Join us in Nicaragua for an Expedition with Casa Congo
This expedition invites visual storytellers to work alongside Casa Congo—an NGO fostering regenerative development—to highlight three powerful social enterprises co-created with local communities.
This is a collaborative effort where you'll support and uplift the community by documenting their work.
Join These Local Initiatives
On this expedition with Casa Congo you'll have the opportunity to engage with several impactful projects.
The content created during this expedition will play a vital role in Casa Congo’s campaigns to raise awareness, educate the public, and secure funding. Now that three local social enterprises have grown out of Casa Congo’s efforts and are operating independently, visual storytelling is more important than ever to highlight the remarkable work being led by the community.
The people of El Astillero are known for their warmth and hospitality, and participants are sure to have a life-changing experience.
Las Tejedoras — A collective of 17 women transforming discarded plastic bags into art while protecting nesting sea turtles through beach cleanups.
Casa Madera — A bamboo carpentry workshop led by Eddy and Cata, who craft handmade goods, offer free carpentry classes to children, and need support creating a visual catalog of their products and process.
Habitat Upgrades — Photograph upgraded homes built in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, celebrating women entrepreneurs now living in safe and dignified spaces.
Guaduas Restaurant — A locally-run beachside restaurant sourcing fresh ingredients from a community garden. Participants will create a full visual storytelling package of the restaurant and its food. You’ll also have time to document the breathtaking Chacocente Wildlife Refuge, home to nesting sea turtles and tropical biodiversity.
Expedition Leader
Manuel Cortez
is a Nicaraguan social entrepreneur, environmental activist, and community leader based in El Astillero, Tola. After working as a research assistant for Fauna & Flora International, Manuel became the Program Director at Casa Congo, where he led all local operations from 2018 to 2024. He holds a master’s degree in ecotourism and has recently partnered with his wife, Francela, to launch their own social enterprise — a restaurant called Guaduas, which operates on the Casa Congo site.
what’s included
what’s not included
International air fare to Panama
Applicable tourist visas
Incidentals (e.g. snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Medical insurance
Airport taxes
Tips or gratuities
Beverages
Optional tours or activities (e.g. yoga, massages, etc.)
SIM cards (bring an unlocked phone to access the internet.
Participants must:
Be comfortable traveling with gear in a warm, humid climate.
Have experience in photography or filmmaking
Be committed to sharing edited visual content with Pro-Eco Azuero and Photographers Without Borders
Complete our Ethical Storytelling Certification (included if not already certified)
Be a PWB Professional Member
Be respectful and ask for consent before photographing any community member
Dates: December or January (Best time to visit)
Location: El Astillero, Nicaragua
Number of Days: Recommended 14
Participants: Minimum 1 – Maximum 2
