The ultimate percussionists’ film, “The Miracle of Candeal” (El Milagro de Candeal) is a colourful, good-humoured trip filled with foot-stomping rhythm and astonishing people. It was filmed in the unique Brazilian favela (shantytown) of Candeal, where the young residents gave up their guns for musical instruments under the influence of musician Carlinhos Brown. Spanish helmer Fernando Trueba (”Belle Epoque”) captures the community’s uplifting spirit in an entertaining concert-film format that will have your feet tapping.
Trueba structures the film around masterful 85-year-old Cuban-born pianist Bebo Valdes, who after spending 43 years in exile in Sweden, makes his first trip to Salvador da Bahia, called “the most African city outside Africa.” He stumbles onto musician Mateus leading a church choir, and Mateus takes him to Candeal and introduces him to Brown.
Brown shows Valdes improvements that have been made to the slum, which used to be without water, plumbing or electricity. Residents construct and gaily paint a central square by themselves, showing how the community has organized itself.
Today, there are schools of music and a state-of-the-art recording studio used by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. There is a Bob Marley Street and impressive percussion bands composed of young kids and teenagers. Amazingly, the violence endemic in the favelas is practically nil.
Veloso, Gil and Marisa Montes each contribute a musical cameo to the film. But the real excitement comes from listening to the local talent like the Camarote Andante Band and Hip Hop Roots, with whom Valdes delightfully plays. Brown, who performs several complete numbers, is shown teaching small kids to play percussion on bottles and cans. Trueba finds a built-in climax in the exciting rhythm of Carnival.
Mexico’s famous commemoration of the dead – el día de los muertos – is both a joyous and touching celebration. In Oaxaca, the people remember their ancestors by decorating the cemeteries, praying, singing, eating and drinking there through the night.
Chichén Itzá is amongst the greatest surviving monuments of the Mayan civilisation. During the spring equinox, thousands gather to witness a phenomenon of light and shadow: the ‘plumed serpent’ of light descending the steps of El Castillo pyramid.
This project exists to enhance local skills and job opportunities by providing training to members of the local community. The training enables local people to gain employment as guides, hoteliers, restaurateurs, etc. The project seeks volunteers to help provide English classes, computer training and first aid courses. This project provides a great opportunity for volunteers to improve their Spanish and experience rural life.
This project is looking for volunteers to assist locals in building one of the world’s best ecological treks. It will pass by several waterfalls, one of them being 3 times as high as the Eiffel Tower. Each volunteer has the option of being assigned a team of local Andean Natives who will do the heavy work of excavating and constructing the path, or lighter duties such as planting indigenous flora, teaching English in local schools, or other community support. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to assist and support the local community in becoming the caretakers and sole benefactors of this natural wonder. 
This resort is dedicated to surf tours and general beach activities. It is looking for a motivated individual for the general management position. You need to manage employees, coordinate and supervise employee schedules, food preparation, room cleaning, airport transfers, activities, and solve all problems related to the general operation of the business. The ideal candidate is someone with experience in the travel industry organizing activities, and maintaining quality control over the restaurant, bar, rooms, activities, etc. The resort is located on the beach and is a very fun work environment. If you know how to surf, it is a very good surfing area. Other positions available: surf guiding; surf school instructors; receptionist; bartender; hotel administrator.
This sea turtle monitoring project is looking for field-work oriented volunteers. Applicants will be responsible for collecting biological information in the field. Upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands, volunteers will attend a full week of theoretical training and one week of on-site training on the assigned study site. Volunteers’ can choose from different arrival and departure dates with the first group participating from 30 November 2009 to 6 February 2010 and the last group from 3 May to 10 June 2010.
This project offers one week working trips to help disadvantaged Peruvian families and children. Volunteers provide hope and vital services to some of the most impoverished communities in Peru. 
This project is looking for someone to work with its local nature enthusiast and bird watcher to start a postcard business. Postcard sales would supplement a local families income, support community development, and share the beauty of the cloud forest with worldwide travellers. The volunteer would determine the best photograph and printing format for cloud forest conditions, and come up with realistic solutions to different challenges. Dark room experience/knowledge might be useful. Own camera required.
This project empowers Mayan people and their communities without compromising ongoing traditions of the indigenous culture. It empowers people, primarily women, children and the elderly, through education and community services. Volunteers can participate in a range of activities including: helping deliver and install water filters, fuel efficient oil stoves to remote villages; the construction and repair of schools and houses; caring for animals; office, computer and translation work, etc, Female volunteers can also work in one of the pre-schools.