Sembrando Agua: An Agroforestry + Permaculture Design Course

Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico

AH
Amanda Harris
  • Email address verified
2 reviews
Aug 16 - 17, 2024
Group size: 20 - 45
Sembrando Agua: An Agroforestry + Permaculture Design Course
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico

Amanda Harris
  • Email address verified
2 reviews

Aug 16 - 17, 2024
Group size: 20 - 45

About this trip

Permaculture Designer, Amanda Harris, and renowned Sintropic Agriculture teacher, Namaste Messerschmidt, are hosting their second annual four day Agroforestry and Permaculture course at Playa Viva from July 31, 2024 - August 4, 2024.


We will blend permaculture principles with sintropic agroforestry theory and techniques to discuss, understand and install a 1/4 hectare food forest in the Juluchuca Watershed. We will work with Don Gabriel, a local regenerative farmer in our community, as well as with the local Women's Cooperative, to design an agroforestry system that meets their specific production needs. 


You will learn techniques and practices to take home to any climate around the world, focusing on designing based on natural patterns and the regenerative management of food production at every strata layer. We will analyze our one year old agroforestry plantings from last years course; get our hands dirty harvesting, and sharpen our scissors to actively learn how and when to prune various species; as well as look at how we move from small-scale plantings to resilient regional and global food systems. 


To regenerate the land and our communities, we must first take care of ourselves; and a course at Playa Viva would not be complete without daily yoga practices on giant platforms with ocean views, and delicious homemade meals from organic, farm-fresh ingredients throughout the day. Come get your hands dirty in the field with us! 


We invite you to join us for this dynamic experience on July 31 - August 4, 2024; which will be taught in both English and Spanish. Every spot reserved and purchased by our Playa Viva community will open a spot for a local agriculturist to participate, as well! 

What’s included

  • Yoga
    Guided yoga classes during the course.
  • Meals
    Farm-fresh and locally focused meals provided, all day long!
  • Sea Turtles
    If mother nature sees fit, there are baby sea turtle releases in the morning.
  • Driver from Airport
    We will send a trusted deriver to for transport directly to Playa Viva hotel with a minimum night stay of three nights.
  • Social+Community Impact
    Our work will benefit a local Women's Cooperative directly, and will leave a forest on Don Gabriel's land..
  • Local Scholarship
    Every course space reserved on this platform will translate to an local community member and farmer invited to participate at no cost to them. Thank you!

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    You are responsible for arriving to Zihuatanejo.
  • Accomodations
    Please select your Playa Viva room option when registering for the course!

Available Packages

Course Fee

The Course Fee is collected and distributed to the teachers of the materials and to the support staff directly. In reserving your spot in the course, we also open a spot free of charge to a local community member and farmer; and you will have the opportunity to learn alongside them and others. Thank you for supporting our community work! 

$350

Available options

Shared King Suite
$850

King EcoCasitas will be comfortably shared between two to four individuals. The rooms are spacious, with large private bathrooms and full ocean views. Hard to decide which is nicer: going to bed to the sound of the ocean or waking to birdsong for private sunrises. 

Private Queen Casita
$1,250

Our queen EcoCasitas offer pure luxury tucked between the ocean and the mountains. These suites offer absolute privacy, have unique indoor/outdoor bathrooms - and are limited! We won't blame you if you book an extra night. 

Camping on the Farm
$500

Our farm is home to us. You can set a tent up in several different flat, private spots. A compost toilet and hand washing station are for basic camping needs, and a friendly farm pup for company. We will offer a ride to/from the farm and hotel twice/day; or you can use the short nature trail to move between the two spaces. 

Find My Own
$400

You are welcome to find your own accommodations in Zihuatanejo or close by. All other costs associated with your stay at the Playa Viva Hotel, including meals, yoga, use of the facilities, etc, total to $400. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday July 31
Arrivals and Opening Circle

Arrive early! Spend the full day at the Playa Viva hotel and settle into your home for the weekend. We will begin the course around 4pm with an opening circle and an opportunity to meet members of the Playa Viva Permaculture Team, as well as the community members with whom we are collaborating for the course. 

Your Organizer


AH
Amanda Harris
2 reviews
Amanda Harris is a permaculture designer and educator living in Guerrero, Mexico with more than a decade of experience working in rural agrarian communities. Her commitment to the land and the people who work it is rooted in the understanding that holistic design and edible landscapes adapted for specific and local conditions are key to feeding some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Today her focus is on researching, developing and promoting regenerative solutions that empower people to solve their own problems.

Reviews

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an agroforestry and permaculture course that was nothing short of transformative. The experience/course was hands-on from the start, involving us in the processes, from determining where to plant to understanding the reasons behind each choice. It wasn’t just about planting seeds; it was about planting intentions and nurturing a different kind of relationship with the earth. Staying at Playa Viva, a sustainable luxury hotel, added another layer to the experience. We enjoyed seasonal local food that was as nourishing as it was delicious. We ended our days with yoga and even had time to simply play in the waves—a reminder that joy and play are integral parts of a balanced life. Amanda, our host, was exceptional. She made everyone feel like a vital part of the whole experience, weaving together all the elements of the course seamlessly. Namaste, Maria and Elaine, our instructors, were knowledgeable, passionate, and brought a sense of fun to the learning process that made everything feel both light and profound. In sum, this course was more than just an educational experience—it was a deep dive into a way of life that honors the earth, the community, and our own well-being. I left feeling more connected, inspired, and with a renewed sense of purpose. Gracias 🙏🏼
By Lauren E for Sembrando Agua: An Agroforestry + Permaculture Design Course on Aug 13, 2024
AH
Out of this world impactful! It was so nice to meet people from around the world; to learn with Namaste and Amanda, and her team; and to apply the skills in a practical way after theoretical workshops. All around outstanding work by the whole team. Thank you to everyone who participated.
By Amanda H for Regenerative Agriculture Course Playa Viva on Aug 11, 2023