Up in the air . . .

AIR Europa will launch new, three-times weekly flights to Colombia’s second city, Medellin, in June. The new route, operated by Air Europa’s state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft, will launch on the June 1st, with three flights per week between Madrid’s Barajas International Airport and José María Córdova International Airport, the international airport of Medellin.

British travellers are able to connect through Air Europa’s twice-daily flight from London Gatwick.

Visitor numbers to #Colombia have grown over recent years, with travellers enticed to Colombia by the South American country’s spectacular natural wonders, unspoiled Caribbean beaches, magnificent colonial architecture and lively local culture.

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Bio climatic architecture a new hotel for Colombia

BIO Habitat hotel is brand-new hotel in the heart of the coffee region, 40 minutes from El Edén International Airport (AXM) in Armenia, #Colombia. It is characterized by its bio-climatic architecture. 

There are 12 habitats (rooms) equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, desk, terrace, minibar and safe. Not to forget the spa services and 15 hectares of native forest for walking and sightseeing.

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Cruise to the city of Three-Frontiers

CONSTRUCTION of the new La Jangada catamaran began In April 2018. The 12 and 13-day adventure itineraries expect to be operational by April 2019 and will cruise through Brazil, Peru and Colombia. 

 La Jangada, which means The Raft in Portugese will have 12 luxurious and spacious cabins on board, each with a private bathroom and large windows that look out on to the river. This cruise is the only luxury tourist catamaran operating in the Amazon region. 

Cruise from Manaus, Brazil to Tefe, Brazil or from Manaus, Brazil to Leticia, Colombia. Leticia is also known as the city of Three-Frontiers, as it borders Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

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Columbia: future larder for the world

COLOMBIA has been identified by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture as one of the countries with the greatest agricultural potential in the world. By the year 2030 the world population will surpass 8.3 million inhabitants, which will create a 50% increase in food consumption. Colombia has the ideal lands to be one of the countries capable of satisfying this demand.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, #Colombia has 114 million hectares, of which 44.8 million are suitable for the agriculture, livestock and reforestation sectors. The agricultural production of Colombia presented an annual growth of 6.8% between 2010 and 2015, reaching 4.5 million hectares sown.

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Colombia through the lens

COLOMBIA'S leading supplier of motorcycle tours and rentals in South America, PhotoMotoColombia, is happy to announce their grand opening in Medellin, #Colombia. Guided by international photographer, world traveler, and motorcycle enthusiast Jeff Cremer, PhotoMotoColombia is unlike any other #motorcycle #touring company in Colombia.

Trips are led by professional travel and wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer. Jeff worked as a photographer in the Peruvian Amazon for six years and has had his work featured in National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Wired Magazine and the BBC. Tour the most beautiful and picture-worthy locations in the country to get an experience and the pictures of a lifetime. You will not only tour Colombia from your bike, you will focus on truly seeing, photographing and experiencing all of its beauty,culture and people.

All trips start in Medellin, Colombia, also know as the “City of Eternal Spring” pleasant warm weather all year round. The city is surrounded by mountains and it is very clean with lush trees and beautiful flowers.

Colombia motorcycle trips range from day trips to Guatape, to take in the sweeping views from the top of the famous El Peñol rock to week long trips to the Colombia’s Coffee Triangle where riders can journey into the spectacular Valle de Cocora to find eight species of hummingbirds as well as the famous wax palms — Colombia’s national tree — which regularly grow up to a height of 150 feet, or sometimes up to 200 feet.

Other tours such as the 12 day Ultimate Coffee Region motorcycle tour is perfect for riders looking for an expedition through the adventurous Andean mountain range. This route starts in Medellin and takes riders through on a full loop through Colombias staggering peaks, rugged ridgelines, and diverse elevations bringing riders full circle arriving in Medellin again at the end of the trip.

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Colombian Celeberations

COLOMBIA is rapidly becoming one of the hot new locations in South America for international bands, music festivals and cultural events. 

Throughout the year Colombia stages a number of internationally renowned cultural events including the International Film Festival in Cartagena, and the renowned Hay literature festival. 




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24 Hours in Cartagena

THE Latin American Travel Association (LATA) have suggested the best way to spend a day in #Cartagena.

The charming colourful city of Cartagena lies of the Caribbean coast. Known for its laid back vibe, friendly locals, music scene and views over the ocean. Visitors can while away a week or two, but for those who only have a day, here’s the best way to spend it.

8 a.m.

To make the most of the day, get an early start. The ocean breeze cools the morning’s pleasant spring-like temperature. Hungry? Swing by Elaine Gomez Lozano’s arepa stand on the corner of Carrera 11 and Calle 38 in the old city. Here, Elaine serves up hearty corn arepas filled with meat and cheese. There are plenty of street stands to grab a freshly squeezed juice or coffee.

9 a.m.

The best way to see the beauty and history of Cartagena is to walk along the wall that surrounds the old town. It has been there for 400 years. Begin the walk on the western side and stroll for 2 miles taking with the ocean on one side and the old town on the other. Don’t feel you need to walk along the entire length in one go. There are lots of little scenic spots to take a rest.

1 p.m.

Seafood features big on the city’s menus. For something light, try a ceviche, a zingy mix of seafood marinated in lime and citrus juices. Street vendors offer ceviche in the old town, but for the best, try La Cevicheria, a tiny eatery on Calle Stuart 714. Be sure to also try the shrimp and octopus salad which is excellent. If the weather’s good, perch on the seats outside.

3 p.m.

Outside the old town lies San Felipe de Barajas fort built by the Spanish. This huge structure dates back to the 16th century to defend the city from sea attacks by pirates. It was later extended in the 17th and 18th centuries. It takes a little time to scramble to the top of the 130-foot fort, but the views are well worth the effort.

6 p.m.

It may seem a bit twee, but a ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages is an excellent way to see the city in style. This is popular at sunset, when the city has an orange glow. Trot around for an hour, take in the delightful colonial architecture and watch the locals. A good time to start snapping on the camera.

8 p.m.

Cartagena seems to have almost limitless restaurant options. It is hard to do better than Don Juan’s on Calle del Colegio. This casual eatery puts Colombian produce at the forefront. Think grilled octopus, bacon and candied potatoes to start, followed by roasted lamb, yucca fries and artichoke aioli. Bliss.

10 p.m.

Cartagena nightlife is legendary and plays an important role in the city. La Vitrola on Calle Baloco feels like the bars out of Old Havana. Grab a stool and sip a cold beer or aguadiente while listening to the sounds of Samba and Cuban music.


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Latin America to New Orleans

THE New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is continuing its marketing efforts in the South American tourism market through sales missions and partnerships with international airlines. 

Most recently, Maria Manzella, Director of Tourism at the #NewOrleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, organized a sales mission to Colombia March 20-23, 2017. The Convention and Visitors Bureau secured Copa Airlines as a key sponsor and partner, along with Louisiana Tax Free Shopping, to showcase travel to New Orleans. The trip included a networking lunch with a presentation on New Orleans to leisure tour operators and media in both Bogota and Medellin.

Copa Airlines will celebrate its second anniversary of a direct flight from Panama to New Orleans in June of 2017 and this sales mission reinforced travel efforts from Latin America to New Orleans.

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Culture, Travel and Latin America

FOCUSING on cultural travel to Latin America, Tia Stephanie Tours has partnered with Artesanias de Colombia, the Colombian government entity with the mission to support and promote the artisan sector of #Colombia, to design fiber arts, craft and cultural #journeys to Colombia. 

First up in 2017 is the highly anticipated "Expo Artesanias Colombia: The Crafts of Colombia: Bogota & Cartagena" tour runs December 5-13, 2017. It will feature a two-day, deep-dive immersion into the Expoartesanias handcraft fair. Entering its 27th year, the fair focuses on the finest in Colombia's diverse traditional and contemporary crafts. This special access tour offers travelers insider opportunities to "meet the artisans" and learn about their culture.

Included are one-on-ones with the Wayuu, Aruaco, Zenu, Waunaan, and Amazona people, so you can actually purchase works after engaging in meaningful interactions with the artisans themselves. Taking place at Corferias in Bogotá, travelers will explore the highlights of Bogotá, in addition to attending the craft fair. From Bogotá, the tour moves to and continues in Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, where cumbia, salsa, vallenato and other rhythms flow into the night! The price is $2585, including four star hotels, daily breakfast, five lunches, three dinners, and a cerviche crawl!

The Expo-Artesanias tour is part of a series of "Craft and Culture route" tours in Colombia organized by Tia Stephanie Tours. These experiential trips invite travelers to learn about both the culture and bio diversity of the country.

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Thomson gives pregnant women option to avoid Zika-hit countries

#THOMSON has offering pregnant women travelling to a number of countries hit by the #Zikavirus to amend their booking free of charge. It will offer free amendments to pregnant women due to travel on charter packages to Zika-infected countries before April 30. Women who have a doctor's note confirming their pregnancy can switch to another destination up to October 31 this year.

Its offer is available to women travelling to Mexico, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, Panama, Colombia, and Martinique.

The decision comes as the World Health Organisation announced it was setting up a Zika emergency team to fight the virus, which has been linked to thousands of babies being born with small brains in Brazil and has now spread to more than 20 countries in the region.

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