Our Routes in Colombia ..with Head of Marketing, Felipe Francisco.
In the next installment of Our Routes series dedicated to sharing travel experiences from our experts all over Latin America, we dive into Colombia with thoughts from Head of Marketing, Felipe Francisco, who recently enjoyed a special trip across this dazzlingly varied country as we explore Our Routes in Colombia.
What were your main destinations on this trip to Colombia?
Bogota, Coffee Region, Medellin, Cartagena, Minca and Tayrona National Park.
Felipe in Salento, Coffee ValleyHow did you get to Colombia from the UK?
From London Heathrow I flew to Bogota via Madrid with Iberia with a mix of domestic flights and driving within Colombia itself.
Was this your first time visiting Colombia or a repeat trip?
First time – after years and years dreaming about exploring Colombia, I finally made it!
Felipe living his dream in MincaWhat was your favourite location?
Felipe living his dream in MincaColombia is one of the most exciting destinations in Latin America, there is so much to see and do, the people are amazing, and the food is superb! It’s hard to pick favourites as the entire country is impressive but I was especially surprised by Medellin – I can easily say it’s one of the most exciting cities in the world right now. I spent a couple of days exploring all the amazing design shops, museums, buzzing bars, rooftops, and incredible boutique hotels! Medellin’s energy is infectious!
Medellin is electricWhat was the most memorable moment of the trip?
Playing African drums with Tambores de Cabildo in Cartagena. It was amazing to not only watch them in action, but to participate in the rich and powerful music and dance tradition of Colombia. The workshop gives you a crash course in drum theory, lets you sit back and watch the masters play, and then hands the drums over to you to give it a whirl yourself. It’s super fun and directly supports a talented group of young people to keep Afro-Colombian music tradition alive whilst supporting their community.
What was the best excursion or experience of your holiday to Colombia?
One of the most fascinating excursions I did was the Comuna 13 in Medellin. It was incredible to learn more about Medellin’s (and Colombia’s) amazing transformation from a Narco epicentre to one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America. Comuna 13 was once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Latin America and in order to fully understand the violence and difficulties that have plagued the area and its impressive reformation, I highly recommend hiking with a local guide. After a day learning more about the area I could begin to grasp how completely rejuvenated the city (and again Colombia) is following the death of Pablo Escobar. Nowadays Comuna 13 is one of the safest areas in Colombia, and all you will find here is a vibrant community of talented and super-friendly people. I was particularly impressed with all the amazing street art and even tried a bit of battle rapping, there is a first for everything!
Medellin’s vibrant street artWhat do you recommend packing or prepping for a trip to Colombia?
I always think that researching and learning about the culture and traditions of the place you’re visiting is the key to a better experience – in any destination. Make the effort to learn a few words of the local language, it’s always appreciated. And finally, allow yourself some contemplation moments: stop for a coffee or a drink and acknowledge the privilege it is to be where you are, experiencing these incredible places!
A freshly made cup of coffee with a viewWhat was your favourite food or drink on your holiday to Colombia?
Oh, so many! Highlights include all the incredible coffee you can have in Colombia but especially the ones from the coffee region, an absolute must for the caffeine addicts out there! The ceviche is super fresh everywhere, as well as all the tropical fruit, and I loved the local bread too, especially pan de bono and pan de yuca. I also highly recommend a visit to Casa Rivera del Cacao where you can produce your own chocolate and of course eat it too, one of the top foodie experiences Colombia has to offer!
Chocolate pudding at the Casa Rivera del Cacao
What is your favourite photo?
This one of me admiring the incredible wax palm tree of the Cocora Valley in the Coffee Region, officially the world’s tallest palm tree. The valley is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend at least a few hours for a proper hike around the region to spot all the amazing fauna and flora as well as the amazing giant palm trees!
Felipe overlooking the enormous wax palms of CocoraSum up your trip to Colombia in just three words:
Exciting, colourful and surprising!
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