Colombia
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Hi there! We are Joep and Julia (Dutch) and after traveling the world we settled down on a beautiful secluded plateau in the mountains, just outside the cultural heritage village of Barichara. With a passion for sustainable architecture, construction and nature, we renovated the finca´s old farmhouse (rammed earth and adobe), planted many native trees and made an ecological waste water filtration system. We also started a veggie garden and regenerative projects such as rainwater harvesting (earth works) and a food forest. And there are still many exciting things to do!
We have also set up a campsite to share our little patch of Colombian landscape with travelers from all over the world. The property feels a bit like a natural playground where we are learning about permaculture and keep experimenting with various sustainable (building) techniques. We love to exchange ideas, work together, being creative and learn. We also like hiking and have two adorable adopted dogs.
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
We would be happy to share what we have learned about (sustainable) architecture, construction, water use, design, recycled wood, furniture, gardening, tour guiding, archaeology, reforestation, dry tropical forests, stone- and sand sculpting.. Our guests on the campsite come from all over the world and generally are very inspirational people. In the village of Barichara you can learn about various arts and crafts, traditional architecture and much more.
We have various projects including: two open air bathrooms, a food forest and veggie garden, a chicken coop, structures to protect tents, earthworks for rainwater harvesting, reforestation, a lookout-terrace and (at some point) a natural swimming pool & off grid tiny house.. Apart from that, there are always things to do on a day-to-day basis such as the development and general maintenance of the garden, the campsite, the trees, the house, etcetera.
We´re especially interested in handy and creative people who also like physical work and don´t mind to get their hands dirty. It would be great if you have specific skills such as building, (landscape) gardening or carpentry. If you have (other) work experiences which you think could be helpful, please let us know! We really welcome new ideas that our volunteers suggest, for example we now have a beautiful compost bin, vegetable garden and hand made kitchen lamps. The idea is to do work that you are interested in!
We prefer volunteers to stay for a minimum time of two weeks. Furthermore it is essential that you have your own international health and accident insurance.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
We can offer regular tents with bedding, located on the campsite with panoramic mountain views over the valley. The climate here is actually perfect for camping all year round. You can use the bathrooms (hot solar shower), wifi, the social area with hammocks, fully equipped guest kitchen, drinking water, campfire/BBQ, refrigerator and washing machine.
We ask for a maximum of 5 hours of help per day in return for a (large & healthy) daily breakfast, basic (non-perishable) ingredients for the other two meals, and accommodation in a spectacular natural environment. You can prepare your lunch and dinner in the guest kitchen, and Barichara offers a nice variety of restaurants if you are in for something else.
The location of our finca is very convenient for exploring the area, with many trails nearby to Barichara (a 35 minutes walk), Guane and many other villages. It´s also very easy to catch a tuk-tuk between our place and Barichara (a 10 minutes drive), or to take a bus. Barichara has a unique cultural and bohemian atmosphere combined with tranquility and a perfect climate. Its authenticity attracts artists and travelers from all over the world. Other activities in the area include extreme sports such as rafting, paragliding, canyoning, mountain biking and caving, mostly close to San Gil (at a 40 minutes drive).
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We have a fast and generally reliable Internet connection, so here you can work remotely if you want to!
We have a campground for overlanders called ´Camping Guiamaro´, so you´re more than welcome to just drive in! For more of an idea, check out iOverlander, Instagram and Youtube.
More than two
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
