Tour operator’s program highlights culture and nature
IAN STALKER
Air Canada Vacations’ new Colombia guided tours program is showcasing the cultural and natural sides of a part of the world that was once largely promoted to Canadians as a sun destination for those eager to spend their holidays on Caribbean Sea-fronting beaches.
The tour operator now has year-round Colombia tours enabling people to choose between beach stays or itineraries that venture well into the interior of a country that has landscapes that include Andean mountains and Amazon jungle with a program that features “immersive experiences while discovering Colombia’s pristine coasts, natural marvels and colonial towns.”
Air Canada Vacations also notes that it offers three year-round weekly flights from Toronto, and four a week from Montreal until Dec. 8, followed by daily flights from Dec. 9 until March 28.
Air Canada Vacations vice president Nino Montagnese said the tours his company has made available will appeal to a wide swathe of the travelling public.
“Our Dream Bigger mission is to further expand Air Canada Vacations leisure footprint everywhere that Air Canada operates,” he told Travel Courier. “We see a lot of potential for leisure travel in Colombia, and as such we facilitated the growing demand for diverse travel experiences, providing our customers with the opportunity to explore this vibrant destination year-round. The diverse product offering makes this destination the perfect fit for the Canadian traveller.”
The Colombia program has seven year-round packages with private airport transportation in Bogotá, Cartagena de Indias, Medellín, Salento, Mesetas, Múcura Island, Barichara, Guasca, Villa de Leyva, and Islas del Rosario. The guided tours are tailored to different travel styles, and include breakfasts as well as entrance fees when visiting monuments, connecting flights where applicable, and 3- to 5-star, and cabanas accommodations in key areas. Sightseeing transportation is also included and can be either shared or private. Boat transfers are always shared.
“It’s important to highlight to the Canadian market that Colombia offers so much more than just the beautiful beaches of Cartagena de Indias, Barú, and the Rosario Islands. It is time to go further and showcase Colombia’s rich natural landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences,” he continued. “Appreciating this, and understanding that many Canadian passengers are wanting more, Air Canada Vacations decided to take that step beyond beaches. While our programs do offer beach experiences, they also offer a plethora of cultural, natural, and historic experiences not to be missed. Air Canada Vacations is confident that our tailor-made travel packages will deliver an unforgettable vacation experience to our customers. We aim to broaden the perception of Colombia beyond its sun destinations, showcasing it as a multifaceted destination for year-round exploration.”
Tours featured in the program include:
- Andean Discovery, a Couple’s Expedition, 11 days/10 nights: Billed as a “romantic adventure designed for couples seeking to explore Colombia’s captivating charm and create unforgettable memories with stunning scenery, rich culture, and vibrant history,” it begins in Bogotá, showcasing the “culture and energy of this historical treasure.” Participants will see Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the picturesque colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Barichara, where “time seems to stand still. Enjoy romantic dinners amidst stunning landscapes and partake in a unique painting experience using local earth pigments,” the tour operator adds.
- Cartagena de Indias and Múcura Island, and R&R Getaway, 11 days/10 nights: Promoted as a rejuvenating Caribbean escape, it begins in coastal Cartagena de Indias with a walking tour of the old walled city. Participants can unwind at a full-board resort on Mucura Island, with leisure activities available. They can also lounge by the pool.
- City Sights and Natural Delights, a Family Journey, 11 days/10 nights: The family getaway starts and ends in Bogotá, with visits to Bogotá, Cartagena de Indias, and Islas del Rosario, and blends cultural exploration, beach relaxation, and nature hikes. It features a walking tour of Bogotá, a visit to the city’s Gold Museum, the “aMano,” and Paloquemao Market. There’s hiking in Chicaque Park and a visit to the National Aviary in Baru. The tour ends with beach time in Cartagena de Indias.
- Colombian Gems, a Golden Adventure, 11 days/10 nights: Bogotá, Salento, and Medellín are seen on a journey starting and ending in Bogotá. Participants experience Bogotá’s history and Monserrate views, see Salento’s wax palm forest, learn about Colombian coffee at a hacienda, and discover Medellín’s vibrant art scene.
- Colombian Thrills, an Adrenaline Escapade, 11 days/10 nights: An exhilarating journey also starting and ending in Bogotá, it visits Bogotá, Mesetas, and Medellín, and offers tandem paragliding in Bogotá, exploration of the Güejar River Canyon with hikes, whitewater rafting, and natural pools, and a visit to Medellín’s vibrant Comuna 13. “Enjoy the thrill of biking down Boquerón Mountain, filled with breathtaking views. A must for thrill seekers and adventurers alike!” the tour operator says.
- Heritage Exploration, a Colombian Cultural Insight, 11 days/10 nights: Colombia’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes are seen on this itinerary which starts and ends in Bogotá, and visits Medellín, Cartagena and Isla Bela, a secluded island within the Rosario Islands archipelago. “Immerse yourself in historical education, cultural exchange, and traditional experiences such as learning crafts, exploring Matarredonda Ecological Park, and experiencing Medellín’s vibrant Comuna 13. Tour San Felipe Castle in Cartagena,” the tour operator says
- The Best of Bogota, 8 days/7 nights is designed for first-time travellers interested in Colombian culture and exploring its natural beauty Bogotá’s highlights are seen in one week with a city tour, breathtaking views from Monserrate, a hike to La Chorrera waterfall, and a visit to El Paraíso farm to learn about Colombia’s coffee heritage. “Indulge in local flavors at Paloquemao Market, engage in Tejo, a unique Colombian game, and enjoy delightful meals throughout your journey,” the tour operator adds.
Air Canada Vacations says customers can count on a “welcome at destination and assistance throughout their journey, courtesy of our experienced destination representatives.”
Colombian tourist board ProColombia has long been touting Colombian culture and nature, among other things promoting its 10% share of the planet’s biodiversity and cultural diversity.
ProColombia also notes Colombia was named Best Afro Tourist Destination in the World at the World Travel Market.
“Our country’s beauty spans six regions, and as tourism continues to grow to unprecedented levels, destinations like Cali are key attractions. Known for its cultural heritage and festivals like the Petronio Álvarez and the Cali Fair, which occurs in December, this is a place where every beat tells a story,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia.
This year’s festival features over 3,500 artists and will showcase traditional instruments, Pacific cuisine, and handcrafted goods. The cultural celebration is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors.
“Afro-Colombian communities on the Pacific coast embody the principle that nature is culture, culture is conservation. Their stewardship is not just a local treasure but a global model for sustainability. This festival provides the perfect stage to showcase these traditions, celebrating their invaluable contributions to global conservation efforts with flair and vibrancy,” said Daniel García-Peña, Colombia’s ambassador to the U.S.
