Volunteers are welcome at WILD Campo Alegre throughout the entire year. To ensure safe transport and a smooth introduction to life in the high Andes, arrivals are organized on Sundays and Wednesdays. These fixed arrival days allow us to coordinate 4x4 transport efficiently and give volunteers a shared start, which creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere from day one.
Reaching WILD Campo Alegre requires planning, as the reserve lies deep in the mountains at 3,100 meters above sea level. The final part of the journey is a 1½‑hour drive in a 4x4 vehicle from the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal. Because the road is steep and remote, we organize all transport from Santa Rosa to the reserve. Volunteers can travel independently to Santa Rosa, or we can sometimes arrange pickup directly from Pereira if planned in advance.
Most volunteers travel first to Pereira, which is easily reached by buses or domestic flights from Bogotá, Medellín or Cartagena. From Pereira’s bus terminal, frequent buses run to Santa Rosa de Cabal, a short 30‑minute ride. On your arrival day (Sunday or Wednesday), our staff will meet you at a designated pickup point and bring you up the mountain in our 4x4.
The same level of support applies to your departure. We coordinate transport down the mountain and ensure you reach Santa Rosa (or Pereira) in time for your onward travel. For volunteers staying longer periods, it is possible to take occasional breaks in Santa Rosa or Pereira. These trips can be arranged with the staff, but must be coordinated ahead of time to ensure vehicle availability.
Pick-up from the Airport of Pereira:
This is possible but needs to be arranged beforehand and has an extra fee. Often, flights arrive too late for making the trip to the WCA nature reserve the same day. Also, if you arrive from sea level, it makes sense to have a night in Pereira (1400 masl) in order to acclimatize to the altitude. If you arrive from 1 or more nights in Bogotá, you will have no issues with the altitude.
Arrival days at WILD Campo Alegre are relaxed and welcoming. After the mountain drive, volunteers settle into their rooms, meet the staff, and receive an introduction to the reserve, safety guidelines, and the conservation work underway. You will be shown the greenhouse, the main house, the trails, and the areas where reforestation and monitoring take place. Rubber boots, work gloves and protective glasses are provided if needed, and laundry can be done at the reserve.
Because the reserve is located in a high‑mountain climate, temperatures typically range from 6–19°C year‑round. Rain can occur in any season, often in the early afternoon, while mornings are usually clearer. We recommend bringing warm layers, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof jacket and comfortable indoor shoes/slippers and warm socks. The staff will help you adjust to the altitude and ensure you feel comfortable during your first days.
With organized transport, fixed arrival days and a supportive team, arriving at WILD Campo Alegre is straightforward and safe. From the moment you reach Santa Rosa, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on settling in, meeting the team and preparing for your conservation work in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Andes.
