A rustic house sits among large rocks and trees. A colorful hammock hangs between trees. Wooden benches and stumps complete the peaceful, shaded outdoor setting.
This image shows an outdoor rustic kitchen with yellow walls, tiled floor, and shelves. There are hammocks, a bench, plants, and natural sunlight illuminating the area.
This image shows a rustic open-air kitchen with yellow walls, hanging pots, utensils, shelves with spices, a dish rack, a blue gas tank, and greenery outside.
A simple, cozy room with a patterned mattress on the floor, two pillows, standing fan, open window, hanging jacket, small rug, and a plant.
A small, blue inflatable pool filled with water sits outdoors on dirt, surrounded by green trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful, natural setting.
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new host  

Peaceful off-grid living near Bonda, Colombia

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Our place is located in a beautiful rural area near Bonda, just 15 minutes by motorbike or about 45 minutes walking. It’s a peaceful and natural environment, perfect for people who enjoy simple living and being close to nature.

    We live completely off-grid. We use water from a well, solar panels for electricity, and dry toilets. There are four friendly dogs living on the property, so animal lovers will feel right at home.

    The view is truly spectacular: on one side you can see Santa Marta, and on the other side the Sierra Nevada. In the mornings, you’ll hear and see a large variety of birds, making it a very special place to wake up.

    This is a project that is just starting, so there is a lot to do and build together. We are looking for volunteers who are flexible, motivated, and excited to help create something from the beginning. It’s a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and be part of a growing project in a unique location.

    I live alone in the house most of the time, but on some days local workers come to the property. They are currently building an indigenous-style terrace using traditional techniques. Some of them are indigenous people from the area, and they work the same way their ancestors did before the arrival of the conquerors in the Americas.

    It is a very interesting and enriching experience to share time with them and observe how they work, learn about their knowledge, and see traditional construction methods still alive today. This cultural exchange is an important part of the project and offers a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions and ways of life.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Beyond the work, this project is also about sharing experiences. We have several musical instruments at the house that we enjoy playing and sharing together. There is a lot of space for conversations about travel, life experiences in Colombia, and journeys around the world.

    Part of the project is the creation of videos for a YouTube channel, where we can share experiences, knowledge, and the learning process of this off-grid lifestyle. Volunteers who are interested in video, storytelling, photography, or creative content are very welcome, although it is not a requirement.

    I can share my experience and knowledge about off-grid living, solar panels, tree planting, and traveling around the world. I truly hope for a cultural exchange with people from other countries, as well as learning about similar projects and ideas from different parts of the world.

    This is a space to learn from each other, create together, and build something meaningful step by step.

  • Help

    Help

    Volunteers will be involved in a variety of tasks related to rural and off-grid living. It is important that volunteers are independent, comfortable spending time on their own, and able to prepare their own meals when needed.

    We are looking for people who enjoy manual work, are practical, and creative. Some of the tasks may include collecting mangoes from the ground, watering plants, cutting weeds, and general land maintenance.

    Other tasks may include preparing food on some occasions, opening and maintaining paths, digging holes, sweeping leaves and branches, lighting a fire, and other activities that are part of everyday life in the countryside.

    This experience is best suited for people who enjoy nature, simple living, physical work, and learning by doing. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and respect for the land and local culture are essential.
    The work can be done in different ways. Some simple tasks will be done independently, while other activities will be done together with me or with a local worker who can guide the task when needed. What matters most is good communication, responsibility, and asking questions when something is not clear.

    Communication is very important in this project. I speak English, French, Spanish, and basic Portuguese, so we can usually find a common language to understand each other well.

    This experience is ideal for volunteers who are proactive, respectful, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a small team in a rural environment.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Portuguese: Beginner

    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.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    There are two sleeping options available for volunteers. One option is inside the house, in the living room area, with a comfortable hammock or mattress. This option does not offer complete privacy, but it is part of a shared, community-style living environment. The second option is outside the house, in a tent, which offers more privacy and a closer connection to nature.

    The kitchen is open and shared, and meals are communal. For breakfast, there are simple options such as tea or coffee, bread, and fruits. Lunch usually includes rice, pasta, or potatoes with a protein such as tuna, meat, or eggs. In the evening, we eat something light, like cereal or fruits with milk.

    Everyone eats the same food, and cooking can be part of the volunteer’s tasks. The kitchen is also open to trying different recipes, and sometimes we prepare traditional dishes from the region. In general, we eat food from local markets and local producers, such as plantain, yucca, rice, ñame, coastal cheese, fruits, and vegetables.

    This is a simple, shared way of living, based on cooperation, respect, and connection with the local environment.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    During free time, there are several options to enjoy the area. You can go for walks and hikes around the property, visit the nearby river, or walk down to the village. There is also a small pool, big enough for two people, perfect for cooling off on warm days.

    We also have musical instruments available to play and share during relaxed moments. If you feel like exploring more, it is possible to go to Santa Marta by bus, where you can enjoy the beach, the city, and other cultural activities.

    Free time is flexible and can be used to rest, explore nature, create music, or simply enjoy the quiet and the views of this unique place.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Coyote

Host ref number: 624526663465

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Photos

This image shows an outdoor rustic kitchen with yellow walls, tiled floor, and shelves. There are hammocks, a bench, plants, and natural sunlight illuminating the area.
This image shows a rustic open-air kitchen with yellow walls, hanging pots, utensils, shelves with spices, a dish rack, a blue gas tank, and greenery outside.
A simple, cozy room with a patterned mattress on the floor, two pillows, standing fan, open window, hanging jacket, small rug, and a plant.
A small, blue inflatable pool filled with water sits outdoors on dirt, surrounded by green trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful, natural setting.
A rustic house sits among large rocks and trees. A colorful hammock hangs between trees. Wooden benches and stumps complete the peaceful, shaded outdoor setting.

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