Local Spotlight: Interview with our local experts in Colombia

Sprawling, vibrant and alive with personality, Colombia is quickly finding its way onto travel bucket lists. Whether they’re drawn by the warm and welcoming nature of its people or by its stunning landscapes, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler. Our local experts in Colombia have been creating eco-friendly tours to Colombia since 2011, showcasing the highlights of this relatively unexplored country to curious visitors. From trekking in the UNESCO-listed Chicamocha Canyon to experiencing agricultural life with local families, variety truly is at the heart of the Colombian travel experience!

We caught up with Laura, one of our local experts in Colombia, to talk about her favorite memories, unmissable food experiences and what day to day life is like.

Hi Laura, what is life like in Colombia? What is your fondest memory?

Life in Colombia is all about color and contrast. The food, the music, the people, the landscape… It’s one of the most diverse and wonderful places in the world. As well as being easygoing and fun-loving, Colombian people are very welcoming and love to share their country with visitors. In my fondest memories, I went on a load of road trips with my family when I was a kid, and we explored some of the country’s more rural landscapes. We would hike to waterfalls, bathe in rivers, and just enjoy the world around us – it was a truly magical time.

What is your favorite place in Colombia?

It’s hard for me to choose just one, but I would have to say Barichara. It’s full of colorful colonial architecture, and a walk through the streets makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The local artisans are also friendly, keen to tell stories about the past and show you their craftsmanship while living a wonderfully relaxed pace of life.

What three words most represent Colombia for you?

Diverse – biologically and culturally! Colombia has 42 national parks and 102 indigenous ethnic groups so there’s no shortage of variation. I think it’s this variety that keeps people’s interest and brings them back to Colombia again and again.

Friendly –  Colombian people love a conversation and are always keen to learn about other cultures. They’re also very forthcoming and happy to share their traditions and customs with visitors.

A great place to live – I love my life in Colombia and think it’s a truly beautiful country, that’s part of the reason why I enjoy showing it off to travelers so much!

 How would you describe Colombian culture?

Colombia is split into six geographic regions, and each has its own dialect, food, music, and customs. This means that the national Colombian culture is hugely varied and hard to sum up (which is part of the reason why Colombia is such a remarkable country to explore!) However, in general, Colombian people are kind, friendly, and enthusiastic. Music and creativity are an integral part of everyday life here, as well as openness – locals are always keen to interact with visitors.

What is your favorite Colombian food?

I’d say ajiaco santafereño—a potato-based soup that’s commonly served in Bogotá and the surrounding Cundinamarca region. I also love arepas, a type of cornmeal patty that can be grilled, baked, fried, or steamed. They’re a true staple of Colombian cuisine and can be served sweet or savory. My favorite fillings are egg (arepa de huevo), soft cheese (arepa de choclo), or the classic ‘arepa santanderana,’ which is stuffed with crispy pork belly and yuca.

Do you know any cool facts about Colombia that most people wouldn’t know?

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to 10% of global biodiversity and nearly 19% of all bird species. It’s also a vibrant cultural mosaic, with 102 Indigenous ethnic groups, 64 linguistic variations, and over 730 festivals celebrated each year. While it may not always get the spotlight for its beaches, Colombia boasts an impressive 2,900 miles of stunning coastline and an incredible array of marine wildlife.

What are the experiences those traveling to Colombia definitely shouldn’t miss?

When you’re in Colombia, embrace the local spirit and don’t let strict schedules hold you back! I highly recommend joining a salsa class and taking a cooking lesson, dance and cuisine are at the heart of Colombian culture. Be sure to visit the coffee regions, where you can experience a ‘bean to brew’ tour and enjoy the freshest cup of coffee. For a more authentic and immersive experience, explore local markets and strike up conversations with the vendors. They’re usually happy to chat, just be prepared to negotiate!

Do you have any top tips for any TravelLocal customers thinking of visiting Colombia?

My top tip is to learn a few basic Spanish phrases before you go. Many Colombians, especially in rural areas, don’t speak English, and making a little effort can go a long way. Being able to connect with locals also adds a deeper, more immersive layer to your travel experience. As for the best time to visit, I’d recommend going between January and mid-April (but try to avoid Easter week), or from August to November. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather without the heavy crowds you might encounter during the peak months.

 What is the story behind your company?

I’m actually an industrial engineer by training, but while I was at university, I had a conversation with a marketing professor about Colombia‘s potential for tourism. It made me realize that many regions of the country are still relatively unexplored, and that tourism could be a powerful way to both showcase Colombia’s beauty and support local development. I was especially motivated to approach the business with a sustainable mindset, making sure that both rural and urban communities benefit.

Because of our commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development, we’re currently working on creating carbon-neutral itineraries. We already invest 1% of our profits in reforestation projects and have planted 3,507 trees so far!

And we’ve got ask – do you have a dream destination that you want to visit?

There are still so many destinations within Colombia I haven’t had the opportunity to explore. I’d love to visit Malpelo Island to learn how to dive, and join a whale-watching expedition along the Pacific Coast. Internationally, the beaches of Thailand are at the top of my travel bucket list.

Make it happen

If you’re feeling inspired to experience the culture of Colombia for yourself, get in touch with one of our local experts in Colombia today who can help plan your personalized trip! Our local experts in Colombia are here to help.