Discover Unexplored Territory of Colombia

Colombia

Nearly four years following the historic peace accord, areas of Colombia previously considered too dangerous to visit are now opening up to travelers. While big cities like Cartagena and Bogotá have always been popular Colombian vacation spots, there are entire regions of this diverse and vibrant country that remain untouched by tourism and relatively unknown to travelers.

Now, nearly four years following the historic peace accord, areas of Colombia previously considered too dangerous to visit are opening up to visitors, and are becoming more accessible than ever.

There are locally-owned and led tour operators offering custom cultural, culinary and environmental tours throughout Colombia. They specialize in experiences designed to delve deep into under-explored territories through its immersive “Untouched Colombia” collection.

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In an effort to ensure Colombia grows sustainably as an emerging destination, some of the tour operators partner with local communities in every region they operate within to build thoughtful travel experiences that showcase Colombia’s biodiversity, heritage, and culture in a respectful and responsible way.

“There’s a lot of potential for tourism to make a positive impact in these former ‘no-go zones,’ but for that to happen, we need to raise awareness among visitors that they’re open for business,” says Brian Schon, Founder and President of True Colombia Travel. “It’s also important that tourism is developed in the right way. We want to help make sure these communities are directly benefiting from opportunities created by tourism.”

Here are adventures designed to showcase Colombia’s still-wild and undiscovered places — in a way that benefits both the traveler and the community:

Embark on a cacao-fueled jungle trek

The jungles around Puerto Berrio were some of the most violent areas in the country, with scores of individuals displaced due to massive unrest between guerilla and paramilitary groups. It’s also one of Colombia’s most diverse wildlife sectors, home to river manatees, jaguars and a host of other animal and bird species. This 3-day experience explores the previously off-limit lands by way of newly developed and locally-driven wildlife treks, night hikes, and manatee-spotting. In addition to offering off-the-grid stays at private home accommodations, TCT has also partnered with local farmers for cacao farm visits, where you’ll see how the bean is cultivated and turned into chocolate while learning the cultural roots and significance of the cacao bean in Colombia.

ColombiaGo behind the scenes at Carnaval

One of Colombia’s oldest cities, Pasto was typically unknown to outsiders, although famous across Colombia for its Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, the largest carnival celebration in southern Colombia. Today, the city and surrounding territories are gaining popularity as people come to discover what UNESCO has named one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. During the early January festivities, guests go behind the scenes for a 4-day adventure with Carnaval participants, experiencing how the festival comes together and celebrating with locals while staying in boutique accommodations such as Hotel Jardín 38 and private homes.

A local Tour Operator to Consider

True Colombia Travel specializes in offering fully customized cultural, culinary and environmental tours throughout the rural and urban regions of Colombia. Owned and operated by locals who are passionate about their community, the TCT team is made up of bilingual artists, nature-lovers and world travelers committed to sharing Colombia’s secrets with visitors as respectfully and responsibly as possible. Welcoming families, groups, solo travelers and adventurers of all ages, True Colombia Travel creates personalized itineraries designed to showcase the people, heritage, culture and natural treasures that make Colombia one of the most promising destinations in the world. 

 

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Discover Unexplored Territory of Colombia
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