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 work 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.
Trip Cost: $3,200 (Does not include airfare. Group rates available
Trip Dates: Year Round (2-week trips)
Trip Cost: $3,200 (Does not include airfare. Group rates available
Trip Dates: Year Round (2-week trips)
Litro De LuzLiter 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 one such rural indigenous community in the mountains above Santa Marta.
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Ciudad PerdidaKnown 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.
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Santa MartaThe first Spanish settlement in Colombia, this ancient port city is known as the White Pearl of the Carribbean Sea. Trip members' first and last days in Colombia are enjoyed here, where we settle into our trip, enjoy time on the beach, surf and freedive in the sea, and explore the gorgeous city.
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Indigenous Village
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Tayrona National Park
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School Construction & RepairWith 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.
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Trip Tuition
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Passport/VISA
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General Trip Info
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Trip Itinerary
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Medical Info
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Cancellation/Refund Policy
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Water Safety/Minimum Eligibility
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TRIP TUITION:
$3200 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID 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
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
$3200 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID 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
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Passport:
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Colombia or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Colombia.
Ecuador Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Colombia.
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Colombia or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Colombia.
Ecuador Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Colombia.
Accommodations:
All accommodations in Colombia are clean yet modest. In Santa Marta, students will stay in bungalows on the beach designed for western visitors. In villages we stay in dorm style settings. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together with locals. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
All accommodations in Colombia are clean yet modest. In Santa Marta, students will stay in bungalows on the beach designed for western visitors. In villages we stay in dorm style settings. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together with locals. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Day 1: Fly from the United States to Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta. Your Padma trip leaders will greet you at the airport and travel with you to your Carribbean Sea beach front bungalow to spend your first night in Colombia.
Day 2: Your first full day in Santa Marta will include some group activities, orientation activities, and plenty of time to explore the oldest port town in South America, relax and settle into your adventure. You’ll also have a chance to surf, play in the waves, or snorkel in crystal clear waters.
Day 3: After breakfast we head into the jungle, to a rural village where the majority of the trip will take place. Local community leaders will talk with us, and work teams will be put together and activities divvied out. Our projects begin today, with small groups rotating through several work sites.
Day 4-7: Together with managers from Litre de Luz, our main project will be constructing thirty outdoor zero energy light structures in the village on main footpaths, a soccer field, and around the local schools. When not placing light structures, you’ll help with repairs and construction at a local elementary school, and participate in after school tutoring and sporting activities. Evenings will be filled with community activities and fun, with traditional Colombian meals.
Day 8: Your last morning in the village begins with breakfast and saying goodbye to all of your new local friends. Put on your hiking shoes as we head to the trail and into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Mountains. The tallest peaks in Colombia, verdant forests and river valleys with snow-capped peaks high above will fill the next few days.
Day 9-10: After staying in small camps operated by indigenous families, we arrive at our destination, the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida. The millenia old ruins of a once thriving city center sit atop a mountain plateau. A wonder of the ancient world, the Lost City is sure to leave an indelible mark on your soul with its majestic and mystical presence.
Day 11: We arrive back at Santa Marta to rest our feet and enjoy the sea. After reflecting on our trip together, we’ll share a last celebratory dinner together. You’ll have plenty of time too for shopping and taking in the lovely laid back vibes and ancient architecture of Santa Marta one last time.
Day 12: After some morning fun in the ocean, you’ll head to the airport. Following a short flight to Bogota, you’ll head back north to the States.
Day 13: Arrive home to your family with lots of stories, a tan, and maybe a few calyces on your hands.
Day 2: Your first full day in Santa Marta will include some group activities, orientation activities, and plenty of time to explore the oldest port town in South America, relax and settle into your adventure. You’ll also have a chance to surf, play in the waves, or snorkel in crystal clear waters.
Day 3: After breakfast we head into the jungle, to a rural village where the majority of the trip will take place. Local community leaders will talk with us, and work teams will be put together and activities divvied out. Our projects begin today, with small groups rotating through several work sites.
Day 4-7: Together with managers from Litre de Luz, our main project will be constructing thirty outdoor zero energy light structures in the village on main footpaths, a soccer field, and around the local schools. When not placing light structures, you’ll help with repairs and construction at a local elementary school, and participate in after school tutoring and sporting activities. Evenings will be filled with community activities and fun, with traditional Colombian meals.
Day 8: Your last morning in the village begins with breakfast and saying goodbye to all of your new local friends. Put on your hiking shoes as we head to the trail and into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Mountains. The tallest peaks in Colombia, verdant forests and river valleys with snow-capped peaks high above will fill the next few days.
Day 9-10: After staying in small camps operated by indigenous families, we arrive at our destination, the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida. The millenia old ruins of a once thriving city center sit atop a mountain plateau. A wonder of the ancient world, the Lost City is sure to leave an indelible mark on your soul with its majestic and mystical presence.
Day 11: We arrive back at Santa Marta to rest our feet and enjoy the sea. After reflecting on our trip together, we’ll share a last celebratory dinner together. You’ll have plenty of time too for shopping and taking in the lovely laid back vibes and ancient architecture of Santa Marta one last time.
Day 12: After some morning fun in the ocean, you’ll head to the airport. Following a short flight to Bogota, you’ll head back north to the States.
Day 13: Arrive home to your family with lots of stories, a tan, and maybe a few calyces on your hands.
Medical Considerations
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Colombia and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on Colombia. Below is a link to the CDC's Colombia travel information:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
- World Nomads
- Allianz
- AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Colombia and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on Colombia. Below is a link to the CDC's Colombia travel information:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Trip members can cancel for any reason up to sixty (60) days before their trip, and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition, less the $200 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip cannot be guaranteed a refund. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund may be considered at the discretion of Padma staff. If trips must be canceled due to unexpected travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster, social unrest, etc., full refunds will be offered, pending refunds from trip partner companies and organizations, contractors, and third party vendors.
Water Safety:
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’sColombia Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such assimming, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying and/or building large or heavy equipment or structures. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel and scuba dive in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’sColombia Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such assimming, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying and/or building large or heavy equipment or structures. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.