Special Deal: Bogota and Cartagena only $1,349 for 9 days

BOGOTA and CARTAGENA

9 DAYS, including Gay Pride Colombia

$1,349 (Double)

$1,695 (Single)

June 24 to July 2, 2009

Partially escorted

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surviving on the continent, which combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean makes this UNESCO World Heritage site an unforgettable vacation spot.

Bogota, Colombia, has the thriving gay life, including a large gay pride parade in June, as well as over 80 bars and clubs. Gay Colombians even have the option of a same-sex civil union with legal benefits, and the city government supports the annual pride parade.

Bogota also surprises visitors with its culture, including the famous Gold Museum, one of the largest and most impressive pre-Colombian collections in the world.

This 9 day trip includes round trip airfare from Bogota to Cartagena, hotels, tours and some meals.

As a courtesy to our guests a free 1-hour professional massage will be available in Bogota for you.

Itinerary

W Arrive in Bogota; Check in High Park (gay) hotel (optional massage available)

Th Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate, Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

F Free Day; Optional (not included) ½ day tour to Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira. Dinner at Andres Carne de Res (B)

S Day at leisure in Bogota. Evening includes dinner and entrance to Theatron nightclub. (B,D)

Su Gay Pride parade in Bogota and related activities. Starting around noon (B)

M Fly to Cartagena. Guided sunset walking tour of old city; evening at leisure (B)

T Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Majagua Island and beach day tour. (B)

W Back to Bogota; Dinner with local family optional (B,D)

Th Return to USA

Price is per person depending on room occupancy, and does not include airfare to Colombia.

For more information and reservations, please contact Walter Rey at
walter@vamoscolombiatour.com or 415-637-2660

www.VamosColombiaTour.com

VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR, LLC

CST# pending

$1,349 Double Occupancy

$1,695 Single Occupancy

Cost is per person

We reserve the right to substitute hotels or local tours if absolutely necessary.

Gay kiss-in in Bogota, Colombia May 2009

The Colombia website vive.in reported that first 'FlashMob' took place in Bogota, Colombia, in which members of the LGBT community were invited to kiss on the corner of Jimenez Avenue with Seventh Avenue, a major intersection in the city. About 20 couples showed up to participate, along with the media.

The event took place at 6 in the evening, with peaceful demonstration that began with couples holding hands. After about 15 minutes, the kiss-in began, which created a lot of attention from the passers by, who were not quite used to such a demonstration in a public place in the traditional city.

The presence of the media made public viewing difficult, so the group formed a human chain circle around the gay couples (which included men and women) who then continued to kiss on the street.

Lina, one of the people behind this call for mobilization, said the goal is simply to demonstrate that they are visible and part of society and therefore have equal rights.

Published on May 22 2009

The original Spanish article can be found at:

http://bogota.vive.in/porlaciudad/bogota/articulos_porlaciudad/mayo2009/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR_VIVEIN-5256787.html

and it includes a view in Spanish. The article reads as follows:

Tras varios días de convocar personas a través de facebook para realizar el primer 'flashmob' gay de la ciudad, en el cual miembros de la comunidad LGBT eran invitados a besarse en la esquina de la Carrera Séptima con Avenida Jiménez en contra de la homofobia, finalmente el momento llegó y cerca de 20 parejas mostraron a los bogotanos que el espacio público también es de gays, bisexuales, lesbianas y transgeneristas.

Aunque estaba previsto comenzar a las seis de la tarde, uno de los tradicionales desfiles del 'septimazo' retrasó la manifestación pacífica y comenzó a sacar el tema de las manos. Hacia las seis y quince, luego de haber presenciado ya un beso entre dos hombres, los organizadores y autores de la convocatoria intentaron controlar la situación, pero cada vez se tornaba más difícil gracias a la curiosidad de la gente que acudió masivamente a ver el primer beso gay multitudinario en un espacio público.

Después de entrevistas, presencia de varios medios de comunicación y un desorden que parecía impedir el objetivo, se logró improvisar un círculo con la ayuda de una cadena humana y parejas de hombres gays y mujeres lesbianas se besaron en plena calle y frente a los ojos de transeúntes unidos por la causa o simplemente ansiosos de morbo.

Lina, una de las personas detrás de este llamado a la movilización, aseguró que el objetivo es simplemente hacerse visibles y demostrar que son parte de la sociedad y, por ende, tienen los mismos derechos.

Publicado el 22 de mayo del 2009

Avis begins operating in Colombia

This article was originally found at

http://www.investincolombia.com.co/cases-and-announcements/avis.html

Avis begins operating in Colombia

Dinero Magazine, May 6, 2009

The goal is to open 11 offices in 7 Colombian cities before 2012 that will service the Colombian market with 2,500 vehicles.

With an estimated investment of US$ 28 million, the multinational, American car-rental company begins operating in the country. Avis is considered to be number two in their market worldwide, with more than 60 years of service.

The company in Colombia seeks to take advantage of economic improvements of the last decade, as well as vehicle restrictions, which offer great opportunity to the car-rental company.

Executives of Avis point out that the opening of business in Colombia will create 150 direct jobs and about 300 indirect jobs.

The company has an expansion plan that starts this year in Bogota and is expected to arrive to seven principal Colombian cities before 2012.

Avis expects to open 11 offices for nationwide coverage, and operate with 2,500 rental vehicles available.

On a global scale, Avis operates on five continents with 425,000 vehicles available for rent 24 hours a day and have clients from more than 10,000 agencies around the world.

“The strategy of Avis in Colombia is to focus on the development of the car-rental business, always with professionalism and excellent service to achieve 100% customer satisfaction,” explained executives of the company, who will have an official launch this Wednesday in Bogota during a cocktail at their office.

Peru and Colombia 14 days Airfare Included - A great gay trip!

PERU AND COLOMBIA 14 DAYS

AIRFARE INCLUDED

Departing dates in 2009: June 18 (Gay Pride) and October 22

(Halloween)

Machu Picchu, Peru and

Bogota, Colombia: Gay Pride or Halloween

The perfect combination to enjoy the best of South America, from ancient civilizations to gay life in a cosmopolitan setting, from mystical encounters with the glorious past, high in the mountains, and in the enchanting Caribbean.

Machu Picchu, Peru, is heralded as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, a fascinating and spiritual destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surv

iving on the continent, combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean.

Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, in Peru, will introduce you to the ancient and modern worlds of the Inca civilization, from the beautiful ruins to the popular markets.

Bogota, Colombia, has the thriving gay life, including a large gay pride parade in June, as well as over 80 bars and clubs.

Bogota also surprises visitors with its culture, including the famous Gold Museum, one of the largest pre-Colombian collections in the world.

Lima, Peru, takes you to the heart of the latest trend in international cuisine, with many new gourmet restaurants featuring the latest in modern Peruvian food.

This 14 day trip includes 2 countries and 7 flights (domestic and international, all included in the 1 low price), with hotel, tours and some meals

Only $3,995 per person double occupancy

1. Arrive in Lima, Peru, transfer to hotel Casa Andina

2. Half Day Lima city tour (B)

3. Lima day at leisure (B)

4. Flight from Lima to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour of city and nearby ruins (B)

5. Full day Machu Picchu excursion (B,L)

6. Full day tour Sacred Valley (B,L)

7. Fly from Cuzco to Bogota; transfer to High Park (gay) hotel (optional massage available) (B)

8. Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate and Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

9. Half day tour : Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral; dinner optional at famed Andres Carne de Res (B)

10. Day at leisure in Bogota. Evening includes dinner and entrance to Theatron nightclub. (B,D)

11. June trip: Gay Pride parade in Bogota and related activities. October trip: Free Day (B)

12. Fly to Cartagena. Guided sunset walking tour of old city; evening at leisure (B)

13. Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Majagua island day tour. (B)

14. Fly to Bogota and to USA

Information also available at

http://www.vamoscolombiatour.com/tours.htm

Please contact Walter Rey of Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC, at 415-637-2660 or

www.vamoscolombiatour.com walter@vamoscolombiatour.com

JOIN US FOR A GREAT (AND GAY) TIME IN PERU AND COLOMBIA!

Partner of gay policeman in Bogota, Colombia, receives health benefits

The partner of a gay policeman in Colombia was recently granted access to health benefits (May, 2009)

Fabián Mafuricio Chibcha Romero became the first same-sex partner of a policeman to receive benefits from the police service since Colombia's Constitutional Court granted equal civil, political, social and economic rights to gay couples in January, 2009.

Chibcha Romero's partner, a 28 year old policeman who prefers not to be named, has served in the police force for 8 years. The couple first applied for health benefits, for which the partners of heterosexual policemen are eligible, on January 11. Their application was denied. They applied again in February, following the Constitutional Court's ruling and were accepted.

Chibcha Romero officially became a beneficiary on March 17 and became the first same-sex partner of a Colombian policeman to receive health benefits on April 28. Police did not officially confirm the case until Thursday.

Chibcha Romero told El Tiempo that his eligibility for benefits was confusing to those who attended him. "It was funny because the doctor and others did not understand who was the partner and who was the beneficiary. A lot of them asked me if I were the policeman," he said.

The couple, originally from Boyacá, met on the internet three years ago. In September 30 last year, after having lived together for two years, they decided to formalize their relationship. As same-sex marriage is not legal in Colombia, they signed a de facto marital union certificate.

The National Police Directorate told El Tiempo Thursday that they granted the couple the benefits because they "respect, obey and comply with the rulings of the courts."

The couple plan to make the most of other benefits afforded to the partners' of police officers. "We plan to go to the Police Club in Honda (Tolima) and when he [the policeman] has time to apply, maybe the housing allowance too," said Chibcha Romero.

Machu Picchu and Bogota Gay Pride $3,995, 14 days

We look forward to you joining us on our latest great gay vacation!

PERU AND COLOMBIA 14 DAYS, AIRFARE INCLUDED,

ONLY $ 3,995.00

Departing dates in 2009: June 18-July 1 (Gay Pride) and October 22-November 4 (Halloween)

Machu Picchu and Bogota Gay Life: Pride Parade or Halloween

Activities by Day

1. Arrive in Lima, Peru, transfer to hotel Casa Andina

2. Half Day Lima city tour (B)

3. Lima day at leisure (B)

4. Flight from Lima to Cusco, transfer to hotel Casa Andina, afternoon city tour of city and nearby ruins (B)

5. Full day Machu Picchu excursion (B,L)

6. Full day tour Sacred Valley (B,L)

7. Fly from Cusco to Bogota, Colombia; transfer to High Park (gay) hotel (optional massage available) (B)

8. Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate and Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

9. Half day tour environs of Bogota: Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral; dinner optional at famed Andres Carne de Res (B)

10. Day at leisure in Bogota. Optional activities: Botanic garden, Colpatria Tower views. Evening includes dinner at Chase and entrance to Theatron nightclub (well drinks included). October trip: Halloween celebration (B,D)

11. June trip: Gay Pride parade in Bogota and related activities. October trip: Optional day in Usaquen, Bogota (B)

12. Fly to Cartagena. Guided sunset walking tour of old city;

evening at leisure (B)

13. Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Majagua island day tour. (B)

14. Fly to Bogota and to USA

Price is based on double occupancy, with an expected tour size of 10-14 people. Significant change in exchange rates may affect cost of trip. Price includes all hotels, airfare (domestic and international economy seats), airport/hotel transfers, listed guided tours, and listed meals (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner). Price does not include: alcoholic beverages, tips, personal expenses, visas, optional tours, extra luggage charges, or travel insurance (which is strongly recommended).

For more information, please contact Walter at Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC

(415) 637-2660

www.vamoscolombiatour.com

walter@vamoscolombiatour.com

Tourism Continues to Increase in Colombia

More foreign travelers visited Colombia in the first quarter of 2009 than in the same period IN 2008, the country's Trade Minister announced.

According to Minister Luis Guillermo Plata, 436,833 foreigners entered the country in the first three months of the year, which is a 14.4 percent rise compared to 2008.

Almost a quarter of the tourists entered Colombia on board one of the cruise ships attending the Caribbean coast of the country.

The country's growing tourism industry now is the country's third biggest export product after coal and oil.

Vamos Colombia Tour Attends IGLTA Conference in Toronto

This year's annual conference of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) was held in Toronto, Canada. Walter Rey and Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC, took part, learning a lot, making great professional connections, and helping to education the traveling community about Colombia and all it has to offer. We look forward to working with many of the individual and companies who are fellow IGLTA members.

Check us out on Facebook as well

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=2530210&id=665927812

Bogota: "Great Destination (bad reputation)" says Conde Nast Traveler Magazine

Bogota featured in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as a "Great Destination" with a bad (and not longer deserved) reputation.

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500609









Check out some of the quotes:

"This walkable metropolis of seven million is once again reclaiming its role as Latin America's intellectual and cultural hub"

"Bogotá is rapidly emerging as one of Latin America's hottest destinations. The city boasts one of the world's biggest theater festivals every other spring (festivaldeteatro.com.co); a free massive open-air rock concert series each November (rockalparque.gov.co); and a jazz festival every September (teatrolibre.com/jazz_home.html). There are more than 50 museums in the city, with exhibitions ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts in the Gold Museum (Calle 16 No. 5-41; 57-1-343-2221) to Fernando Botero's corpulent contemporary take on the human body at the Botero Museum (Calle 11 No. 4-41; 57-1-343-1331)."

"The best of the Sunday flea markets are in the trendy Usaquén area, where antiques, fine leather goods, and wood carvings are readily available on the street and in the many boutiques along the edges of the market."

The same edition also lists Armando Records in Bogota as on the 35 top new bars and clubs of the world. It is an open air roof top lounge with a line down the street to get in.

Safety in Bogota Continues to Grow and be Recognized

The word is getting out about Colombia and its increased (and increasing) safety. Check out this recent article from a journalist living in Colombia who had detailed information about safety there.

http://www.latinworld.com/2009/safety-in-colombia-the-straight-truth.htm

He discusses Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali, Leticia and other locations.

Video of Ciclovia in Bogota

Every Sunday, the major roads in Bogota are closed to traffic to allow bicycles, walkers or other non-car transportation alternatives to have space to move. This 10 min videos shows what a fun and safe time it is.

Ciclovia - Bogota's Pride - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.