Volunteer with Children in Arusi, Nuqui
Sustainable travel to Colombias pacific paradise
Experience a unique volunteering opportunity on Colombia’s Pacific coast. The Library of Dreams in Arusí, Chocó, is a community space that combines reading and education with environmental awareness and plastic recycling.
Every day, the library organizes activities with local children to encourage their love of reading, support them with their schoolwork, and create a safe and inspiring space for learning and connection.
As a volunteer, you can contribute to this meaningful community project while experiencing life in one of Colombia’s most beautiful and remote coastal villages. Surrounded by tropical nature, beaches and the unique culture of Colombia’s Pacific coast, Arusí offers an unforgettable experience far away from mass tourism.
Program Highlights:
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Educative Volunteering with Children
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Support the Library of Dreams Project
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Community and Sports activities with children
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Life in a remote coastal village
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Surf lessons & scuba diving available!
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Whale watching (seasonal) on the Pacific Ocean
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Jungle exploration, waterfalls, and hot springs
The Nuqui Volunteer program in a nutshell
Social Activities with children & community
During your stay in Nuquí, you will support the "Library of Dreams", an educative project which empowers children to read and teaches them about recycling of plastic. You will take part in meaningful community and environmental activities. This includes educational workshops focused on protecting the environment and reducing plastic waste, held in the library where recycled materials are exchanged for books. You will also support community projects such as maintaining sports areas and participating in sports sessions with local children. Depending on season, you can visit to a sea turtle conservation project, where you may witness the release of baby turtles into the ocean.
Discovering the Paradise: Hikes, Scuba Diving & more
Beyond the social impact, the small coastal village of Arusi, close to Nuquí, offers an unforgettable natural experience. You will explore the Pacific coastline by boat, navigate peaceful jungle rivers, and relax in natural thermal hot springs hidden in the rainforest. Depending on the season, you may go whale watching and observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. Surfing lessons, scuba diving and jungle hikes allow you to fully experience the raw beauty of Chocó’s biodiversity. Every activity brings you closer to one of the most pristine ecosystems in Colombia.
Stay in our eco-hostel and support local families
Your stay includes accommodation in a comfortable shared or private room, designed to give you a peaceful retreat after each day of activities. Daily meals are provided, featuring fresh, local ingredients from the Pacific region, including fish, tropical fruits, and traditional Colombian dishes. The accommodation is simple but welcoming, with a strong focus on community connection and nature. Everything is arranged so you can fully focus on your experience without worrying about logistics.
Example Schedule of 1 week in Arusi, Nuqui
This schedule is just an example. You can customize your trip with us individually and you can decide on the duration of your stay.
Day 1 - Boat Ride from Nuqui Airport to the town Arusi
You will land at Nuqui airport and take a boat transfer to the small coastal town of Arusi. During the boat ride, you might already spot some whales. Arusí is surrounded by lush jungle and the Pacific Ocean. Take your first moments to breathe in the fresh air and slow pace of life.
Days 2 - 6 - Giving Back & Activities with Children
Your stay is all about making a difference. Every day, you will support the activities of the "Library of Dreams." From reading with the children, teaching them English, playing games or activities related to the environment, every day brings new topics and activities.
Learn how to surfing and go snorkeling or scuba diving
Take some Surfing classes with our local teachers or go scuba diving with our certified diving crew. Or take it more chilled and explore the wildlife of the sea just with a snorkel.
Whale Watching & Turtle Release
Depending on the season, you might have the chance to observe Humpback Whales from the beach or from a small boat together with our guides. You might also get involved in activities and projects related to sea turtle conservation.
Connect with the forrest - Jungle tours
Arusi is close to a dense tropical rain-forrest, where you can go search for coloured frogs and other animals together with our guides.
Day 7 - Boat ride back to Nuqui
At the end of your stay, you will be picked up by boat in Arusi and will go back to Nuqui Airport, where your volunteer adventure ends.
Pricing
Package | Includes | Price per Week (COP) |
|---|---|---|
Volunteer Program | Boat transfers from and to airport Accommodation in our Eco Hotel (Shared) Breakfast Volunteer Actvities (includes Donation) | 1.290.000 |
Private Room Upgrade | Upgrade to a private Room | 250.000 |
Scuba Diving | 2 professionally guided scuba dive immersions | 550.000 |
Surf Lessons | 2 hours of surfing lesson local teachers equipment | 180.000 |
Whale watching | (Seasonal from July-October!) On a private boat with max 6 people includes snorkeling acitivites whale sighting guaranteed | 360.000 |
It's more than Volunteering - it's an experience!
Airport transfer to Arusi by Boat
Accommodation
Breakfast
Volunteer Activities & Donation
Personal Guidance in ES
24/7 in-country support
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
Rosario Pulido from Colombia, 2026
“A stay in Nuquí becomes much more than just a program—it turns into a deeply personal and unforgettable experience. The connection with the team and the local community creates a sense of belonging from the very beginning. Whether spending time with children, supporting small community initiatives, or simply sharing everyday moments together, everything feels genuine and meaningful. Surrounded by the raw beauty of the Pacific coast, it’s an experience filled with emotion, human connection, and memories that stay long after leaving.”
The impact you will make
By joining this program, you directly contribute to local environmental and community initiatives in Nuquí. Your participation helps raise awareness about plastic pollution and supports ongoing educational efforts in the region. The workshops you attend empower local children with knowledge about sustainability and environmental protection.
Community sports and activities strengthen social bonds and provide positive spaces for youth engagement. Your visit also supports conservation projects, including the protection of sea turtles and their natural habitat. Most importantly, your presence helps promote responsible tourism that benefits local communities rather than exploiting them.
Stay at our eco hotel
Stay in a charming eco-hotel tucked away on a lost beach in the small coastal village of Arusí. Surrounded by lush jungle and the endless Pacific Ocean, it’s a place where nature sets the rhythm of your day.
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy fresh, locally prepared meals just steps from the sea. Built with natural materials, the lodge blends seamlessly into its environment, offering both comfort and authenticity.
With limited connectivity, it’s the perfect escape to truly disconnect and recharge. A peaceful, off-the-grid experience in one of Colombia’s most untouched regions.
The Program in the Pacific in more Detail
Stay for 1 - 4 weeks in the little coastal village of Arusi in the Department of Choco, close to Nuqui. Slow down and enjoy the laid back life at Colombias magical pacific coast.
Each day is a balanced mix of social engagement and exploration of the surrounding rainforest and coastline. You will get involved in the work of the project "Library of Dreams", which promotes plastic recycling and the importance of reading to the children of Arusi.
You will engage with the children through various workshops and activities like reading, teaching, playing or practicing sports.
There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the activies in the sea and in the rain forrest. From hiking, swimming in thermal springs, or snorkeling, there is a lot to explore.
Depending on the season, you may also experience whale watching, one of the most breathtaking wildlife encounters in South America. Surfing lessons are available for those looking for an active ocean experience.
The program is flexible and adapts to weather conditions and local needs. Evenings are spent relaxing in your accommodation, sharing meals, and connecting with other travelers and locals. This creates a rare combination of purpose, adventure, and deep immersion in one of Colombia’s most untouched regions.
