{"id":184274,"date":"2023-07-27T11:08:12","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T11:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=184274"},"modified":"2023-07-28T14:26:10","modified_gmt":"2023-07-28T14:26:10","slug":"sustainability-stories-volunteering-at-el-rio-hostel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/sustainability-stories-volunteering-at-el-rio-hostel\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability Stories: Volunteering at Rio Hostel Buritaca"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustainable travel isn\u2019t just a trend, and for our planet to survive, it needs to be the norm. Travel is well and truly back up and running, but you know what isn\u2019t? Greenwashing. Not around here! Climate-conscious adventurers want to know how to travel sustainably, and ensure they leave a positive mark on the communities they come upon.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We know that hostels are more environmentally friendly than other types of accommodation <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that they produce <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/sustainable-travel-hostels\/\" class=\"post links\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">75% less carbon emissions than hotels<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. But what are they actually doing to get there? How can you sleep well in your dorm at night knowing you\u2019re contributing to the greater good?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Well, as DMZ once said, we\u2019re gon\u2019 give it to ya! In our new series, Hostelworld\u2019s Sustainability Stories, we\u2019ll be sharing exactly how hostels go above and beyond for the environment and their communities, straight from the <span style=\"text-decoration: line-through;\">horse\u2019s<\/span> hostels\u2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0mouth!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a0<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qMeOFNN8O6k\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet El Rio<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0(Rio Hostel Buritaca)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184284\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: Volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/El-Rio-Hostel-Buritaca-Large-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To kick off the series, we\u2019re jetting to the Colombian Caribbean coast to hear about a hostel that hosts more than just holidaymakers and goes the extra mile (into the mountains) to improve life for local people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tucked away in the jungle, near the tropical beaches of Tayrona National Park, sits <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/st\/hostels\/p\/272058\/rio-hostel-buritaca\/\" class=\"post links\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">El Rio Hostel<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (or Rio Hostel Buritaca). Known as a fun and sociable stop on the backpacker trail, complete with a riverside bar, private beach, and tipsy tubing, El Rio isn\u2019t just a pretty face. Through educational, environmental and sporting programs, bolstered by volunteering visitors, the hostel helps hundreds of local people everyday. We sat down with the hostel\u2019s Co-Founder, Ben Davies, and the El Rio Foundation\u2019s Co-Director, Felix Sullivan, to learn about their journey and find out how you can get involved!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Empowering a local workforce<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-184290 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/1g-Large-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before they even opened, El Rio made it their mission to employ a local workforce, not only of Colombians, but of Colombians from nearby towns and villages. But they didn\u2019t just want to provide jobs, they wanted to help families ensure their own future.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The area is well known because of the famous Tayrona Park beaches and historic jungle hike to Ciudad Perdida (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-south-america\/\" class=\"post links\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Lost City<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">). Jobs in hospitality and tourism are like gold dust, but with one caveat, you must speak English. With a lack of English teaching in the area, a lot of companies look to bigger cities to employ people who speak the lingo of the gringos.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">El Rio wanted to give back to the community that they built their business on. Before opening, Ben began to teach English, starting with moto taxi drivers who ferry guests through the jungle, and moving to the rest of their team. Teaching English to staff turned into such a big job that the hostel employed a full-time teacher. Staff get to learn a language that may help them secure future jobs, and they can better engage with most hostel guests \u2013 it\u2019s a win, win.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">El Rio now employ a team of 80 people, mostly from local villages. Roughly 12 full time hostel volunteers work alongside their team at any given time. One staff member has even moved from being a cleaner, to their Finance department and is now studying for a degree. What a character arc!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The journey to volunteering<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6b-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6b-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6b-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6b-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6b.jpg 958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teaching English made El Rio want to give back to the community in other ways. They took a football down to the nearby village and invited local kids to a game, the kids jumped at the chance. This sparked their volunteering and charity plans.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What started off as a football game, turned into a football club, then other sports activities based on the kid\u2019s requests. Now, they run clubs everyday with the help of travelling volunteers. From theatre, to dance, and even circus skills, the list goes on. All clubs are free and running on donations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Helping their community became bigger than they ever expected, so to support the activities they created the El Rio Foundation, where they now fund and resource their charitable efforts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Education and childcare volunteering<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-184289 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/6a-Large-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The more time they spent with people from the villages, the more they heard their needs. They discovered that during COVID-19 kids\u2019 education was put on pause, as schools struggled to stay afloat. Children were out of school for 21 months, and many had huge gaps in their education. El Rio decided to do something about it. Now, they fund full time teachers and volunteers that educate children and teach adults English. Volunteers teach a whopping 60+ hours in the community every week!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A key takeaway from the conversation with El Rio was how important it is to listen to the local community in order to support it. Instead of deciding how to best help, they hear about their struggles and find solutions. One example of this is when they learnt that there was no childcare available in the area, and that parents were struggling to work without anyone to take care of their little ones. El Rio quickly responded by setting up child minding facilities and hiring qualified volunteers to provide that much needed facility.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impacting the Indigenous community<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184287\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/4b-Large-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thought it stopped there? Think again! If you haven\u2019t been to the Colombian <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Caribbean coast then first off, add it to your future travel plans now. And secondly, while you\u2019re there you need to book onto the Lost City trek, a gruelling 65km hike through the clay-filled Sierra Nevada jungle, where you learn about the tumultuous history of the spot. From Tayrona people hiding from Spanish conquest to paramilitary groups and cocaine factories. The stories are wild!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the trek, one of the highlights is learning about and meeting people from the two indigenous groups that still live in the mountains, the Koguis and the Wiwas. You\u2019ll pass many people from the tribes as they glide up the mountain trails in traditional white clothes, unbothered by the incline and chewing on coca leaves.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What does this have to do with El Rio? Well, even up in the mountains word spread fast about the awesome work they\u2019re doing, and indigenous group leaders asked El Rio to help their children too. Volunteers embark on a trek of their own to teach English, other classes and run activities with children from indigenous groups.\u00a0 As a traveller, I can\u2019t think of a better way to become immersed in local culture!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How travellers can get stuck in<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We know our travellers want to support hostels that strive to make positive change, and El Rio have hit the right balance of helping the community, whilst being mindful of maintaining culture. This is reflected in responses from local children. During a \u2018Gratitude Week\u2019 at the foundation, when the kids were asked what they were grateful for, their response was \u201cthank you for bringing the gringos\u201d, which says it all!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">El Rio is a hostel that truly helps travellers give back and there are loads of opportunities for you to get involved. Here\u2019s how:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay there<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A donation of $1.30 (COP 5,000) is added to every guest\u2019s bill (you can opt out if you want to), but this means that by simply staying there, you\u2019re already helping fund foundation activities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184303\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Tubing1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Tubing1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Tubing1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Tubing1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Tubing1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Order a Rum &amp; Coke on a Wednesday<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Rum and Coke drinker? You will be now. If you <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">order a rum and Coke at the bar on a Wednesday, you\u2019ll fund 45 minutes of education for 20 children. You hear that right. Whose joining us at the bar?! On Wednesdays we no longer wear pink, we buy rum from El Rio!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/bar12-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Volunteer for a day or two, or three\u2026<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you read this and thought \u201cwhere do I sign up?!\u201d, just ask at reception. The foundation is always looking for guests to volunteer and bring positivity to a child\u2019s day. Especially if you\u2019re a dab hand at circus tricks.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Got a niche skill? Make it known! Felix recalled a time a dentist visited the hostel and offered their exper-teeth to local mouths. You don\u2019t have to be a dentist, but if you have an idea of how you can make a difference, let them know.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-184297\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004-1024x701.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004-1024x701.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004-768x526.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004-1536x1051.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230617-WA0004.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Become a long-term volunteer<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Travellers can apply to volunteer at the hostel with activities like yoga, social events and day trips with guests. Tipsy tubing with travellers and 3 free meals a day? Run, don\u2019t walk to their DMs!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the foundation, they welcome long-term volunteers who are available for 4+ weeks to teach English, environmental education, sports and arts coaching and more!\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In exchange they offer free accommodation, 3 meals a day, your laundry done for you and discounted drinks. One way ticket to Colombia, por favor!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-184295 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230419-WA0076.jpg\" alt=\"Sustainability Stories: volunteering at El Rio Hostel Buritaca\" width=\"1024\" height=\"662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230419-WA0076.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230419-WA0076-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/IMG-20230419-WA0076-768x497.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83c\udfe0 To book your stay at El Rio, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/st\/hostels\/p\/272058\/rio-hostel-buritaca\/\" class=\"post links\">click here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc9a To find out more about the foundation or donate online, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.riohostel.co\/foundation\" class=\"post links\">click here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc83 Fancy yourself their next volunteer? Email them on: <a href=\"mailto:foundation@elriohostel.com\" class=\"post links\">foundation@elriohostel.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/hostelworld-hostels-hotels\/id348890820?mt=8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51103 aligncenter post links\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/App-IOS-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"203\" height=\"60\" \/><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.hostelworld.app&amp;referrer=mat_click_id%3Da7e362b8d8149e63507f7d1f7184f176-20171011-8816\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51106 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/App-google-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"203\" height=\"60\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\"><strong>You might also like&#8230; \ud83e\udd29<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udc9a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/from-reef-to-rescue-the-10-top-destinations-for-marine-conservation-volunteering\/\" class=\"post links\">From reef to rescue: the 10 top destinations for marine conservation volunteering<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udc9a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/should-we-still-be-visiting-natural-beauty-spots\/\" class=\"post links\">Should we still be visiting natural beauty spots?<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 20px;\">\ud83d\udc9a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/how-i-discovered-i-was-neurodivergent-whilst-solo-travelling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"post links\">How I discovered I was neurodivergent whilst solo travelling<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sustainable travel isn\u2019t just a trend, and for our planet to survive, it needs to be the norm. Travel is well and truly back up and running, but you know what isn\u2019t? Greenwashing. Not around here! Climate-conscious adventurers want to know how to travel sustainably, and ensure they leave a positive mark on the communities&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":184288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9933,10211],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-responsible-travel","category-sustainability","authors-michaella-fenton","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Sustainability Stories: Volunteering at Rio Hostel Buritaca - Hostelworld Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We know hostels are more sustainable, but how? 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