The Criollo experience is quite simply a full-on crash-test-course on the delights, peculiarities and trivialities of Colombian life. This excursion highlights some of the most contrasting regions in the country. From breathtaking Villa de Leyva to the wild Amazon Rainforest, through the charming
Swim in the mystic River Amazon, catch the mighty piranhas, cruise on local canoes, learn about nature's healing powers, spot the intriguing pink dolphins, feast on exotic culinary delights, get involved in our social project. Ride on local horses, live the life of a local farmer, ride legendary Willy’s jeeps, stroll through local communities,become a coffee connoisseur through hands-on experience, visit an organic farm,play the famous Colombian game of tejo, hike in Chingaza National Park.
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Locations visited/nearby
Amazon
, Coffee Region
, Coffe Triangle
, Travel Experiences
, Rural Tourism
, Experiential Travel
, Colombia
, Salento
, Coffee Experiences
, Colombia, South America
1 testimonial about this trip
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Reviewer: Leah Nicholls
located in
England
From Leah A.K.A. "La Criolla" ...
"Colombia was definitely a highlight for me out of my whole South America trip.
Everything about the More Local experiences I enjoyed and was different to any other “tour” I had booked previously. I think the main and most exciting element that More Local offers is the opportunity to be immersed in local community life and interact with people you would never meet as a “normal tourist”. This is a privilege as not many backpacking travellers explore the places or see the sights that you experience with this company.
The Amazon was a surreal journey through jungle, rivers and local villages, and being able to see Sloths, Monkeys and Pink Dolphins up close in their natural environment was amazing... especially fishing for Piranhas. Sleeping in hammocks, having home cooked meals with the families that live there (and sharing a toilet with a big spider) were also a treat!!
I also visited the beautiful coffee farms in Armenia and feel as though I now know all there is to know about good coffee. I did things I had never done before, from shirring a sheep and learning how to spin wool in Villa de Levya, milking a cow in a family farm in Quindío to making clay models in Raquira.
The trip is what you make of it. A fantastic experience that I will never forget!"
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Reviewer: Warut Phanomphaitoon
located in
Bangkok,
Thailand
Who needs a tour guide when you can make your own way around Sri Lanka? Lanka Challenge was a fun-filling-10-day-trip with Amazing People from all over the world. LC is definitively one of the world's most adventurous activities. It's not only about winning the Challenge but also about helping the kind people of Sri Lanka. It offers you a chance to absorb the Lankan culture and eventually turn into one of them for a while.
Believe me when I say that Large Minority's people will make you do things Lankan style. LM has done it this time and I am sure they will do it again... Two thumbs up for the good people at Large Minority and those who participated in the event in 2009.
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Reviewer: Tim Hartford
located in
Dubai,
UAE
Who else can claim they have circumnavigated Sri Lanka and Cambodia driving a Rickshaw? Or bought fuel in a coke bottle whilst wearing pyjamas? I truly believe there is no better way to see a complete country and get down with the local culture. You just can't do this on a tour. Make no mistake, this is a mentally and physically challenging adventure that will test you in many ways.
The social side plays the biggest part - we made a great group of friends and every night was a party. Large Minority gave us an expertly planned fully-inclusive holiday which would be nearly impossible to organise on your own, all for a great price and still supporting local charities. Bring on the next location!
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Reviewer: Jamie Raskin
located in
Tokyo,
Japan
People keep asking me about the Cambo Challenge and I think I've nailed what makes it so incomparable for me, it's all about the human interactions. The group were fun, switched on, non-competitive and from all over the map. The challenges got us past our barriers and into authentic Cambodian communities and interactions.
The LM team were smart, creative, playful and good times. Traveling by tuk tuk was crazy, liberating and totally engaging with your surroundings, and Cambodia itself...half confronting, half embracing and incomparable throughout. We loved it.
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
- You need to form your own private group for this trip. It will be scheduled for a date you arrange with the provider. The itinerary here is just a sample.
- Offers some solo-only/singles departures.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Bogota
Colombia's capital city can be an overwhelming surprise. This massive concrete jungle is intimidating at first, but soon captivates most visitors. The city has a blossoming bohemian sub-culture, a hint of Europe with a local twist. La Candelaria, in the center of town, is the perfect place to start our adventure - its colonial alleys and houses are home to the most interesting vibe in the city.
Day 2 - Leticia (Colombia)
This morning we head to the airport and catch our flight to Leticia.
Colombia's Amazonian capital pulses with energy. This gateway into the jungle offers the perfect balance between urban and rural life. Explore the one and only paved road (fully 14 miles long) and start your trip with a nature walk to an indigenous Maloka (hut) where you will learn all about the process of Mambe, Rape and Tambil.
Day 3 - San Juan Del Soco (Colombia)
Feel the wind whip past while traveling down the almighty Amazon in a speedboat. Visit this distant community and see the reality of Amazonian life. Witness the impact of shortsighted development and the constant struggle to save customs and traditions.Learn the local ways and get back to basics.
Relish a walk through the virgin jungle and get involved in community activities. Take part in our project setting up a sustainable water supply for the local people beforespending the night in a hammock on a riverbank.
Day 4 - Puerto Narino (Colombia)
Arrive at Puerto Narino, the prime jewel of the Amazon and a world-class model forsustainable living. This ecological community is living proof that man and nature can peacefully exist. Explore this captivating symbol of hope and meet the local community.
Spot the gentle pink and playful grey dolphins on a visit to the Tarapoto lakes. Turn hunter-gatherer, as you catch piranhas to chuck on the evening’s BBQ.
At night, hit the billiards hall, bar and disco.
Day 5 - Sacambu (Peru)
Cruise on a traditional slow boat down the enigmatic Amazon. Stop for lunch and a swim at Benjamin Constant (Brazil) before heading on a motorbike-taxi jaunt through the funky little town. Pass by Islandia (Peru) an enchanting, sleepy, semi-floating village before cruising down the River Yavari to Sacambu.
At Sacambu, the delightful owner and his family will charm you with their Amazonian hospitality. Spend the night suspended in a hammock over wooden decking above a pristine lake, surrounded by the enchanting sounds of nature.
Day 6 -Yavari (Peru)
A slow ride through winding canals and thick mangroves take you to the Yavari Nature Reserve. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, walking and bird watching guarantee an unforgettable day
Day 7 - Leticia (Colombia)
Visit the central square, walk the crowded streets, explore the one and only paved road (fully 14 miles long) and feast on local delicacies. Cross the border to Tabatinga (Brazil) to watch the sunset and drink the potent cachaca.
Day 8 - La Tebaida
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