#2: Meet the Ritmo del Río Team
January 12, 2025
Meet the Team Behind Ritmo del Río
Behind the fruit trees, Spanish lessons, and music nights at Ritmo del Río, there’s a dedicated and diverse team of people working hard to make it all possible. Let us introduce you to just a few of the amazing souls who give this place its rhythm.
Carlos – Spanish School Director, Admin
Carlos is a Colombian from Bucaramanga who finished his schooling in Bogotá. He’s lived, worked, and studied languages in Australia and France, and now lives in San Rafael with his two children. After years abroad, Carlos returned to the Colombian countryside to begin a new chapter. He co-founded our Spanish school and, as its director, brings a unique mix of language expertise, vision, and warmth to the project.
Jesse – Founder, Admin
Originally from California, Jesse studied linguistics at UC Berkeley. He first came to Colombia at age 20 and never looked back. After founding Ritmo del Río in 2013, Jesse has combined his passion for languages, ecology, and community-building into this constantly evolving project.
Mattias – Language Teacher
Mattias is a German linguist who speaks German, English, Spanish, and Swahili. He has lived in Colombia for nearly 20 years and brings a wealth of experience teaching Spanish to students from all over the world.
Melina – Language Teacher
Melina teaches both French and Spanish and is the founder of an alternative school for children in a rural area near Ritmo del Río. She splits her time between teaching at our school and running her nonprofit educational project for local kids and working with the community of El Arenal.
Gokula – Musician & Conversation Leader
Gokula is a local musician and Spanish teacher in training. He brings music and joy to the project and often leads conversation classes and activities at the school. He also offers guitar and singing lessons to students interested in learning Spanish through music.
Sara – Yoga Teacher & Conversation Leader
Sara, from Medellín, teaches yoga classes at Ritmo del Río and participates in language exchanges and conversation workshops. Her calm energy brings balance to the team. She also runs an organic essential oils business in the nearby village of El Arenal.
Johana – Salsa Instructor & Conversation Leader
Johana is a dance teacher and natural movement instructor who leads salsa classes, conversation workshops, and language exchanges at Ritmo del Río. Her vibrant personality and dynamic energy make her classes a favorite among students.
Camila – Reception & School Organizer
Camila, an Argentine journalist turned hotel admin, now lives in Colombia. She works at the reception and helps coordinate the Spanish school, volunteer program, and language workshops.
Daniela – Receptionist
Daniela is part of the front desk and administration team at Ritmo del Río. Originally from Tierra Alta, she offers guests a warm welcome, helpful information, and a cheerful presence that sets the tone for their experience.
Mauricio – Head Chef
Mauricio is the mastermind behind our farm-to-table kitchen. A native of Nariño, he leads our culinary team with passion and creativity, crafting flavorful dishes using ingredients grown right here on the farm.
Hugo Andrés – Sous-Chef
Hugo is a talented sous-chef from La Rápida, the neighboring community next to El Macanal. His skill and attention to detail help keep our kitchen running smoothly every day.
Zenaida – Cook
Zenaida lives on a coffee farm in the vereda La Rápida and works as one of our cooks. She brings warmth and traditional flavors to the kitchen, connecting her rural roots to every meal she prepares.
Candida – Cook
Candida lives in San Rafael with her family and is a key part of our kitchen team. Her experience and heart are poured into the delicious dishes she helps prepare daily.
Yolani – Restaurant Staff
Yolani is our next-door neighbor and a proud member of the restaurant team. Her dedication and friendly service make every guest feel at home.
Leonardo Henao – Organic Agriculture Professor
Leonardo is a specialist in agroecology and leads our organic gardening program. Originally from Caldas, Antioquia, he teaches sustainable farming techniques and mentors our garden team.
Huber – Organic Garden Assistant
Huber also comes from La Rápida and works under Leo’s guidance in the gardens. He brings enthusiasm, strength, and a strong connection to the land to our agricultural team.
Hector – Maintenance & Carpentry
Hector works across the farm, handling maintenance projects and carpentry. He’s a steady and creative hand behind many of the physical improvements you see around Ritmo del Río.
Caro – Housekeeping & Laundry
Caro is from the nearby vereda La Rápida and is part of our hardworking cleaning and laundry team. She helps keep the hotel shining and comfortable for all our guests.
Vero – Housekeeping & Laundry
Also from La Rápida, Vero works alongside Caro in housekeeping and laundry. Her attention to detail and bright spirit are part of what makes Ritmo del Río feel like home.
Together, we are the Ritmo del Río team — a community working toward a shared vision: learning, connection, and sustainability through education, culture, and collaboration.
