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Jungle Volunteering in Minca: Nature, Music & Vibes 🎶🌴

4.0
(968 reviews)968

The experience

Nestled in Minca’s jungle by the river, Río Elemento is a peaceful eco-retreat. As a volunteer, you might welcome travelers at the front desk, help plan hikes, mix cocktails by the pool, or capture the magic for our social media. Surrounded by waterfalls, hammocks, and a team that feels like family, each day flows with nature, music, and connection.
We're a warm, community-oriented hostel that welcomes travelers from all over!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Bartending: Make and serve drinks and help maintain the beverages inventory.

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Parties: Get discounts at nearby parties and clubs.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner Spanish or Beginner English

Under 22 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Río Elemento is a riverside eco lodge tucked into the lush tropical gardens of Minca, Colombia. Every day here is about connection: to nature, to community, and to the magic in simple moments, sunlight through leaves, water flowing, shared meals, starlit nights. Our volunteer program gathers people who want to help in meaningful ways, welcoming guests, leading experiences, tending the bar / café, and telling our story through photos and words. In exchange, we offer a space to learn, grow, relax, and be part of something rooted in respect for nature and people.

As a volunteer you can rotate through different roles (front desk, activities, bar / food service, content creation), depending on interest and skill. You’ll learn practical hospitality skills, join hikes or river swims, collaborate on creative content, and most importantly help amplify the sense of home and peace that makes Río Elemento special.

Activities & Shift

Volunteers at Rio Elemento play an important role in making our hostel a warm and vibrant place. The main tasks include helping behind the bar (serving drinks and keeping the energy flowing — some experience is a plus!), supporting our reception team as a friendly host welcoming guests and sharing information, and occasionally giving a hand in the kitchen (assisting our cooks with service, not cooking). It’s also a great opportunity to practice and improve your Spanish while working side by side with locals and guests from all over the world.

Rules

To keep the experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable for everyone (guests, staff, volunteers), here are some rules volunteers should follow:
1. Punctuality & Reliability — Be on time for your shifts. Let someone know beforehand if you can’t make it.
2. Respect & Teamwork — You’re part of a team. Be kind, open to learning, helpful, respectful to guests, staff, other volunteers.
3. Cleanliness & Hygiene — Maintain high standards in food/bar/guest areas. Wash hands, clean after use, follow food safety practices.
4. Dress Code — Comfortable, clean clothes suitable for the role (e.g. bar: casual but tidy; activities: outdoor-friendly; front desk: neat). Closed shoes for safety when required.
5. Guests First — Always treat guests with respect, warmth, and honesty. Maintain guest privacy (no photos of people without consent).
6. Responsible Drinking & Conduct — If alcohol is allowed in downtime, drink responsibly. Any drug use is strictly prohibited. No loud or abusive behavior.
7. Use of Equipment & Safety — Use tools, kitchen/bar equipment, electronics safely and only for intended purposes. Report any hazards or damage immediately.
8. Social Media & Content — Represent Río Elemento honestly in photos/posts. Ask permission before using guest images; avoid sharing sensitive or private info.
9. Quiet & Rest Times — Respect rest hours for the lodge, guests, and staff. Nights should be calm.