Join Us in Building a Perma Culture Project Near Medellín

United Kingdom

4

Juan provided us with a lovely place to stay and with good quality home cooked food. The tasks were varied and different each day and the area was very nice for when we had free time to relax. I sometimes found it difficult to communicate with Juan this is mainly because of my poor Spanish but I would recommend this more to people with better Spanish levels

about 14 hours ago

United Kingdom

4

The tasks were varied, we helped to use materials Juan had available to improve the cabins and develop the space for a new cabin. We also made arepas from scratch which we took into Medellin to trade for fresh produce. The breakfast and lunch provided were tasty and showcased local meals and ingredients well. It was a true Spanish immersion so it would help to brush up on specific construction vocabulary beforehand. The accommodation was private and included a comfy bed. The bathroom was modern and relatively private but didn't have hot water yet, this was only available in Juan's bathroom.

3 days ago

United States

5

Honestly my experience was limited since i spent most of it recovering from an illness :(( but Juan was largely nice about that! it is quite a lot colder in Santa Elena than Medellín or other parts of Colombia so check the weather and bring warm clothes

9 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I really enjoyed my stay at Juan del Bosque. I felt very welcomed into the community there - even with my very basic Spanish. Juan taught me some Spanish through sharing songs in Spanish and teaching me the meanings of the lyrics. We spent some evenings singing with the guitar which was really fun and a unique way to learn! We also went to the market where Juan exchanged churros for food - I couldn't believe how much food he managed to exchange! It was a great experience, the tasks were sometimes challenging but he was flexible in when these were completed in the day.

10 months ago

Luxembourg

5

I truly enjoyed my stay at the Granja Juan del Bosque. Juan is a very warm, welcoming and adaptable host that cares for your well-being and likes to teach spanish. Work is mostly easy and laid-back but can be physical at times. The farm is situated in a really peaceful and quiet environment and you'll meet many locals of the community surrounding the farm and get a unique opportunity to learn about the culture and their way of life, which is an extremely enriching experience. The meals are delicious, traditional and authentic as most ingredients come directly from the farm.

10 months ago

Canada

5

Our host met us at the airport and had arranged our 45 minute drive. I should have mentioned to him that I get motion sickness on windy roads. The views were amazing and the way to Juan's property along a steep incline was memorable. It's best to be fit to volunteer there. I love the creativity involved in using local materials and reusing everything, thanks to Juan. I also accompanied him on his barter day where he traded bread and baked goods for fresh market produce. That was awesome!

11 months ago

Canada

5

Juan is an extraordinary guy. His place is very rustic but quite functional. He has a vegetable garden, a green house and several chickens and roosters, and a cat. Juan gave us the chore of renovating the cabin we were staying in with found materials. I found it rather challenging but satisfying. Veronica and I were surrounded by Spanish speaking people which was was great for improving our language skills. We had time to connect with everyone there. We felt welcomed into the local community. We got to visit the forest and parks nearby .

11 months ago

Juan replied

Muchas gracias amigos y por toda la ayuda! Dios los bendiga y los guarde siempre! Me siento muy afortunado de conocerlos y compartir,

United States

3

A productive experience to have, just not something to have high expectations for. The project has potential, Juan has a dream to return to pizza delivery from his garden but since the pandemic that hasn't happened. The whole experience really rides on the back of Ele, who's a hard worker, naturalist and leader. He became one of our bros. Don't come here if you want to shower everyday or be indoors. Art is possible but only partially belongs. The crew were accommodating when I arrived and overestimated my Spanish capability but it slowed productivity, intermediate Spanish is a must.

about 2 months ago

Germany

4

I had a really fun time and the farm! Juan is super nice and the atmosphere is very chill. I met some amazing people during my stay, but sadly Juan isn't around that much. It's is a cool project and the impact you can have is noticable pretty quickly. Unfortunaly the description is not completely accurate: we worked 6 days à 2-3 hours so we didn't have the written 3 days off. Also there are no "official" spanish courses or tours. We did get three meals despite the description saying only 2.

about 2 months ago

Switzerland

4

The place is beautiful and the project has potential. Communication and organization could be improved. Juan was kind and open to feedback but wasn't very present during the week. The work was light, and I appreciated the other volunteers. Overall an interesting experience — just be aware it gets quite cold at night.

3 months ago

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