Colombia (Solo 2019) - The Third Half - Football Programs

• Company the third half

• Tiempo de Juego Agrumito, Arauca , Colombia

• Ages From 15 years

About this trip
Experience one of the most beautiful and passionate soccer nations on earth and help bring life skills and leadership training to underserved youth.

From snow-capped mountains to tropical jungle and unspoiled beaches, Colombia boasts some of the world’s most diverse natural beauty. You’ll experience all this and more as the third half takes you to a country that can claim to be among the world’s most passionate soccer nations. 

Framed by the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains and lined with tropical white beaches, Santa Marta lies on Colombia’s northern, Caribbean coast which is lined with beaches of white sand. Founded in 1525, it is the oldest surviving city in Colombia and the second oldest in all of South America. Everywhere you go in Santa Marta - from the beaches to the streets - you will see soccer being played. You’ll join pickup games with local kids and help deliver their life-skills programs to children in the barrios that have given birth to some of the world’s greatest soccer players. Santa Marta is also a wonderful place to experience the best of Colombia’s natural beauty and vibrant, welcoming culture. In nearby Tayrona National Park you’ll find soaring mountains and secluded beaches, perfect for enjoying a beautiful sunset at the end of another thrilling day.

Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed jewel in Colombia's crown, a maze of colorful cobbled streets under colonial stone walls and balconies covered in bougainvillea. You'll drink in the culture, cuisine, and nightlife of Cartagena whilst seeing how soccer is creating a better future for young people.

Make a difference

After almost five decades of civil conflict, Colombia is entering a historic new period of peace. Many people displaced by violence in the rural areas moved to cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta, where they still face many problems. 

Your trip will help raise money for Tiempo de Juego, a local non-profit using soccer to help underserved youth from the barrios of Santa Marta and Cartagena. You’ll get to see first-hand how they use the sport to help underserved children, play a friendly game in their community and they’ll even teach you how to salsa!

What's included

• 7 nights accommodation for 1 person at the best spots in the heart of the action.
• All local transport is provided by private charter buses, including airport transfers.
• Comprehensive cover for medical, cancellation and emergencies.
• A bi-lingual, local supervisor on call 24/7.
• Your trip includes a donation to a local charity and you'll get to experience how they use soccer to help underserved kids.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
• Learn about Global Citizenship and international development with the third half's Global Leadership curriculum

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Colombia!

Arrive at Santa Marta's Rafael Nuñez International Airport.
Private transfer to Hotel Escuela El Habitante - a social enterprise hotel run by local youth who can't wait to welcome you to their hometown. Check-in and relax.
Welcome and introduction to the week. 

Day 2
Visit a coffee farm and play soccer in the barrio

Transfer to Minca, a friendly village perched in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. Visit La Victoria Coffee Farm and trek to the waterfalls of 'el oido del Mundo' (the World's Ear), a sacred place for the local Koguis Indians. Includes lunch at Minca's famous Bururake restaurant.
Visit Tiempo de Juego, a local non-profit organisation using soccer to provide opportunities for underserved youth. 
Global Leadership Development Workshop 1: Global Leadership and International Development.

Day 3
Beautiful, secluded beaches and salsa lessons

Private boat trip to one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Colombia in Tayrona National Park, featuring swimming, snorkeling, soccer and lunch at Playa Cristal Beach.
Learn to dance like a local with salsa lessons at el Habitante Hotel Escuela followed by authentic local cuisine cooked by local youth.

Day 4
Visit an indigenous community and river tubing

Private transfer to Palomino, hike to the Sayeka Kogui indigenous community. Take part in a blessing ceremony with a local holy man and eat lunch with the Kogui.
Adventure tubing down the stunning Palomino River.
Global Leadership Development Workshop 2: Social Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking.

Day 5
Barranquilla and Cartagena

Private transfer to Barranquilla, the birthplace of pop goddess Shakira and many of Colombia's most famous soccer stars.
Visit Fútbol con Corazón, a local non-profit organization using soccer to create opportunities for local youth.
Sample the best in Colombia's Caribbean cuisine with lunch at Cucayo. Private transfer to Cartagena, the jewel in Colombia's crown. Check in at the hotel and relax.
Visit Café del Mar and night out in Barranquilla's crazy party scene.

Day 6
Experience Pirate Island!

Two-hour ocean boat ride to Isla del Pirata (Pirate Island) in El Parque Nacional Islas del Rosario, one of Colombia’s most beautiful and protected marine ecosystems, with crystal clear waters and panoramic views over lunch on the beach.
Global Leadership Development Workshop 3: Poverty and Inequality in Colombia followed by dinner at El Interno, an authentic local restaurant run by former prisoners.

Day 7
Get to know Cartagena

Walking tour of the historic and magical center of Cartagena along cobbled streets filled with vibrant boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Visit the famous Castillo de San Fernando overlooking the bay.
Savor traditional Cartagena seafood with lunch at Donde Socorro. Visit the Fútbol con Corazón foundation headquarters in Cartagena.
Farewell dinner and celebration with youth from Tiempo de Juego and time for group reflection.

Day 8
Don't forget us!

Transfer to Simón Bolivar International Airport, fly home.
Arrive back home.