Thanks, Saachi, for your kind words! Glad you enjoying the blog and find it inspiring.

Thanks, John, for your comment. We had a very good and safe trip to Colombia, and learned how much has changed in that country in the last decade. Looking forward to seeing how much more it changes in the next years.

Thanks, Elaine! We certainly enjoyed the 3+ weeks we had in Colombia, but came away with an even longer wish list of places we would like to visit 🙂

Be safe and take care where ever you are.

Laura, we’ve really had a great time these last two weeks here and have experienced so much in a short time. The country is really quite diverse when it comes to landscape, cultures, experiences. It’s also very big, so be prepared to take some long buses or try to book flights early to get around the country for a cheap price. Stay tuned for the roundup from the trip with more Colombia travel tips and advice!

Hi Lina,
Thanks so much for your comment and bringing up these issues of whether the Lost City trek can indeed be respectful. We will be keeping them in mind and asking about these from the local, indigenous groups we meet when we are on the trek (mostly Wiwa, I believe).

I understand the concern regarding visiting a holy site and this being “respectful.” Whether this trek falls under the umbrella of “respectful travel” will be determined by how the site is maintained and the inclusion of local indigenous communities in the decision-making in how the treks are developed. As I understand, the government got involved earlier and placed it on a protected heritage list to help prevent killings between two indigenous groups who were fighting about who “owned” the site.

At the moment I believe that only 10% of the Lost City is open to trekkers or travelers, so that the majority remains off limits and in the control of the local communities. The site is also closed to travelers for several weeks a year so that the local indigenous communities can use it for seasonal ceremonies. I also understand that the local communities are involved in the decision process with the government as to how to develop socially responsible tourism here, but I will ask about this more when we are there.

The company that we will be trekking with – G Adventures — works with the only indigenously owned operator who represents the interests of the Wiwa and Kogui indigenous groups. The goal is respectful cultural exchange that allows travelers to learn about the indigenous cultures and history of the area. I understand the big challenges with this, which is why local people are involved to determine what they want for their communities.

There are some fees paid to local government authorities regulating the trek and protecting the area. Although technically the paramilitary groups have been disbanded, as you said it’s hard to say whether there are still similar groups operating in the area working in drugs and extortion. I hope to learn more about this when we go on the trek and hopefully have an opportunity to find out what the situation is on the ground for people living there. As you said, the goal is not to support paramilitary or unsavory groups, but instead the local communities through socially responsible tourism.

Also, we have had a really wonderful time in Colombia in the almost two weeks we’ve been here. People have been incredibly friendly and helpful (really going out of their way) and we’ve felt very welcome and safe here. Like you, I really do hope that responsible travel is the path here so that tourism development doesn’t “ruin” the openness and hospitality of Colombians.

Thanks again for your comment and your concerns. I’ll report back on what we find on the trek.