2025 Telluride Colombia Program

Blog Day 13

Today, after enjoying a flavorful breakfast from our home stays, we boarded a colorful Chiva that took us up the mountain roads to a family coffee farm. Here we learned all about the process of making coffee from planting the seed to enjoying a warm cup.

The experience also included some bushwhacking through coffee plants to find the bean pods fit for consumption. It was very interesting and fun to be able to see and do the whole coffee-making process from planting the seed to brewing the beverage. There are many details that we didn’t know, and now we can return home with very good coffee for our families.

After enjoying some more of the outdoors, we got back on the Chiva to go to the school. Here we painted the freshly laid walls of cement around the garden that we built days prior.

After embracing our artistic talent, scrubbing the paint off our hands, and saying goodbye to our new friends at the school, we got a ride back to the town to enjoy a lunch with our home stays. In the free time that followed, some people went shopping while others got ready for their final dinner in Jardin. Everyone gathered with their home stay family’s at a restaurant where we enjoyed a buffet-style meal and our last night here.

Jardin’s farewell party was very exciting, we put on our best outfits, took beautiful pictures and said goodbye to our beloved families having the time to share a little more with them.

– Lucy

Blog Day 12

Today, everyone was given a rest day to chill and enjoy Jardin on their own schedule. The day was rainy, so it was perfect for some rest. Everyone was able to sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast at their homestays. Groups walked the town, looking at shops and the scenery. After having a chill morning around the town kids went back to their homestays for lunch.

The rest of the afternoon was mostly free until the group met and drove to a sugar cane factory. We looked at how it went from being picked to being boiled and turned into liquid. The “panela” liquid is densified until it is transformed into blocks for sale. We were able to taste its flavor, which is very rich and different from the one in commerce.

Before the storm, groups were able to explore the farm, where they got to see horses and pigs. The day ended back at the homestays for a warm dinner and a night talking with friends.

Tomorrow is our last day in Jardín, and we are a little sad that this adventure has already had its days counted, but we are very happy for everything we have experienced and learned.

– Tula

Blog Day 11

This morning we woke up to a delicious breakfast prepared by our host family. After getting ready and walking to the square we boarded the bus and headed to school. At school we worked on our service project. We filled in concrete blocks to delimit some crop areas and were rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Afterwards we played volleyball and football with the school volunteers and had a snack at a small cafe nearby. When we returned to Jardin in our host homes we were greeted with the tasty smell of a homemade lunch. After lunch we had free time to see the town some more or stay at our house to rest from the hard work of this morning.

At four o’clock we all gathered in the plaza and got back on the colorful “Chiva” bus to drive to our next location, a beautiful view point with photo stations. After lots of fun and photos we drove back and had free time. In this period of time a caterpillar train was driving through the town and was a fun way to explore the town and spend some down time. At our house a delectable dinner was waiting as was a sweet old man we learned was a long time resident of the house. We were able to practice our Spanish and learn about his experiences and 89 years of life.

After dinner we went out in groups and got to see the lively Saturday night in Jardin filled with laughter, music, horses, and a beautiful market with lots of interesting people. We then came home finishing another amazing day.

– Thea

Blog Day 10

Today we had a delicious breakfast at our homestays and then got into the jeeps for a beautiful ride through the forest to a river. We hiked to a beautiful high waterfall, plunged into the cold water and took lots of pictures. Afterwards we went to some pools and enjoyed swimming and jumping in the river, had a snack at a cafeteria located on the green hillside and returned to the jeepetos ready to eat a delicious traditional lunch.

I love Colombian cuisine! After a great lunch at a delicious restaurant near the central garden square, we set off for free time! We went off in separate groups to explore the town, shopped, ate and explored the stunning Jardín town. We then met at the town square and were guided to a coffee.

Once at the cafeteria, we were able to stroll through the surrounding trails. Once we had explored the rivers and trails in the surrounding area, we were called to meet and have a moment of reflection on the experience here and the cultural differences we noticed. Each student also wrote a letter to their future self, which will be sent to them in three years and I think will be very special for many of us to receive.

After finishing our letters we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in our host house. We then finished our day back at our homestay, ending another amazing day in Colombia!

– Natalie and Vivian

Blog Day 9

On this sunny Wednesday morning in Jardín Columbia we start our adventure with a light breakfast and not soon after heading to the main town square to meet the group. We took tour bus up the mountains about 15 minutes to a school where we met kids from Columbia who showed us projects that they have beer working on suchlike bee pollination, coffee groves, plantation and bird species. Later followed by fun games in there gym like soccer, basketball and volleyball we then had lunch which was hamburgers!!! we then headed back to our home stay towns where we had free time from 12:30 until 4:14 once finished with sleeping and chilling, the free time was up, we then proceeded to adventure to a bird sanctuary in the location of a big green rain forest filled with tons of colorful cock-of-the-rock birds.

Later that night we all went back to our home stays to have a delicious dinner. Finally, it was time to get rest. Today was quite the adventure and experience full of joy and especially lots of smiles!

– Griffin

Blog Day 8

On the beautiful morning of June 19, we woke up to splendid sunshine, ready to start the day. We started with a tasty breakfast with our host families and soon set off on our adventure through the exotic jungle. We rode colorful jeeps up the rugged mountain. We all enjoyed a delicious treat, right at the top of the hike, before exploring the steps ahead of us. We climbed up and down steep, slippery rocks that led us to a roaring waterfall. The water was clear, cold and cascading down into a grotto.

We all enjoyed the numbing water as we continued to discover the thrilling scene. After the refreshing ride, we dried off and returned to the top of the trail. On the way down, we happily remounted the jeep back to the glorious town of Jardin. Coming back from the wonderful waterfall tour, we went to eat at our host homes. It is always nice to share what we experienced with the families while having lunch. Afterwards, the groups had free time to go shopping in the local stores, taste typical food and get to know the colorful streets of Jardin.

After almost two and a half hours of free time, the groups returned to their homes for dinner. After dinner we explored the nightlife of Jardin which is a very quiet and safe town. At 9:30 we happily returned to our homes where all of us kids cuddled up in bed awaiting tomorrow’s new adventures.

– Evelyn and Rocco

Blog Day 7

On this sunny Wednesday morning in Jardín Columbia we start our adventure with a light breakfast and not soon after heading to the main town square to meet the group. We took tour bus up the mountains about 15 minutes to a school where we met kids from Columbia who showed us projects that they have beer working on suchlike bee pollination, coffee groves, plantation and bird species. Later followed by fun games in there gym like soccer, basketball and volleyball we then had lunch which was hamburgers!!!

We then headed back to our home stay towns where we had free time from 12:30 until 4:14 once finished with sleeping and chilling, the free time was up, we then proceeded to adventure to a bird sanctuary in the location of a big green rain forest filled with tons of colorful cock-of-the-rock birds. Later that night we all went back to our home stays to have a delicious dinner.

Finally, it was time to get rest. Today was quite the adventure and experience full of joy and especially lots of smiles!

– Griffin

Blog Day 6

Today we left Medellin to get to the town where the family and the kids from the school are waiting for us for our exchange experience. The trip has been a bit long but we stopped mid-morning at a very nice cafeteria all painted with traditional motifs.

After the time at the cafeteria we got back on the bus and finished our trip to Jardin! We got off at a nice restaurant and had lunch before enjoying exploring the town, and especially the colorful town square that looks like it came straight out of a movie.

We then met our host families and settled into our rooms before exploring some more. In the square there were many carts with local fruits and desserts, such as wafers, and a giant, beautiful cathedral surrounded by brightly colored and intricately decorated buildings. We met up to talk just as it was starting to rain and then went to dinner with our host families, and we talk a lot with them.

After a few last hours of free time we went to bed, very excited to meet the students with whom we will be playing tomorrow!

– Savannah

Blog Day 5

Today we left early from the hotel to get to Cocorna. This beautiful place full of nature made us live an incredible experience among its jungles and forest: we have done rafting! After a short walk we got to the river, put on our life jackets and helmets and divided into four boats. It was a lot of fun and everything around us was beautiful. We also jumped and swam, swung on a rope to jump into the river and learned how to go down mini waterfalls.

Everything was amazing! Halfway through the trip we stopped to rest and eat some yummy fruits with cocoa from the area. The rafting guides cut fresh watermelon and pineapple. After the rafting we had a delicious lunch before returning to the hotel and resting playing on the river bank. The surprises didn’t end and when we arrived at Medillin’s hotel we shared some delicious pizzas.

Grateful for the adventures of this magical day we go to bed happy and curious to get to Jardin tomorrow!

-Blake

Blog Day 4

Columbia

Our day in Columbia was unforgettable. We started with a city tour, walking through vibrant streets filled with color, history, culture and graffiti . Afterward, we had an amazing lunch including sandwiches, fries and coconut lemonade.

Today was a great mix of learning, fun and amazing food. Today will be a day we will never forget

-Bode

Blog Day 4

Medellin City Tour

My birthday was very fun and a day i will never forget. we started the day with breakfast at the hotel before driving to the district 13 and touring graffiti symbolizing many things. I got a birthday serenade by a rapper dude. very cool. after, we had lunch at a super cool restaurant and the food was fire. then, we went to the fernando botero museum and looked at his artwork for like 30 mins before hopping on the metro to go to the aquarium that also had other fun stuff.

When we were done there, we headed to dinner where there was a live band that i really enjoyed. at the end of dinner, they had a cake for rex and i and they all sang happy birthday!

-Livija Kramer

Blog Day 3, Afternoon

After an awesome time at the water park and paddling through the lake in canoes and swimming at the park, we all dried off and sat down for a fun lunch together. We laughed, shared stories, and played some silly games that made everyone smile.

Once lunch was over, we hopped on a bus and began our ride back to Medellín. The ride was long but cozy, and we watched the beautiful mountains pass by through the windows. When we got to the hotel, it felt warm and welcoming, and the dinner we had was absolutely delicious with kind waitresses! Later that night , we all went out to explore the city under the glowing streetlights. Medellín was buzzing with energy—people talking, music playing, and motorcycles zooming by every few seconds.

The night air was warm and humid , with the streets alive and pop of color and sound. Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, we all stopped for a sweet dessert that melted in our mouths.

-Bri

Blog Day 3, Morning

This morning we woke up and went to breakfast at 8:30 a.m. We packed up to leave the hotel in Guatapé and walk to the water park.

When we first got there we checked in and got our wristbands then we went to the playground area. In the playground area we could jump into the water, play on the trampolines and go on the rope swing. We really spend a great time there! After about an hour of that we went back to the main area and got ice cream.

After we ate our ice cream we went to the boat area where we could take a kayak or a peddle boat and ride around the lake. We did that for about 40 minutes then we went to lunch at the top of the park and ate in nature. When we finished that we left for Medellin.

-Irvin

Blog Day 2

Today was an amazing day! We started the adventure by climbing 700 steps up the rock that towers over Guatapé, the Peñol. Although the climb was strenuous, the views and experience was worth it. The climb’s difficulty brought the group closer together as we conversed while taking in incredible views. As the day continued, we explored the colorful town. Weaving in and out of shops allowed us to learn more about the culture of Colombia and its people.

We learned about the history of the lake that surrounds Guatape during a rainy boat ride. We danced to Spanish music as rain poured into the boat. We ended the night with a group dinner, sharing moments of our day and bonding over a delicious meal.

Overall, the first day was incredible as we learned more about our peers through the beauty of Guatapé.

-Annabelle Starr

Blog Day 1

Happy to welcome this beautiful group that arrived in Medellín full of energy despite the long trip. Although they experienced some flight delays, the journey went very smoothly. The first stop was at a delicious, traditional restaurant near the airport, where they had their first taste of the delights of Colombian cuisine. We arrived at the hotel in the beautiful town of Guatapé, with its stunning lake views at night, and were able to rest well before enjoying a delicious welcome breakfast.

We’re now set and ready to take on tomorrow’s challenge: climbing the famous Piedra del Peñol! Stay tuned—we’ll keep sharing how our adventure unfolds!

-Ambra Galleotti PL

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