Waka Willka

Hi! My name's Steve, I'm English and I live in my own little slice of paradise with my kids (who are here at weekends), on a 7-hectare farm, with spectacular canyon views to one side, and our own accessible patch of river on the other.

I split up from the Colombian mother of my kids though we still work together as business partners. A lot of the work needed will be in eco-construction, but also agriculture and general cleaning, maintenance, etc. All volunteers cook together and are responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy. You don't need any skills but if you have them, that's really useful.

We have lots of projects that need enthusiastic hands. I am looking to build a house for myself and then houses for other members of the community. The idea is to start an intentional community and may be rent out some structures on airbnb etc. I'm looking to offer the sauna weekly to tourists, so I need help to keep it burning, attending tourists etc.

We have our own waterfalls, and are within 10 minutes walk of a series of public waterfalls. We have a wood-fired forest sauna made of earth bags, which we are trying to promote to tourists.

I am looking to create some integration activities on specific days on the farm such as 'digital detox / day without power', playing music together, movie night etc. We are offering a space and time for volunteers to offer their own workshops or to share knowledge. We plan on a space for swapping / selling products made by volunteers, ourselves or other members of the community.

We live about an hour's walk from town, taking in breathtaking valleys and small-scale coffee farms. Our aim to is to be entirely self-sufficient economically and in terms of food ... some day ... but it's a challenge especially when you have young children and limited resources...

Musicians are more than welcome. I like playing the guitar, ukulele and I have lots of percussion instruments. There's a guitar that's just for the volunteers. Most Sundays I take part in a medicine music gathering with other locals, and you are welcome to come. Even if you don't play an instrument, everyone is a musician when you have maracas! I can teach the basics...

In exchange for help I can share my knowledge of permaculture and natural building, and you can experience a truly stunning setting with a great atmosphere, views over a canyon and nature reserve, our own waterfalls, river etc. It's great for birding / birdwatching. Come along we could use your help!

We have been mostly dedicated to building so our garden has been neglected a little. The intention is to become self sufficient in food, however. I need help with weeding, planting etc.

I have lived for over 20 years in Colombia, first working as a teacher in Cali, then looking to find a more natural, less hectic life in San Agustin around 10 years ago. I enjoy playing music, badminton, table tennis, permaculture projects and hanging out with my kids who are mostly here at the weekend.

We are an equal opportunities placement and welcome all races and LGBT+.

I have lived for 20 years in Colombia, first working as a teacher in Cali, then looking to find a more natural, less hectic life in San Agustin around 10 years ago. I enjoy playing the guitar and djembe, permaculture projects and hanging out with my kids who are mostly here at the weekend.

In exchange for help I can share my knowledge of permaculture and natural building, and you can experience a truly stunning setting with a great atmosphere, with views over a canyon and nature reserve, our own waterfalls, river etc. It's great for birding / birdwatching. Come along we could use your help!

We are an equal opportunities placement and welcome all races and LGBT+.

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Reviews

5.0
(8 reviews)8

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0
About the experience in: San Agustín, Colombia

Colombia

5

I spent a truly wonderful time here as a volunteer. At the Waka Wilka eco-reserve I found a refuge, a connection with nature, cultural exchange, community life, and sustainable living. Steve is an excellent host; he is kind, organized and clear about the tasks. The work didn't feel like work, as he cooked right while looking at the chickens and hummingbirds through the window; and we repaired the little house as a team. The nearby town, San Agustín, is magical. A journey of learning and personal transformation; I am grateful to Steve for being such a lovely host. My first volunteering experience is unforgettable.

13 days ago

About the experience in: San Agustín, Colombia

Spain

5

Such an anazing experience! Steve is a great guy and all the people who work there as well, I also got to spend time with other amazing volunteers. The spot it's just wonderful, same as the dogs and cats, the work can be a bit exhausting but without being too much and you have plenty of free time to enjoy the amazing surroundings, would definitely recommend the experience!

5 months ago


Steve replied

Thanks for everything Pau!

About the experience in: San Agustín, Colombia

France

5

Thank you so much for everything, Steve! 🙏🌿 The place is amazing, the work is very interesting, and the week has been so rich in encounters and learning… it went by too quickly. I think I'll keep the tradition: to leave… and come back soon 😉 Your project and the energy you bring to it are truly inspiring. I wish you all the best for the continuation of this beautiful adventure. And thanks again for your warm welcome! ☀️

8 months ago


Steve replied

Hope to see you again soon!

About the experience in: San Agustín, Colombia

Colombia

5

My first volunteer experience couldn't have been better; everything went great, Steve was always very kind and ready for any need. Thanks for everything. The experience with the other volunteers was very enriching; I will always carry them in my heart. I would recommend the eco reserve project 100 percent.

10 months ago

About the experience in: San Agustín, Colombia

United States

5

This was my first time doing a WorldPackers experience and Steve's place was such a great choice!!! It is so peaceful, the work is fun and satisfying and I even got to practice Spanish and meet locals! The farm is beautiful, stunning views and fresh air make the time fly by. I highly recommend volunteering here!

12 months ago


Steve replied

Thank you so much for your kind words and it was an absolute pleasure!


Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Vegetarian / Vegan

Rural

Contact with animals

Waterfall