Top 5 Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Destinations in Colombia
Colombia is increasingly establishing itself as one of the must-visit ecotourism destinations, with regions still wild
Colombia is increasingly establishing itself as one of the must-visit ecotourism destinations, with regions still wild and off the beaten path that lend themselves to alternative forms of tourism. Interested? Follow our guide to responsible tourism in Colombia!
The leading hub for responsible tourism in Colombia: Guaviare!
The Guaviare department is located in the Southeast of the country in the Amazon region. It is an ideal destination for ecotourism in Colombia and discovering local culture, as it brings together various natural attractions that will not fail to satisfy nature lovers and adventurers.
Do you wish to visit Caño Cristales but don't want to miss out on remnants of ancestral civilizations and the nature of the Amazon region? Be prepared to be surprised! The San José del Guaviare region has its own Caño Cristales: Tranquilandia, the little Caño Cristales, whose crystal-clear waters reveal with clarity the enchanting colors of its aquatic plants.
But that's not all Guaviare has to offer… Are you a fan of archaeology? Can you believe there are rock paintings in Colombia? These are found at an extraordinary archaeological site: Cerro Azul. This rock is witness to the presence of ancestral indigenous cultures with its rock paintings dating back over a thousand years.
You will also be able to meet one of the indigenous communities of Colombia and discover its craftsmanship, gastronomy and culture.
Finally, Guaviare allows you to discover how associations of farmers decided to abandon illicit crops and embark on projects promoting sustainable development in Colombia. You will notably have the chance to observe the splendid pink river dolphins in their natural environment at the heart of the Damas del Nare Lagoon.
Discovering Putumayo: an ecotourism journey in Colombia
Gateway to the Amazon, the Putumayo department is extremely rich, both naturally and culturally. Let yourself be guided and come discover with us this extraordinary destination combining extraordinary natural elements (great news for waterfall enthusiasts), extremely rich biodiversity and the existence of indigenous communities, including the shamans of Colombia who reveal their culture and traditions to you.
Want to do ecotourism in Colombia or an Amazon excursion? Set off to discover Fin del Mundo Waterfall, the Mandiyaco Canyon and don't miss visiting the Centro Experimental Amazonico, a center dedicated to environmental protection of the area, and many other wonders! We organize a bespoke journey including this destination—contact us!
Caqueta: community tourism in Colombia and sustainable tourism
Since the signing of the peace agreement with the FARC, the pristine Caqueta region is revealing itself to travelers in search of wild destinations with lush vegetation. Explore its verdant forests discovering its waterfalls and vegetation tunnels and experience an original and enriching adventure by spending the night in a FARC ETCR reintegration camp (Territorial Space for Training and Reintegration), transitional FARC locations where you will be welcomed by former combatants who will explain their transition and the various sustainable development projects implemented following the signing of the peace treaty.
Why visit the Sierra Nevada of Colombia?
Mystical and enchanting, it brims with wonders! Discover this region where mountains, forests and sea blend together to create breathtaking landscapes.
This highest coastal mountain range in the world offers travelers seeking discovery multiple hiking options with the famous Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida), as well as many others less famous yet equally fascinating, to satisfy both casual and serious hikers!
It's also an opportunity to learn more about how indigenous communities of Colombia are embracing tourism by taking part in community tourism: discover their way of life, culture and traditions. Do you wish to meet the Kogis of Colombia, experience nature immersion, be immersed with the Kogis of Colombia? To visit the Sierra Nevada in Colombia, contact us!
Trekking in Guajira and community tourism
We'll wrap up this top with an extraordinary destination that has already become part of tourist circuits: Guajira. It is THE responsible and community trek of Colombia.
We invite you to discover it in an authentic and original way during a 4 or 5-day trek through the beauty of its landscapes, meeting Wayuu communities, the local tribe of northern Colombia. Walk across beaches and deserts crossing Bahia Honda, Bahia Honditia, embark for Punta Aguja, discover local fishing and handicraft activities, travel to Punta Gallinas and enrich your knowledge of the mangrove and its ecosystem during an unforgettable stay! We'll be delighted to send you a quote upon request.
Frequently asked questions
Sustainable tourism in Colombia refers to forms of travel that respect the environment, support local communities and promote indigenous cultures. It includes ecotourism, community tourism and responsible travel in regions such as Guaviare, Putumayo and Sierra Nevada.
The 5 must-visit destinations for responsible tourism in Colombia are: Guaviare (rock paintings, pink river dolphins), Putumayo (Amazon and indigenous communities), Caqueta (lush forests and FARC reintegration), Sierra Nevada (Ciudad Perdida trek, Kogis) and Guajira (community trek with the Wayuu).
Yes, several regions of Colombia offer opportunities to meet indigenous communities. In Guaviare and Putumayo, you can discover local handicrafts and traditions. In Sierra Nevada, meeting the Kogis is possible, and in Guajira, Wayuu communities welcome travelers during 4 or 5-day treks.
The Guajira trek is considered THE responsible and community trek of Colombia. It lasts 4 or 5 days through landscapes of beaches and deserts, meeting Wayuu communities, with stops at Bahia Honda, Punta Aguja and Punta Gallinas.
Since the signing of the peace agreement with the FARC, Caqueta is gradually opening to tourism. The region, long preserved from tourist activity, is now revealing its lush forests and waterfalls. It is recommended to travel with a specialized local operator for a safe stay.
Tranquilandia is often nicknamed the 'little Caño Cristales' of the San José del Guaviare region. This natural site is distinguished by its crystal-clear waters that reveal the enchanting colors of its aquatic plants, offering a spectacle similar to the famous Caño Cristales but in a less crowded setting.
