BioInspired! So What? Now What!

So far, few outsiders have managed to visit this special place. But public order has made a comeback in the region, and in 2010, two groups of 20 people each (including a 1-year old baby girl!) traveled all the way to Colombia’s eastern plains to visit this unique community. (Click here to view pictures). The visits were a success, and the village now wishes to invite another 20 people for a fully hosted day visit. In addition, Gaviotas founder Paolo Lugari is personally inviting you to spend a few additional days in conversation with him and other Gaviotans in and around the Gaviotas office in Bogotá. (I will be translating.)

During the 8-month rainy season the roads turn into mud and the Gaviotas landing strip is flooded - March is your chance to go before is starts pouring!

[22-JAN-2012 UPDATE: 9 SIGN-UPS, 11 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE]

The price for 3 days of hosted events, including a chartered flight from Bogotá, meals, tours and talks, is $1039 (US dollars), but you could pay less, because:

To make sure we fill up all the spaces, we are offering early registration and/or group discounts (2 or more people signing up at once) that together can lower your per-person price to $839 (see pull-down price menu below).

Your payment will help pay for a charter plane with crew for a whole day (as they will have to wait for us at Gaviotas and fly us back out). Any surplus (if we get high participation) will support current initiatives at Gaviotas (including reforestation). You will make personal connections that may lead to further involvement and new friendships! Sorry, but we have no scholarship funds available at this time.

The 3 consecutive days of activities will take place during the third full week of March. For added safety, there will be no overland travel and no overnights at Gaviotas. You are encouraged to arrive in Bogotá by Sunday night (18-MAR) and depart on or after Friday (23-MAR) to allow for extra time with Lugari and your new friends. Suggestions for meaningful optional activities will be provided.