Looking for Indigenous community to stay with in Colombia

Good evening,

I’m leaving for five weeks in Colombia on July 9th. Over the past few years, I’ve traveled solo with great pleasure in Argentina, then Chile, and last year in Ecuador...

It’s the realization of a childhood dream... I was 14 and promised myself I’d go one day.

My daughters are grown and "independent," as we say in Brittany. Forty years to prepare for a trip... that’s no small feat...

In short.

I’m heading to Colombia. Last year, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Ecuador with Wilhem and Soria, a Guarani couple.

If I’m renting a room, I’d rather it benefits locals. It was an unparalleled adventure, and we’ve stayed in touch.

So, I’m looking for a way to do a kind of "community-based" tourism where we both benefit—I need your recommendations...

I haven’t found any useful info on the forum.

Maybe Colombia is less suited for this than Ecuador...

Anyway... I’m making this request so I don’t end up like last year in Quito, in a totally improbable hostel where the vibe was all about mimicking American trends and avoiding Spanish at all costs.

My next trip was wonderful.

If I’m paying for a night, I’d like it to go to locals, and if you have a place to stay that could lead to a meaningful human connection, I’m all ears.

I’m open to suggestions.

On the other hand, I can also give you info about the two communities where I spent two weeks in Ecuador: they need funds to carry out their projects, and working with them brought me a lot.

I’m from Central Brittany—this wasn’t some neo-rural discovery for me... for good reason...

Their values are my values.

I’ve got time... Still, your contributions would be very welcome.

Happy to help if you’re thinking of heading to Ecuador.

Happy travels,

Françoise

Hi Soizig,

I know Colombia a little from traveling there for two months last year. It’s a huge country, and you need to take your time exploring it because the journeys are really slow (nothing but mountains!).

When it comes to indigenous communities, I think you should look into LETICIA, which I didn’t visit (no time!), as the others seemed pretty closed off (the Indigenous people in Tayrona aren’t particularly open to outsiders), or head to the west coast where you might find what you’re looking for. It’s quite poor there, but they don’t lack much—in any case, the poverty in Colombia didn’t shock me.

So you’ll probably have to choose between the Amazon and the west coast (just a heads-up, no butter there), which is really nice. Colombians are generally very friendly and kind. The country has huge potential!

Hi there, You might find what you're looking for among the 52 community-based tourism associations and projects selected by the Colombian Ministry of Tourism. Check out https://maphub.net/milenitaymv78/TURISMO-COMUNITARIO Happy searching, Best, Danyflore.

Good evening and thank you for this information—it’s really helpful. Have a great weekend! Françoise

Hello,

Extreme poverty also exists in Colombia: in Chocó and La Guajira (where many tourists go), children are dying from malnutrition, and in the highly touristy Cartagena, 13-year-old girls are prostituting themselves for tourists.

The reality of Colombia is a bit different from what’s sold to tourists.

Best regards

I didn’t say it didn’t exist—I just said it didn’t shock me. I’ve seen much worse than Colombia, which, by the way, has huge potential and wouldn’t be poor if not for some obscure reasons.

Hi there!

Not sure if this might interest you, but my dad lives in Cali and can host people for a small fee (he doesn’t have any other income besides rent and is trying to renovate his townhouse to rent it out either as a home or for other purposes). He lives with a Venezuelan woman and her daughters and never speaks French in daily life! He’s been there since 2016 and has made a few connections beyond his ex-wife’s circle, so he might have some contacts to share if you’re interested!

I saw someone mention the indigenous Tayrona people earlier. They’re the Kogi, officially, and I’m not sure if outsiders are allowed to visit them. From what I gather, they’re very strict about it. When in doubt, do some research or check out the *Rendez-vous en terre inconnue* episode with Thomas Pesquet—they talk about them!

Have a great day and enjoy your trip in this amazing country!

Hey there!

Thanks for all your tips... I read them way too late since I’m about to leave for Guatemala. Either way, I really appreciate you taking the time to share this info with me.

I’ve just come back to the site recently.

Françoise

If we're renting a room, it might as well benefit the locals. It was an unparalleled adventure, and we stayed in touch.

Also, I'm looking for ways to do some kind of "community-based" or "solidarity" tourism where we actually give back—so I need your recommendations...

I can't find any useful info on the forum.

In case you ever decide to go back to Colombia...

I recommend heading to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on the southern slope near Valledupar. Take a collectivo (1 to 2 hours) to Pueblo Bello (1,200m), the gateway to the Arhuaco territory. There, you’ll find Indigenous guides and a jeep to reach the Arhuaco village of Nabusimake (1,800m)—about 2 hours on a rough road. When I went (1979), it wasn’t regulated. It seems like it is now, but with a local guide, it’s still possible to spend several nights in Nabusimake ("where the sun was born" in the local language). A guide can also take you on a multi-day trek through the Sierra to other villages completely off the Western civilization grid. It’s absolutely worth the trip. https://aventurecolombia.com/nabusimake-guide-de-voyage/

https://www.tripadvisor.fr/Attraction_Review-g297484-d3595743-Reviews-Nabusimake-Santa_Marta_Santa_Marta_Municipality_Magdalena_Department.html

Good evening and thank you for your message. Right now, I don’t plan on returning to Colombia, but who knows?! I’m leaving for five weeks in Guatemala on January 22nd. Wishing you a happy new year and may all your wildest dreams come true.