GoAbroad

Sports, Children and Community Volunteering in Bucaramanga

$350Program Costs
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
26Reviews
2024Year established

Program Overview

The Children & Sports Volunteer Program in Bucaramanga offers participants the opportunity to support local community initiatives through education, recreation, and sports activities. Volunteers work with children in underserved neighborhoods, helping to create safe, engaging, and positive environments where they can learn, play, and develop new skills.

Once per week, we also visit a foundation in the prison, where we support inmates with English classes.

Depending on the needs of the community, volunteers may assist with basic English activities, homework support, creative workshops, or organized sports sessions such as football and other team games. The focus is on participation, encouragement, and building confidence rather than formal teaching experience.

Sports activities are an important part of the program, as they help promote teamwork, discipline, and healthy routines. Volunteers may help organize training sessions, lead group games, or support local coaches during practice.

Volunteers are supervised by local staff and receive guidance to help them adapt to the environment and contribute effectively.

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Program Highlights

Support local children in vulnerable communities through education, creativity, and sports activities such as football and team games.
Experience authentic life in Colombia while contributing to community-based projects and building real connections with locals.
Visit a local prison as part of a supervised social awareness experience, gaining insight into Colombia’s rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Explore the beautiful nature of Santander with it's Canyon and Mountains. Participate in exciting activities like paragliding, hiking, coffee tours, dance classes, and much more
Participate in our Spanish classes and improve your Spanish skills firsthand with our professional teachers

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
All Program Activity Costs
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Tuition & Fees
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Group Meals
Required Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Training
Language Lessons
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Exclusions

Travel Insurance
Visa Fees
International SIM Card
Domestic Airfare
International Airfare

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Bucaramanga, Colombia

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Other
  • Written Application
  • Phone/Video Interview

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Starts At

  • per week: $350

Payment Terms

  • Payment Plan

Refund Policy

Refund with conditions

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Voluntours Colombia

5.0
26 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
26
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 26 reviews

Michelle SawkoUnited Kingdom · August 2026

Great Colombian Experience!

La experiencia fue inolvidable! Me gustó el plan de la semana y también las actividades en cada foundación. Simon and Laura are very accommodating, welcoming and are always open to feedback. Luisa who accompanied us to many foundations was great at including everyone and set a great example with the kids. Thank you for all the memories! I recommend this experience who anyone looking for a family feel way of experiencing the culture in Colombia and want to be involved in some great local social projects. I stayed with a Colombian family and I would highly recommend this option.

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Volunteer SUnited Kingdom · April 2026

Life changing experience

So grateful for this opportunity, without BucaraVolunTours it would not have been possible to work with these incredible foundations and meet so many amazing people. Definitely left a long lasting impact on me. Thank you so much for everything!

Franzi IrrgangGermany · May 2025

Awesome project with awesome people!

I had never volunteered before, but Bucara Voluntours made it easy. They were super helpful before and during my stay, so I didn’t have to worry about anything. The organizations they work with are great. The people are full of positive energy and love what they are doing. And, very important to me: everything felt super authentic. At the hostel, you can hang out with other volunteers, join the Spanish classes or head to salsa classes together in the evening. I just loved my time there -definitely recommended!

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Response from provider

I had never volunteered before, but Bucara Voluntours made it easy. They were super helpful before and during my stay, so I didn’t have to worry about anything. The organizations they work with are great. The people are full of positive energy and love what they are doing. And, very important to me: everything felt super authentic. At the hostel, you can hang out with other volunteers, join the Spanish classes or head to salsa classes together in the evening. I just loved my time there -definitely recommended!

Mike WilhelmSwitzerland · May 2025

The real experience in Colombia!

I had a wonderful experience with this volunteering organization! The program was diverse, and the team was very friendly and supportive. I particularly appreciated the variety of organizations we visited, including the prison, children’s centers, and authentic local areas of the city. I also liked the engaging Spanish lessons and the fun activities like paragliding. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in meaningful volunteer work and cultural immersion.

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Marissa KingUnited States · May 2025

Incredible Experience!

After spending 8 days in Bucaramanga working with Bucara Voluntours and the foundations they work with, I am in love! This was a great experience~ combining seeing the amazing things Colombia has to offer, as well as working with the social initiatives and foundations and learning about the challenges and importance of the work being done here. I came knowing very basic spanish and left after just one week of lessons being able to communicate better! I would recommend everyone to do this. My only con is that I was not able to be here longer!

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Janosch ThalmannMay 2025

An outstanding experience

During our 6-month trip through Latin America, my girlfriend and I decided to join a volunteer program with Volunteer Colombia — and it turned out to be an outstanding experience. We met amazing people and gained deep insights into Colombian culture. We had the chance to work with wonderful children at Goles por la Paz, which was incredibly rewarding. One thing that really stood out about Volunteer Colombia was the variety of activities they offer. From emotional visits to a Colombian prison that gave us goosebumps, to fun salsa lessons where we learned the basic steps — every part of the experience was meaningful and enriching. We would absolutely recommend this volunteer organization to anyone looking for an authentic and impactful experience in Colombia.

Monique BouckertMay 2025

The perfect mix of cultural immersion, learning, and fun.

The experience I had with Simon and Laura’s Bucaravoluntours program was absolutely amazing — I truly hope more people get to enjoy what I did! Even though I’ve traveled quite a bit, this was my first time in Colombia, starting in Bucaramanga — and what a warm and inspiring welcome to the country it was! The program blends everything beautifully: volunteering with impactful local foundations, Spanish classes, salsa dancing, cooking workshops, and exploring Bucaramanga and its surroundings. It's the perfect mix of cultural immersion, learning, and fun. Bucaravoluntours truly lives up to the spirit of "social tourism" — a way of traveling that not only enriches you, but also gives back. Huge thanks to Tatiana for her incredible support! Despite my limited Spanish, she made everything feel easy — translating when needed and helping me genuinely connect with local people, while encouraging my Spanish practice too. And to Laura and Simon: the community you've built is extraordinary. Everyone I met spoke with so much love and respect for both of you. It’s clear how much impact you’ve had. If you're looking for a meaningful way to discover Colombia, meet kind and curious people from around the world, and dive into the country's culture, history, nature, and everyday life — don’t hesitate. Join Bucaravoluntours. You won’t regret it.

Loenan NavarroMay 2025

An amazing and truly interesting experience

The guides are very kind, and there’s a different activity every day — with children, animals, in the prison, and on visits. It was an amazing and truly interesting experience. I totally recommend it!

Amanda RosebushMay 2025

Spending two weeks with Bucara Voluntours was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

Spending two weeks with Bucara Voluntours was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. The local foundations they collaborate with are doing incredible, inspiring work — and being able to contribute, even in a small way, felt like a real privilege. It was especially touching to see how deeply loved and respected Simon and Laura are by the communities they serve. As for the activities — just amazing! There’s such a great variety, and the team goes out of their way to keep you informed about local events so you can fully immerse yourself in the culture and everyday life of Bucaramanga. What stood out most was how flexible, thoughtful, and well-organized everything was. From start to finish, Simon, Laura, Tatiana, and Juan made sure I felt supported and welcomed. Their passion and care truly made all the difference. This journey was a gift, and I’m already looking forward to returning!

John SchickerMay 2025

I had a great time volunteering in colombia.

I had a great time volunteering in Colombia. I played football with kids, taught them English, and enjoyed many excursions during my free time in the Bucaramanga, Santander region. I improved my Spanish, and overall, it was a really nice experience.

Johnny MorMay 2025

Truly exceptional

Our experience with Bucara Voluntours was truly exceptional. Everything was organized and carried out with so much care, passion, and heart that we're already thinking about coming back to Colombia soon — and booking another week with Bucara Voluntours!

Renata DzwonikMay 2025

One of the best experiences of my life

Absolutely amazing!!! It was my first time in Colombia — and definitely not the last! I can only recommend the program run by Laura and Simon from Bucaravoluntours to everyone. My time there was one of the best experiences of my life. Everything was simply fantastic, and I’m already looking forward to going back — this time with my 12-year-old son Felix in the summer. If you want to experience the real Colombia, this is the right place to go!

Kim SimonsMay 2025

All in all, it was a beautiful time at a fair price

Everyone involved is incredibly kind, and the all-around support was excellent! You get authentic insights into many aspects of Bucaramanga and a deep connection to Colombian culture. There are plenty of activities available, which can be booked flexibly and often tailored to your own interests. The hostel that comes with the program is totally fine and has a warm, almost family-like atmosphere (just a small heads-up: keep an eye on your belongings). All in all, it was a beautiful time at a fair price — and the best part is, you're doing something meaningful along the way. Thank you for everything!

Amina MounirMay 2025

One of the best experiences of my life

This was my first time traveling solo and volunteering abroad — and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Simon and Laura went above and beyond to make sure I had an incredible time in Bucaramanga, and they truly succeeded. Everything was amazing: the foundations I volunteered with, the cultural activities, the chance to really get to know the city, and the Spanish classes with a fantastic teacher. If you want to experience the real Colombia — the side you don’t usually see as a tourist — this program is perfect. You’ll meet so many local people, visit unique places, and create unforgettable memories. One of the things I appreciated most was how customizable the program is. It really adapts to your interests and needs. Bucaramanga is a wonderful city, and the people are incredibly kind and welcoming. Thank you so much to Simon, Laura, and all the foundations for such an amazing and unforgettable time in Colombia!

Daniel PlanasMay 2025

An invitation to experience the daily lives and challenges of communities.

Spending time in Bucaramanga through this program was nothing short of eye-opening. It’s more than just volunteering—it’s an invitation to experience the daily lives and challenges of communities, offering a deeper perspective not only on Colombia but on shared global realities. Simon and Laura were exceptional—always present, supportive, and passionate. Thanks to them, we had the chance to visit and engage with several inspiring organizations like Goles por la Paz, Nuevos Horizontes, Explora BGA, Huellas, and Capaz. Each one tackles social issues through different lenses—be it sport, art, education, or dance—giving us a multifaceted understanding of community development. And it wasn’t all work! The tourism side of the experience was equally unforgettable. Exploring Barichara, soaring over the Chicamocha Canyon, and enjoying the adventure vibe of San Gil made the trip even more special. All in all, this is a rare opportunity to step into worlds you might never encounter otherwise. Truly worth it.

Joanna HillsMay 2025

Make a positive impact while discovering the heart of colombia.

Our experience with Bucara Voluntours was not only meaningful but also a lot of fun. Simon and Laura are truly dedicated, and the local organizations they collaborate with are doing incredible work within their communities. The program was well-organized from start to finish, and the accommodation exceeded our expectations in terms of comfort and quality. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking to make a positive impact while discovering the heart of Colombia.

Beatrix EderMay 2025

An authentic and impactful way to discover colombia

Our time with Bucara Voluntours was a truly enriching experience that gave us a much deeper perspective on Colombia — far beyond the typical tourist route. We were especially grateful for how smoothly everything was organized, thanks to Simon, Laura, and Tatiana. Their strong local connections, flexibility, and constant support made each moment feel purposeful. What really makes Bucara Voluntours stand out is their strong focus on responsible voluntourism. They support community-led initiatives that uplift people with dignity and respect. It’s a thoughtful, respectful approach that creates meaningful cultural exchange. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone looking for an authentic and impactful way to discover Colombia.

Natasha Ann RobyMay 2025

One of the best experiences i’ve ever had

I had an amazing week — truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was a real pleasure to work with the different organizations, and the moments shared with the children were especially meaningful. This program gave me a genuine glimpse into Colombian life, and I learned so much from the team about the local culture and daily life. The entire team was fantastic, and a special thanks goes to Tatiana, who went above and beyond to make sure every volunteer had a great experience — from organizing a Colombian cooking session to a fun night out at a salsa bar. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for something both impactful and authentic.

Hanna SchmidtMay 2025

One of the best experiences of our lives

My best friend and I had an incredible time here. The team behind the program is truly amazing, and the activities are organized with so much care and attention. They showed us every corner of Bucaramanga, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of our lives. Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

Fabrizio FaillaMay 2025

Meaningful connections

This program offers everything you need. You’ll take part in social activities, contribute to local organizations, and explore the charm of the city and its nearby areas. Plus, you’ll form meaningful connections with others who are seeking the same kind of shared experience. Strongly recommended!

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Voluntours Colombia.

What is the impact of my volunteering?

Your volunteering generates a cultural exchange that expands the children's vision and dreams, promotes values such as respect and empathy, and fosters language learning and curiosity in them.

Is Bucaramanga a safe city in Colombia?

Bucaramanga is a very safe city, one of the safest and most beautiful in Colombia. You can walk freely through many areas alone without any problem, even late at night. 

Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer?

Although speaking Spanish is an advantage, it is not strictly necessary; in every visit to the foundations, you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide who will help you with communication. It is also important to note that you will learn very quickly, and the locals will teach you some key words. 

Voluntours Colombia Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Janosch Thalmann

Janosch Thalmann

Participated in 2026

Alumni

Janosch Thalmann loves painting, Brazilian music, and going to concerts. He lives in Switzerland with his girlfriend in a small town near Zurich. Jano...

I was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to move beyond traditional tourism and experience a country in a much deeper, more meaningful way. I had traveled before, but I always felt like something was missing—I wanted real connection with people, culture, and daily life, not just sightseeing. 

Show Full Interview
Mailys Dellicour

Mailys Dellicour

Participated in 2026

Alumni

Maïlys is a 23-year-old from a small village in Belgium. She is calm and kind, yet she has a passion for adventures, sports, and meeting new people. M...

I have always wanted to experience a culture from the inside rather than simply visiting as a tourist. After finishing an important period in my life, I felt it was the perfect moment to challenge myself, improve my Spanish, and discover a completely different environment. 

Show Full Interview

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Colombia 2026

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