The project
This natural park offers two complementary lines of volunteering: environmental conservation and education with children in an alternative, self‑directed learning community. Volunteers may choose one focus or combine both.
Conservation activities include:
Assisting ongoing scientific investigations in the reserve
Maintenance of key areas such as the small lake (“laguna”), forest nursery, organic gardens, infrastructure and trails
Environmental education and awareness‑raising
Waste and compost management
Supporting reforestation and ecological restoration (e.g., planting days)
Educational activities include:
Accompanying the learning community in daily activities, walks, projects and play
Supporting children’s language learning based on your skills
Developing and proposing new initiatives tailored to volunteers’ abilities
Assisting children through empathy, presence and respect for self‑directed learning (not traditional teaching)
This project requires curiosity, flexibility and a genuine desire to work with nature and with children in an environment that values autonomy and exploration.
Accommodation & food
Volunteers stay in a simple but cosy house located in the heart of the natural park. The house includes:
Two shared rooms (beds for four individuals plus one double bed for a couple)
Bathroom
Equipped kitchen
Small living room
Terrace
Washing machine
Depending on the season, the house may be fully occupied or you may be the only volunteer.
Food:Volunteers staying at least two months receive a monthly budget sufficient for purchasing basic food at the local market. You cook your own meals, offering opportunities to share recipes and enjoy informal cultural exchange. Vegetarian options are available.
Practical conditions:
Hot water depends on gas availability; occasional cold showers are possible
Limited satellite Wi‑Fi — enough for essential communication and research but not for streaming, video calls or large downloads
Location & leisure
The reserve sits within a cloud forest in the mountains near Bogotá (approximately 40 minutes away). Weather can be cool, rainy and misty depending on the season.
On-site and nearby leisure options include:
Night walks for wildlife observation (weekends)
Trekking inside the reserve or to nearby villages
Extreme sports and wellness activities such as zip‑lining, tree climbing or music therapy (extra cost, arranged in advance)
Horseback riding (extra cost, arranged in advance)
Bonfires
Birdwatching
Being close to Bogotá also means easy access to cultural activities, museums, markets and city life.
Project host
The project is run in cooperation with a natural park located in the mountains outside Bogotá, between 2,100m and 2,600m above sea level.
Interested?
Thinking about joining this project but not sure if it’s right for you? Or maybe a parent looking for more details?
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