Volunteer in a Cloud Forest

Name: Volunteer in a Cloud Forest
Start: 2025-08-20
End: 2026-12-31
Location: Bogotá, Colombia

Code: d3b0b51fb19245c7ce42a02653f7ef87 Copied

Colombia Construction Environment Children Construction Environment +1 Permanent

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

WeCollab is a non-profit organization that aims to develop and promote national and international opportunities for cultural exchange, through volunteer programs; seeking to strengthen international understanding and social participation, as educational tools for peace; fostering eco-friendly developments of environment, cultural heritage, vulnerable communities, people with disabilities, culture, tourism and art.
Furthermore, WeCollab seeks to promote and develop initiatives aimed at learning by doing.

This project will be carried out in cooperation with Chicaque Natural Park.

Chicaque Natural Park is dedicated to ecotourism and nature conservation. Its main objective is to offer visitors a unique experience to connect with nature while promoting the protection and preservation of the ecological environment.

Chicaque focuses on providing services and activities related to ecotourism, environmental education and responsible enjoyment of nature. It offers various services for tourists, such as ecological trails, camping areas, accommodation in hostels and cabins, adventure activities like zip-lining and tree climbing, among others.

Additionally, Chicaque plays an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and local ecosystems. Its management is centered on maintaining a balance between sustainable tourism and the preservation of the flora and fauna present in the area.

💼 What the programme involves

This natural park is a natural reserve that has two lines of volunteering, the first is focused on conservation and its activities are aimed at caring for and protecting the environment, and the
second aims at education with children, an alternative school and learning community in the heart of the reserve. As a volunteer you can work in the line that you like the most, having the possibility of working in both lines if you wish.

WORK
The activities carried out in volunteering are the following:
1. Accompany and assist investigations carried out in the reserve.
2. Maintenance of different spots, such as the small lake “laguna”, forest nursery, organic.....gardens, trails and infrastructure.
3. Environmental education.
4. Waste and compost management.
5. Support in reforestation-restoration work (planting days).
6. Accompany the local, learning community
́s activities (accompany walks with the children, .....starting new projects, accompany learning processes, play...).
7. Language classes with the children (according to the language(s) the volunteer knows).
8. Suggest, develop and carry out new initiatives and projects.
9. Other activities according to the skills and abilities of the volunteer and according to the .....needs of the natural park and community living there.

The activities require constant contact with nature; this means that the volunteer will need to use physical strength and get the hands dirty to get the job done. It is good to know and understand that you can encounter rain, sun, mud and insects. In addition, to carry out the activities it is necessary to walk the different trails, which have steep slopes. Therefore, volunteers should be in good health and willing to walk the different trails.
Working with the children in the park requires a high level of commitment and empathy. We are not looking for teachers, we are looking for people who understand that children are responsible
for their learning process and who want to accompany them in their explorations and self-directed learning.

🏠 Accommodation on site

The volunteers’ house is in the heart of the natural park. It has 2 shared rooms with 4 individual beds and one double bed. There is also a bathroom, an equipped kitchen, a small living room, terrace and washing machine. The house is not always fully occupied. It may happen that you are the only volunteer, depending on the time of year.
The water heater depends on the availability of gas, but in general there is hot water available.
The park has limited Wi-Fi because there is only satellite internet in this remote area. It may only be used for basic needs, such as communication (some calls, messages, mails) and information (research, press), but not for large downloads, videos, streaming (music or movies), video calls, etc.

🍲 Food

Each volunteer who stays for at least two months is assigned a monthly budget for food ($290.000 COP); the amount is enough to buy basic food in the local market. The volunteers are responsible for cooking their own meals. Volunteers can also take food from the garden. Laura will give instructions on arrival.

📍 About the location

Chicaque Natural Park is a protected area located in the southwestern
part of the Bogotá savanna, Colombia, which boasts a rich and vast
ecological and water reserve. Situated between the municipalities of
Soacha and San Antonio del Tequendama.
This natural park is an Andean cloud forest, in the middle of the
mountains; therefore, it can be cold and rainy, depending on the season of the year. The park is located close to Bogotá (40 min approx.).

🎒 Leisure activities

Bogotá is the capital of and largest city in Colombia. It is a place of convergence for people from all around the country and is therefore diverse and multicultural. Within this city, the past and present come together.
In Bogotá, you'll find a vibrant city with a mix of rich history and modern charm. Explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, home to colonial architecture, museums and art galleries.
Visit the Gold Museum to discover an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.

Take a cable car or funicular up Monserrate Hill for stunning city views. Experience the local culture at bustling markets and taste delicious Colombian cuisine. Don't miss the street art scene and immerse yourself in the
lively atmosphere of Bogotá's parks and plazas. With a diverse array of activities,
Bogotá promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
If you would like to know what to do in Bogotá, we recommend visiting the following
link: https://colombia.travel/en/bogota

WHAT TO DO IN THE PARK?
Night walks and wildlife watching (there is a guided tour on weekends).
Trekking inside and outside the park (e.g. visiting other village on trails).
Extreme sport and wellness activities:
tree climbing, music therapy, horse riding (must be agreed in advance with the park, the park does not cover the cost of
this activity).
Bonfires.
Birdwatching.

⚠️ Requirements

• Good health and physical condition, willing to hike the mountain on steep slopes, and understand the implications of working outdoors. • Have a real interest in volunteering and not consider it just as a way of doing economic tourism. • Minimum intermediate Spanish (English is a plus) • Tetanus Vaccine (highly recommended) • Minimum 2 months, maximum 6 months • All participants must have medical assistance insurance, which covers, among others, situations related to COVID-19. • The volunteer’s participation is confirmed after the extra fee is paid. The payment must be done at the latest 1 month prior to the project starting via bank transfer / Paypal. • Interview with our local partner via zoom in Spanish. • After you apply, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/ruCp9WtsJYA7qWuo6

🤝 Meeting point

PARQUE NATURAL CHICAQUE
Address: Vía Soacha, Km. 8, Soacha, Mosquera, Cundinamarca.
Date: 1st February 2026
Time: Anytime in the morning

If you arrive at El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá, Colombia), the best and recommended way to get to the meeting point is by ordering a taxi using apps like Uber or Didi. When ordering
through the app, please select the taxi option.
The fare starts from 160,000 COP (around 35 EUR).

If you take a taxi, always agree on the price for your journey beforehand, as they love to earn an extra dollar or two from a foreigner who does not know the prices. Taxis only take cash and do not accept credit/debit cards.

You also have the option to arrange the private transfer in advance with Mileidy, who regularly provides transportation services to the park:

MILEIDY PARAM,
Cel/WhastApp: +57 3138692918
The cost is approximately 130.000 COP (around 30 EUR).
You can get in touch with her through WhatsApp in Spanish.

ℹ️ Additional information

Extra fee: $1.050.000 COP (Colombian pesos) - approx. 240 EUR ($350.000 COP/per month)
*The extra fee includes WeCollab’s administrative fee and local insurance during the program.
The project partner provides accommodation and pocket money for food ($250.000 COP/month).
The extra fee must be paid in full no later than 1 month before the project starts.
To pay the extra fee, there are 3 options: credit/debit card, international transfer or via Paypal.
1. INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFER
If you prefer this option, please contact us via WhatsApp and we will provide you with the payment link. Keep in mind that this option includes a bank fee of approximately 20 EUR.
2. INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFER
Bank: Bancolombia S.A.
SWIFT Code: COLOCOBM
Type of account: Savings account
Account Number: 052-000004-40
Recipient name: Fundación WeCollab ONG
Tax ID: 901.396.435-8
Address: Calle 142 # 12B - 35
City: Bogotá D.C. Region: Cundinamarca
Zip code: 110121
E-mail: [email protected]
*If you choose this option, please ask in advance your bank about all the commissions, fees and rates involved in the transaction. Please make sure that we receive the full amount of the extra fee.
3. VIA PAYPAL
E-mail: [email protected]
*If you choose this option, please add a 6% extra to cover the commission of Paypal.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS / TAX ID
Please send us the following documents by WhatsApp +57 3155920919 or by email [email protected] at the latest a week before your arrival:
Travel itinerary (travel tickets)
Insurance
Copy of passport
Tax ID (number)
*We request your tax ID for our accounting purposes, as we need it to process your payment.

All the participants must have medical assistance insurance, which covers, among other, situations related to COVID-19. Please, when getting your insurance, ask your insurance company which hospitals/clinics you can go to in case of emergency in Colombia.
WeCollab provides a local insurance, but this does not exempt participants from obtaining international health insurance.
Important: Since the park is located in a rural area, if medical assistance is needed, the insurance company offers the option of teleconsultation or you can access their services when you are in Bogotá. The local insurance covers medications up to a certain amount; if you need medication, you can request it once you are in Bogotá or pay for private transportation from Bogotá to the park.

The tetanus vaccine is recommended but not mandatory.

Keep in mind that the park is located outside Bogotá and transportation between the city and park is limited and can take hours. If you want to spend time in Bogota, better to stay the night in the city and return the park next day.

SAFETY AND SECURITY :

While in Bogotá:
Do not carry or display large sums of money.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
Be cautious when displaying your phones, cameras or other electronic devices in public.
When sitting in a public place, keep your bag in sight; avoid placing it on the floor or hanging it on the back of your chair.
During parties and festivals, keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for spiked drinks.
Do not buy any drugs on the streets of Bogotá.
Women may experience catcalls from men. These are usually harmless and there's no need to respond.
Avoid streets without pedestrians whenever possible.
Double-check your change to make sure the money is real and the total is correct.

LIFESTYLE

In the park and your room:
To ensure a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, we kindly ask you to follow these rules:
DRUGS USE IS NOT TOLERATED. Using them during the program will cause your expulsion.
Do not arrive drunk to the park and workplace.
Do not bring anyone to the accommodation or workplace without permission.
Please use the kitchen wisely, try to be clean and organize. Anything you break, please
replace with a new one and inform the park staff.
Please save water. It is precious and expensive resource. Close the water tap while washing dishes, brushing teeth, shampooing hair and washing hands and body.
Please do not waste electricity.
Please put the sanitary paper in the trashcan. Do not throw it into the toilet.
Please do not smoke in the rooms. You can only smoke outside.
Keep the things and place clean. After using the kitchen, bathroom don’t leave it dirty.
Always be on time. Follow the weekly schedule so you can be prepared for the activities.
During activities with children: Be careful of taking pictures of their faces, we may not have parents’ consent. Ask Laura/Ruth first.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.