Bringing Light To santa marta
Litro De LuzLiter of Light, an international non-profit, has spent years bringing light to rural communities across South America. Expert 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 PerdidaKnow 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 Carribean 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
The majority of days are spent living in community with indigenous groups in rural mountain villages, most of which have no motorized vehicles or roads. Trip members have the unique experience of learning from cultures little changed in millenia yet sophisticated in ways long lost in much of modern society. In contrast to showing up as expert saviors, our groups leave learning much and being changed ourselves by ways of life in these villages.
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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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Day 1:
Fly from the United States Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta. Your Padma trip leaders will greet you at the airport and travel with you to your Caribean 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, and 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 divied 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 foot paths, 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 friends. Put on your hiking shoes as we head to the trail into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Mountains. The tallest peaks in Colombia, verdant forests and river valleys with snowcapped 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 indelable mark on your soul with it’s majestic and mystical presence.
Day 11:
We arrive back to 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 the States.
Day 13:
Arrive home to your family with lots of stories, a tan, and maybe a few calyces on your hands.
Fly from the United States Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta. Your Padma trip leaders will greet you at the airport and travel with you to your Caribean 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, and 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 divied 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 foot paths, 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 friends. Put on your hiking shoes as we head to the trail into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Mountains. The tallest peaks in Colombia, verdant forests and river valleys with snowcapped 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 indelable mark on your soul with it’s majestic and mystical presence.
Day 11:
We arrive back to 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 the States.
Day 13:
Arrive home to your family with lots of stories, a tan, and maybe a few calyces on your hands.
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 Bali or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months
of passport validity you will be refused entry to Indonesia.
Colombia Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Bali. Free
transit visas are also available at the airport in Shanghai for students who choose to leave
the airport during layovers.
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 Bali or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months
of passport validity you will be refused entry to Indonesia.
Colombia Tourist Visa:
All trip participants will receive a free one-month tourist visa on arrival in Bali. Free
transit visas are also available at the airport in Shanghai for students who choose to leave
the airport during layovers.
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. Roomates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with
chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. 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 in Bali. Each place we will
stay on our trip has wifi, although speed varies. Trip leaders will have Bali 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.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at trip
leader's discretion. This trip is not a party trip. It is intended as an opportunity for
students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the
United States as a cultural ambassador. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings
danger to yourself, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity will not be
tolerated. 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.
Packing List:
We will be in Colombia during a warm and dry time of year. Light clothing you can work
in, swimwear, and sun protection should be the main focus when packing your bags.
Regarding luggage, a large pack or roller bag, daypack backpack, and wet sack (nylon
mesh bag) to carry wet articles will be sufficient. You may consider packing all your
belongings in two smaller carry-on bags, or consolidate with your friends to decrease the
amount of checked baggage and avoid domestic baggage fees.
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. Roomates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with
chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
We will have little time for playing on phones and computers. 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 in Bali. Each place we will
stay on our trip has wifi, although speed varies. Trip leaders will have Bali 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.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at trip
leader's discretion. This trip is not a party trip. It is intended as an opportunity for
students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the
United States as a cultural ambassador. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings
danger to yourself, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity will not be
tolerated. 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.
Packing List:
We will be in Colombia during a warm and dry time of year. Light clothing you can work
in, swimwear, and sun protection should be the main focus when packing your bags.
Regarding luggage, a large pack or roller bag, daypack backpack, and wet sack (nylon
mesh bag) to carry wet articles will be sufficient. You may consider packing all your
belongings in two smaller carry-on bags, or consolidate with your friends to decrease the
amount of checked baggage and avoid domestic baggage fees.
Consider Bringing the Following:
• lightweight shoes for working in hot weather
• one or two pair of sandals (simple beach sandals, or teva/chaco style sandals)
• two towels (quick dry fabrics are ideal)
• several swimsuits
• rashguard or wet suit top
• Snorkel, Mask, fins
• Work clothes (t-shirts and long shorts or lightweight pants)
• non-toxic sunscreen (biodegradable reef safe brands include: Badgerbalm, Stream2Sea,
Reef Safe)
• aloe based or other sunburn cream/lotion
• sunglasses
• hats/visors/large brim hat
• mask, snorkel, and fins (These can be purchased or rented in Bali. However, because of
the size of our group and logistics of traveling for individual student purchases, please
bring your own snorkel gear)
• money/passport belt
• large water bottle or two
• chapstick with SPF
• dry food and protein snacks (jerky, nuts, protein powder, bars, peanut butter etc)
• electrolyte replacement powder drink mix, such as Gatorade
• toiletries in travel size containers to bring on your carry-on luggage
• GoPro or other waterproof camera.
• power converter (These can be purchased online for less that $15 or upon arrival.)
• donations for villagers: work gloves, soccer balls, volley balls, educational games
• lightweight camping hammock for lounging under palm trees
• yoga mat
• “going out” clothes for a dinner out on the town
• warm layer for evening/night
• work gloves
• Journal and pen/pencils
• a book or two
You Might Also Want to Bring the Following:
Personal Medical Supplies:
Although we will have extensive first aid mateirals and be near medical facilities, it’s a
good idea to have your own individual medical kits. Some recommended items to
include:
1- Neosporin
2- Band-aids
3-Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
4-Mosquito repellent
5-Tylenol/ibuprofen
6-Imodium
7-Motion sickness pills for van, bus, and boat rides
8- Vaccination booklet (if you have one)
9- Moleskins for blisters
10-All personal medications
11-Musinex
12-Mild sleep aids such as: Tylenol PM/Benadryl/melatonin/Valerian Root
Consider bringing as Gifts For the Communities We Serve
1-Small Backpacks Filled with School Supplies
The families of young students at both of our work sites often struggle to afford
even basic school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Please consider
bringing with you a backpack for a child age 5-12 filled with standard school
supplies. These bags will then be given to children in need as gifts from their
new American friends.
2-Child Sized Snorkel Sets
The children we work with in both Bali and Thailand learn to love and care for
their ocean by engaging with it. As decent quality masks, snorkels, and fins are
hard to come by for most local children, and whatever we can offer is sure to
enhance their connection to and appreciation of the ocean and all its life.
3-Laptop Computers
A new computer lab for a local school was recently constructed in Tianyar by
Padma’s partner organization, North Bali Reef Conservation. The students still
need computers and any used PC or Mac laptop that still runs well will be a huge
and immediate benefit to these children. If you have an old laptop lying around
gathering dust, please consider bringing it to Bali to donate to this school.
• lightweight shoes for working in hot weather
• one or two pair of sandals (simple beach sandals, or teva/chaco style sandals)
• two towels (quick dry fabrics are ideal)
• several swimsuits
• rashguard or wet suit top
• Snorkel, Mask, fins
• Work clothes (t-shirts and long shorts or lightweight pants)
• non-toxic sunscreen (biodegradable reef safe brands include: Badgerbalm, Stream2Sea,
Reef Safe)
• aloe based or other sunburn cream/lotion
• sunglasses
• hats/visors/large brim hat
• mask, snorkel, and fins (These can be purchased or rented in Bali. However, because of
the size of our group and logistics of traveling for individual student purchases, please
bring your own snorkel gear)
• money/passport belt
• large water bottle or two
• chapstick with SPF
• dry food and protein snacks (jerky, nuts, protein powder, bars, peanut butter etc)
• electrolyte replacement powder drink mix, such as Gatorade
• toiletries in travel size containers to bring on your carry-on luggage
• GoPro or other waterproof camera.
• power converter (These can be purchased online for less that $15 or upon arrival.)
• donations for villagers: work gloves, soccer balls, volley balls, educational games
• lightweight camping hammock for lounging under palm trees
• yoga mat
• “going out” clothes for a dinner out on the town
• warm layer for evening/night
• work gloves
• Journal and pen/pencils
• a book or two
You Might Also Want to Bring the Following:
Personal Medical Supplies:
Although we will have extensive first aid mateirals and be near medical facilities, it’s a
good idea to have your own individual medical kits. Some recommended items to
include:
1- Neosporin
2- Band-aids
3-Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
4-Mosquito repellent
5-Tylenol/ibuprofen
6-Imodium
7-Motion sickness pills for van, bus, and boat rides
8- Vaccination booklet (if you have one)
9- Moleskins for blisters
10-All personal medications
11-Musinex
12-Mild sleep aids such as: Tylenol PM/Benadryl/melatonin/Valerian Root
Consider bringing as Gifts For the Communities We Serve
1-Small Backpacks Filled with School Supplies
The families of young students at both of our work sites often struggle to afford
even basic school supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Please consider
bringing with you a backpack for a child age 5-12 filled with standard school
supplies. These bags will then be given to children in need as gifts from their
new American friends.
2-Child Sized Snorkel Sets
The children we work with in both Bali and Thailand learn to love and care for
their ocean by engaging with it. As decent quality masks, snorkels, and fins are
hard to come by for most local children, and whatever we can offer is sure to
enhance their connection to and appreciation of the ocean and all its life.
3-Laptop Computers
A new computer lab for a local school was recently constructed in Tianyar by
Padma’s partner organization, North Bali Reef Conservation. The students still
need computers and any used PC or Mac laptop that still runs well will be a huge
and immediate benefit to these children. If you have an old laptop lying around
gathering dust, please consider bringing it to Bali to donate to this school.
Medical Considerations
Medical staff is a part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of
each trip members application by every participant, Padma's chief medical staff member
will contact every participant who requires an individualized medical plan. Each student
is covered for up to $200 in medical costs in the event of injury or illness. If you wish to
purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an
emergency contact your Padma staff trip leader for recommendations.
World Nomads
Allianz
AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
COVID vaccines are required for all trip members. There are no additional required
vaccines to travel to Colombia and it is up to parents and students to decide what
additional vaccines to get. The following information regarding vaccine
recommendations has been directly copied from the website for the Center for Disease
Control. To learn more about CDC suggestions related to travel in Colombia, you can
find them on the web at:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on 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 is a part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of
each trip members application by every participant, Padma's chief medical staff member
will contact every participant who requires an individualized medical plan. Each student
is covered for up to $200 in medical costs in the event of injury or illness. If you wish to
purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an
emergency contact your Padma staff trip leader for recommendations.
World Nomads
Allianz
AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
COVID vaccines are required for all trip members. There are no additional required
vaccines to travel to Colombia and it is up to parents and students to decide what
additional vaccines to get. The following information regarding vaccine
recommendations has been directly copied from the website for the Center for Disease
Control. To learn more about CDC suggestions related to travel in Colombia, you can
find them on the web at:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine,
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and
your yearly flu shot.
Fall 2022:
1-Attend a Trip Zoom Meeting (Shoot us an email to find out date/time of meetings)
2-Choose your trip, then complete the trip application on this website and pay your $350
trip deposit to secure your spot on a trip. Email us anytime, and we’re happy to arrange a
phone call to answer any questions you may have before signing up.
3-After your application and deposit are complete, your trip leader will send you an email
introducing themselves. They will be your primary point of contact before and during
your trip.
Winter/Spring 2022:
1-Purchase your airfare (trip leaders will help coordinate flight options)
2-Make trip payments on time (March 1, April 1, May 1)
3-Participate in fundraising activities to help cover the cost of your trip (We’re planning
an online Fun Run in spring of 2022. Trip leaders will let you know details as the event
approaches)
4-Attend a pre-trip prep Zoom meeting in April/May. At this meeting all contact info of
trip leaders and accomodations during your trip will be given out, the packing list
discussed, airport travel plans made, and any questions answered.
Summer 2022:
1-Pack your bags and head to the airport for the trip of a lifetime.
1-Attend a Trip Zoom Meeting (Shoot us an email to find out date/time of meetings)
2-Choose your trip, then complete the trip application on this website and pay your $350
trip deposit to secure your spot on a trip. Email us anytime, and we’re happy to arrange a
phone call to answer any questions you may have before signing up.
3-After your application and deposit are complete, your trip leader will send you an email
introducing themselves. They will be your primary point of contact before and during
your trip.
Winter/Spring 2022:
1-Purchase your airfare (trip leaders will help coordinate flight options)
2-Make trip payments on time (March 1, April 1, May 1)
3-Participate in fundraising activities to help cover the cost of your trip (We’re planning
an online Fun Run in spring of 2022. Trip leaders will let you know details as the event
approaches)
4-Attend a pre-trip prep Zoom meeting in April/May. At this meeting all contact info of
trip leaders and accomodations during your trip will be given out, the packing list
discussed, airport travel plans made, and any questions answered.
Summer 2022:
1-Pack your bags and head to the airport for the trip of a lifetime.
Trip members can cancel at anytime for any reason and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition. If trips need to be cancelled due to an increase in COVID related travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster or social unrest etc. full refunds will be offered pending receiving refunds from accommodations and trip related partners at trip sites. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund will be granted.