesitters profile. Highlight your pet care skills and travel reliability – homeowners want someone dependable, especially for their furry friends. We’ve secured placements by keeping ours professional yet relatable and friendly.
Flexibility with your dates and precise location can give you an edge with popular placements. Quick replies and open dates have helped us confirm sits beyond the usual tourist spots.
Take our most recent stint in CDMX. We stayed on the outskirts, but it was an easy metro ride into the city center, and we got a real taste of Mexico’s urban life as a bonus. House sitting gives you an anchor and provides a secure base and plenty of home comforts that hotels simply don’t.
Volunteering in Mexico: Work Exchanges Made Simple
I’d recommend sourcing volunteering opportunities in Mexico through Workaway. You might teach English or pitch in on a farm – tasks vary, but the reward is accommodation and usually 3 square meals during scheduled work days. It’s a budget-friendly way to connect with locals and experience true Mexican life.
We have even managed to balance Workaway exchanges with our other regular work commitments. Hosts usually only ask for 3 – 5 hours, 5 days a week, leaving you plenty of time to balance the fun stuff and manage your schedule.
Oddly enough, during our time in Mexico City, our remote work tasks had us organizing the launch of a Mexican restaurant back in our hometown in the UK. Thousands of miles away, we enjoyed the real thing as the party hit full swing! Read all about it here – Short Tails 15.
Use Workaway to find projects that suit you – there are often over 50,000 active placements globally on the site, including masses of opportunities across Mexico. There’s something for every traveler.
Top Mexico Destinations for Volunteering and House Sitting
Mexico’s diverse regions offer prime spots for house sitting and volunteering, blending culture with practicality. Hannah and I have explored and enjoyed all of this – here are our top picks for your next adventure.
- Mexico City (CDMX)
- CDMX offers urban house sitting and volunteer roles like community and family teaching. We loved our two weeks here – Hannah’s dad Gareth even flew out solo to visit, ticking CDMX off his list. It’s a digital nomad hub with reliable WiFi, a fantastic cultural scene, and fun nightlife.
- Oaxaca
- Oaxaca blends cultural house sits with teaching and home help exchanges. Pet sit in a colonial home or volunteer at a mezcal farm – you’ll get hooked on the food and culture here. It’s a feast for the senses.
- Puerto Vallarta
- Puerto Vallarta has beachside pet sits and hostel volunteering. It’s perfect for slow travel in Mexico, right by the sea – just imagine those sunset margaritas overlooking the ocean. We’ve been here twice and loved every second of it.
- Tulum
- Tulum mixes eco-projects with house sits near ancient ruins. Volunteer at a sustainable lodge or walk dogs on the beach. It’s Mexico at its finest – pure escapism and some of the best culture and scenery the country has to offer.
- Cancun
- House sitting in Cancun brings you to a tropical paradise – our honeymoon spot years ago. Pet sit near the beaches or volunteer at a resort community project. It’s a vibrant base for coastal adventures, packed with all the fun things travelers and vacationers love to do.
Tips for Combining Volunteering and House Sitting
Blend house sitting in Mexico with volunteering by planning strategically. Secure a house sit, then line up a volunteer placement nearby – it’s a seamless way to extend your stay. We’ve done it to maximize our time and reduce our expenditure.
Balance your commitments wisely. Pet sitting is usually light; volunteering might take a bit more effort, such as teaching English to a class versus feeding a cat. We’ve juggled both, and they are equally rewarding and offer a more fulfilling and engrossing travel experience.
Use your free time to explore. Markets, ruins, and unbeatable Mexican food await – our Cancun honeymoon sparked a lifelong love for it all.
Is Mexico Safe to Visit for Tourists?
Mexico is generally safe to visit, especially when practicing smart precautions. Hannah and I have traveled there multiple times and always felt secure by sticking to well-traveled areas and trusted platforms. It’s about using the same common sense you’d apply anywhere.
House sitting and volunteering in Mexico adds a layer of safety. You’re staying in someone’s home, often in residential neighborhoods, not isolated spots. We’ve found homeowners to be welcoming and quick to share local safety tips.
Crime gets headlines, but it’s often localized – far from tourist hubs. We’ve enjoyed Mexico’s food, culture, and people without issue, from Cancun to Oaxaca. Research, plan, and trust your instincts – it’s a safe bet for travelers like us.
Conclusion
House sitting in Mexico, paired with volunteering, unlocks an authentic, budget-friendly adventure. We’ve fallen for this country – five visits now and counting – and this approach helps us keep coming back. It’s practical, rewarding, and perfect for travelers looking to extend and enhance their travel experiences.
Start exploring Trusted Housesitters and Workaway today. Mexico’s vibrant soul – from CDMX to Tulum – is calling.
FAQs: Mexico Volunteering and House Sitting Questions Answered
- Can I combine volunteering and house sitting in Mexico?
- Yes, you can combine volunteering and house sitting in Mexico – plan placements close together to maximize your experience and reduce your accommodation costs.
- Is house sitting in Mexico safe?
- Yes, house sitting in Mexico is safe with vetted platforms like Trusted Housesitters.
- What’s volunteering in Mexico like?
- Volunteering in Mexico is rewarding and can enhance your overall travel experience. There are many fantastic placements offering accommodation and meals for a few hours work a day.
- Can digital nomads house sit in Mexico?
- Yes, digital nomads can house sit in Mexico. It gives you a great base to explore from with solid WiFi and home comforts to allow you to relax and delve into work projects on the road.
- How long can I stay house sitting and volunteering in Mexico?
- Most people can house sit and volunteer in Mexico for 90 – 180 days, depending on your passport and citizenship. Always check official government sites before making plans and booking stays in Mexico.
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