Colombia luxury tailor made vacation

Planet

Why Colombia is a responsible choice

Colombia is one of Latin America's great tourism success stories. Tourism has played an important role in supporting economic development and community regeneration following decades of conflict, helping create employment opportunities in regions that were once inaccessible to visitors. This itinerary spreads tourism income across several distinct regions, from the capital Bogotá and the transformed neighbourhoods of Medellín to rural Antioquia, Cartagena's historic center, and the Caribbean islands of Barú and the Rosario Archipelago. By engaging with local guides, farmers, artisans, musicians, and small businesses, travelers contribute directly to communities while gaining a deeper understanding of Colombia's rich cultural and natural heritage.

CLIMATE & CARBON
Renewable energy and hotel emissions

Renewable energy use varies between properties and is not consistently verified. However, a number of the hotels used throughout the itinerary occupy restored historic buildings or utilise existing structures, helping to preserve architectural heritage while reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction.

Shared local transport

The itinerary includes a shared boat transfer between Cartagena and Barú, helping to reduce the environmental impact per traveler compared to individual transfers. If visiting Bogotá on a Sunday, travelers can also witness or participate in the city's famous Ciclovía initiative, when many streets are closed to traffic and opened to cyclists and pedestrians.

Human-powered transport

Human-powered activities form an important part of the itinerary. These include:

Guided walking tours in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and Getsemaní
Climbing the 700+ steps of El Peñol Rock
Walking exploration of Guatapé
Snorkelling in the Rosario Islands
Optional kayaking activities in Barú
Optional walking and wildlife experiences at the National Aviary

These activities encourage slower, lower-impact exploration while providing meaningful engagement with local environments and communities.

Advice on reducing carbon impacts

Travelers are encouraged to choose lower-emission flight routes where possible, travel with lighter luggage, carry reusable water bottles, and minimise unnecessary energy and water consumption throughout their stay.

Vegetarian and vegan food

Vegetarian options are readily available throughout the itinerary, particularly in Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, which all have thriving contemporary food scenes. Vegan options can generally be accommodated with advance notice.

Local and seasonal food sourcing

The itinerary places a strong emphasis on Colombian food culture. Visitors enjoy meals in local markets, traditional restaurants, coffee-growing regions, and Caribbean communities. Coffee experiences at El Cafetal support local producers, while rum, chocolate, fruit and regional specialities showcase ingredients sourced from across Colombia. Much of the food consumed is locally produced and seasonal.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE
Accommodation environmental policies

Where possible, accommodation is selected for its integration with the local environment and community. Historic properties in Bogotá and Cartagena help preserve built heritage, while the coastal accommodation in Barú provides access to marine ecosystems without requiring extensive onward travel.

Nature restoration and biodiversity

The itinerary visits several regions of significant biodiversity, including the Rosario Islands and the coastal ecosystems surrounding Barú. These areas support coral reefs, mangroves, tropical fish, seabirds and marine wildlife, highlighting the importance of protecting Colombia's Caribbean ecosystems.

Parks and protected areas

The trip includes access to important natural areas including:

The Rosario Islands marine ecosystem
Coastal environments surrounding Barú
Optional visits to the Colombian National Aviary, one of the largest bird conservation facilities in the Americas

Visitor spending helps support the management and protection of these areas.

Contribution to nature recovery

Responsible marine tourism activities such as snorkelling help create economic incentives for the protection of coral reef ecosystems. Visits to wildlife and conservation attractions contribute to environmental education and awareness while supporting local conservation efforts.

Visitor guidance on protecting nature

Travelers are encouraged to avoid touching coral, maintain appropriate distances from wildlife, minimise plastic waste, and follow local environmental guidance when participating in marine activities.

Expert local nature guides

Local guides accompany activities throughout the itinerary, including the coffee plantation visit, Rosario Islands excursion, and optional wildlife experiences. These guides provide valuable insight into local ecosystems, history and conservation challenges.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
Supporting local communities across Colombia

This itinerary spreads tourism revenue across multiple regions of Colombia rather than concentrating spending in a single destination. By visiting Bogotá, Medellín, rural Antioquia, Cartagena, Barú and the Rosario Islands, travelers support a wide range of local businesses and communities.

Local guides and cultural experiences

All sightseeing activities are led by local Colombian guides, creating skilled employment opportunities and ensuring visitors gain an authentic understanding of local culture and history.

Community-focused experiences include:

The artisan market at Usaquén
Visits to the regenerated neighbourhood of Comuna 13
The Memory Museum in Medellín
Traditional coffee production at El Cafetal
Salsa and local rhythms classes in Cartagena
Rum and chocolate experiences showcasing regional products
Supporting small-scale agriculture

The visit to El Cafetal provides direct support to a traditional coffee farm using organic practices. Travelers learn about coffee production from cultivation through to tasting, helping support small-scale agricultural livelihoods and preserving an important part of Colombia's cultural heritage.

Local food economy

Throughout the itinerary, travelers eat in locally owned restaurants, markets, cafés and family-run businesses. This supports local suppliers, producers, chefs and food vendors while showcasing Colombia's diverse culinary traditions.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Local employment

Approximately 95-100% of the staff involved in delivering this itinerary are Colombian nationals, including guides, drivers, hospitality teams, boat crews, coffee farmers, dance instructors, artisans and restaurant staff.

Supporting communities through tourism

One of the most significant social impact elements of the itinerary is the visit to Comuna 13 in Medellín. Tourism has played an important role in supporting the area's transformation from one of the city's most troubled neighbourhoods into a thriving cultural district. Visitors directly support local artists, musicians, performers, guides and small businesses.

Supporting rural livelihoods

The coffee experience at El Cafetal supports farming families and agricultural communities that rely on coffee production for their livelihoods. The regional coffee cooperative system also helps small producers access markets and maintain sustainable incomes.

Fair pay and working conditions

Local operating partners are expected to comply with Colombian labour legislation, including national minimum wage requirements and employment protections.

Diversity and inclusion

Colombia is a diverse country with Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, mestizo and immigrant communities contributing to its cultural identity. This itinerary actively celebrates that diversity through its focus on music, dance, food, art, history and community experiences.

LGBTQ+ friendliness

Colombia is considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Latin America. Major destinations including Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and welcoming tourism sectors.

Accessibility

This itinerary involves extensive walking, cobbled streets, boat journeys, steps, uneven surfaces and the climb of El Peñol Rock. It may therefore present challenges for travelers with limited mobility, although adaptations may be possible for some activities.