Tantalising Colombia eco-lodges for adventurous clients
Debbie WardWith nature being one of the stars in Colombia’s crown, it makes sense to suggest more adventurous clients stay in an eco-lodge. Wildlife and bird watchers will be on cloud nine, and there are also opportunities to support and meet indigenous communities.
La Manigua Lodge, Cano Cristales
For discerning clients, Black Tomato recommends La Manigua Lodge in Cano Cristales – home to the many hued ‘Rainbow River’ – for its recently upgraded treehouse cabins, excellent sustainability credentials and strong ties to the local community. The cabins and bungalows are minimal but stylish, with solar powered showers, and the lodge is a 20-minute boat ride from La Macerena.
BOOK IT: A week combining Bogota and Cartagena with three nights at La Manigua Lodge costs from £4,500pp, excluding flights but including breakfasts, guiding and activities.
- blacktomato.com
Aite Eco Resort, Palomino
“Set on a low-lying hill running down to an unspoilt, coconut palm-lined beach in Palomino, Aite Eco Resort is truly an eco-property, with impressive environmental credentials,” says Journey Latin America business development manager Laura Rendell-Dunn. This tranquil retreat, close to Tayrona National Park, serves homegrown fruit and vegetables, uses solar heating, has an aqueduct to filter water and treats its own waste-water. A large conservation area around the property incorporates a reforestation scheme.
BOOK IT: Journey Latin America offers two nights’ bed and breakfast from £553pp including Santa Marta transfers (an hour and a half’s drive) and a Tayrona National Park excursion.
- journeylatinamerica.com
La Palma y El Tucan Coffee Lodge, Zipacon
One for coffee lovers, La Palma y El Tucan is another Journey Latin America favourite. The plantation here ensures farmers have a sustainable source of income and mostly employs single mothers. Visitors can stay in simple but tastefully designed mountainside cabins with spectacular valley views and dine on homegrown organic produce. The property’s enthusiastic staff also offer short barista courses, lessons in latte art, coffee tasting and horse riding.
BOOK IT: Journey Latin America offers two-night full-board stays from £397pp including Bogota transfers (two hours) or can incorporate the lodge into wider itineraries.
- journeylatinamerica.com
Ecolodge El Almejal, El Valle
Ecolodge El Almejal is perfect for exploring coastal Utria Natural Park, a breeding ground for sea mammals, says Catherine England, senior product executive (Colombia) for Audley Travel: “From the lodge, clients can enjoy guided tours of the park looking for species including olive ridley sea turtles, humpback whales and around 380 different birds. “Active clients can trek through the park’s primary rainforest and mangroves, stopping for a refreshing dip in the natural plunge pools at the foot of waterfalls.” The lodge is around 40 minutes’ drive from Jose Celestino Mutis airport.
BOOK IT: A three-night stay can be included in Audley’s Wild Colombia itinerary, from £4,390pp including flights and excursions, which also visits Bogota, Los Llanos and Medellin.
- audleytravel.com
El Dorado Reserve Lodge, Minca
With ten thatched cabin-style rooms in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, Sunvil recommends the lodge at La Reserva El Dorado for birdwatching clients. The diverse nature reserve was established to protect and restore the habitat of the Santa Marta parakeet and is also home to many other endemic species.
BOOK IT: Sunvil offers the lodge from £900pp for a three-night package including meals and activities. The transfer from Santa Marta airport takes three hours.
- sunvil.co.uk
Cannua, Marinilla
“This sustainable lodge is an example of the forward-thinking projects currently happening in and around Medellin,” says Adam Fogg, Abercrombie & Kent’s product manager for Latin America. “It offers incredible, inventive dining experiences embracing the power of plants. Guests can take a permaculture tour on the grounds, learning about the interaction and impact on the local environment.” The lodge is around 45 minutes from Medellin airport.
BOOK IT: A&K offers stays from £160pp per night with breakfast.
- abercrombiekent.com
Calanoa Lodge, Amazonas
“Arrival at this lodge is part of the experience,” explains Audley’s England. “After flying into the city of Leticia, clients take a five-minute taxi ride to the port, before heading into the jungle via motorised canoe. During their stay, clients visit a Tikuna community, while learning about their way of life in the rainforest, as well as looking for wildlife including pink river dolphins. Leticia airport transfers take around two hours.
BOOK IT: A three-night stay can be included in Audley’s Colombian Adventure itinerary which, from £8,375pp including flights, also visits Bogota, Armenia, Manizales and Tayrona National Park.
- audleytravel.com
Juan Solito Lodge, Hato La Aurora
This remote, basic lodge is six hours’ drive from Yopal airport in central eastern Colombia. However, its setting, within the country’s largest private reserve, is the star, says Sunvil’s Latin America manager Joe Johnson. “There are incredible opportunities to see wildlife and it’s perfect for birdwatching. In fact, according to some studies, there’s a 40% probability of seeing a jaguar staying in this area, as the population of this species has been increasing over the last decade.” Hardy clients who make the trip can enjoy jeep and horseback safaris, boat tours and hikes.
BOOK IT: Sunvil offers a four-day package, including meals and activities, from £965pp.
- sunvil.co.uk
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