From the Field: Report by Christopher Bensley
Media reports are beginning to put Colombia in the “must see” category now that the Peace Accord is over a year old. CNN listed Colombia #3 on its Best Places to Visit in 2017. Birders have long known Colombia as a mecca for birding. Over the last several years, a number of ecolodges have been built, and new birding trails are being developed. So is it time to go?
Photo by Chris Bensley
"Colombia has got to be on the top of your list"
Colombia has the largest number of bird species in the world, at nearly 2,000, plus a variety of terrains to explore. During a recent trip by Holbrook Travel, fellow North American visitors expressed their approval. "Colombia has got to be at the top your list of places you want to visit," said Nate Swick from the American Birding Association. "You can see more species of birds in one week than in your entire life in the United States." Dorian Anderson, a writer and photographer from Los Angeles, added, “I’ve never been to the páramo before and it's amazing! Lots of birds, unbelievable scenery. We’ve learned so much about Colombia, its birds, its economy, its culture and friendly people. It’s really been a great trip."
Photo by Ian Segebarth
"A Great Time to Visit"
Holbrook’s team attended a travel conference in Colombia and can attest to the growing excitement of birding, as well as to the many treasures in this country. We talked to members of the travel community, birding providers, industry leaders, and government officials. "Now more than ever is a great time to visit Colombia," says Matthew Jeffery, Deputy Director of National Audubon Society’s International Alliances Program. "The infrastructure is opening up and the Colombian people are very welcoming." Christopher Calonje, founder of Colombia Birdwatch, was similarly optimistic that new times of peace were giving tourism a second wind: "Thanks to the peace agreement there is good news, and more foreigners are coming to the country."
Photo by Chris Bensley
So why not put Colombia on your list of new destinations? There are many faces of Colombia to explore, from the bustling capital of Bogotá to the verdant hills and traditional villages of the coffee region, to Medellín, one of South America’s most progressive cities. For nature lovers and birders, Colombia has greater biodiversity than anywhere else on earth.
