Thanks for your interest in joining Volunteer Build in Mexico to build another home for a family in need in the southern colonias of Tijuana. In just 3 days a family will have new home, painted inside and out, and fitted out with a basic furniture fitout. Team members have the option to add on a few days in Cabo after the build. Remember no building experience required as our Mexican building foreman will teach you how to build!
MX2025
Saturday 27th September 2025
From NZD $1,600
NZD $1,000
NZD $2,000
NZD $4,600
Fly Saturday 27th September 2025 from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A Volunteer Build team member will meet you there before we drive south to cross the border into Mexico. You will have Sunday to relax and explore Rosarito. Building starts on Monday in the southern colonias of Tijuana. On Wednesday afternoon, the house keys will be handed over at a dedication ceremony. Thursday, we spend the day doing other community outreach activities, before crossing the border back to LAX. The trip officially finishes on the morning of Friday 3rd of October, although you have the option to join some team members (own cost) flying to Cabo San Lucas from Tijuana Airport for some R & R or to volunteer with YWAM Cabo. Alternatively, stay on in Mexico or the USA and enjoy a relaxing few days at your own cost and arrangements.
Airfares
On this trip, attendees are responsible for arranging their airfare from Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX), Tijuana (TIJ) to Cabo San Lucas (SJD) and back to AKL. You can arrive earlier or stay longer than the official trip dates at your cost. The budget amount for airfare is shown as a guide. Once you have registered for the trip, we will supply the TIJ to SJD airline and flight time.
Accommodation
6 nights’ accommodation in Share Twin rooms in Apartments and Hotel Rooms. Accommodation has a swimming pool.
Catering
Trip cost includes 6 breakfasts and 3 lunches. Drinking water and fruit on building days are provided. There are supermarkets close by to our accommodation for self-catering of other meals in your apartment kitchen or join other team members for dinners at local taco stands and restaurants.
Transport
Hired vans.
Building Contribution
NZ$1,000 per person to fund the building materials.
Vaccinations
You will need to consult your doctor, however common vaccinations needed include Tetanus, Diphtheria, MMR, Hepatitis A & flu vax, chicken pox (unless you have had it). Remember it’s not just you who needs protection – it’s the Mexican families you interact with as well..
Visas
Entrance to the US for NZ passport holders is on the visa waiver program although prior to departure you will need to apply online for an ESTA (electronic authorization to travel to the US costing approx. US$14). We will stop at the US/Mexican border for you to obtain your Mexican tourist visa (US$30 cash). You will need 6 months validity on your passport after you leave.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and must include coverage for building and medical evacuation costs. Volunteer Build offers a policy through Covermore, and a personalized quote will be supplied after you sign up for the trip.
Trip Guardians
If you are under 18 years old, you will need to travel with a trip guardian who is 18 years or older. Signed parental consent documentation will be required to travel.
Trip Costs Exclude
All airfares
Vaccinations
Travel insurance premium
Mexican and USA Tourist visas
All meals not specified (budget guide if eating out for lunches approx. $20; dinner approx. $30).
Personal drinks and snacks.
Personal spending money
Optional excursions – e.g. sailing in Cabo.
| Population | 127 Million |
| Border Countries | USA, Guatemala, Belize |
| Capital City | Mexico City |
| Currency | Mexicon Peso |
| Language | Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish and Indigenous languages 5.7%, Indigenous Only 0.8%, Unspecified 0.8% |
| Religion | Roman Catholic 82.7%, Pentecostal 1.6%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, Evangelical 5%, Other 1.9%, None 4.7%, Unspecified 2.7% (2010) |
| Type of Government | Federal Presidential Republic |
| % living in poverty | Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines: (% population) 53.2%. Population living on less than $10 per day: 73.2% |
| Life Expectancy | 77 years |
| Infectious Diseases | Food or water born disease: Bacterial Diarrhea and Hepatitis A, Dengue Fever, Zika Risk |
| Top Killers | Diabetes, Heart Disease |
| Literacy | Adult literacy rate (% ages 15 and older) 94.4% |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, Silver, Copper, Gold, Lead, Zinc, Natural Gas, Timber |
| Agriculture | Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Rice, Beans, Cotton, Coffee, Fruit, Tomatoes, Beef, Poultry, Dairy Products, Wood Products. |
| Industry | Food & beverages, Tobacco, Chemicals, Iron, Steel, Petroleum, Mining, Textiles, Clothing, Vehicles, Consumer Durables and Tourism |