Coworking in Medellin with rescued animals
- Alejandra
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
How a Medellín café lets digital nomads work, give back, and share their day with rescued animals.
A quick note from the Nomadico Team
This story was written by Alejandra, who stayed with us in Medellin.
Scroll down to read her post.
Interested in sharing your own Nomadico story?
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For those of you who are digital nomads and love animals, it often feels like a long-lost wish that one day we’ll be able to have a pet of our own.
Having said that, I have met nomads who are able to travel with pets (usually they also have a camper van), but they are restricted to specific continents, since flying isn’t really an option when you have a pet.
Honestly, having a camper van isn’t an option for me either, especially if I’m considering visiting places on the other side of the lake.
What if I told you that you can still fulfill that wonderful “animal love cup” of yours while travelling?
I’ve realised this is actually easier than you think.
Coliving in Medellin
Take Colombia, for example. I was fortunate enough to stay at the wonderful Caobo House in Medellín (one of Nomadico’s most prestigious colivings, and by far the most beautifully decorated coliving I’ve ever been to).
The owners, Carol and Bernardo, work in agriculture and have made their home feel like a mini jungle oasis.
They are already animal lovers themselves and have a gorgeous dog called Mocca (yes, she has a beautiful coffee colour).
Mocca is another member of the coliving home, and rest assured, we all love her.
Unfortunately, not every dog is as lucky as Mocca. It turns out that furry beings are in need of love and support everywhere around the world.
Despite having little understanding of how anyone could abandon or mistreat animals, it is a relief to find so many organisations trying to save these beauties and help them find a better home.
Giving back as a digital nomad
I believe ethical and sustainable travel has become more important than ever.
Digital nomads have a responsibility to give back to the local community, and animals are part of this equation.
There are so many ways in which you can give back to the community that is enhancing your coliving experience, and in return, you get so much more. One of these ways is by helping animals who are in need of love, care, and support.
As I did some research, I discovered that only a 20-minute walk away from Nomadico’s Caobo House there is a wonderful animal sanctuary called;
Café Fundacion - cowork cafe Medellin
Café Fundación is one of those places that quietly stitches together good coffee, thoughtful work, and social purpose in the company of cats and dogs.
It’s not just a café. It’s a cultural hub with a conscience. Everything is designed to feel human and intentional rather than rushed or transactional.
The space also has wonderful murals of cats and dogs, almost as if they were being honoured as the ultimate gods of the space.
This café isn’t only a home for abandoned cats and dogs who are looking for a new family. It also doubles as a wonderful café (everything you consume goes on to support the animals) and a coworking space. The food is simple, light, and fulfilling.
The coworking area is also inhabited by the friendliest cats. Most of us digital nomads won’t be able to adopt one of these wonderful furry animals, but we can keep them company and make them feel loved.
Experiences like this are a big part of why I’m drawn to coliving spaces like Nomadico. When done consciously, coliving isn’t just about where we sleep or work, it’s about how we show up in the places that host us.
It opens up small, meaningful ways to give back locally, form genuine connections, and engage with a place beyond our laptops.
Sometimes that impact looks big, and sometimes it’s as simple as keeping a cat company while you work or taking a dog out for a walk.
Working alongside rescued cats & dogs
You can grab a great coffee, and work alongside these beautiful furry beings. They may distract you or blatantly step in front of your computer screen to demand some cuddles.
It’s a lovely reminder to divert your gaze to something that brings calm and helps lower your cortisol levels.
If you’re in need of a break from your computer, you can also take one of the dogs for a walk any time of the day (they are the cutest and most loving).
This not only benefits them hugely, but it also gives you a perfect screen break and gets your legs moving, something we so often forget when working remotely.
For a day, you actually feel like a pet owner, someone who is genuinely making a positive impact and receiving unconditional love in return.
It’s a win-win situation.
The Sunday walk & community events
Café Fundación also hosts a group walk every Sunday, which I highly recommend.
The Sunday walk is a great opportunity to meet locals from the city (many of whom do this walk regularly) and to explore new areas of Medellín you might not have known about.
The walk usually lasts around two hours and ends back at the foundation with a coffee.
It’s lovely to know that the delicious coffee you consume is indirectly doing some good in the world.
It’s the kind of place where you stay longer than planned because the atmosphere invites it. Everyone is friendly, and the animals are simply adorable.
The space also holds talks, workshops, film screenings, language exchanges, book clubs, and community conversations. The topics usually orbit around culture, social issues, creativity, and personal growth (mostly in Spanish).The café also supports social initiatives and educational projects.
A small way to make a positive impact
I absolutely loved my experience here. At a time when gentrification is becoming a more worrying problem, it’s activities like these that help create real impact in the community by offering one of the most precious gifts anyone can give an organisation: their time.
And not only are you making a positive impact on these adorable animals, you yourself gain so much from the experience. It refills your batteries, gives you a sense of belonging, grounds you, and makes you feel calmer and happier.
Because the truth is, the more good we do in the world, the better we feel and the better we live.
And doing good doesn’t have to be complicated.
It can be as simple as walking a dog, having a cat on your lap while you work, and drinking some delicious coffee.
If you find yourself in Medellín, and are craving a workday that feels a little more grounded and meaningful, this is the kind of place worth making time for.
Café Fundación information: Instagram | Google maps | Facebook
About Alejandra Viejo López de Roda
A photographer, filmmaker, and writer exploring ethical travel, sustainability, community-driven spaces, and local cultures around the world.
After more than a decade working in Hollywood films, she now focuses on telling human stories that reveal the people and projects creating meaningful impact in local communities.
You can reach her at alejandra.vfx (at) gmail.com
or follow her work on Instagram at @alejandravldr.
Feeling inspired to experience Medellín for yourself?
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