Family home and garden - rural, Eco Lodge/Wilderness Adventures, Fruit tree nursery, Mixed Farm

Los Ríos

19 reviews • Updated 15 days ago

Our project is projected as a Rural Park and Cider House from heritage Apple orcharde of 120 years old. just 15 minutes north of the city of Valdivia. The objective is to integrate and experiment with sustainable technologies that can be applied by the local community. It will be a place open to visitors with the possibility of learning about new technologies with easy access. Water purification with artificial wetlands, dry baths, green roofs, construction with straw and mud, edible forests, organic garden, etc. In addition, we want to offer cultural activities such as cinema, theater, music, talks, classes, gastronomy and health, with the collaboration of different professionals and incorporating the community into everything. Finally, we want to develop work spaces certified by the Ministry of Health where local producers can develop productive activities and have a showcase to sell their products to visitors. In fair trade and innovation. For this we are developing a rural cafeteria with space for public attention, but also community activities, events and sale of local products. Finally, we want that when the project is consolidated, it will also be transformed into a point of services such as post office, access to Internet, rural ecological recycling, space for local fairs and barter, and support for the use of water activities through the Cayumapu river and bicycles for An inner route. www.quintamichay.cl Organic methods: We have implemented composting, recycling, rainwater harvesting design and organic garden. We do not use any type of pesticide. In addition, in terms of thermal efficiency, we have reconditioned an old abandoned house with sustainable technologies such as straw and mud walls, green roof and double glazing. In addition, a greenhouse next to the house, perimeter terraces for temperature control and 14 roof windows to capture the most light. Many coatings in the house are recycled from other buildings and materials such as mud and straw are brought from nearby. Finally we are incorporating numerous native plants, both trees and shrubs and fruit trees, some in danger of extinction and many with meliferous and edible value. Certifications: Becouse we already starting Current projects: Some project we want to develop: a) Completion of the green roof of the house, b) finish design stage begin to implement the edible forest, c) finish the straw and mud plasters of the house, d) finish greenhouse and implement it with seasonal crops, e) improve animal locks, f) build woodshed and protective awnings, g) maintain organic garden, crops and landscaping areas, h) build a thermal mass stove in the living room. Internet access available

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Fruit or nut farming

Flower farming

Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas

Beer, cider, wine, or juice making

Green Building

Food justice / sovereignty

Methods or systems

Holistic management

Permaculture

Regenerative agriculture

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

Certified organic

Former WWOOFer

1.2 Hectares | 3 Acres

Accommodation

2 WWOOFers

Bedroom

Campsite

Children accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Length of stay

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Carlos

Member since 2019

Languages spoken: English, Spanish Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 3 days

December 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Los Ríos

Aeropuerto Pichoy, Valdivia

Reviews

Jessie

United States • July 2025

I had an amazing time at Quinta Michay. It was my first time WWOOFing, and it was a really great introduction. I felt totally comfortable with Carlos and his friends and family, he encouraged me to relax and take breaks during my work days as well as offering advice for places to visit on my weekends. We had plenty of really interesting discussions that I won’t forget. It was a great cultural exchange. The time went by so fast, I wish I could have stayed longer! Truly a wonderful place with wonderful people :)

Reply from Carlos

Muchas gracias Jessie, tendrás que regresar para ver en que se transformó tu enorme trabajo. Será un bello humedal qué alimentará nuestra laguna de riego. Abrazo y que tengas hermoso viaje por el sur de Chile.

Blythe

United States • June 2025

We stayed with Carlos and his family for one week. We had a very lovely and fulfilling experience working on his farm. Carlos immediately made us feel welcome and was attentive to our needs throughout the entirety of our stay. We loved chatting with Carlos and his daughter over meals and learning so much about Chile. The house and bedroom space was clean and always warm. The food was always delicious, and we especially loved the homemade bread. We wish we had spent more time with Carlos and his family. Their house and farm are beautiful and it was very special to feel like we could contribute to their project. We would definitely recommend Carlos and his farm to anyone.

Reply from Carlos

It was a pleasure having you in our home. Genesis and I enjoyed the short time you were here. I felt very comfortable with you, and the recycled wood fences you made look beautiful. Now another volunteer has added lots of plants, and the initial project is nearing completion. It will be a beautiful memento of your time in our home. Thank you so much for your kindness. Best, Carlos

Lucas

Brazil • June 2025

One of the most meaningful WWOOFing experiences we’ve ever had. Carlos is more than a host — he’s a teacher, a builder of dreams, and one of the most generous people we've met on our travels. From the start, he made it clear: this isn’t a place to “relax,” but to engage. And he means it — you’ll be invited into real, intentional work. We helped build garden beds, clean cider barrels, write for a book project, bake bread, and even mediate a dog fight (yes, really). Every task has purpose, and Carlos gives you the space to approach it with creativity and ownership. But what really sets this experience apart is the vision behind it. Quinta Michay isn’t a finished project — it’s a living experiment in sustainability, community, and curiosity. Carlos shares his knowledge freely (from architecture to fermentation to rainwater systems), and he’s constantly learning from others too. He leads with humility, listens deeply, and makes you feel like part of something bigger. If you're looking for a place to learn, to contribute meaningfully, and to be inspired by what’s possible when someone builds their life around purpose — this is it. Gracias, Carlos. Quinta Michay will stay with us for a long time.

Reply from Carlos

Wow chicos, que bellas palabras y que alegría saber que el corto tiempo aquí fue una huella en su camino por el mundo. Para mi fue una gran experiencia que ya he comentado a otros. Génesis los recuerda con cariño y esta primavera tendremos un hermoso huerto que ustedes comenzaron. Les deseo lo mejor de corazón y seguiré trabajando con la AI para mejorar mis ideas y proyectos. Abrazos desde Valdivia.

Sabine

Germany • May 2025

Quinta Michay is an impressing project in a beautiful landscape. I spent two weeks with Carlos, his family, the three chilean terriers and the cat. The house is very cosy and I loved to work in the garden every day. I had to repair the dam of the laguna and secure it from the neighbour’s chicken (spoiler not really succesfully, they know their ways ;-)), harvested quite a bit of topinambur and menta, cut the raspberries and transplanted branches in order to build a new hedge to prevent the chicken from coming in. One time a week I had to cook. Carlos helped me a lot with my Spanish. He is straightforward and uncomplicated to live with and he gave me good tips where to go at the weekend. It was very easy to accommodate quickly. On one occasion I could try the sidra he produces, which was great. Maybe it is good to know, that in this time of the year the Quinta is rather a calm place to stay. In the evenings there was not much to do, Valdivia is about 30 minutes to go by bus.But I personally I enjoyed that very much, reading, going for a short walk, doing yoga. If you like to live this way too, I can only recommend a stay at Quinta Michay.

Reply from Carlos

Gracias por tu energia Sabine, Génesis te amo. Tus tareas fueron perfectas en el momento justo. Cada momento tiene su energia y tu aportaste con lo tuyo. Era lo que necesitábamos y estamos felices con tu tiempo aqui. Vamos aprendiendo juntos y con todas las historias y experiencias que llegan a nuestro hogar nosotros crecemos. Te deseo lo mejor en tu regreso a Alemania y que tu tiempo en Argentina sea bello. Feliz Cumpleaños. Carlos

LEE

Australia • May 2025

I had a fantastic experience working with Carlos on his quaint farm just outside Valdivia. Carlos is warm and energetic and was especially patient with me as my Spanish was elementary (we communicated in English). Over two weeks, I helped in his cidery by checking the levels of the apple juice to ensure it transforms into tasty cider. I also did other odd jobs around the farm, such as dismantling some old sheds. The house and garden - both designed by Carlos - are beautiful and intentional and I felt very comfortable in the house, and enjoyed spending time with his gorgeous daughter Genesis. I wish Carlos all the best with his project and look forward to seeing it grow further.

Reply from Carlos

gracias Lee, debo agregar que fuiste un gran compañero en la cocina. Tu pan era para mi el mejor. Muchas gracias por tu energia y aporte al proyecto. abrazo y mucho éxito en tu viaje por sudamérica. Carlos

Helene

France • May 2025

Helene y yo pasamos 14 días en Quinta Michay con Carlos. Fue nuestra primera experiencia de woofing. Carlos gusta compartir su cultura, sus conocimientos y le interesan los viajeros. Su casa es acogedora y cálida. Hay una cocina muy bien equipada. Con productos de la huerta y de los cultivos comestibles hacíamos compotas e incluso membrillo. La habitación es bonita y la cama es grande y cómoda. La señora Ester viene dos veces por semana a hacer la limpieza. Ella aprovecha cada vez para prepararnos un plato delicioso que nos dure varios días, acompañado de un postre casero. Un verdadero placer. Durante estas dos semanas, comenzamos cuidando el jardín: plantando árboles nativos, manteniendo el techo verde, para luego estudiar y crear nuestro propio huerto comestible. Para la sidrería del lugar, recogimos manzanas, aportamos nutrientes a la levadura, controlamos diariamente la densidad de la sidra y preparamos varios barriles para el nuevo prensado. Carlos y Andrea nos explican y asesoran y luego nos dan mucha confianza en la realización de cada misión. Fueron experiencias muy enriquecedoras. Por la tarde nos encantaba sentarnos en uno de los bancos repartidos por el terreno, picar una manzana y disfrutar de la paz y la tranquilidad del campo. Muchas gracias Carlos y Andrea por abrirnos vuestra puerta, por tomaros el tiempo de hablarnos en español como queríamos y aunque para vosotros el inglés no sea un problema. Gracias a la Señora Ester por estas recetas que no olvidaremos.

Reply from Carlos

Fue maravilloso tenerlos en casa, su proactividad y buena energía fue máxima. Espero que puedan realizar todos sus proyectos en Francia. Por ultimo les cuento que desde ahora un barril se llama Helene, por el gran trabajo que hicieron juntos en la sidreria. Espero que sea una muy buena sidra. Abrazos.