Volunteering – Eco Yoga Aldea

Our volunteer program is special for those who want to experience the life of an Eco Village, take part in sustainable activities such as Organic Agriculture, Eco Constructions, Sustainable Tourism, Yoga Retreats, Oriental Art, etc. At the same time, experience the stillness and harmony that the practices of Hatha Yoga and Meditation provide. It is also a good opportunity to meet people from all over the world, who constantly visit us and exchange experiences.

Admission form

In Varsanas you will find many activities.

In Varsana, you as a volunteer can learn to: Cook, meditate and practice Yoga, Protect water sources, clean channels, etc. Cultivate without chemicals, paint in art therapy, support local social and educational work, dance sacred songs, work on bio-construction, work Eco-construction, support indigenous and peasant communities, carve in stone, perform music, participate in the exchange of knowledge, know the Eco-Yoga Village sector and participate in civic activism.

We ask the volunteers to contribute a small donation to the eco-village since we are a monastic community and we do not generate any external income. Donations are to cover the cost of the volunteer’s stay including food and materials. Varsana’s sustainability does not depend on these donations but they do help maintain this self-sustaining lifestyle and allow volunteers to be with us.

Fee

From 1 to 3 days 10 USD per night
From 4 to 13 days 8USD per night
From 15 days onwards and a maximum of 1 month 6 USD per night

It includes

At Varsana we care that your stay with us is as comfortable as possible.

Shared hosting

Workshops

3 meals a day

4 1/2 hours of daily activity

Washing machine

Clases de Yoga, cine…

Hot water

WiFi

Agreements and recommendations

If you decide to leave before meeting the days you paid, you will be refunded 70% of the money for the remaining days
Varsana is not responsible for personal items of value, they are in the care and responsibility of each person.
She brings comfortable clothes for volunteer work and yoga classes.
She towel and personal hygiene items.
Warm clothing.
A flashlight.
Some gardening gloves.
Field work shoes
Admission is only from 6 A.M – 6 P.M, there is no reception in the evenings.

Volunteer Activities

Volunteers work 4 ½ hours in the morning in organic crops, eco constructions, eco tourism, helping in the Vegetarian / Vegan restaurant, gardening, art, filming, teaching in our rural school (in case of extended stays), teaching English to members of the community, etc. In the afternoon they can participate in the activities of the Eco Village: Hatha Yoga and relaxation, meditation with Tibetan bowls, musician-therapy with oriental instruments, Pranayama workshop, ecological walks, cinema on a giant screen, among others.

Hatha Yoga and Meditation Center

Varsana Eco Yoga Village also functions as Yoga Asram (Yoga school). Every day there are Hatha Yoga classes (which allow to harmonize mind, body and spirit), Meditation (to connect with your inner being) and oriental philosophy workshops. Participation in any of the programs is voluntary.

Accommodation

The Eco Village has very comfortable rooms available for volunteers (bedding, hot water, living room, etc.) in shared environments.

Feeding

We have a Vegetarian / Vegan restaurant, with an excellent, varied and nutritious preparation of dishes, combining Latin American cuisine with exquisite Indian recipes. Food is complete (breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner).

Frequent Askquestions

We know that you have many questions about life, the universe and everything else, do not worry, we will have time to address those questions, for now here are some questions that are easier to answer, if you have more, do not hesitate to contact us.

What kind of work does a volunteer do?

Volunteers carry out their work for 4½ in the morning in different activities that are distributed according to the needs that exist at the time. Some possible activities are: organic garden, eco-construction, helping in the vegan or vegetarian restaurant, gardening, art, filming, teaching in our rural schools (in case they have a long stay) etc. Volunteers work every day. If you stay more than two weeks, you will have one day a week off to rest or relax. You will surely discover new skills with your stay as well as connect with nature, meet people from all over the world and learn about self-sustaining life.

What I do in my free time?

In the afternoons, you can participate in the eco-village activities such as: yoga and relaxation practice, meditations with oriental instruments, ecological walks, bonfires and conscious cinema with a projector.

How much does the donation cost?

We ask you to help us by participating in volunteer work for four and a half hours a day. The cost for your stay is approximately 30,000 pesos, 22,000 pesos or 18,000 pesos per day, your contribution is due to the fact that being a monastic community, we do not generate additional income and your donation helps us maintain our way of life.

What does the donation include?

We give the volunteer a comfortable accommodation in one room for women and one for men. Includes hot water. There is also a cozy area where you can rest and chat with other volunteers. You will also receive three vegetarian meals per day during your stay. You can participate in a yoga class and other activities such as meditations, workshops and philosophy classes. This information will also be in your confirmation email and can be found on the page or website where you registered.

I don’t want to pay a donation / Why do I have to pay a donation?

We ask the volunteers to contribute a small donation to the eco-village because we are a monastic community and we do not generate any external income. Donations are to cover the cost of the volunteer’s stay including food and materials. Varsana’s sustainability does not depend on these donations but they do help maintain this self-sustaining lifestyle and allow volunteers to be with us.

Do you offer transportation to or from the airport?

No, you must take a shuttle from the airport to any of the main transportation terminals in Bogotá. And there buy a ticket to Granada, Cundinamarca.

How can I get to?

Take a bus in one of the two main transportation terminals in Bogotá that goes towards Granada, Cundinamarca. Attention! There is a second city called Granada that is located in the department of Meta, far from your destination and it is not the correct city! * Make sure your ticket is destined for Granada, Cundinamarca. The bus ticket must cost you less than 7,000 pesos. The trip should take about an hour and a half. When you get on the bus, tell the driver that you are going to Varsana Eco Aldea. He should drop you off about 500 m after the second BIOMAX (service station), in front of the road to Granada. You will see a sign to the right of the route that says Varsana Monastery free entry.

Do you provide food and shelter?

Yes, you will receive three delicious vegetarian meals a day during your stay. You will also receive comfortable accommodation in men’s and women’s bedrooms.

We have children, can we go with them?

The volunteer program is only available for adults, Varsana offers other options for families where children can be accommodated.

Can we bring our pet?

Unfortunately Varsana does not have a place to receive or accommodate animals.

What are the basic rules?

We ask volunteers not to smoke or bring alcoholic beverages, psychoactive medicines, food of animal origin such as meat or eggs or fish. Neither are extra-marital relations allowed since a community that practices celibacy resides in Varsana.

How do I know if my reservation has been confirmed?

You must complete a registration form for the volunteer program found on this page, after sending it, you will receive an email confirming your reservation.

Does Varsana require the donation to be canceled in advance?

No, as soon as the volunteer arrives they cancel in cash. We prefer that you cancel in Colombian pesos.

What Brig?

Comfortable clothes for Hatha Yoga, Meditation classes and work clothes (cold weather). Personal hygiene items, towel and an open mind to share and learn.