THE TEAM
MEET THE FAMILY
The heart of Donkey Sunrise
At Donkey Sunrise, we’re a small crew with a big heart. We’re not just a place to spend the night — we’re a home for motor travelers.
It all started with Tim & Isa, who built Donkey Sunrise from a simple dream. When Tim was riding through South America, he felt something was missing: a place where riders could connect, recharge, and be understood. A place that felt like home, even on the road.
So together, we made it. We brought Isa’s family over from Venezuela to Colombia, and for years we ran Donkey Sunrise as one big, crazy, beautiful family. That vibe is still at the core of everything we do. Whether you’re here for one night or thirty, you’re part of it.
Over time, other amazing souls from the moto community have joined us — all adventurers, all passionate about making this place better every day.
This is our family. And when you walk through our gates, you're part of it too. Welcome home.
Isa
Full Time Joy Spreader
Isa is the heart of Donkey Sunrise — the sunshine in the morning, the laughter in the kitchen, the smile that makes you feel right at home.
Originally from Venezuela, she trained as a Chemical Engineer, but life had other (way more fun) plans. In 2017, she left her country due to the social and economic crisis. She arrived in Colombia with many hopes and dreams, and it was there that she met Tim (the love of her life ☺️) while working in Medellín. Together, they share the dream of growing Donkey Sunrise, having as much fun as possible, and making people happy.
Isa brings the soul to this place. She whips up amazing home-cooked meals, giving Spanish Lessons to anyone keen to learn, and somehow keeps everything running behind the scenes.
If you leave here with a full heart and a full belly — chances are, that’s Isa’s magic at work.
Tim
Chief Adventure Seeker
Meet Tim! Born and raised in the Netherlands, he has spent the last 15 years exploring the world, embracing new cultures, and chasing adventure with an open heart.
Before moving to Colombia and launching Donkey Sunrise, Tim spent six years in sales and marketing. After falling in love with Colombia’s warm people and vibrant culture during his travels, he knew it was time for a new chapter.
With the support of friends and family, he took the leap, with no plans to return anytime soon!
Now happily married to Isa, he’s rebuilding the business, now as a family. For Tim, it’s all about creating unforgettable memories and making people smile.
His motto? A day without laughter is a day wasted!
Eleazar
Kitchen Chief & Cultural Connector
Say Hola to Eleazar!
Eleazar is Isa’s dad — and just like her, he brings warmth, humor, and heart to everything he does. Originally a university professor in Venezuela, he made the difficult decision to leave his career behind and start over in Colombia, seeking a life with dignity, purpose, and new opportunity.
When things got tough back home, Eleazar chose not just to survive — but to truly live. Now, with the support of the Donkey Sunrise family, he’s building something meaningful in this new chapter.
These days, you’ll find him in the kitchen bright and early, kneading dough by hand for his famous fresh bread and waffles (trust us — they’re a guest favorite!). He prepares all the breakfasts and lunches with love, and always finds a way to sneak in a joke or two.
Thanks to Eleazar, many guests leave not only well-fed, but with a few extra Spanish words in their pocket: "Por supuesto!"— and a big smile on their face.
Patty
Head of Ma(r)k(et)ing Things Happen
Patty used to live the corporate marketing life — full of spreadsheets, deadlines, and meetings that could’ve been emails. Then one day, she decided: there’s got to be more. She decided to sell everything, and hit the road.
After months of traveling, Patty was looking to stay in one place for a while, found Donkey Sunrise and opted-in for our volunteering program.
What was meant to be a month of volunteering turned into 6 months of helping with marketing, bringing the right amount of order to the chaos, and falling in love with the community.
A lot has changed since then — and yet, not at all. Patty is still out there, finding adventures on her motorcycle. But now she’s also part of the Donkey Sunrise team. Being Tim's left brain, she makes sure we get seen, heard, and that our vibe shines just as bright online as it does in person.
She knows exactly what travelers need — because she is one.
Ron
Head of Wrenches & Wheelies
Ron rolled into Donkey Sunrise like so many others — chasing the dream of Ushuaia, with dusty boots and a big smile. But something clicked. Maybe it was the vibe, the people, or the trails calling his name. Either way, he said it loud and clear:
“I’ll be back.”
And he meant it.
Ron’s not just visiting — he’s now living the good life right here as one of our long-stay guests. With a little help from the Donkey crew, he sorted his pensionado visa and now wakes up to birdsong, tools in hand, and endless Colombian adventures ahead.
So… who’s Ron?
As a retired mechanic, a lifelong moto traveler, and an off-road legend on two wheels, Ron's:
🛠 Built up our pro workshop so riders can keep their bikes adventure-ready
🏍 Helped volunteers level up their skills on the trails
🚀 Offering our off-road training sessions.
If you want to ride smoother, smarter, and with a whole lot more confidence — Ron’s your guy.
From the road to the workshop, he’s always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or help you crush that next gnarly hill.