Quetzaltrekkers is an independent non-governmental non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, without anybody owning it or pulling the strings. Therefore it relies completely on the constant flow of new volunteers. The good thing about this is that with every new volunteer new ideas arrive.

Over the past years people from all around the world have come to León to help us promote social change - step by step. Read on for a few of their stories:

Amanda: "... When we got to that point on Telica where you can see the smoking crater and look back along the line of volcanoes I was completely blown away. How could I not do this for the next three months?!...

Harry: "... So I was hooked from then on. I mean, when else can you live in a colonial city such as León and get to hike active volcanoes with astonishing regularity?"...

Florian: "... It feels great to do a job you like and at the same time help kids to attend a program that keeps them from hanging around on the streets..."

Become our friend at Facebook to meet more people who volunteered at Quetzaltrekkers!

We are almost always looking for people to come and support our team! Our project offers several positions to volunteer with. You will be guiding all of the different hikes we offer. They are between one and three days and take you to the volcanoes around León. The proceeds of these hikes form the main source of funding for our programs. For volunteers there is a minimum of three months commitment required. You pay a $50 deposit, which you get back after working with us. We look for volunteers that enjoy hiking, being in nature and working as a team member, take on projects on their own initiative. Strong experience is not necessary to work with us. We welcome the skills you bring and help train you in the ones you lack.

Requirements for being a volunteer at Quetzaltrekkers:

• Be in good physical condition
• Have hiking experience
• Be a sociable person
• Speak English
• Have or learn some Spanish
• Have a valid first aid certification - or study and pass our first aid test
• Guiding availability for at least 1 hike a week

As a guide you receive all expenses and food on the hikes, experience in guiding, experience in cooperatively running a volunteer organization, and most importantly the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children here in León and the surrounding area.

Well, first and foremost you hike volcanoes, which is always a fantastic thing to do. Being out in the open, showing people these impressive volcanoes and providing the experience of a lifetime for clients. You handle all preparations such as buying and preparing food, checking and repairing the gear and preparing the water. Then comes the actual hike, guiding people up to some of the most beautiful views you will ever see, interacting with the locals and ensuring an enjoyable, safe, and exciting trip. Upon return everyone works together to air out the tents and clean dishes and water bottles. Depending on the time of year and number of volunteers you can expect to do between 1 and 3 hikes per week.

Another thing you are responsible for is promotion. This is an integral part of your work because: no promotions=no clients=no Quetzaltrekkers. Doing promotions consists of distributing flyers and talking to tourists you meet on your assigned promotion shifts. Apart from this we have a trivia night (pub quiz) and a raffle night in which you will also be expected to participate.

The third part of your work will consist of office duty. This means that usually about two mornings or afternoons per week you will work in the office talking to the people who have heard about us and are interested in hiking or simply about the work we do. Here you will give them detailed descriptions of our upcoming hikes, where their donation ends up, and finally sign them up, prepare them for the hike and collect their money.

Finally we have some special tasks which specific volunteers do such as: taking care of first aid kits and refresher training, handling the bodega where we keep our equipment , updating the website and computer and managing promotions and marketing strategy. Expect to spend roughly four hours a week completing your assigned task.

Life in Nicaragua is cheap compared to other countries in Central America. The estimated costs of living as of October 2009 are:

• 80-100 US$ per month for rent (1,600-2,000 Cordobas)
• 100 US$ per month for food (2,000 Cordobas)

• Beer: US$ 1 (20 Cord.)
• Cuba Libre: US$ 1.75 (35 Cord.)
• Night Club Entrance: US$ 2.50 (50 Cord.)

These expenses will vary depending on your own preferences, your standard of living and current exchange rates of the Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO). Quetzaltrekkers is one of very few volunteer organizations which do not charge money for volunteer opportunities. Additionally, while being on hikes you won't have to pay for your own expenses. You can either rent a cheap room in the Quetzaltrekkers house or check out the many other housing options in León, eg. living with a local family or sharing an appartment with another volunteer.

If you would like to join our team, please fill out the below application form and send it to leon@quetzaltrekkers.com or simply call the office (+505 2311 6695).