
Indigenous Village Community Construction
In the last two decades Colombia has grown and stabilized; however, much of the rural population continues to lack government support, and to redefine itself following the decades of the “narco era”. Padma leads trips to rural Colombian villages to support community development in coordination with local leaders. Each project worked on by trip members requires many hours of manual labor on structures and systems vital to improving living standards and preparing the next generation for success. On these trips, students stay in forest villages, working hand in hand with locals while practicing and improving their Spanish language skills. When not working, rainforest hikes, trips to the beach, snorkeling, surfing, or scuba diving are on the agenda.
Colombia
Dates
2 Week Trips
May to October
Group Size
10-20 Student
2-4 Trip Leaders/Chaperones
Max 8:1 Student/Adult
Tuition
$3575
(Not Including Airfare)
​
Early Bird & Group
Discounts Available

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

​LITRO DE LUZ
Liter of Light, an international non-profit, has spent years bringing light to rural communities across South America. Experts in practical, inexpensive, and zero energy designs, their current focus is on installing outdoor light fixtures in communities long underserved by governmental public services. Trip members get the chance to get their hands dirty and assemble and install these structures in indigenous communities in the mountains above Santa Marta.

​CIUDAD PERDIDA
Known as the Lost City of Colombia, this archaeological site is home to the ruins of a long lost, once vibrant city in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia. An anthropological treasure trove, trip members will learn about the history and peoples of this ancient culture while trekking through some of the most beautiful forest in South America.

​SANTA MARTA
The first Spanish settlement in Colombia, this ancient port city is known as the White Pearl of the Caribbean Sea. Trip members' first and last days in Colombia are enjoyed here, where we settle into our trip, enjoy time on the beach, and explore the gorgeous city.

​INDIGENOUS VILLAGE
Between the Caribbean Sea and snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains, is the home of three of Colombia’s ancestral peoples, the Kogui, Arhuaco, and Wiwa. For several years Padma has been working with the Arhuaco community outside Don Diego Village. Each year, Padma staff meet with Arhuaco leaders who select projects that need international support and are vital to their community. Trip members complete these projects working hand in hand with locals, while simultaneously learning about their unique and ancient traditions and culture.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION & REPAIR
With a lack of consistent government support, rural schools are routinely in disrepair, if built at all. Trip sites are selected in part based on finding villages in need of new buildings for schools, or significant repairs to existing buildings. While working on schools, trip members also participate in tutoring, games, sports and various activities with the local children they serve.

​TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
Bordering Santa Marta is this pristine and protected sanctuary of biodiversity. Trip members have several opportunities to explore palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons filled with life, rainforests, and to float rivers and hike to the Pueblito ruins of the Pre-Columbian Tayrona Civilization.

FAQ
We get a lot of little questions from parents and students throughout the year, especially leading up to trips. Here you can find answers to the questions we see most often. If you can't find what you need here, feel free to reach out to us by email or phone.
Trip Tuition:
$3,575 (early bird & group discounts available)
Trip Tuition Covers:
• Accommodations
• Most meals (we occasionally encourage trip members to explore local restaurants)
• Local transportation
• Project planning, materials, and management
• Adventure activities
• Travelers medical, emergency and evacuation insurance
​• Local and international trip leaders
Trip Tuition Does NOT Cover:
• International airfare (trip leaders can help select and arrange airfare for groups)
• Local shopping
• Additional sightseeing activities