6 Nature Experiences Where Students Can Make a Genuine Difference

By Hannah Pentin | June 11, 2024

Home to more than 40% of the world’s biodiversity, Latin America offers awe-inspiring landscapes and a dazzling variety of wildlife, from the green lungs of the Amazon to the islands of the Galapagos.

But the region faces great danger.

Climate change threatens ecosystems, disrupts food and water supplies, and impacts communities.

Many countries in the region have implemented conservation efforts and eco-tourism practices to protect their natural capital. In fact, many feature at the very top of Forbes’ Ecotourism Index.

Educational nature experiences take students out of the classroom and into real-world settings, giving them the opportunity to become inspired, take action, and reflect. 

Whether assisting in wildlife conservation or reforestation, there’s a rich selection of activities for students to partake in, and their efforts can have tangible results. 

Let’s look at six nature experiences in Latin America where students make a difference.

1.    Experiencing and restoring the Galapagos

Reforestation is a critical process. 

Planting trees and tracking their growth helps combat climate change as the new forests absorb carbon dioxide. It also safeguards and restores biodiversity. 

One great example of this is our environmental science trip to the Galapagos; an impactful adventure led by expert environmental scientists and biologists.  

The trip begins in the historical center of Quito, Ecuador’s capital, before heading to San Cristobal Island. 

Students receive a guided tour of an interpretation center, followed by the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions. 

Here, they stay in a colonial homestead called a hacienda. Through the knowledge of local guides, they’ll discover the value of a tortoise protection program.

They’ll then visit a greenhouse to deepen their understanding of plant growth, and the data they collect will be used by the national park to contribute to the island’s conservation.

Students help control invasive species and learn about the factors threatening biodiversity.

Participants can plant their own trees, which can store a large quantity of carbon, and create new habitats.

The itinerary also includes day visits to new islands, a tour of the Charles Darwin Research Center, and a stop at Tortuga Bay, where participants can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. 

Additionally, they’ll discover the art of making jewelry from repurposed materials. 

2. Cultural immersion and urban collaboration in Colombia

In Medellin, Colombia’s innovative second city, Kagumu Adventures partners with an urban gardening project. 

Students are joined by local pupils, creating a cross-cultural learning environment in which they create a garden bursting with fresh produce.

Through this, we highlight the importance of green spaces in urban environments and demonstrate how to turn neglected land into a colorful community garden. 

Then there’s a visit to a rural farm in the nearby village of El Carmen De Viboral, where students can enjoy organic tasting sessions and cooking challenges while witnessing the circular economy in action.

Later, in the rainforest of Rio Claro, there is a visit to the nature reserve. Students search for a native bird species in a guided nighttime stroll through the caves, along with other thrilling activities like zip-lining and rafting.

On return to Medellin, thanks to our collaboration with Cafe Urbania, students can take part in an immersive, authentic Colombian coffee workshop.

3. STEM learning in Ecuador

From the classroom to Ecuador, Kagumu Adventures’ STEM trip brings students’ education to life with immersive learning, exposure to unique ecosystems, and integration into the local culture.

The journey begins in Quito, which contains one of the best-preserved historic centers of Latin America. 

Here, we’ll tour the Environmental Education Centre and visit the equator line.

Students will then encounter surrounding native communities on a visit to the Quilotoa volcano crater, and have the opportunity to go kayaking in the volcanic waters of the lake. 

In Baños, the gateway to the Amazon, students can take in panoramic views and go zip-lining through the trees. 

The itinerary also includes a forestry workshop and a meeting with Omar Tello, an incredible local who created his very own forest as a way of disrupting deforestation.

Students can encounter new wisdom in the Indigenous Shuar community and take part in a cross-cultural exchange workshop – discovering unique healing practices, the medicinal properties of local crops, and traditional farming. 

To end the trip, students will take part in a cooking challenge using locally sourced ingredients.

4. Exploring permaculture practices in Guatemala 

Sol Y Verde is an agricultural project based in Petén, Guatemala, which has been running since 2019 and has hosted over 150 international volunteers in the past 3 years. 

They primarily work with women and children, who are either migrants or from local families.

On this trip, students meet Baltazar, the founder and director of the project, which began in the village of El Remate.

The project’s success lies in its ability to be easily replicated by local families, ensuring lasting impact and practical benefits for the community.

With the help of volunteers, their goal is to provide the community with the tools to prepare them for the effects of climate change. They nurture the environment and the community, through education and hands-on activities. 

The project welcomes a diverse range of student volunteers, from participants in the WWOOF Volunteer program to those joining group tours and day experiences, such as farm tours and agricultural workshops. Additionally, it offers a private group program featuring activities that span a week or longer.

5. Creative and conservation volunteering in Panama

On remote Isla Colon in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago, you can find Finca Flora, a small-scale community agricultural project. 

With a distinctive natural landscape and an abundance of wildlife, the initiative invites participants to paint murals, discover the art of mosaic-making, and take part in gardening. 

It’s not all about creativity and conservation; it’s also a great way for students to learn Spanish and gain an insight into Panamanian culture. 

Students can experience island life in their free time by cycling around the island, snorkeling, and visiting beautiful beaches.

Sign up to volunteer here: https://wwoofindependents.org/en/host/45886-small-far

6. Join a burgeoning environmental project in Mexico

Just a few hours from Cancun, you’ll find the small pueblo of Bacalar, which is known for its lagoon of 7 colors. 

You’ll also find Alak; a foundation that promotes environmental consciousness as well as self-introspection. 

Diego, the founder, says the purpose of the initiative is “to restore the connection that humans have lost with nature and promote better day-to-day habits.” 

The foundation empowers young people to launch similar projects that focus on protecting and restoring ecosystems.

There is a lake clean-up twice a month. The first includes a yoga class to help participants connect their mind, body, and soul, before cleaning the lake’s shorelines. 

The second clean-up includes free diving to remove waste from under the lake. Alak offers daily waste transportation, recycling, and composting services, to separate waste produced by local establishments. 

According to Diego, Bacalar needs more responsible tourism, and this is why they collaborate with the municipality, other foundations, and the state’s Secretary of Tourism.

Even before students arrive, they receive a detailed guide, so they know what they should and should not do in the lake. They’re welcome to participate in the clean-ups and contribute to creating positive change in this small Mexican village.

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Amidst the climate crisis, it is crucial to promote global connectivity, displayed in abundance in all these interactive nature experiences. 

We know young people can help tackle pressing environmental challenges. Joining one of these transformative experiences, or any other around the world, provides the first stepping stone to inspiring action.

Contact Kagumu for more information about impactful education abroad programs in Latin America.