Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Project Amigo?

The headquarters of Project Amigo is located in the small (pop. 1,200) village of Cofradia de Suchitlán. Cofradia is located about 20 km (12 mi) north of the city of Colima (the capital of the state of Colima) on the west coast of Mexico. Volunteers will be housed at the Project Amigo guest quarters in Cofradia. The facilities where you will be working are located in Colima, Cofradia, and surrounding rural villages. See Maps.

How Do I get to Colima and Project Amigo?

You (or your group) will make your own air travel arrangements into and out of Guadalajara (GDL) or Manzanillo (ZLO) or Colima (CLQ). Project Amigo will provide ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as transportation for all group activities while in Colima.

Who's in charge?

Project Amigo staff in Mexico consists of founders and directors Ted Rose and Susan Hill; Jorge Torres, Director of Children’s Services; Administrative Assistant Anilú Mendoza; Tom Brown and Francy Rubin, our volunteer innkeepers; and our AmigoBus driver, Diego Martinez. Project Amigo staff.

What is the weather like?

Temperatures during the day range from the low 70s through the mid 80s in the winter, which is the dry season. It is somewhat warmer in Colima, and is cooler at the higher elevation of Cofradia. Evenings in Cofradia are cool and comfortable. The rainy season is from June to October.

Can I eat the food, drink the water?

Most meals will be provided by Project Amigo - do not hesitate to eat and drink anything you want at these restaurants or homes. Safe drinking water and snacks are also available at all work sites. However, you should not drink tap water anywhere. And should you venture out on your own, avoid water, ice, dairy products and fresh vegetables everywhere but in first-class restaurants.

The kitchen at the Hacienda was recently remodeled to maximize cleanliness and good hygiene. All fruits and vegetables are sterilized before they are placed in the refrigerators. All food handlers have taken a 6-week course on proper food preparation and storeage given by PHN Kathleen Zamboni.

Will my electrical appliances work in Mexico?

Yes. Mexico uses the same current and outlets as the US, so you can bring your hair dryer and electric shaver.

Are there laundry services available?

Yes, good laundry service is usually available from your housekeeper.

Is the volcano dangerous?

The Colima Volcano is an awesome presence looming over Cofradia and Colima. The volcano is active, but you will not be in any danger. Neither Colima nor Cofradia is located in the danger zone for lava flows. During the day you can usually see smoke rising from the top, and at night from Cofradia or surrounding areas you may see glowing red lava streaming down the sides. International scientists are constantly monitoring the volcano. For more information on the Colima Volcano, see the links to other websites below.

Going through Customs


Coming into Mexico

At the airport or on the airplane you will be given two forms to fill out: a customs form and a visa application. At the airport in Mexico you will go through a two-stage process. First is immigration (Migración) where you will show your passport and visa application and receive permission to enter the country. Then, after you have picked up your luggage you will go through customs (Aduana). You hand your customs form to an official who will direct you to push a button. If you get the green light you can proceed through the exit door. If you get the randomized red light, your luggage will be inspected. You should have no more than $300 usd of new merchandise per traveler.

Returning to the US

You are allowed to bring back, duty-free, $400 US worth of items you purchased in Mexico for your personal use. You can include 1 liter of liquor in this $800 exemption. Before re-entering the US you will fill out a U.S. customs form listing purchases and their value. Some items such as fresh fruit and vegetables, some archeological artifacts, items made from endangered species, etc. are prohibited or restricted. Check with US customs if you have any questions about specific items.

What Will I or my Group Be Doing?

The Work

Your work will vary depending on the theme of the work week. Literacy work week participants will prepare books and mini-libraries for delivery to rural schools, and will enjoy the opportunity to share the joy of reading with young children in rural primary schools. The December work week may include some literacy projects, but most of your time will be spent preparing and wrapping the children’s gifts, distributing them, and preparing for their annual Fiesta. Work weeks include opportunities to interact with our higher education scholarship students, and visits to their homes.

Our Social Events

Work weeks usually begin with an informal pot-luck reception with the Colima Rotary Club, or a traditional country fiesta hosted by the Pihuamo or Coquimatlan Rotary Club. Other social activities include a home visit with a Rotary family, a meeting of the Colima Rotary Club, and a day at the beach. At the end of the week there is an opportunity to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in Tlaquepaque, the arts and crafts center of Guadalajara (for those departing in the afternoon from Guadalajara only).

Cultural Activities

In addition to work and recreation, we offer a variety of educational and cultural events: visits to local museums and archeological sites, Spanish language lessons, Mexican cooking classes, and speakers on Mexican culture, history, or ecology.

What to Bring?

Documentation

You MUST have a valid passport.

Important Note: In addition to his or her passport, A MINOR TRAVELING WITHOUT BOTH BIRTH PARENTS WILL NEED TO BRING A NOTARIZED LETTER OF PERMISSION FROM EACH ABSENT BIRTH PARENT, or a certified copy of the death certificate of a deceased parent.

Clothing

Bring light cotton clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for working and walking. Jeans are OK for both sexes. Women may want to bring a casual dress or slacks or skirt for evening social events, Rotary meetings, or church; men, casual slacks and shirt for these same events. Sweaters or light jackets make the cool evenings more comfortable. Shorts are inappropriate at work sites or around the village of Cofradia. They are acceptable at the beach on our beach day, but not in the village (take them with you to change into upon arrival at the beach). Beach-type sandals are only appropriate at the beach.

Project Amigo is proud of the confidence, respect and trust the local people have placed in us. We are guests in Mexico, and it is important to remember that your actions and activities reflect on the Project and on your country. While you may see a few local people wearing provocative clothing, it is not becoming on our visitors and will cause stares and gossip. Likewise, body tattooing and facial piercing have not arrived in the villages in which we work. We ask for your cooperation by dressing conservatively. Ten minutes of poor behavior can undo ten years of goodwill and effort.