The Charm of Rural Tourism in Colombia
Engaging in rural tourism in Colombia is one of the best ways to get to know our country. Without a doubt, it's an opportunity to experience the charm behind new cultures and traditions that unfold before you with the guidance of the local community. This type of tourism revolves around rural localities inviting you to discover the charm of each region in a unique way.
Rural tourism in Colombia promotes the best sustainability practices when experiencing each activity, as local communities themselves are responsible for preserving the environmental surroundings where these tourism experiences take place. This is why rural tourism in Colombia is also known as community tourism.
The great advantage of this type of tourism is the opportunity to explore the physical (rural) environment and directly participate in the daily activities and customs of each community. It's an immersion into the knowledge and culture of the local inhabitants of each territory. Below, we share some community tourism experiences you can enjoy in Colombia.
Let yourself be amazed by all the adventures you can experience at Laguna de la Cocha.
Also of interest: Community Tourism: An alternative tourism full of experiences
Rural Tourism Experiences in Colombia: Laguna de La Cocha
Laguna de La Cocha, the second largest lake in Colombia, is located approximately 20 km from the city of Pasto in the Nariño region. This region is known for the biodiversity of its landscapes and the friendliness of its people.
Laguna de La Cocha and its surroundings showcase activities developed by the community. Therefore, rural tourism flourishes in the nearby municipalities.
3 enchanting experiences you can enjoy in this destination include:
- Visiting natural reserves where you can share spaces with the Quillasinga community and participate in ethno-touristic activities such as farming and rituals.
- Hiking in the rural environment through the districts of Encano and Genoy. An excellent opportunity for wildlife observation and flora of the area.
- Interacting with local farming communities and participating in the cultivation of vegetables, flowers, and fruits to learn about their practices, knowledge, and the relationship between humans and the land.
If you wish to complement your experience with nature and adventure activities, we recommend paragliding flights, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and sport fishing.
Also of interest: What to do in Nariño? 7 plans for a weekend
Discover the community tourism offerings in Nuquí.
Rural Tourism in Colombia: Colombian Pacific
Puerto Jagua is an Emberá indigenous community located in Jurubira town, municipality of Nuquí, in the Chocó region. The Emberá Dobida, which in their dialect means "river people," have traditionally settled around these streams, which serve as their main transportation route and have cosmogonic significance.
It is in this community where the Etnoaldea community tourism project was initiated to reinterpret the indigenous habitat for a better understanding of traditional customs by integrating cultural elements.
Thus, the Etnoaldea Kipará Té Tourism Center was created, which received the 2016 International Architecture Award from The Athenaeum of Chicago: Museum of Architecture and Design, and the European Center for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies.
This uniquely charming place offers the following activities:
- Enjoying lodging in "tambos" (cabins), a responsible experiential stay with the Emberá indigenous community and trying their gastronomy.
- Experiencing cultural expressions such as dance and sacred painting of the Jagua.
- Engaging in nature tourism through adventures in the jungle where you will learn about the universe's history according to Ankore (the community's creator deity) through encounters in sacred places.
During your visit to this community, you can also purchase handicrafts thanks to a project developed with Artesanías de Colombia, which strengthens beadwork, werregue fiber weaving, oquendo wood carving, among others.
Also of interest: Whale Meditation
Navigate the Amazon River and be amazed by the charms of this region.
Community Tourism on the Amazon River
The Amazon is one of the most favorable regions for rural tourism in Colombia and the world, especially as it is home to 10% of global biodiversity, including 674 bird species, 753 fish species, 158 amphibians, 195 reptiles, and over 6,300 plant species of various types of flora.
Additionally, it is estimated to have about 400 billion trees. Similarly, it is culturally diverse, housing approximately 26 indigenous ethnicities that seek to preserve their traditions and customs and the preservation of the region's ecosystem. It's a combination of characteristics that fill it with charm.
Here, the Intercommunity Association Painü was founded by young people and leaders of the indigenous communities of San Sebastián, Castañal, and La Playa. They decided to create a rural and community tourism organization in the Yahuarca Lakes, which flow into the Amazon River. This rural tourism association in Colombia offers tourist packages and educational excursions throughout the year. Depending on the high or low water season, you will find numerous activities that will captivate you.
Some of these activities include:
- Exploring the Yahuarca stream and floodable forests through a hike where you will learn about the most representative trees that attract birds. This hike can be done during the low water season (July to early December).
- Enjoying dusk canoeing. During the outing, you can appreciate the spectacular sunset while paddling in a traditional canoe and discover the nocturnal life in lakes and flooded forests. This activity can be done during the high water season (late December to May).
- Customizing a tour according to your interests. You can focus on bird watching, learn about vegetation and medicinal plants, practice sport fishing, cook typical meals, make crafts, and even work in the chagra (cultivation space) by planting and growing.
Let yourself be amazed by the charm of rural tourism in Colombia and dare to discover new destinations in a different way. We await you!
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