The people of Latin America are unique! Both in their way of thinking and their way of life. Every culture has its own peculiarities, but the warmth unites them all.
Four months, three countries, countless experiences: Asude travelled to Latin America with our organization and gained unforgettable and formative experiences. She worked in our hostels in Mexico and Guatemala and helped out in our children's aid project in Colombia. In this report, she talks about her adventures, the special people she met and gives valuable tips for future travelers.
I had already planned my trip with WanderWorldTravel before the pandemic. The anticipation accompanied me for months until I could finally set off. Thanks to the structured preparation lists and the support of my contacts, I was able to prepare well for my trip. The uncertainty about what to expect was mixed with the joy of simply being surprised.
The first few days after my arrival in Costa Rica were incredibly exciting and the many impressions were overwhelming. When we arrived at the airport in San José, my fellow travelers and I were picked up and taken to our hostel, where we spent the first two days together. The next day, we were warmly welcomed by our contact person Lisa, who showed us around San José and showed us the most beautiful corners of the city. The streets were colorful, the people incredibly friendly and the food varied. We had dinner together in a typical Costa Rican restaurant, accompanied by music and a wonderful atmosphere.
After a few days, we traveled on to our respective project locations and got to work. The adventure could begin.
My first hostel was on an idyllic Caribbean island in Mexico. Here I was responsible for entertainment. From bike tours to beaches and beer pong championships to joint cocktail classes. Every day was different and varied. Through the activities and the open nature of the guests, both groups and individual travelers grew together. It was great to see how people from different cultures formed a community. I had the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and make new friends.
In Guatemala, I was in Antigua, a charming colonial town. Here I mostly worked at the hostel bar during the day. As a bartender, I learned how to mix various cocktails. The "Michelada" in particular, an unusual mixture of tomato juice and beer, was very popular among the guests. The bar was a place where all the guests came together and had a great time accompanied by good Spanish music. Both the place and the people I met really enriched me and gave me an unforgettable time.
The last part of my trip took me to Colombia, where I worked in a volunteer project on an island off Cartagena. Here I supported children and young people in their education, helped with homework and various workshops. The working hours varied greatly, as we supervised different projects every day. At the end of the day, we played games or did handicrafts with the children.
One particular highlight was a beach clean-up, where we taught the children about the importance of waste disposal and recycling. For example, bottles were collected and then reused to build a hut. Bottle caps were used for handicrafts. The joy and team spirit with which the children worked together was incredibly inspiring for me.
After work, we often cooked together with the other volunteers, told stories and laughed a lot.
I particularly enjoyed the days when women from other cities gave talks in our "women's class" to explain to the girls more about their bodies and how to deal with feelings. It is often difficult for the girls there to talk about their own feelings and it was only here that I realized how extreme the difference is compared to Germany. Some of the opportunities that are completely normal for us don't exist in Colombia. The Youth Development Project does valuable work to offer the children a future.
Apart from work, I had time to explore new places or spend time with my friends on the beach.
In Colombia, I went on a trip with a friend to the beautiful town of San Gil, where we did the highest bungee jump in South America. The jump is a whole 140 meters deep. The view was breathtaking and the experience unforgettable. Afterwards, we drove to the small village of Barichara, enjoyed the atmosphere and ate at a local restaurant. The perfect end to the day.
In Mexico, my project was on the small island of Holbox. I often went to Punta Cocos beach with some friends. We enjoyed our time there and usually watched the sunset at the end of the day.
In Guatemala, there was a beautiful viewpoint near my hostel, which we often visited with guests from the hostel. The view over Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes was breathtaking, especially at sunset. The city has a special charm and the view overwhelmed me every time.
The people of Latin America are unique! Both in their way of thinking and their way of life. Every culture has its own peculiarities, but the warmth unites them all. Whether it's tacos in Mexico or arepas in Colombia... The food is delicious and you can never get enough. What particularly fascinated me was the attitude of the people, as everyone goes through life very calmly and lives in the moment, whereas in Europe everything is usually very hectic.
The open-minded nature and warmth of the people is unique and definitely rubs off! There are wonderful places to discover and different cultures to get to know. For me, Latin America is a place where you can always discover something new and also learn a lot.
During my trip, I was lucky enough to learn something new every day - be it a word in Spanish, a new skill or a new dish. Of all the countless moments that shaped my trip, climbing the Acatenango volcano in Antigua was one of my highlights. The cold, the effort and the endless journey to the top definitely paid off. The feeling of arriving above the clouds was indescribable and the view breathtaking. The cohesion of the group made this experience unforgettable.
Every place on my trip had its own charm and inspired me in its own way!
The island of Holbox in Mexico is extraordinary and a little paradise with its beaches and small taco stands on every corner.
Antigua in Guatemala is a small town, but so diverse in all its facades that it could be a big city. The architecture is incredible and there is something completely new behind every door.
No matter where you are in Latin America, you will fall in love with the unique places and cultures.
Latin America is a place with unforgettable experiences. The open-minded people, the diverse food and the breathtaking places and cultures. Each country has its own character and yet they all share the same warmth and joie de vivre. Latin America is the perfect place for anyone who wants to push themselves and step out of their comfort zone. I can warmly recommend a trip to Latin America.
My trip has changed me in many ways. Travel is a special form of education that allows you to grow - both from the positive experiences and through the challenges you encounter. My trip has made me more independent, more self-confident and more secure in my decisions. A trip like this requires courage, a sense of responsibility and a willingness to take risks. Over time, I have also been able to adopt people's laid-back attitude and become inspired. The time I spent alone helped me to get to know myself even better.
Enjoy every moment! The many impressions can seem overwhelming at first, but it's important to take a deep breath and let the moment sink in.
Another tip: don't pack too much! People tend to take more with them than they actually need. The less luggage, the better. If something is missing, you can get it locally.
Be open to new things and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You can learn an incredible amount on a trip like this.
And most importantly, if you have the opportunity to travel alone, take it. It may be challenging, but it is one of the most enriching experiences you can have.
Sophia, founder of Wanderworld Travel
Lisa, Coordinator & Participant Support
Amanda, Support and advice before departure
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