Situated at the northern tip of South America where the continent meets Central America, Colombia is a large and thrillingly diverse country.
Lapped by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, and pierced by multiple spurs of the Andes, Colombia embodies what for many is their idealised image of South America. Its natural habitats, which include glaciated peaks, deserts, savannahs, equatorial forest and the planet’s finest pelagic diving, support a simply staggering array of life forms. Only Brazil offers greater biodiversity.
"Wherever you go in this magical land, you can be sure of warm, genuine hospitality and life-enhancing experiences."
Wonderful as its natural resources are, one of the main pleasures of Colombia vacations is meeting its people and enjoying its myriad cultural expressions. At Explorations, we take great pride in being able to offer our clients access to some of the country’s most creative and insightful minds. From artists, writers and musicians to tribal leaders and conservationists—even a former president—we can introduce you to people whose stories will enrich your time in Colombia. From Bogota to Barichara, and from Medellin to Mompox, its many festivals and artisan communities are a source of joy and wonder, and we can connect you with those that most interest you.
Adventure lovers can surf Pacific beaches, fly through lost worlds in a helicopter, rappel jungle waterfalls, cycle the Andes with a Tour de France rider and raft pristine rivers. Colombia’s remote mountain valleys are a nirvana for botanists and birders alike, while its lowlands offer jaguars, giant anteaters, pink river dolphins and other magnificent wildlife to observe. After a day’s exploring you can return to some of the continent’s most exceptional boltholes, from mountain retreats in the Sierra Nevada and beach villas overlooking the Caribbean to spectacular private coffee estates and palatial merchant houses in Cartagena.
It’s no secret that Colombia has suffered ups and downs over the course of its history, including until recently the violence of the drug cartels and separatist guerrillas. Fortunately, the Peace Deal brokered in 2016 between President Alvaro Uribe and FARC has brought stability, economic growth and hope to Colombia. Even most of the historically volatile lowlands are now open again, and sensitively managed tourism has a valuable role to play in helping to consolidate the benefits brought by the deal. And that’s wonderful news, as Colombia is simply stunning.
Wherever you go in this magical land, you can be sure of warm, genuine hospitality and life-enhancing experiences. However you choose to spend your time, colour, music and chatter will follow you everywhere, reaching deep into your soul and weaving their spell.
