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Colombia

Volunteer opportunities in Colombia

From the Andes to the Amazon and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, volunteer in Colombia with Freepackers on humanitarian projects in Bogota or Cartagena.

2 programmes in this country

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Volunteer Opportunities in Colombia

Colombia is a country in northwestern South America with a wide range of climates and geographical features, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. It ranks as one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity. With several passes above 4,000 metres, the Sierra Nevada of the Andes and its national parks await you. Explore unknown environments, volcanoes, tropical jungles, glacial peaks and azure lagoons!

Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia, located in the centre of the country. Spanish is the official language, and Colombian Spanish is known for its distinct accents and expressions, which can vary throughout the country.

Colombia has a very multifaceted culture. Examples include its coffee culture and the ‘paisa’ culture, which is characterised by warmth and hospitality.

Good to know before you go

Visa
Please contact the Colombian embassy in your country.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Colombia

About the destination

Advice before volunteering in Colombia

Colombian people are famous for being friendly so you should definitely interact with locals in an open and respectful manner! Learning some basic Spanish phrases will help enhance your experience and communication, especially in less touristy areas.

Vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever and precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses are recommended.

It will be important to familiarise yourself with the local currency (Colombian peso) as well. Although Colombia is quite safe, you should still use common-sense precautions when in urban areas. Be careful with your valuables, especially in crowded places.

Is it safe to volunteer in Colombia?

Over the past decade, Colombia has made strides in improving security, resulting in many cities and tourist destinations now being considered safe. However, petty theft is still prevalent in crowded areas. You should use caution when in an unfamiliar area, use reputable transportation services and be cautious at night. You will never be alone somewhere unfamiliar, and programme directors will help you every step of the way!

Requirements to volunteer in Colombia

In order to volunteer in Colombia, you must be 18+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance.

Colombia volunteer programmes

Discover volunteer opportunities in Colombia offered by Freepackers. You can work as an international volunteer on humanitarian projects in the capital, Bogota, or in the coastal city of Cartagena.

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia