VOLUNTEERING IN COLOMBIA
Would you like to not only travel South America, but really experience it? Then we offer you Volunteering in Colombia the opportunity to get to know a fascinating country from a completely new perspective. During your volunteer stay, you will support social or ecological projects on site and at the same time collect unforgettable experiences abroad.
By working closely with locals, you will immerse yourself deeply in the Colombian culture improve your Language skills and experience everyday life authentically on site. Colombia inspires many travelers with its Joie de vivre, Latin American Music, impressive Landscapes and the cordial Openness of the people.
Whether you Children and young people in social projects supports you or you in the Environmental and climate protection you can make a valuable contribution and grow personally at the same time with your volunteer work in Colombia. Unlike a traditional trip, you will become part of a local community and get to know the country far beyond the tourist side.
At WanderWorld Travel, we help you to find the right volunteer project in Colombia and accompany you from the preparation to your time on site. This way, your stay abroad will not only be an adventure, but an experience that will leave a lasting impression on you.
If you would prefer to travel and work on the road instead of volunteering, you can also find suitable programs for Work and Travel in Colombia.
- Age: From 17 years
- Duration: 4 weeks to 6 months
- Start dates: Every 1st Saturday of the month
- Possible with a tourist visa
- Accommodation included
- Airport transfer and SIM card included
- Hand-picked social and sustainable projects
- Personal contact person in Germany and Colombia
- Welcome Days with our local guide
- Access to the WanderWorld Travel Community
- Transparent prices without hidden costs
- Flight booking possible on request
- Meaningful work with a sustainable contribution on site
Our volunteer projects in Colombia
Nature and environmental protection projects
Nature conservation projects help preserve biodiversity by protecting endangered species, conserving habitats, and creating ecological corridors to facilitate animal migration. Preserving natural ecosystems also plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Therefore, it is especially important to actively support these projects.
More about our nature and environmental protection projects:
Nature & environmental protection in Colombia
Deforestation for agricultural purposes have destroyed large parts of the rainforest in Colombia. destroyed. But thanks to passionate projects that fight for nature conservation, there is still hope. One such project has been set up in the Santa Martas mountain region. The Rainforest Reserve today consists of a group of Biologists, Environmental protection experts and local Employees who are committed to the reforestation of the forest in the mountain region and protect native animal species from extinction.
Children's aid projects
Colombia is a country affected by poverty and social inequality. Many children live in precarious conditions, without access to adequate education and educational leisure activities. Access to education is crucial for long-term development. Our social projects play their part in driving this development forward and improving the future.
More about our children's aid projects:
Children's aid projects in Colombia
The Teaching Project involves volunteering at a school in Cartagena. The local organization aims to promote education, culture, and health among children and teenagers. With your support, you have the unique opportunity to help where it is truly needed: Many Colombian children come from poor backgrounds and do not always have access to education. Your work in the Teaching Project provides these children with a safe haven and creates a promising future for them.
The Youth Development Project on Tierra Bomba Island focuses on the poorest population of this island. Through various academic and educational activities, young people can expand their skills and gain positive prospects for the future. The project emphasizes workshops as a complement to formal education, aimed at assisting children and teenagers in their development. These workshops include activities such as art projects, English lessons, and courses promoting women's empowerment. Additionally, every week there are surfing lessons that promise lots of fun for both volunteers and children.
To prevent children and young people from getting off on the wrong track social projects enormously important in Colombia. Together with like-minded people, you Child Care Project in Barranquilla for the youngest children to take their fate into their own hands. In addition to the Support for teachers and students in learning groups, you can also Activities outside the classroom that contribute to general development.
Volunteering in Colombia
WHAT MAKES COLOMBIA SPECIAL
Colombia inspires with an impressive variety of beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, green coffee plantations, mountain landscapes and lively cities. Exactly these Mixture of unique nature, modern culture and Latin American joie de vivre is what makes the country so special.
During your volunteer work in Colombia, you will get to know the country far beyond the tourist side. Through close contact with the locals, you will experience the openness, warmth and joie de vivre of the people at first hand. Music, dance and celebrating together belong in the Land of salsa to everyday life and make your stay abroad unforgettable. At the same time, you can make new friends and travel with meaningful volunteer work in Colombia connect.
The following highlights show you why volunteering in Colombia is particularly worthwhile and what makes this country so unique.
Viva la Vida!
The Colombian culture makes a stay abroad in this country particularly intense and unforgettable. The people are known for their Joie de vivre, your Enthusiasm for music and the Lively dance culture, that you can feel everywhere in everyday life. People often party, dance and laugh together late into the night, accompanied by the sounds of Latin American music and the rousing energy of salsa.
During your volunteer work in Colombia, you will immerse yourself in this special culture and experience the country from an authentic perspective. You have the opportunity, traditional festivals to experience, local specialties and to get to know the region together with locals. Sharing everyday life. The openness and hospitality of Colombians in particular make it easy to make friends quickly and get to know the Colombian way of life.
Land of a thousand rhythms
Music and dance are an integral part of Colombian culture and shape the country's attitude to life like almost nothing else. During your volunteer work in Colombia, you will quickly realize how important music is in everyday life. Whether on the street, in small cafés, at festivals or in salsa bars, you will encounter rousing rhythms everywhere that bring people together and bring the Colombia's special joie de vivre reflect.
The musical diversity of the country is closely linked to the history of Colombia. Many musical styles combine Spanish, African and indigenous influences and tell of the country's different cultural roots. Particularly on the Caribbean coast, where many Afro-Colombians live, well-known music styles such as Cumbia, Vallenato or Champeta, that still characterize Colombian culture today.
The city in particular Cali is considered the absolute stronghold of salsa dancing and is often referred to as the „World capital of salsa“. Although salsa is not originally from Colombia, it is lived and celebrated there with a unique passion. If you've always wanted to learn salsa, Colombia is the perfect place! In dance classes, bars or at local festivals, you can experience the Authentic Salsa Colombiana and become part of this special culture yourself.
The close contact with locals during your volunteer work in Colombia will give you authentic insights into this musical world and allow you to experience the culture far beyond the tourist side.
Combine nature and city
Colombia inspires with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and combines lively cities with impressive nature like no other country in South America. During your volunteer work in Colombia, you don't have to choose between urban life and nature experiences - here you can combine both!
On the Caribbean coast, for example, you can expect Cartagena, the „Pearl of the Caribbean„, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America. The colorful old town, historic buildings, small alleyways and lively nightlife make the city a special place. At the same time, there are fantastic beaches and islands in the immediate vicinity that invite you to relax.
Also Santa Marta is one of the most popular places on the Colombian Caribbean coast. From here you can enjoy the impressive Tayrona National Park with its tropical beaches and rainforests explore the green mountain region around Minca known for its waterfalls, coffee plantations and relaxed atmosphere.
The Metropoloe Barranquilla combines modern city life with Caribbean flair and is known above all for its Music, Culture and the famous Carnival known. At the same time, you can quickly reach the coast and numerous natural sites in the surrounding area from there.
If you would like to continue traveling after your volunteer project, Colombia offers you countless opportunities for backpacking and round trips. From the Andes to coffee plantations and the Amazon rainforest, new landscapes, cultures and adventures await you everywhere. It is precisely this diversity that makes a stay abroad and volunteer work in Colombia so special and unforgettable.
Coffee as a cultural asset
Coffee is much more than just a drink in Colombia. Coffee is an important Part of the national identity and firmly anchored in the country's culture. In many regions, coffee cultivation characterizes for generations the everyday life of people and plays a central role in the community, tradition and way of life. During your volunteer work in Colombia, you can get to know the extraordinary coffee culture at first hand and gain genuine insights into the lives of the local population.
Particularly well known is the Colombia's so-called coffee zone, also „Eje Cafetero“ called. The region around Salento, Filandia and Manizales enthusiastic with green hilly landscapes, traditional coffee fincas and small colorful villages. Here you can visit coffee plantations, learn more about cultivation and processing and experience how much manual work and passion is behind a cup of Colombian coffee.
MANY travelers visit the famous "The City of the Sun" during their stay abroad. Cocora Valley with its tall wax palms or company Tours through family-run coffee plantations. Smaller fincas in particular often offer authentic insights into Colombian coffee culture and enable personal encounters with local people.
Even cities like Medellin or Pereira are the perfect starting point for exploring the coffee zone and experiencing the interplay of nature, culture and tradition. Between coffee plantations, mountain landscapes and small cafés, you will quickly realize how important coffee really is in Colombia.
Depending on the project and location, during your volunteer work in Colombia you will either live in a Guesthouse, in a project's own accommodation on the project site or In the middle of nature. This gives you the opportunity to get to know the country and Colombian culture in very different ways.
In the Teaching and in the Child Care Project you will live in the colorful Caribbean city of Cartagena together with other volunteers and travelers in a cozy Guesthouse. Here you have your own Single room and at the same time enjoys a familiar atmosphere. The Colombian host is very welcoming and we often cook together or have dinner together. You can also book meals as an option.
If you would like to be completely Immerse yourself in the community and would like to spend your free time with other volunteers, the accommodation on the project site in the Youth Development Project is just right for you. The island is not particularly large and is not really visited by tourists, which is why the neighborhood recognizes you as part of the project as soon as you arrive. A wonderful opportunity to build a close relationship with the locals, children and their families!
For all those who Nature and adventure love, the Rainforest Reserve Project a very special accommodation in the middle of the rainforest. Here, too, you will live together with other volunteers and employees directly on the project site in Multi-bed rooms and spend your everyday life Surrounded by tropical nature. Life in the rainforest is simple, close to nature and perfect for anyone who consciously decides to take a break in nature during their stay abroad in Colombia.
Why is volunteering in Colombia worthwhile?
We at WanderWorld Travel have been exploring Colombia for many years and have a deep understanding of its social, political, and ecological situation. We are well aware of the challenges and passionately support small Colombian organizations and projects working towards a better future. There is a lack of care and educational opportunities for children and youth from poorer backgrounds, and urgent attention is needed to protect the environment to prevent devastating consequences of climate change and years of exploitation.
Of course, one person alone cannot save the world, but these projects pursue ecological and social goals over the years. Each volunteer effort contributes to the sustainability of the project, bringing us one step closer to the global goal.
As your travel agency, we support you with years of expertise with the realization of your volunteer work in Colombia. For a Optimal travel preparation we share all our travel tips with you and offer personal support throughout your trip. With more than 8 years of experience When it comes to working with volunteers and NGOs, we are your perfect partner and you can place the organization of your stay abroad in our hands with confidence.
Requirements and language
For volunteering in Colombia
Prerequisites
Your volunteer work in Colombia with WanderWorld Travel requires above all openness, commitment and a willingness to get involved with new people and ways of life. Depending on the project, special previous knowledge is not absolutely necessary; more important is your commitment and interest in the respective activity.
In the social projects with children and young people, you should enjoy working with people, be open to others and be actively involved in everyday life on site. Qualities such as empathy, a sense of responsibility and independence will help you to integrate well into the projects and make a real contribution. At the same time, it is important that you are willing to get involved in a new culture and work closely with locals.
The nature project in the rainforest requires above all the ability to work in a team, motivation and a certain physical resilience. You should enjoy being active outdoors, fitting into a community and adapting to simple living conditions in the middle of nature.
Language
The national language in Colombia is Spanish and plays a central role in everyday project work. In many projects, advanced knowledge is required, as you will be working closely with children and local teams and communication will mainly take place in Spanish. At the same time, there are also programs where basic knowledge is sufficient or where you can develop your language skills on site.
Basically, knowledge of Spanish will make it easier for you to get started and help you to immerse yourself more intensively in the culture. At the same time, your time on site offers you the ideal opportunity to improve your language skills in everyday life and get to know the people and the country even more authentically.
YOUR CONTACT PERSON
IN COLUMBIA
In Cartagena, our contact person Jan is ready to assist you with advice and support. Originally from Germany, Jan has made this city his home for many years and runs his own café there. During the orientation session, he will gladly show you his beloved Cartagena and explain Colombian history and culture. You'll also receive insider tips on the coolest places and the best transportation options. Additionally, WanderWorld Travel is available in the same time zone via WhatsApp to answer your questions promptly.
YOUR FREE TIME IN COLOMBIA
Immerse yourself in the diversity of Colombia, from picturesque coastlines to lush green rainforests. Enjoy surfing adventures at dusk and discover the beauty and diverse leisure activities of this impressive country.
The colorful Old town Cartagenas is a must on any trip to Colombia. While you discover the profound history of the country experience, you can at the same time tastys street food.
Colombians love to party and there are regular festivities and street parades with dancing and music, such as the huge Carnival in Barranquillawhich is considered one of the most colorful in the world.
Visit one of the countless Salsa bars in the country and swing to Sala, Bachata, Cumbia and co. dance the night away. For beginners there are naturally also Dance courses at reasonable prices.
Colombia is the land of coffee! Learn about the interesting cultivation and production of the national drink on a coffee tour through the farms of Salento and learn more about the culture and history behind each cup.
If you are looking to cool off, the small town of Minca a refreshing change. In the mountains, the temperatures are a little cooler and you can swim in the rivers and waterfalls.
On the Caribbean beaches around Santa Marta and Palomino you can relax under palm trees with a coconut in your hand and enjoy life to the full.
The metropolis Medellín impresses you with breathtaking views and fascinating street art. There is a large art scene that immortalizes itself daily on the walls of the city.
EXPERIENCE REPORTS
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING IN COLOMBIA
FAQ
about volunteering in Colombia
You generally do not need a visa to volunteer in Colombia if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days. You can enter the country on a tourist visa and, if necessary, extend your stay by another 90 days while you’re there. You can only apply for an extension once you’re already in the country. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information.
According to the guidelines, the standard vaccinations for Colombia are STIKO Highly recommended. In addition, travelers are usually advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and, depending on the region and type of trip, yellow fever; for longer stays, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid are often recommended as well. It is advisable to consult a travel medicine clinic for personalized advice before your departure.
The biggest difference between volunteering and Work & Travel is the focus of your stay.
When volunteering, you provide targeted support for social or ecological projects and work closely with local initiatives. The main focus is on commitment, but you also have the opportunity to get to know the local culture and everyday life.
Work & Travel, on the other hand, combines travel with practical work experience. For example, you can work in a Hostel or one Diving school and usually receive board and lodging in return. In contrast to volunteering, the focus here is less on social commitment and more on travel, cultural exchange and new experiences in everyday life.
If you are interested in this option, you can find here ours Work & Travel Programs in Colombia.
Both options offer you the chance to experience the country authentically. Whether you want to get involved in social projects or gain practical experience abroad depends entirely on your personal interests. Of course, volunteering and work & travel can also be combined.
Volunteering in Colombia is an unforgettable and enriching experience for many people. You get to know a new culture, meet inspiring people and gain experiences that allow you to grow personally. At the same time, it is perfectly understandable to think about local safety before traveling.
In certain regions, the Foreign Office currently highlights increased security risks. The security situation can vary significantly depending on the region. While some rural and border regions should be avoided, many tourist destinations and well-developed areas are considered safe and are visited by numerous travelers every year. When selecting our projects and accommodations, we make a point of ensuring that they are located in safe and easily accessible regions. Thanks to our network in the country, we are very well informed about current developments and continuously monitor these as well as official safety advisories to provide you with the best possible support.
In everyday life in Colombia, staying safe means, above all, staying alert, not displaying valuables in public, and avoiding being out alone at night whenever possible.
To ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip, we at WanderWorld Travel provide close, personalized support throughout your planning and your time on-site. Even before your trip, you’ll receive detailed information on the security situation as well as practical tips for daily life in Colombia. Upon arrival, you’ll receive an orientation and will always have a contact person by your side. We’ll also stay in regular contact with you throughout your entire trip.
With proper preparation and a mindful approach—one that we’ve trained you in—volunteering in Colombia is a smooth experience for many participants and an incredibly valuable one.
The costs for volunteering in Colombia vary depending on the project and length of stay. The programme fees usually include accommodation, on-site support, organization and often meals. In addition, there are usually expenses for the flight, insurance and personal costs during your trip.
Payment of the program costs takes place in several steps. After your booking, you will first receive all the important documents and information you need to prepare for your trip, including your confirmation of participation and the invoice.
In order to reserve your place in the project, a deposit of 10 % is due after booking. The remaining balance must then be paid four weeks before your planned departure.
We communicate all payment deadlines and exact modalities transparently throughout the booking process and in your travel documents.
Yes, volunteering in Colombia is also possible on your own, in fact many of our participants arrive unaccompanied. You will quickly be integrated into the local community and will not be on your own during your time there.
You will often live together with other volunteers, for example in a Guesthouse or directly on the project site in Multi-bed rooms. This means you automatically get to know new people and usually make friends quickly.
A strong sense of community is also quickly created through everyday life in the project, joint activities and living together. In addition, you always have a Contact person on site and you will become part of an international community of other volunteers.
That's why volunteering in Colombia is particularly suitable for anyone who wants to travel alone but still values exchange, community and support.
Yes, with us you can organize your time on site flexibly and ideally combine your project with individual trips. For example, you have the option of extending your stay or combining different programs.
Many of our participants use this flexibility to travel further through the country after their project and get to know Colombia better. The country is particularly well suited to this, as there are numerous varied destinations and highlights to discover.
Adding an extra month of travel to your project is therefore no problem and for many a great opportunity to enjoy the adventure in Colombia even longer.
Yes, with us you have the opportunity to combine several projects flexibly and to design your stay individually. This means you are not limited to a single project, but can combine different programs.
For example, many participants opt for different projects one after the other, such as a Social project, a Rainforest project or a Hostel Experience. Combinations of several countries are also possible without any problems. You can also extend your stay or add further programs at any time.
Between the individual projects or afterwards, you can plan additional free travel time to discover the country independently and gather even more impressions.
Our projects are deliberately designed for a minimum duration of four weeks for several important reasons.
At the beginning of your assignment, there will be an induction phase. During this time, you will get to know the project processes, the team and your tasks on site. For the projects, this also means a certain amount of time and support so that you are as well prepared as possible and can settle in well.
To ensure that your commitment creates real added value in the long term, it is important that you can actively participate in the project after this initial period. Only then will you have the opportunity to contribute your support in a meaningful way and make a lasting contribution to the project.
Many volunteers also benefit personally from a longer stay. The feeling of having really arrived often only arises after the first few weeks. Many participants report that this is when the most intensive experiences, genuine connections and the greatest personal development begin.
In addition, many organizational and administrative costs are incurred regardless of the length of stay. With a longer stay, these costs are distributed more sensibly.
Sustainability also plays an important role. As the journey often involves a long-haul flight, a longer stay helps to make the trip more conscious and sustainable.
For these reasons, we only offer our programs for a minimum duration of four weeks, in the interests of the projects, the environment and your personal experience on site.
VOLUNTARY WORK IN COLOMBIA AND YOU'RE A PERFECT MATCH?
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Here we can plan your volunteer work in Colombia together and talk about your ideas.
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Work & Travel
Language trip
FARM EXPERIENCE
Work & Travel
Language trip
FARM EXPERIENCE
Would you like to know how you can combine your projects with us?
Find out how it works here!