Colombia is one of very few countries where you can truly explore the unknown. It’s what Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez did when they holidayed in Colombia.
In Colombia, you can fly deep into the Amazon by private jet or helicopter, to discover some of the last untouched places on earth.
Magical Colombia, our trusted local partner, explains how Jeff Bezos holidays in Colombia, and the many options you have in this vastly undiscovered destination. This is how to savour travel experiences hardly anybody else has done before.
Jeff Bezos Holidays in Colombia
“Jeff Bezos spent some days in cities like Bogotá and Cali, with all comforts, and also used a helicopter to visit remote places on day tours, ” says Dario González, founder and CEO of Magical Colombia.
“He explored Chiribiquete National Park in the Amazon region with the Colombian president, as well as places along the Pacific Coast. Part of the trip was for his Bezos Earth Fund.”
“I can’t always promise a meeting with the Colombian president,” jokes Dario, “but we do provide extraordinary expeditions into the heart of the Amazon rainforest.”
Dario explains that there are two different styles of holiday in these unexplored areas. Both are an opportunity to explore dense jungles, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the culture of indigenous communities.
Colombia Exploration by Helicopter & Private Jet
“Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez flew into unique Amazon locations by helicopter every day” explains Dario. “Just before sundown they returned to a more comfortable base in the city.”
This is the most comfortable option and enables you to explore a wide variety of destinations.
Colombia has different nature areas, beyond the Amazon. Like the Chocó region on the Pacific Coast, La Guajira Desert on the Caribbean sea, and horseback adventures on Colombia’s vast Eastern Plains (Los Llanos). With a private jet you could discover rainforest, desert, islands and mountains.
“San José del Guaviare should be your base for doing a trip most similar to that of Jeff Bezos” says Dario. “It has a good infrastructure, although not luxurious, for reaching many outstanding new destinations by helicopter.
“Day trips by helicopter would certainly include different locations in Chiribiquete and Araracuara” concludes Dario, “but I can say there are also many stunning locations Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez didn’t have time to visit.”
Multi-Day Overland Expeditions
“Remote Amazon destinations like Araracuara are not easily accessible by road. We use light aircraft, go as far as we can on the dirt roads, and then use boats to go deeper into the rainforest itself.”
Expeditions to these remote regions require careful planning and consideration for the environment and the local communities. You should be prepared for basic accommodations and the absence of many modern amenities, as you are entering very undeveloped areas.
“I personally travel on these expeditions with clients” says Dario. “We take everything to make a comfortable camp and set it up in new locations each day, in different places in the Amazon.”
An expedition like this includes a paramedic, private chef, biologist or anthropologist guide, local guides, plus an optional professional photographer.
“It’s a truly unforgettable adventure for those seeking an immersive and authentic encounter with one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems” says Dario.
Classical Colombia Highlights
Colombia is such a diverse destination. It’s like having two holidays in one.
Be among the first ever to experience wild and exciting destinations. Then be among the first to enjoy the new, luxurious infrastructure that’s transforming iconic destinations.
These are Dario’s recommendations to combine with an extraordinary journey into the Amazon.
Cali
“I definitely recommend experiencing one of Colombia’s three main cities. They’re so much fun and a real travel experience. Of course I recommend Cali, it’s where I’m from!” says Dario.
Experience the joy of salsa music, delicious gastronomy with a Pacific influence, a strong African heritage and the enchanting beauty of the surrounding Cauca Valley.
Medellín
Medellín is a symbol of Colombia’s transformation. It’s a super colourful city, filled with art, with a ton of cool experiences to try.
Although Medellín is famous for Pablo Escobar, it was one of Colombia’s most cultural and artistic cities, long before the cartels came.
Bogota
Many travellers stop in Bogota as it has the biggest international airport and most convenience for flights to Europe. Time your stay for the weekend as this is a capital with vibrant cultural life.
Four Seasons have two outstanding hotels here. Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is very contemporary, in the buzzing Zona Rosa area, steps from the city’s best cafes, shopping and nightlife. Casa Medina Bogota is a smaller, quieter, more boutique property in Zona G, Bogota’s best area for restaurants.
Villa de Leyva
Colombia has some lovely heritage towns that are great for couples, with excellent boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants and local designer shops.
I can recommend Barichara, Santa Cruz de Mompox and Villa de Leyva. The latter is really growing as a destination, thanks to its close proximity to Bogota and new hotels like Casa Terra and Casa Alcestre.
Cartagena de Indias
Colombia’s most charming and most famous destination, a 16th-century fortress town of cobblestone streets, elegant colonial buildings and a sultry, tropical climate. Cartagena has been a World Heritage Site since 1984.
This is a place for a few slow days roaming around, perhaps with a cacao workshop and some sunset cocktails. Four Seasons will be opening here but Cartagena already has the country’s best hotel selection, with Casa San Agustín highly recommended.
Coffee Region
Escape for a few days serenity in the Coffee Region, along with all the amazon coffee of course. This is probably Colombia’s most beautiful destination, green plantations and rainforests high in the Andes.
Stay in one of the recently converted plantation estates, like Hacienda Bambusa and La Casa en las Nubes. Spend your days horseback riding, hiking and simply relaxing.
Caribbean Islands
Not everybody knows that Colombia has a long Caribbean coastline and 70 Caribbean islands. This is the beach destination to end your holiday!
Consider Hotel Las Islas on Barú island, Hotel Punta Faro on the San Bernardo Islands, or Villa Playa Tayrona on the mainland.
Ready to Explore Colombia
We’re delighted to partner with Magical Colombia, who have the experience and know how to deliver expeditions like that of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
Local experts are essential in this truly unexplored country and we’re already working on our first Colombia holidays for EliteVoyage clients.
We expect this country to develop quickly into a known destination for travellers from Central and Eastern Europe. Once you go to Colombia, you’ll be telling everyone how good it is!
Do you want to be first?
