Our Work with the El Rio Foundation
Journey Latin America is a proud supporter of the El Rio Foundation, a grassroots initiative based in Buritaca on Colombia’s north Caribbean coast.
At Journey Latin America, we believe meaningful travel goes hand in hand with meaningful connection. In the places we know and love, we’re always looking for ways to give back, and one of the most important ways we do that is through our staff-led fundraising campaigns.
In 2025, we’re proud to be supporting the El Rio Foundation, a grassroots initiative based in Buritaca on Colombia’s north Caribbean coast. The foundation was created with a clear mission: to uplift the local community through education, environmental action and inclusive, joyful programmes for young people.
El Rio is based at the award-winning Rio Hostel, named Hostelworld’s 2024 Community Hero. From this colourful space, the team delivers free, fun and inclusive weekly activities for over 600 local children and teenagers. These range from academic tutoring and English lessons to art, dance, sport and wellbeing support.
As well as helping young people thrive, El Rio also runs reforestation and waste management projects, ensuring that its impact reaches both the community and the land they call home.
This year, our fundraising efforts, from sports days and sponsored walks to bake sales and team challenges, will go towards supporting the foundation’s academic tutoring programmes. These sessions offer vital support to local children and young adults, helping them build confidence, pass exams and open doors for the future.
We’re excited to play a small part in the foundation’s inspiring work, and to continue building connections with the communities at the heart of the continent.
Papagaio
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