As the civil war continues to wind down, a new type of tourism is becoming viable. Conflict zone tourism, where visitors can see the quickly vanishing reality of the Colombian Civil War. And the main question of whether to enter these areas - is who is guiding you in, and where are you going? There are places you can travel to safely, with the exception of natural disasters like landslides which do happen frequently throughout this zone.
After more than 50 years, in 2016 - peace was signed with the FARC, one of the biggest armed groups in Colombia. What we now see in Colombia's conflict zone is a transitioning state where it isn't safe enough for outsiders to enter on their own - but which IS safe enough for privately guided tours to see the last glimpses of the conflicts bloody remains.
Don't get me wrong, there are pueblos that nobody has any business going to, which are still controlled by various guerrilla factions. Research must be done before taking my own, or anybody else's services, to ensure your own safety and information. This article is as much to tell the world that our tour route exists, as to warn people to use the utmost caution when planning a visit to these areas.
Conflict Zone Tourism in Colombia
In Colombia's Pacific coast region, lies a verdant green paradise of jungle, river and beach which spans most of the pacific coast of Colombia from Panama down to Buenaventura. This is a massive department, with massive potential. Much of its potential has suffered exploitation and political corruption almost since the founding and "colonization" of this region. This department also has some of the highest income disparities in the country as well including issues with lack of healthcare, education and infrastructure.
Part of the current peace accord seeks to repair and modernize this region which will mean connecting rural and even undiscovered regions with the modern world. What will happen? We don't know. But the wheels of progress are turning and within 3-4 years you won't see the same unblemished wildness ever again. There are areas that will remain off-limits. But for now, there are under-developed areas, which the intelligent traveler would appreciate.
Only time will tell if the result is good or bad. Based on recent history - you will never see the beauty, the biodiversity and the sheer quantity of wildness which is still visible in the region. The last of the mule teams, or Arriero's will soon be replaced by road connections and mass transit. Foreign corporations who aren't stopped by protesters (who have a habit of turning up dead, even in 2017), will undoubtedly exploit this region for fun and profit. And, truthfully I would love to get the word out now, of just how special this area truly is, just in case there is someone important enough to fight for our cause, and win.
I recently returned from a visit to this region with my husband and an American who paid for a privately guided tour which we gave to him. If you are interested in our tour, I will provide a link with more information. But for my primary intents this is educational too. It is in everyones best interest to avoid getting kidnapped, killed or worse, as a result of too little research and not enough information available.
Why are we able to do this safely?
My husbands family is from this pueblo - which is really important. This is a very touchy area where, if you come in with someone from the inside, you are welcomed and left alone and protected even. Outsiders on the other hand, should be very very careful what they do and say, if they come of their own volition. Hence the carefully planned and guided tour. I'm not saying it can't be done, but be warned this is a savage paradise!
What kind of person can enter this region?
Someone who has a medium to high level of physical capability and endurance. Anyone over the age of 40, should be in extremely good condition or consider a watered down version of this tour which we can help you coordinate with the utmost caution while still showing you the natural splendor of the biodiversity in this region. While we can help to make it easier by getting you in and out by horseback, there are many trails which are worth hiking, but safer on foot. The main thing is to know your limits and capabilities.
There are some amazing places we want to show you, but we don't want you to get hurt either.
Types of Tours
There are a few different reasons people like to visit this zone:
Eco-Tourism Where you are hiking in virgin jungle, getting great exercise while also learning about how important this region is to the air we breathe world-wide.
Wild Orchid & Birdwatching Two of the most diverse plant and animal groups in Colombia are orchids and birds. Colombia is the neck of the funnel which migratory birds of North and South America pass through. We have more than 1,889 species of birds and over 4,000 species of orchids. Some of the most exotic specimens of both groups can be found here.
Breathtaking scenery Especially if you are a wildlife/nature photographer, this is pure camera fodder, and only a handful of people have photographed this region extensively - in part due to the conflict.
Adrenaline junkies/ Extreme sport enthusiasts For a walk on the wild side, we will take you up into virgin jungle which has never been cut, on hikes which will challenge your limits, and through some of the roughest, most difficult to navigate terrain in the world. The Colombian military is one of the best in physical endurance and stamina...now you will discover why. Tour the pueblo, talk to the local military about their experiences, or take a walk on the wild side where we show you what the coca plant looks like - and also why it is a native medicine versus the mind altering drug it is often processed into.
Conclusion
The tour itself has been established, and the logistics worked out for small groups. We have now made several trips with pairs or individuals - and so far we have a 100% clean record of incidents and/or problems. Of course, the political situation MUST be monitored closely - and some of what you might see, should not be talked about. What happens in Choco, really should stay in Choco. Many brave men and women are working to make this region safer, but we have to do our part too.
If you dare - you will discover a paradise like no other. Discover what the locals call "El Pulmon del Mundo", or the Lung of the World. This label is given to rainy regions like El Choco, and the Amazon Rainforest - and other high rainfall locations, which provide large percentages of the oxygen we breathe.
Here is the story of my latest trip, as a guide - escorting a gringo into the conflict zone. Typical mommy story: jungles, machetes, waterfalls and as always - home in time for bed http://openmindedtraveler.com/el-choco-conflict-zone-tourism/
For information about tours and pricing - check out my blog OpenMindedTraveler.com for more stories about past adventures and recent adventures! If you found this information helpful, be sure to upvote and resteem. I will come support and check out your high quality content too!