Searching for impact: A review of my journey through Latin America

When I started this trip and concept, I had no idea what to expect—who I would meet or whether people would be open to inviting me into their organizations. Even backpacking, traveling for such a long time, speaking Spanish, and being in Latin America were all firsts timers for me. On top of that, creating a website, interviewing people, making videos, and writing blogs were entirely new experiences.

If there's one thing I’ve learned, it's that nobody is going to do it for you—opportunities only appear when you put in the work and keep going. Also I really noticed is that what you give is what you get back. If you show honest interest, are friendly and open, people are very welcoming and willing to help and support you.

One example of this was in Akumal, Mexico. I connected with a fantastic organization dedicated to protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife, including sea turtles. They were enthusiastic and invited me to film and interview them at their annual event, where they release rescued turtles back into the wild. They also planned a traditional ceremony with dance performances, making it feel like the perfect start to my journey.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, the event was postponed for one, possibly two weeks. At that moment, I felt incredibly disappointed. I wanted to give up and abandon the entire concept. I almost spiraled into negative thinking, wondering, What if no one else is interested? What if this was the only opportunity? You probably recognize those moments when overthinking takes over. But never let them stop you! Here I really had to push myself.

Luckily, the organization suggested an online interview instead. This gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward and reach out to more organizations. Not long after, two incredible and impactful—perhaps even world-changing...—organizations responded and invited me to visit. You can watch these great experiences here: Ecofiltro & ARCAS

The video about Ecofiltro, a product we might later all need...

I’m incredibly happy, proud, and grateful that I included Purpose Drivers in my travel plans. Because of this project, I met many local people dedicated to something bigger than themselves. Seeing entire teams working passionately on important sustainability initiatives was inspiring—it taught me so much and gave me hope for the future. Every person I met had a deep passion for making the world a better place. All true Purpose Drivers!

Not only did I meet passionate people within the organizations I visited, but Purpose Drivers also became an amazing conversation starter with fellow backpackers. Many people were interested and responded positively. Through this, I met architects focused on sustainable design, engineers creating eco-friendly machines, sustainability consultants, volunteers, and many others working to help people and the planet. Overall, it sparked interesting conversations, debates, and new insights. It also created an instant connection with like-minded people—something I hadn’t expected but truly enjoyed.

This concept led me to places and people I could have never imagined. It made traveling unique, exciting, insightful, fun, and sometimes challenging. But from challenges come great rewards. The blogs, interviews and videos are not perfect, but I already learned a lot in the process, and it gets better and more easy. What is most important is that I enjoy it and it gives me excitement, and that is exactly what I need.

Of course, not everything was sunshine and smiles in Central and South America. Many people live in poverty, struggling to provide for their families, with concerns far beyond sustainability. Nicaragua, in particular, stood out to me. It is recognized as the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti. According to the United Nations Development Programme, four out of ten people there live on less than a dollar a day.

That said, over the past 20 years, Central America has made notable progress in sustainability through environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Costa Rica leads the region in renewable energy, generating over 99% of its electricity from hydro, wind, and solar power. Panama has expanded its forest conservation programs, while Nicaragua has increased its wind and geothermal energy production to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Social sustainability has also been a priority, with initiatives aimed at helping indigenous and rural communities benefit from eco-tourism and conservation jobs. During my travels, I chose tours that directly supported local communities. If you ask your tour operator about these options, they can guide you toward more responsible travel experiences. Programs like Bono Seguro in Guatemala and Red Solidaria in El Salvador provide financial support and educational resources to low-income families, reducing poverty while promoting sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, agricultural cooperatives in Honduras and Nicaragua have trained small farmers in organic coffee production, ensuring better incomes and environmentally friendly farming practices.

One of my favorite tours was in Colombia. I visited a remote local family who ran an organic, sustainable cacao farm. The entire process—from growing the cacao to making chocolate—took place right there. We even got a facial treatment using 100% pure chocolate from their farm! These unique experiences aren’t part of mainstream tourism, but you can find them if you ask the right questions and search for it actively. A good tip is to inquire at your hostel or tour operator about local, sustainable, and off-the-beaten-path initiatives.

Chocolate treatment in the jungle of Colombia

While progress is being made, many challenges remain, including climate change and economic inequality. However, Central America is actively working to integrate sustainability with social development, creating a more resilient and inclusive future.

Central America is an incredible place. The people, cultures, activities, traditions, history, and lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me forever. I know I will always miss the Latin American ´vibe´. Coming from the Netherlands, a more individualistic society, I’ve noticed that we often judge quickly and are not always open to meeting new people. In contrast, in Central America, Colombia, and Peru, I felt a much stronger sense of social connection and community. People share food, dance together, help each other in times of need, listen to stories, meet-up on the street, laugh often, use music more, value friendships and family traditions, welcome strangers with open arms, and embrace life with joy. These are values I will carry back into my own life.

Dancing in the oldest salsa bar in Cartagena, Colombia

Luckily, this is not the end of Purpose Drivers!

More updates are coming soon and new adventures are loading... Thanks for reading.

Salute!

Red Valley, Peru, 5000 altitude