Colombia embraces nature lovers and adventure seekers

With over 55 natural parks areas spread across the country, Colombia is one of the most biodiverse places in the world -- a treasure land filled with unspoiled sites that provide an opportunity for remarkable experiences.

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - (PXP) -- The unique variety of settings for nature and adventure experiences in Colombia turn a single trip into an assortment of cultural flavours and spectacular sceneries, embracing the country's slogan "Colombia is Magical Realism."

"Colombia has experienced a 15.9 percent surge in the past year in the reception of Canadian tourists when compared to 2011, reaching 44,000 visitors from Canada," states Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport Colombia. "In 2013, we have observed a more diverse choice of destinations by Canadians travelling to the country."

Two regions that displayed an upward trend were Santa Marta and San Andres, which received 10.4 percent and 1.4 percent of the total incoming Canadian tourists, respectively.

Santa Marta welcomes travellers with a mixture of sunny beaches and glimpses of the country's coastal culture. Most magnificently, it holds the Tayrona Natural Park, where visitors can immerse in ecotourism adventures, hiking and sleeping in hammocks, all while preserving the area for indigenous tribes.

Meanwhile, San Andres juxtaposes its Caribbean flavour with natural mountain ranges, which were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. A dive into the Sea of Seven Colours, with coral reefs and colourful fish decorating its clear waters, is unique to the island.

Other destinations that are unique to the Colombian experience include the attractive coffee triangle, where travelers can stay in "coffee farms" which have been transformed into boutique hotels. Tourists can also hike along coffee plantations, experiencing the splendor of the coffee culture.

A visit to San Agustin will compliment any Colombia itinerary. Guests can reach the largest and oldest group of monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, where depictions of gods and mythical creatures demonstrate the beliefs of early 1^st to 8^th century culture.

With richness in history, culture and nature, Colombia continues to present new opportunities of engagement for Canadian travellers. Earlier this year, the government pledged to double the size of the "Serrania Del Chiribiquete" -- a natural park located in the heart of the Colombian Amazon – to 2,782,353 hectares. While the park itself is off limits for tourists, travellers can enjoy immersing in Leticia, the capital of the Amazon Region, and experience Monkey Island and the Amacayacu National Park. It is a real treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Proexport Colombia, the entity in charge of tourism, exports and investment promotion, invites Canadians to discover Colombia's unique travel experiences, from Saturday, October 26 to Friday, November 1 at the MEC Store in downtown Toronto. Proexport will be on-site to offer fun filled activities to educate and promote Colombia's pristine ecotourism sites that combine unique nature and adventure travel opportunities. On the final night, 6:00 p.m. there will be a series of presentations and a chance to win two travel package giveaways.

SOURCE: Proexport Colombia

Michelle Lam, [email protected], 646-266-0897