Highlights of Colombia with added comfort

Planet

Carbon Reduction
Due to the size of Colombia, we have no choice but to use internal flights to get around, but consideration has been made when designing the itinerary to reduce the number of internal flights to as few as possible, in this case just two. We try and mitigate this elsewhere by using lower carbon forms of transport as much as possible when we’re on the ground. For example, in Medellin we explore the city on foot and by cable car, and in Cartagena we have the opportunity to take a canoe trip through the Boquilla mangroves.
In Colombia we partner with an in-country ground agent that has sustainability at the fore-front of everything they do. An example of this is that they are part of a reforestation project where 12,000 trees to date have been planted, and where they have developed a sustainability program which they share with all levels of their onward supply chain. The aim is to trickle down that sustainability mindset throughout the industry, on to hotels, transport providers and guides.
As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.
Environment and Wildlife
An important part of our business is our commitment to environmentally responsible practices in all of the locations that we visit. In Colombia this is no different, and our local Tour Leaders will encourage customers to use their own water bottles (which we advise customers to take), advising them where to fill them up in each destination. This guide will also have training in upholding our policy of Leaving no Trace – this is particularly important in areas like the Cocora Valley, which are rich in wildlife and potentially fragile. We brief all customers on sticking to designated trails and following local conservation regulations.
On this tour we stay at a number of eco-hotels, where the properties have been designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible. For example in Bogata we stay at a BioHotel that has living walls in certain parts of the building, and in Medellin we stay in a hotel decorated entirely with locally sourced materials and provides water to guests in glass bottles rather than plastic.
We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.
We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.

People

Local Economy
Colombia's reputation is changing. Over the last few years the country has been cultivating a reputation as an exciting, emerging adventure travel destination. We always want to show you as much of the real country as we can so we employ a local tour leader and variety of local guides who can really bring the culture to life for you in an authentic way.
On this tour, we visit a thriving coffee plantation in Pereria, where coffee has been grown, cultivated, and roasted for generations. This unique experience offers our groups a chance to learn about one of the region's most significant products while supporting the sustainability of the plantation. By visiting, guests not only gain insight into the coffee-making process but also contribute directly to ensuring the plantation's continued operation for years to come.
In Medellin, we take the cable car up to Comuna 13, a low-income neighbourhood that sprawls up the mountains surrounding the city. Since Pablo Escobar's regime the area has totally reinvented itself through the creative innovation of its inhabitants. An important signpost in the change of the country is the fact that tourists are now coming back to Medellin, and we are happy to do this in a responsible way.
Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.
Employment, Inclusivity and Diversity
We work with a local partner in Colombia that is entirely Colombian-owned and run, providing employment opportunities for local people across the many areas of Colombia where they operate. They also partner with an NGO called Poderosas, a social enterprise aiming to empower young women from vulnerable communities across Colombia. On this tour we have an opportunity to visit one of their projects in Cartagena, contributing directly to the project's fantastic work.
We believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.