STEM trip: Colombia

Overview

Discover the world’s second-most biodiverse country, Colombia, on a STEM trip that combines barely believable landscapes, award-winning innovation, and memorable cultural activities.

Students will come face to face with unique ecosystems and endemic wildlife, and experience how burgeoning tech scenes and groundbreaking engineering have helped transform parts of Colombia’s major cities. Check our example itinerary below that we’d tailor to your academic focus.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Your experiences

Explore Andean ecosystems

Tropical forest hikes

Urban gardening

Rafting alongside marble caves

Ziplining in the forest

Coffee workshop

Cooking challenge

Circular economy workshop

B Corporation visits

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals & introduction to the program (Medellin)

Students will take a private airport bus transfer to the hotel for check-in, after which they’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and an introduction to our expert team.

Day 2: Explore the city's turbulent past (Medellin)

You’ll visit the iconic House of Memories museum and ride along the innovative and award-winning cable car system. Students then discover one of Medellin’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Comuna 3, and take part in a street art workshop and salsa dance class. There will be evening fruit tasting with an array of exotic varieties.

Day 3: Organic farming & sustainable cooking challenge (Medellin)

The group will travel to a traditional Antioqueñan town to meet a pioneering farmer who has a unique story behind his transformation to organic agriculture. During this hands-on visit, you’ll begin a journey into sustainability and especially circular economies.

Students will understand, and taste, the entire process of organic farming before they split into teams to take part in our cooking challenge.

Day 4: Urban gardening & intercultural activity (Medellin)

Today students will join a local pioneer and discover how creating green spaces in urban settings can help foster a more inclusive and sustainable community. They will plant fruits and vegetables and learn the science behind making the perfect compost for different settings.

The highlight of the day will be the opportunity to collaborate with local students in a unique cross-cultural learning experience.

Day 5: Explore unique ecosystems first hand (Rio Claro)

Students will travel to a remarkable natural reserve and hotel nestled in the tropical forests of Rio Claro. The group will enjoy an eco-walk passing rivers, waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna.

Students will then take part in an introductory workshop on the reserve and go on a night walk under marble caves to discover a native bird species.

Day 6: Rafting and zip lining (Rio Claro)

After waking up to the howl of monkeys, students zip through the jungle on a canopy experience before wading through the river to reach some stunning waterfalls.

Then, the group will jump on a raft and enjoy an eight-mile journey down the crystal-clear river, passing underneath marble caves for a memorable jungle activity.

Day 7: Transfer back to Medellin & Coffee Workshop (Medellin)

Ever wondered how the world’s finest coffee beans are made? Students will learn the entire Colombian coffee-making process and become expert tasters.

This workshop is in partnership with our friends at Urbania, an impactful B Corporation who have a strong environmental and social mission.

Day 8: Departures (Medellin)

We’ll take students to a local market to buy gifts for family and friends before they take a private transfer to Medellin’s international airport.

Essential information

Locations: Medellin, Rio Claro
Duration: 4+ days
Number of participants: 6+
Cost: From $699 per person (price depends on group size)
Teachers: Teachers travel for free
Accommodation: Hostel or hotel and eco-lodge in tropical rainforest
Carbon emissions: 225 kg of CO₂e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here! See below for more details.
Other locations: Peru and Ecuador

All meals (we chose varied dishes to give a real taste of Colombia)
Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
Transport – private buses and domestic flights
All scheduled excursions, activities, visits
Local guides and translators
Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols
Health Insurance
One Kagumu guide for every 8 students
Sustainability impact report

Medellin: You will be staying in a 3* hotel in the safe and vibrant neighborhoods of Manila or Laureles, depending on the size of the group. We’ll divide students into single-gender rooms with a private bathroom. Professors will enjoy individual en-suite rooms. Our partner hotels all have ample space to enjoy social activities and our unique cooking class.

Rio Claro: This stunning natural reserve hotel sits in the middle of the jungle and demonstrates a strong commitment to social and environmental sustainability. With two floors of independent rooms that open to forest views, this grand, rustic structure was built for universities, schools, institutions, and large groups.

The weather in Medellin varies mildly between rainy and dry seasons. The temperature is a very agreeable 77°F all year round. Students will be active every day and should pack strong, comfortable sports shoes for walking and appropriate clothing for sunshine, rain, warmth, and cold.

The climate in Rio Claro will be hot and humid during the day, and cool at night with potential showers. Due to the variable weather conditions we will encounter, it is important to be prepared with appropriate clothing for your STEM trip. We highly recommend packing the following:

– Large rucksack or suitcase
– Day backpack (for Rio Claro)
– Raincoat
– Waterproof bottoms
– Walking boots
– Trainers
– Water shoes (to walk through the river)
– Trainer socks
– Towel
– Sun hat
– Warm hat
– Warm jumper and/or hoodie
– Thermals for the cold
– Bug repellent
– Sun cream
– T-shirts
– Torch (headlamp)
– Water bottle
– Camera
– Sunglasses

Carbon emissions: 225 kg of CO₂e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here!

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.