Exploring the Other Side of Colombia’s Coffee Region
Today we took a break from coffee to explore the natural and cultural side of the coffee region. We met up with Alvaro in the town of Filandia, where we jumped into the back of an old Willy’s Jeep and set off through town. The paved road quickly turned to a smaller rugged road and then truly a little jeep trail. We bounced along for about 10 minutes and arrived at Alvaro’s place where we were greeted with hot tea and warm smiles. We changed into rubber boots and set off down the trail. Alvaro showed us his property - he owned hundreds of acres of cloud forest that he had officially designated as preserve so it would not ever be developed or cut down for farming. He explained the varying plant life we came across We could hear howler monkeys off in the distance and continued to hike in hopes of catching a glimpse of them. But they never showed their faces. After about an hour, we hiked down into a little draw and looked up to a beautiful waterfall, falling over 100 feet from the rocks above us. It was too cold to take a dip in the water, but the site was spectacular!
After our hike, we headed back into Filandia where Alvaro gave us a tour of the town. This was probably the most colorful town I have ever seen. The buildings were purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and every color in between. The traditional buildings in the area were painted brightly over 100 years ago and the tradition just stuck. The insides were also brightly painted - but not just decorated with paint. The ceilings were all a beautiful wood-design that then was painted varying colors.
Alvaro then took us to visit his friend Maria Ruby, a basket weaver. She and her two daughters sat us all down and we learned how to weave! We each made a little mini basket to take home - about the size of a thimble. I’m not sure what I’ll ever put in that basket, but am glad to have a souvenir from Colombia that I made!
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.