Destination: Amecameca

We have been assigned to the Amecameca affiliate in the state of México in the center of the country. Amecameca is nestled at the base of the Popocatépetl and Ixtacíhuatl volcanoes 35 miles southeast of Mexico City. The city, which boasts a rich history dating to the 13th century, is currently home to over 45,000 people.

An interesting recent development is an ecotourism program that has developed hiking trails and an interpretive center at the base of the volcanos. Read about the the “senderos interpretativos” (educative nature paths) in this article at Planeta.com.

Construction of Habitat houses in the affiliate

The average Habitat for Humanity house in Mexico is 49 square meters (527 square feet) which includes a living/dining room area, kitchen, 2 to 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. An alternative "progressive" Habitat for Humanity design is a house of 36 square meters (388 square feet) which includes kitchen/dining area, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom.

The houses are made out of brick or cinder blocks with concrete floors, concrete or pre-fabricated roofs, swinging doors, windows, and bathrooms. Depending on local conditions, the houses either have a dry bathroom, a septic tank or are connected to municipal drainage systems. 

The average cost of the houses constructed is $6,500 USD.

Habitat for Humanity Mexico is also engaged in home improvement programs such as adding doors, window, walls, bathrooms and making other repairs that help people who own house but can’t afford to make it a decent please to live.

Daily Itinerary