Our Teachers
Mariana Grillo - Volunteer Lead
Mariana is a Biologist from Bogotá, and a world traveler just like you. She handles all the logistics to make you feel safe and supported. If you have any questions, she's the one to ask!
Mariana is our birding expert, and she leads bird watching every Wednesday and Sunday at 6:30 AM. The San Rafael area is a world-class destination with over 300 species. Mariana also joins you on our weekly hike to a local swimming spot and hosts Language Exchange every Tuesday.
Carlos Nieto - Language Teacher
Carlos is a certified language teacher from Colombia, with a truly international background. He has a Licence en Langues Étrangères Appliquées (LEA) et Traduction, from Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier III in France. He also lived in Australia for five years, and he brings real-world experience to every lesson. Now in his third year teaching with us, Carlos loves helping students find their confidence in a new language. With him, you can learn Spanish, French and English.
Matthias Wagner - Spanish Teacher
Born in Bayreuth, Germany, and based in Colombia for over 15 years, he is a German native speaker who has studied English, Latin, French, Spanish, Kiswahili, and formal Arabic—with Spanish and English as his strongest languages. With around 20 years of experience as a language teacher and academic backgrounds in Anthropology, Sociology, and Linguistics, his teaching style is deeply communicative and culturally immersive, drawing on his interdisciplinary knowledge to help students not only learn a language but understand the context in which it lives.
Gokula
Restore, relax, and recharge with Hatha Yoga every Sunday. With 10 years of experience guiding all ages, our teacher Sara leads hour-long classes following the Rishikesh series. Expect gentle breathwork, postures, and guided relaxation to restore your energy and nervous system. All levels welcome—just bring yourself and your mat
Esther Valencia - Salsa Teacher
Ready to move? Join Esther every Friday for a salsa class that will get you moving and grooving. With additional training in Animal Flow and Movnat, she brings a unique approach to the dance floor—helping you build strength, release tension, and connect with your body. Expect great music, good vibes, and a whole lot of fun!
Sara Palacios - Yoga Teacher
Restore, relax, and recharge with Hatha Yoga every Sunday. With 10 years of experience guiding all ages, our teacher Sara leads hour-long classes following the Rishikesh series. Expect gentle breathwork, postures, and guided relaxation to restore your energy and nervous system. All levels welcome—just bring yourself and your mat
Carlos Orozco - Colombian Percussion Teacher
Carlos is a local musician and composer. He will guide you through an evening of rhythm and tradition every Wednesday by the fire. Trained in bass and currently studying composition, he's explored traditional Colombian styles and researched Embera indigenous music. Come play, learn, and connect—no experience needed. Just you, the fire, and the drums.
Leo - Agricultural Teacher
Restore, relax, and recharge with Hatha Yoga every Sunday. With 10 years of experience guiding all ages, our teacher Sara leads hour-long classes following the Rishikesh series. Expect gentle breathwork, postures, and guided relaxation to restore your energy and nervous system. All levels welcome—just bring yourself and your mat