This is a sensitive subject where most of what I say has to be rather general and vague. Traveling the conflict zone is more like being in the twilight zone. Strange things can and do happen. The general view of crime of punishment, justice, along with the definition of a crime and criminals, is rather vague and blurry.
To travel to this zone, you see things and hear things. But, it is an immutable fact, that most of what you see and hear is better off not being repeated.
Whereas the rest of the world suffers pollution and contrails, the conflict zone suffers glyphosate poisoning, land-mines and mining chemical residues. At the same time, much of this area is still pristine wilderness and where the environment is left alone, it flourishes. The people who live here are strong in mind and body from the constant challenge of survival.
People who visit are viewed much like animals at the zoo. You are as much the entertainment to them, as they are to you. When I first started visiting this pueblo 4 years ago, people would tell me about the 2 or 3 other instances in their entire lives where they saw outsiders come to this place. Now, you still feel the weight of their interest, but it has been toned down by the upheaval and movement of the peace process. Even out in el Choco, the pacific department of Colombia. Here, at the very edge of civilization, the Venezuelan refugees are arriving.
Over time, we will monitor the situation very closely. While the peace process is good for Colombia as a whole, it is particularly intense for this zone, as people start to align, or even re-align their politics for the sake of peace, self-preservation and survival. In an area which has coexisted with the guerrillas for over 2 generations, it is a particularly twisty path to walk. And this is as close to the real truth, as I can get. Even so, my knowledge is vague and obscured to me, an outsider by birth, yet insider by family tradition.
Only time will tell. The plan is to do a few expeditions to Choco, maybe once or twice per month, but avoiding any new bookings at other times, due to military/guerrilla activity. Each time we take visitors out there we must follow a process of calling the local leadership, who then contact the military to verify our plans, and ensure our safety. In this way, we are waving a torch around in the dark to keep the wolves at bay. And, with a pristine incident record, we take every precaution to ensure it stays that way.
This is a very special niche of tourism created for people like me who saw "Romancing the Stone" as a child - and wanted that adventure experience. It's so enticing, the idea of danger and adventure, who wouldn't want to experience it?
Colombians. Most of them, especially the ones who lived through the terrors of the early 2000's, won't even consider it. Some of the Millenials (yes, we have them here too!) are more willing to go get the ultimate selfie. I think over time we will get Colombian tourists, but the majority WILL be from the US, UK, Canada...et al.
These are the contrasts of what you will experience in this place. It's so otherworldly and surreal out there. Even people who have been there - are without words to describe the experience. Every time I write about it, I feel woefully inadequate even when I have spectacular photos to show. This isn't your average experience, it's the type of thing that will touch you to the core of your spiritual being, and snap you back into to the harsh reality of the world, in the same breath.
This is the Conflict Zone. The only way I can adequately describe it, is to quote Dr. Seuss,
"Out there things can happen and frequently do...
...to people as brainy and footsy as you.
Thank you for reading this personal musing about my recent experiences out in the Conflict Zone of Colombia. Whether you are an adventure traveler, or a vicarious armchair observer - this is one of my favorite types of travel experiences to write about.
If you want to learn more about how YOU can visit this area, click here to go to my blog and read more: http://openmindedtraveler.com/el-choco-conflict-zone-tourism/
