About Us

Tras La Perla weaves its efforts through territories that embody the magic and essence of the Colombian Caribbean.

Where Do We Work?

From the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, known as El corazón del mundo by ancestral communities, to the Ciénaga Grande with its remarkable stilt villages where life blossoms above the water, our field of action spans a mosaic of ecosystems and cultures that define the richness of northern Colombia.

In this region, where the country’s highest mountain meets the Caribbean Sea and embraces the largest body of water in Colombia, there’s a unique interplay of contrasts and connections: ancestral and contemporary, tradition and innovation, land and water.

The vallenato rhythms made famous by Carlos Vives tell the stories of these diverse geographies — from amphibious communities to the Sierra villages that preserve ancient knowledge.

Here, where every space holds a story of resilience and adaptation, we work with a deep understanding of the interconnection between the mountains, wetlands, and sea, between the traditions that shape us and the future we build together with our communities.

El Corazón Del Mundo

Named so by the Indigenous peoples who inhabit it, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a sacred and unique territory on the planet. Here, Colombia’s highest mountains rise just kilometers from the sea, forming an ecological and spiritual system that connects the entire region. It is the birthplace of ancestral wisdom — a sacred ecosystem and a source of balance for the world.

Cumbiana

A territory told through music, fishing, and resilience. Home to amphibious communities that have learned to live in stilt houses above water, among mangroves, canals, and memories forged by water.

La Ciudad del origen “The city of origin”

The first city founded in South America. Santa Marta is more than a destination — it’s a point of departure. It is the origin of all that defines us as Colombians. Here, the first steps of mestizaje unfolded, giving rise to rhythms that would captivate the world and nurturing the daily blossoming of dreams from those rooted in a hopeful future.

What We Build at Tras La Perla

Physical Environment

We promote territories where nature and development integrate, protecting our ecosystems and building sustainable infrastructure that benefits communities.

Individual Wellbeing

People are at the core of everything we do.
 We support the integral development of every individual — from family strengthening to skills training and access to growth opportunities.

Systemic Conditions

Sustainable change demands fundamental shifts in societal structures.

Meet Our Team

Carlos Vives

Founder
Singer, composer, actor, entrepreneur, and publicist. Named 2024 Person of the Year by the Latin Grammy organization.

Claudia Elena Vásquez

Founder and Board President
Chemical engineer, entrepreneur, and model. Executive Director of Universo Vives.

Álvaro Salas

Board Member
Lawyer. Specialist in international affairs, diplomacy, and foreign policy. MBA. MPA. PhD in Philosophy.

Andrés Cadena

Board Member
Industrial Engineer. MBA. Regional Director of the McKinsey Center for Government (MCG).

José Luis Acero

Board Member
Industrial Engineer. Master's in Economics and Public Administration. Former Vice Minister of Water and Sanitation of Colombia (2018–2022).

Juan Mayr

Board Member
Politician and environmentalist. Former Minister of the Environment of Colombia and Ambassador to Germany (2011–2016).

Sandra Gómez

Board Member
Mechanical Engineer, specialist in Corporate Finance and Capital Markets. Former President of Findeter (2018–2022) and Director of Fiduprevisora (2016–2018).

Isabel Cristina Vásquez

Executive Director
Medical Doctor. Master’s in Interdisciplinary Development Studies.

Carlos Felipe Montoya

Director of Concept and Content
Philosopher. Master’s in Creative Writing. Screenwriter and film director.

Carolina Rueda Quinto

Operations Director
Psychologist. Specialist and Master’s in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Stephanie Chávez Donado

Project and Community Coordinator
Professional in International Business. Specialist in Project Management.

Edinson Riascos Sulbarán

Field Professional
Psychologist.

Jhon Cantillo

Field Professional
Young dreamer from Ciénaga, Magdalena. Tour guide and social leader.

Viviana Pérez Belloso

Art Director
Designer.

Lina Manosalva

Communications Lead
Social communicator and journalist.

Cristina Redondo

Admin & Financial Officer
Professional in International Business. Specialist in Financial Management.

Leslie Taitte

Educational Facilitator
Psychologist.

Julián Dario Arbelaez Salazar

Technical Director, Habitat Program – Buenavista
Sanitary Engineer. Master’s in Civil Engineering, specializing in Water Resources and Hydroinformatics.

Edilberto Ponguta Manjarrés

Project Professional
Environmental and Sanitary Engineer.

Andreina Álvarez Mejía

Community Leader
Technologist in Hotel Services and Travel Agencies.

Luisa Arango

Project Professional
Historian. Master’s in Globalization, Spatial Dynamics, and Sustainable Development in Southern Countries.

Carolina Zuluaga Téllez

Technical Director, Vital Cycle Project
Physiotherapist.

Learn about our management reports

What They Say About Us