Welcome to COLOMBIA

Ríe Retreats | May 26-30, 2026

Location: Villa Kavalia, Titiribí, Antioquia

Theme: Creative Expression, Cultural Connection & Intentional Rest

🇨🇴 about TITIRIBÍ

Colombia is lush, grounding, and wildly alive in a way that makes you want to put your phone down and actually feel present. Nestled in the mountains outside Titiribí, Villa Kavalia sits at the base of Cerro Tusa, the world’s largest natural pyramid, surrounded by rolling jungle hills, horses, palm trees, and endless green. It’s a slower rhythm here. Mornings begin with birdsong, fresh Colombian coffee, and mist hanging over the mountains, while afternoons melt into pool dips, creative playtime, long conversations, and golden sunsets over the valley.

💡 Cultural Notes

for First-Time Travelers

Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Colombia. While you may encounter English speakers in Medellín or tourist-friendly areas, it’s less common in rural towns like Titiribí. A few simple phrases like hola (hello), gracias (thank you), and buenos días (good morning) go a long way and are always appreciated. We’ll also have local support and translators available throughout key experiences and excursions.

Pace of Life: Life in the Colombian countryside moves slower — and that’s part of the magic. Expect long meals, relaxed mornings, music playing in the background, and conversations that stretch late into the evening. The culture here is incredibly warm, welcoming, and community-oriented. People value connection over rushing, and this retreat is designed to meet that same rhythm.

Dress & Comfort: Colombia is generally casual and expressive when it comes to fashion. In Medellín you’ll see everything from elevated street style to activewear, while the countryside around Villa Kavalia is much more relaxed and nature-centered. Lightweight clothing, swimwear, yoga sets, and comfortable layers are perfect for retreat life. For town outings or cultural experiences, we recommend easy, respectful attire and comfortable shoes for uneven terrain.

Nature & Climate: Titiribí is lush, tropical, and deeply connected to nature. Expect warm days, cooler mountain evenings, occasional rain showers, and lots of greenery. Bugs are part of the environment, so bug spray is highly recommended. The villa is designed for open-air living, which means you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors surrounded by fresh air, sounds of nature, and expansive mountain views.

Navigating Colombia as a Traveler: Colombia has a rich, complex history, but today many travelers are surprised by how vibrant, creative, and welcoming it feels. The people are incredibly generous and proud of their culture. Like traveling anywhere new, staying aware of your surroundings and moving thoughtfully is important, but there’s no need to arrive fearful. The energy of this retreat is grounded, supportive, and intentionally curated so you can relax into the experience and fully enjoy the beauty of the region.

at a glance:

🌎 Continent: South America

🗣️ Language: Spanish (English is spoken in some tourist areas, but not everywhere)

💰 Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)

✝️ Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

⏱️ Time Zone: GMT-5 (Colombia Time)

⛰️ Region: Titiribí, Antioquia — nestled in the mountains near Cerro Tusa

☀️ Climate: Warm, tropical mountain weather with sunny days, lush greenery, and cooler evenings

Food & Dietary Notes

Our meals will be nourishing, fresh, and rooted in the flavors of Colombia. Think tropical fruit, arepas, locally sourced eggs, grilled fish and meats, vibrant salads, plantains, rich coffee, fresh juices, and traditional dishes with a modern touch. Daily breakfast, lunches and dinners at the villa are all included with a thoughfult pre-curated menu by a private chef. Please let us know any allergies or dietary needs ahead of time, we do our best to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences so everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Travel flow & retreat guide

Each day is designed with a balance of intention and freedom. Mornings begin with movement, journaling, or slow rituals with coffee and nature, followed by cultural experiences, creative workshops, wellness sessions, and opportunities to connect. We also intentionally leave space throughout the week for rest, solo time, spontaneous adventures, or simply doing nothing at all.

A full daily schedule will be shared upon arrival, but expect a mix of structure and flow rather than every moment being planned. The Ríe team will be available throughout the entire experience—from pre-trip questions to support during and after your retreat.

spending money & cash vs. card

Since the majority of retreat activities, meals, and experiences will take place at the villa, you likely won’t need a large amount of additional spending money.

We suggest having a mix of cash and card available. Many businesses in Colombia accept Visa and Mastercard, but cash can still be useful for small purchases, tips, or local vendors.

You can withdraw Colombian Pesos (COP) from ATMs upon arrival if needed, and it’s a good idea to notify your bank of your travel dates beforehand to avoid any interruptions while abroad.

🧳 What to Pack

Essentials:

  • Passport (valid 6+ months beyond your return date)

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • Colombia uses Type A & B plugs (same as the U.S. no adapter needed for most U.S. travelers)

  • Lightweight rain jacket in case you want to walk during light showers

  • Any medications or supplements you need

Clothing / Accessories:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm tropical days

  • Comfortable lounge sets, yoga clothes, or flowy outfits for retreat activities

  • A sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings in the mountains

  • Swimsuits for the pool, jacuzzi, and relaxing at the villa

  • Comfortable sneakers or hiking sandals for walking around the property and nearby nature spots

  • An elevated but comfortable outfit for welcome + farewell dinners

  • Sunglasses and or sun hat

  • Bug spray & SPF (we’ll have this at the villa)

Extras:

  • Journal, sketchbook, or any creative project you want to work on

  • Camera, camcorder, or film camera if desired

  • Favorite books, playlists, card games, or inspiration to share with the group

  • Spending money for tips, souvenirs, snacks, or personal purchases

  • Travel-size hand sanitizer & wipes

  • Earplugs (for nature sounds, rainstorms, roosters, or shared accommodations)

  • Portable charger for travel days and excursions

Weather Notes (May 26–30):

Expect warm, tropical weather during the day (around mid-to-high 70s°F / 24–27°C) with cooler mornings and evenings in the mountains. This time of year can bring occasional rain showers, especially in the afternoons, so packing light layers and rain protection is key. The overall vibe is humid, green, cozy, and lush.

final note from our founder:

As we gear up for this journey together, here’s your gentle reminder: this retreat is more than a vacation, and definitely more than another stamp in your passport.

We didn’t come all this way just to take a cute countryside photo, chase perfect lighting, or check Colombia off a bucket list. We came to FEEL something. To get inspired, to reconnect with ourselves, to build real connections, to laugh until our stomachs hurt, and to experience the world through a different lens.

But here’s the thing: travel can be beautifully unpredictable. Plans shift. Weather changes. Someone may underestimate a Colombian hill (they look small… they are not). There may be a spontaneous dance break, a rogue bug encounter, or someone realizing halfway through a hike that nature is actually… very nature-y. And somehow, those moments always become the stories you talk about long after the trip ends.

We’ve curated this experience with intention, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure your week feels joyful, meaningful, and memorable. But when things don't go exactly according to plan (because at some point they won’t) go with it. Lean into the detours. Laugh at the little mishaps. Trust that some of the most meaningful moments happen in the in-between.

We’ll always provide thoughtful alternatives and hold space for what the group needs. Just keep showing up with curiosity, compassion, and care for one another. The energy each of us brings becomes part of the experience we create together. This is your invitation to live the week moment by moment. To put your phone down a little more, to say yes a little more often, to breathe in the mountain air, stay present, and let yourself be surprised.

I’m so honored to have you on this journey.

[Founder, Ríe Retreats]