Gay Pride in Bogota, Colombia, 2009

Gay Pride arrives in Bogota Colombia in June of 2009, and Vamos Colombia Tour is there!

The theme is "Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity is NOT a Game"

This year's gay pride parade promises to be a big as ever, and the LGBT community in Colombia has a lot to celebrate. In the past year, the courts in Colombia have expanded gay rights (including the right to give benefits to your same-sex domestic partner in a civil union), and the gay community has had more exposure than ever. Of course this exposure always comes with a backlash in the form of homophobia and at times violence. This is why having such events as a gay pride parade which is sponsored in part by the city and which goes through the heart of town and ends at the main city plaza with a rally is so important.

While we in the US and other countries are fighting for the right to marry, those in Colombia are still fighting for basic rights, and making great progress. Participating in Bogota's gay pride parade is an act of courage for many in Colombia still coming out and raising awareness in the general population.

Vamos Colombia Tour caters to the LGBT community and believes in promoting the rights of the LGBT community at home and abroad, including of course in Colombia. For this reason we have a tour that allows visitors to be in Bogota for the Gay Pride celebration.

As well, Vamos Colombia Tour is hosting a party on the weekend of gay pride to celebrate with our guests as well as fellow members of the LGBT travel community (including current and future IGLTA members) and larger gay community in Colombia. If you are in Bogota on Friday June 26, we hope you can join us for the party which is at the Hotel High Park, Carrera 4, #58-58, in the Chapinero district of Bogota.

Check back here for updates on the gay pride celebration in Bogota, Colombia, 2009.
The parade itself is Sunday, June 28, 2009.

Info on events can be found here, and also at:
Colombia's gay guide:
http://www.guiagaycolombia.com/index.htm

Sungay which benefits Colombia Diversa has a myspace page with information:
http://www.myspace.com/sungaybogota

Updates on gay rights in Colombia are on the website of Colombia Diversa, one the main gay rights organizations in Colombia:
http://www.colombiadiversa.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

They also have a Facebook page:
http://eu-es.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6828846835&ref=share

An opinion piece (in Spanish) by a lesbian from Bogota appears on the website of vive.in, a mainstream entertainment and news website from El Tiempo, Bogota's principle newspaper.
http://bogota.vive.in/blogs/bogota/un_articulo.php?id_blog=3617441&id_recurso=450017791

The Bogota government even recognizes the LGBT community as part of the diversity of the city, and mentions the gay pride parade on this page:
http://www.culturarecreacionydeporte.gov.co/portal/node/113

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.

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.

Colombia A Top Environmentally Clean Country

A new study places Colombia as the world's ninth cleanest and environmentally friendly country. The country index was made by Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network and Yale University's Center for Environmental Law and Policy.

The several hundred page report can be found at http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/es/epi/papers/2008EPI_mainreport_july08.pdf Colombia is detailed on page 189.

Forbes magazine commented that the country's coffee and flower industries are being managed wisely and that the countryside remains undeveloped in contrast to the rapidly declining rainforest in Brazil. Forbes article is on line at http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/15/worlds-cleanest-countries-business-energy-clean-countries.html

Colombia places second cleanest of all the countries in the Americas on the Environmental Performance Index, following Costa Rica. The United States is in position 39 and Canada is at 12.

For just the ranking, check out http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/es/epi/papers/2008EPI_rankingsandscores_23Jan08.pdf

Colombia is certainly a prime destination for "green" or environmental travel and tourism. It offers many delights for the environmentally minded, including the Coffee Region, Tayrona Park and the pristine San Andres and Providencia islands in the Caribbean, all of which are very safe and very easy to access. Vamos Colombia Tour will be happy to create a travel package featuring these beautiful and unspoiled areas.

www.vamoscolombiatour.com

Colombia - A New Gay Travel Destination (English/Español)

Colombia - A New Gay Travel Destination

Cartagena, Colombia is a two hour flight from Miami, and Bogota is a three hour flight. From Los Angeles, it is a seven hour direct flight to Bogota. The areas within the country that are most visited are all within a short flight, from 20 minutes to one and a half hours, from Bogota, and are served by several domestic and international airlines.

Many travel authorities, both gay and mainstream, have recently discovered Colombia, and include its top sights among the emerging destinations and "must-see" in the Americas (and the world):

The New York Times travel section has featured Cartagena as the tropical "belle of the ball" (May 25, 2008, & May 20, 2007 editions), and a gourmet food destination (Oct. 26, 2008 ed.). It has also noted Medellin (Aug. 12, 2007 ed.) as one of the safest cities to visit, with highlights including museums dedicated to Colombia's most famous (living) painter/sculptor Fernando Botero, and the Coffee-growing region of Colombia (Feb. 12, 2006 ed.) as a relaxation destination coming into its own.

The Australian gay magazine DNA (January 2008, Issue 96) raves about Colombia as the newest "shining star" among gay travel destinations, where one will find a hot time in the clubs and gay life, and wonderful cultural attractions as well.

The American gay travel magazine Passport (February 2008), not to be outdone, notes that Bogota has the first LGBT community center in Latin America, and has many modern and large gay bars and venues, complete with go-go dancers, making it a rising gay travel destination. It also lists the UNESCO designated Barranquilla Carnival celebration among the "hot spots for the jet set" (February, 2009).

Frommer's has included Cartagena in its list of ten "Top Destinations for 2009", specifically because of its good tourist infrastructure, its historic colonial architecture, UNESCO protection and designation, and the sublime white sand beaches.

Lonely Planet, the bible of independent travel, has not only long known about Colombia, but now includes its Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia in its world-wide "Best of 2009" top destinations to visit this year.

Even the upscale mainstream Town and Country Travel Supplement (Summer 2008) was charmed by the "magic" of Cartagena, the "seductive seaside city that Gabriel Garcia Marquez calls home."

Visitors to Bogota are stunned and overwhelmed to discover the thriving gay life in that city of 8 million people. The gay neighborhood (Chapinero) is well stocked with cafes, restaurants, stores, gyms, saunas, video- and book-stores, and other meeting places in addition to the bars of course. More than 40 gay bars can be easily visited in the gay (and other chic) neighborhoods and the place to be on Saturday night is a converted theater which now is a gay club that holds 5000 people (and gets packed because drinks are included in the cover charge). The drinking age is 18. The large number of venues caters to all sorts of styles and tastes, from upscale cafes and nightclubs to lounges to dive bars and dance clubs featuring live music and performances. Colombians like to meet Americans, and many Colombians are also on-line, and technologically savvy, which provides another way to meet locals (although their English proficiency levels will vary).

Gay rights is an ever-changing issue in Colombia, as in so many places in the world today. Same sex couples can register their partnership and have been recognized for certain legal benefits, and gay and lesbian people are continuing to get more and more publicity in the press and on television (including the ever-popular soap operas).

Beyond Bogota, the other major cities also have several gay bars, saunas and other gay community meeting points, most notably Cartagena and Medellin. Incidentally, while prostitution (over the age of 18) is not technically illegal, acting as "pimp" is barred by law, as is any sex with a minor.

In Colombia you will find a combination of the best aspects of countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, all in one compact and diverse country. Colombia has a high diversity of flora and fauna comparable to Costa Rica, and surpassed only by (the many times larger) Brazil. The colonial cities and towns (including Cartagena as well as Villa de Leyva, Barichara and several others) are restored gems among the largest and best on the continent. The white sand beaches rival any Caribbean island. The city nightlife compares favorably to Buenos Aires. The landscape of the coffee growing region resembles the rolling hills of Tuscany and at the higher Andean elevations, the Alpine slopes.

The true uniqueness of the country, however, is found in its people. Recently ranked the third happiest country in the world, Colombia is famous throughout the Latin (and greater) world for its friendliness, and its people's joy and love of parties and a good time, and their willingness to include all guests in the fun. This is further reflected in Colombians' innate politeness and attentiveness to the needs of travelers.

Colombian food is little known in the United States, but is full of exotic fruits not found outside the tropics. Unlike Mexican cuisine, it is not spicy, and in addition to the ubiquitous fresh fruit, tends to emphasize delicious meats, potatoes and other starches, and on the coasts and rivers, fresh fish and distinctive Caribbean flavors.

Cruise ships are another recent tourism addition to return to Colombia. Disney Magic cruises have started arriving in August of 2008, and along with many other lines, makes stops in Cartagena, and Santa Marta (near the famous Tayrona national park). In 2007, over 100,000 cruise passengers came to Colombia, and in 2008 such notable lines as Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises just to name a few, were expected to double that number.

Colombia is justly famous for its exports such being the worlds top supplier of emeralds (which can be purchased at significant savings in certain spots in the country). It also is a world leader in the exportation of flowers and orchids, and Medellin's flower festival each summer is a national highlight. Of course, coffee -- specifically high quality, organic and fair trade Arabica -- is such a well known Colombian specialty that "Juan Valdez" has again become the symbol of premium Colombian coffee, available both inside and outside the country.

All who visit Colombia inevitably leave wanting and planning a return visit because there is always something more to see, experience and discover. Come find out for yourself!

For more on how to visit Colombia, check Vamos Colombia Tours at
www.vamoscolombiatour.com or call Walter Rey at (415) 637-2660 (USA) or if in Colombia: (57) 1 804-3528.
Español:

Colombia - Un Nuevo Destino de Turismo Gay

Cartagena, Colombia está a dos horas de vuelo desde Miami, y Bogotá es de tres horas de vuelo. Desde Los Ángeles, son siete horas de vuelo directo a Bogotá. Las áreas del país que son las más visitadas se encuentran a un corto vuelo, de 20 minutos a una hora y media, desde Bogotá, y son servidos por varias líneas aéreas nacionales e internacionales.

Muchas personas que trabajan con turismo, tanto gays como otros, han descubierto recientemente a Colombia, y sus principales lugares de interés incluyen entre otros los destinos emergentes y este pais es "para no perderselo" en las Américas (y el mundo):

El New York Times ha publicado la sección de viajes de Cartagena como el tropico "belle of the ball - belle de la bola" (25 de mayo de 2008, y 20 de mayo de 2007 ediciones), y una gastronomía de destino (26 de octubre de 2008 ed.). También ha tomado nota de Medellín (12 de agosto de 2007 ed.) Como una de las ciudades más seguras para visitar, con destinos entre ellos dedicados a los museos más famosos de Colombia (que aun vive) pintor / escultor Fernando Botero, y la región cafetera de Colombia ( 12 de febrero de 2006 ed.) como próximo destino para su relajación.

La revista australiana gay DNA (de enero de 2008, Número 96) escribio sobre Colombia con mucho entusiasmo como la nueva "estrella" entre los destinos de viajes gay, donde pasara un tiempo super (caliente) en los clubs y la vida gay, ademas de maravillosas atracciones culturales también.

La revista de viajes gay de América Pasaporte (febrero 2008), para no quedarse atrás, tomo nota de que Bogotá tiene el primer centro comunitario de LGBT en América Latina, y tiene muchos grandes y modernos bares y lugares de celebración, con los bailarines go-go, por cual se ve  el aumento de los viajes con destino gay. Asimismo, las listas de la UNESCO han designado la celebración del Carnaval de Barranquilla entre los "puntos calientes para la jet-set" y como uno de los mas originales desfiles que conservan su cultura. (Febrero, 2009).

Frommer's ha incluido Cartagena en su lista de diez "Mejores Destinos para 2009", en particular debido a su buena infraestructura turística, su arquitectura histórica y colonial, UNESCO  la ha designación, por la proteccion lo sublime y las playas de arena blanca.

Lonely Planet, la biblia para viajeros independientes, no sólo ha escrito vastante sobre Colombia, pero ahora incluye a sus islas del Caribe de San Andrés y Providencia como unas de las mejores en todo el mundo  "Best of 2009"  los mejores destinos a visitar este año. 

Incluso la lujosa revista de Town and Country Travel Supplement (verano 2008) incorporo  y han sido encantados por la "magia" de Cartagena, la "seductora ciudad costera que Gabriel García Márquez llama hogar."

Los visitantes a Bogotá, quedan estupefactos y abrumados al descubrir la floreciente vida gay en esa ciudad de 8 millones de personas. El barrio gay (Chapinero) está bien surtido de cafés, restaurantes, tiendas, gimnasios, saunas, videos, tiendas y otros lugares de reunión, además de los bares, por supuesto. Más de 40 bares gay pueden ser fácilmente visitados (y otros chic) en este barrio se encuentra mas visitado el sábado por la noche este lugar era un teatro que ahora es un club gay que tiene capacidad para 5000 personas de ambiente (el precio de la entrada incluye bebidas). La edad de beber es de 18 años. El gran número de lugares para nuestra comunidad abastece a todo tipo de estilos y gustos, desde los cafés de lujo y clubes nocturnos a los salones y bares  a los clubes de baile con música en directo y actuaciones. Los colombianos estan en comunicacion con los el mundo por la internet, y muchos colombianos también están en línea con la tecnología y conocimientos,  proporcionan otra forma de cococer a  los locales (aunque sus niveles de Inglés puede variar).

Los derechos de los homosexuales es una cuestión siempre cambiante en Colombia, como en tantos lugares en el mundo de hoy. Parejas del mismo sexo pueden registrar su union civil y han sido reconocidos para muchos beneficios jurídicos, y los gays y las lesbianas siguen obteniendo más publicidad en la prensa y en la televisión (incluyendo siempre los personajes gays en las populares telenovelas).

En otras ciudades aparate de Bogotá,  también tienen varios bares, saunas y otros puntos de reunión para nuestra comunidad lesbiana, gay, bisexual y transgender sobre todo de Cartagena y Medellín. Por cierto, la prostitución que es legal (para personas mayores de 18 años) no es técnicamente ilegal, en realidad ser  "manejador de otros" es prohibido por la ley, así como cualquier relación sexual con una menor de edad.

En Colombia se encuentra una combinación de los mejores aspectos de todos los países del Caribe y América Latina, todo en un compacto y diverso país. Colombia tiene una alta diversidad de flora y fauna similar a Costa Rica, y sólo superado por de Brasil (un pais mucho mas grande). Las ciudades coloniales y los pueblos (incluidos los de Cartagena, así como Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Salento y varios otros) se destacan como joyas entre los mayores y mejores en el continente. La playas de arena blanca que son como las mejores islas del Caribe. La vida nocturna de la ciudad se compara favorablemente a Buenos Aires. El paisaje de la región de cultivo de café se parece a las ondulantes colinas  Toscanas y las más altos montanas de los andes recuerdan las elevaciones de los Alpes.

La verdadera originalidad del país, sin embargo, se encuentra en su gente. Recientemente ocupó el tercer país de las personas más felices del mundo, Colombia es famosa en todo latín america (y mas) y el mundo por su amistad de su pueblo, la alegría y el amor. Siempre dispuestos a incluir voluntariamente a todos los invitados a la diversión. Esto se ve reflejado en los colombianos "innata cortesía y atención a las necesidades de los viajeros".

La gastronomia de Colombia es poco conocida en los Estados Unidos o el mundo. pero está llena de frutas exóticas que no se encuentra fuera de los trópicos. A diferencia de la cocina mexicana, no es picante, y además de la omnipresencia de frutas frescas, tienden a destacarse deliciosas carnes, gran variedad de papas y demás almidones y féculas, y en las costas y ríos, el pescado fresco es característico del sabor caribe.

Los cruceros son otra reciente adicion al turismo de Colombia. Los cruceros de Disney Magic han comenzado a llegar desde agosto de 2008, y junto con muchas otras líneas, hace paradas en Cartagena y Santa Marta (Tayrona, cerca del famoso parque nacional). En 2007, más de 100.000 pasajeros de cruceros llegaron a Colombia, y en 2008 las líneas famosas tales como Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises y por solo nombrar algunos, se espera que se duplique ese número.

Colombia es famosa por sus exportaciones del  mundo es el proveedor mas grande  de esmeraldas (que pueden ser comprados como inversion y ahorro significativo en algunos lugares en el país). También es un líder mundial en la exportación de flores y orquídeas, la flores y en Medellín el festival cada verano es un despliege de relieve nacional. Por supuesto, el café - en concreto de alta calidad, orgánicos y de comercio como el Arábica - es una especialidad bien conocida de Colombia y que "Juan Valdez" ha vuelto a convertirse en el símbolo de la exportacion de café de Colombia, disponible tanto dentro como fuera del país.

Todos los que visitan Colombia inevitablemente desean regresar y empiezan a organizar otra nueva visita, porque siempre hay algo más para ver, experimentar y descubrir. Venga  a descubrirlo por ti mismo!

Para más información sobre la manera de visitar Colombia, contactarnos a Vamos Colombia Tours en:
www.vamoscolombiatour.com
o llame al Walter Rey (415) 637-2660 (EE.UU.) o si esta en Colombia: (57) 1 804-3528. por favor deje su numero y mensaje.

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walter@vamoscolombiatour.com