blog

4 reasons to go to Colombia now: George Negus

Vibrant street art in Colombia | Pat Rochon
Vibrant street art in Colombia | Pat Rochon

South America's emerging hotspot, Colombia, is slowly making its way onto the adventure map for the socially, politically and culturally curious.

“For more than three decades I’ve travelled to and covered, politically and culturally, a conglomeration of countries in both South and Central America … [but] one South American country I’ve not only never covered as an international journalist is, would you believe, is Colombia,” says George Negus, one of Australia’s highly regarded media professional, who will be leading a trip to Colombia in August 2019 with his latest ‘Travel for the Mind’ itinerary.

“I’ve always believed that South America is such a unique chunk of the world that you’d be mad not, at the very least, to keep your eye let alone your mind on Colombia.”

While some areas may still be rough around the edges, the turn of this decade has seen the resurgence of cities like Bogotá and Medellín undergo an incredible metamorphosis making the country comparatively safer than it was 20 years ago.

Having turned over a new leaf, here are some very compelling reasons (with the help of veteran journalist George Negus) why you should start planning your next trip to Colombia.

1. South America's newest foodie hotspot

When in Latin America, you know the food won’t disappoint and Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is no exception. The burgeoning food scene is making waves as it catches up with its southern neighbour, Peru.

Food festivals, including some of the largest in Latin America, dot the calendar annually, with new restaurants opening their doors to travellers enthusiastic for more sophisticated dining experiences. Some of Colombia’s chefs are also steadily driving the rise of some of the region’s best restaurants list.

An ideal way to try local dishes and sample its cornucopia of fruits are at its fresh produce markets. Street food carts are the epicentres for popular Bogotanian snacks, such as mango biche (salted green mango); maize arepas filled with egg, cheese and ham; caramanola beef pasties and mole de queso (yam and cheese).

It also isn’t hard to find a good cup of coffee in Colombia and there are young Colombian entrepreneurs earning reputations on the international stage with business ventures such as the La Palma y el Tucan coffee farm.

Bogotá could soon be the capital of cuisine in Latin America – you’ll just have to head there to be the judge.

2. Medellín: a city reborn

Few cities have transformed the way that Medellín has in the past 20 years.

As Colombia’s second largest city, Medellín is seen as the ‘greatest urban success story of Latin America’ and has been named as one of the most innovative cities in the world – beating New York and Tel Aviv as the finalists for City of the Year in 2013.

“Once off-limits to visitors due to security issues, Colombia is enjoying increased political stability and a rise in tourism following the collapse of the key major drug cartels that had previously created security issues that limited access for tourists,” says Negus.

Improving the mobility for citizens living in poor communities, steps toward environmental sustainability and its social development programs have allowed the city to move forward from its unsettled past.

Their modern underground metro system has greatly reduced pollution and alleviated crowding in the city’s main district, and the construction of gondolas and a giant escalator that shuttle citizens from the mountainside to its valley below reduced commuter time from 2 hours to mere minutes.

In addition, new museums and cultural centres have sprung up – and been embraced by locals and visitors alike.

“Medellín proves how to get a fresh start against the odds. Finally rid of the city’s most infamous resident, Pablo Escobar and the worst of its drug wars, one of its darkest suburbs now safely shares its barrio streets with travellers like us,” says Negus. “Now, that is a welcome change.”

 

 

3. Biodiversity and ruins older than Machu Picchu

Picture laidback Caribbean beaches, Pacific surf coast, snow‑capped Andes mountains, lush coffee plantations, spectacular national parks, abundant flora and fauna, misty green hills, the wild Amazon jungle, magnificent coral reefs and archaeological ruins and you are picturing Colombia.

Head to the country’s northern tip to the protected Tayrona National Park, which is possibly one of South America's most beautiful national parks. Home to coastal lagoons, a trove of rainforests, secluded beach spots and coconut palms, it’s a gorgeous slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast.

The islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina provide access to the third largest coral reef system on Earth, making it an excellent diving spot, and with a third of the country made up of jungle regions, the Amazon is always nearby.

Hidden deep in the Colombian jungle and after climbing 1,200 steps you’ll also find Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City of Teyuna. It’s a magical place full of relics and ancestral stories high in the Sierra Nevada mountains that was once home to a thriving civilisation and is thought to be around 650 years older than Peru’s renowned Machu Picchu.

This range of environmental extremes makes Colombia one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.

4. Authentic culture, art and historical insights

Colombia’s vibrant and fun cultural vibe means the country offers some of the best theatre, film and music festivals of the region.

In the last decade, Colombia has opened a tourism gateway allowing travellers to head to this place which has been off the adventure travel map for so long.

The stunning UNESCO listed jewel in Colombia’s crown, Cartagena, is an exquisite clash of past and present, boasting impressive colonial architecture, stunning beaches, colourful party buses and lively salsa scenes.

A journey down the Rio Magdalena river to the UNESCO protected site of remote Mompox takes you back to Colombia’s colonial character. The riverside town, famous for its architecture and history, actually inspired Gabriel Garcia Márquez’s magical realism novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Traverse the urban innovations that have caught the world’s attention in Medellín, the former home of Pablo Escobar’s notorious drug cartels, where you are never far from Fernando Botero’s art. Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge street art that offers a social and political commentary on this fascinating country’s turbulent history and gives travellers a real appreciation of the changes that have taken place since the 2016 historic Peace Agreement ended a half-century-long conflict.

“Explore, question and probe and ultimately leave these destinations with their own story to tell and a greater understanding of where they’ve been and the lives of those they have met,” says Negus on what travellers can expect in his ‘Travel for the Mind’ journey to Colombia and Chile.

“These journeys are like journalism without a television camera and a smaller but no less critical audience.”

Many people who go to Colombia often plan only a short visit but end up staying much longer, finding it difficult to leave, and with good reason.

As the infrastructure improves, Colombia will soon be the destination to visit, so now’s the time to head there, before the crowds catch up.

Travel for the Mind, George Negus, Colombia, South America

Comments (3)

colin

Great country. Spent a month their last year. Very sophisticated culture. High-rise buildings and affluent living stds. Forget about past cartels. Great coffee culture. Must get to Leticia on the amazon.Native culture, pink dolphins , eco friendly hospitality.Easy to get around by oneself. top airlines. Caribbean lifestyle. Must do

5 years ago
Judy Hughes

I am interested in the George Negus Colombia trip, but couldn't find dates anywhere?

5 years ago
we-admin

Hi Judy, all the tour details are on the trip page. Click the link below to view the trip. The date is 23 August to 09 September 2019.

https://worldexpeditions.com/Chile/Adventure-Touring/Travel-for-the-Mind-Colombia-Chile-with-George-Negus

Hope you can join us.

Brad

5 years ago
Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips