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Writer's pictureCaroline Cunningham

Cultivating Community: A Day at Casa Kandamy's Permaculture Farm

We recently enjoyed a day that perfectly captured what Casa Kandamy is all about—movement, community, sustainable living, and nature. Our adventure at Casa Kandamy’s permaculture farm was a blend of learning, connection, and enjoyment, embodying our core values in a single, perfect experience.


Black lab named Milon sitting in front of Panela mill at farm in Colombia

Our day began at dawn, with our crew squeezing into our 83’ Mitsubishi Montero, driving through Tobia’s scenic country roads, eager to start our adventure.


Caro and Sharon sitting in the backseat of the car with black lab

Wanting to begin the day by getting our blood flowing, we started up the original Camino Real which passes next to Finca San Luis. The path was steep but the challenge brought us together as we encouraged each other with each step. As we climbed, the group was eventually rewarded with breathtaking mountain views and the sweet taste of mandarins plucked fresh from the branches.


Group of four people hiking in Tobia Colombia with panoramic views of the mountains in front of them

Upon arriving at the family farm, Sebas guided us through an immersive introduction to permaculture. He explained the fundamental principles of permaculture and how they are being applied on Finca San Luis. This project, deeply intertwined with Casa Kandamy's vision, focuses on sustainable living practices that we hope will inspire future generations.


During our tour, we delved into topics such as water management, land conservation, waste management, and sustainable economic practices. Sebas also provided an overview of the permaculture design implemented on the farm, which aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.




The morning's activities were followed by a hearty campesino Colombian breakfast, featuring caldo de pescado cooked over a woodfire, alongside eggs, arepas, and plantains. This meal, prepared with love and traditional recipes, was a delicious and nourishing start to the day.


Colombian Campesino breakfast of caldo, eggs, plantain and arepas

After breakfast, we transitioned into a hands-on DIY project led by Sebas. The focus was on transforming food waste into a valuable resource for our chickens through the use of fly bins. This innovative composting method allows flies to lay eggs in the food waste, which then hatch into larvae. These larvae serve as a rich protein source for the chickens, resulting in healthier eggs and a sustainable cycle of waste management.



Two men making a fly bin to compost food and sustainably feed chickens on permaculture farm in Colombia

Following the successful completion of the fly bins, we ended the day with a well-deserved swim at a nearby water hole. The cool, flowing water provided a refreshing respite, a perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of learning and working together.



Reflecting on the day, it was clear that our community had experienced something truly special. There’s an invigorating feeling when a group of people connects through shared values, in this case: movement, community living, sustainability, and a love for nature.


It’s our daily practice of movement that enables us to engage fully with the land, and it’s our understanding and caring for the land that allows us to nourish our bodies with nutritious food to continue moving. This synergy between movement, nature, and community is at the heart of Casa Kandamy.


Group of travelers staying at Casa Kandamy hiking in Cundinimarca moutains

We are immensely grateful to our wonderful crew, who approached the day with openness and positivity. This day at the permaculture farm not only strengthened our bonds but also deepened our commitment to sustainable living practices. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this enriching experience.


This is what Casa Kandamy is all about: creating a community where movement, nature, and sustainable living come together in harmony. We look forward to more days like this, where we can continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.


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