Congratulations to Mr. Tourism Colombia 2010

Congratulations to Alejandro Villamil on his new title of Mr Colombia Tourism 2010.

A competition of over 20 contestants took place in the well known tourist resort of Melgar, Colombia.

Our very own spokesmodel and guide Alejandro was the wining contestant and was named Mr. Tourism 2010. We are proud to say "we knew him when" and wish him congratulations on continuing success.

Clients of Vamos Colombia Tour already know what a wonderful person he is.

France Endorses Colombia for Safe Travel

According to Dinero.com, France has upgraded its advice for travelers to Colombia. The article (original in Spanish), translated by Google is as follows:

France improved, for Colombia, the warning that makes its citizens traveling to different places in the world, better known as the "travel warning", adding to Santa Marta, Barranquilla, the area between Bogota, Tunja, and Bucaramanga, and the three provinces of the Coffee Region: Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas, to the list of cities in which it has not set restrictions.

The places listed are in addition to Cartagena and San Andres, which already appeared in that category, said the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata, upon thanking France "for translating, into action, the progress that has been the country's security.

At the second level, ie, those which it is recommended to visit with proper precautions, is preserved: Cundiboyacense region, with its departments and capital, Bucaramanga, Pasto, Leticia, Medellin, Cali and Popayan. On this last point, the Minister said that these places also provide security to tourists, saying "we will persist to pass the green rating in response to their reality."

The Minister Emphasized the improvement in the travel warning that, since 2008, has been playing Colombia, a result, he said, "a judicious job of security, and which undoubtedly the new image influences you in the world today, the country".

"Do not forget that until two years ago, most of the map of Colombia appear in red on the warnings for French travelers." Significantly Today things have changed and we are confident that this is a continuous process of improvement, "said Silver.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Oscar Rueda Garcia, spoke about the impact that these events have on tourism, it said, many travelers have very present these issues before making any travel decisions. After Spain, France ranks second in number of passengers arriving in Colombia from Europe, with 2.2% of the total. Between January and November 2009, over 27,000 French visited Colombia, a 7.3% increase over the same period in 2008.

Friends have a great time in Colombia!

Our friend Dave from California recently returned from a trip to Colombia that included stops in Bogota and Cartagena. He had a great time and described it as follows:

"Colombia is a beautiful, friendly country. The people are amazingly friendly, happy to see Americans, and I never felt unsafe anywhere I went.

Bogota is beautiful, clean, and interesting. The people who run the High Park Hotel could not have been nicer. The Botero Museum may have been the highlight.

Cartagena was the high point of the trip. The hotel was charming as could be, the staff were wonderful, the city is spectacular, and I will remember many of the meals for a long time. The food was great! Cartagena is world class!

Walter knew all the places, and was immediately available by phone or e-mail when I had questions.
Colombia is a great destination. I can recommend it without reservations. Walter is the one with the reservations!

Thanks Walter!!!"

Gold and Coffee: 10 Day Escorted Tour in Bogota and the Coffee Growing Region, Colombia

Vamos Colombia Tour, LLC is offering our latest trip: 10 Days of Colombian Beauty and Flavor in October, 2009 (escorted by Walter Rey)

Escorted 10 Day Tour
Detailed Daily Itinerary
October 22-Nov 1, 2009

Double Occupancy $1979, plus airfair to Bogota
Single Supplement $400

www.VamosColombiaTour.com

Thursday Oct 22 - Bogota
Arrive in Bogota; Welcome dinner.

Friday Oct 23 - Bogota
9 am. On an included city tour we visit the highlights of Bogota, including: La Candelaria neighborhood and Monserrate for a great view of the city.
La Candelaria is the historical colonial center of Bogota, and contains many political, recreational and historical sites. We will visit the Donacion Botero Museum, the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango, La casa de Marques, and the Plaza de Bolivar. We will then explore the one-of-a-kind Gold museum where there is a rich display of our pre-Colombian indigenous gold artifacts in many forms. There are some very good restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy as we stroll around, including a delicious French-Colombian bakery.
3 pm. Back to hotel, relax. Dinner is on your own. For special dinner, we recommend the following high-end restaurants (reservations required): Leo Cocina y Cava (gourmet Colombian, very upscale) , Donostia (Spanish-Colombian, with emphasis on fresh ingredients), or Itanos (Italian-Colombian). We can assist you with transportation arrangements.
10 pm. Optional evening at the bars. We will help you with arrangements.

Saturday Oct 24- Bogota Environs
9 am. Tour through the picturesque countryside of green rolling hills and small towns. An all day tour of the Sabana of Bogota. This includes the traditional towns of Calera with the great Mercado , Sopo with it great and only Alpina creamery where we can taste the sweets of the milk products with a Swiss twist. Guatavita where the legends tell us about the Indigenous Cacique who bathed in the lake wearing gold on all his body. Zipaquira has the well known cathedral carved out of the underground salt mines. We will end up at Chia for a 6:30 pm. For dinner at Andres Carne de Res which defies description. Dinner here is a uniquely Colombian fiesta, including full dinner, live music and entertainment. Dancing always ensues, so bring your shoes!


Sunday Oct 25 - Bogota
Free day. Sunday in Bogota offers many options which you can explore during this free day, including the treasure-filled Sunday market in Usaquen (known for crafts and antiques); bicycling through the major city streets closed to car traffic; strolling though the botanic gardens; or brunch buffet filled with Colombian delicacies in an aristocratic setting (Club Colombia followed by shopping in the upscale northern boutiques and designer stores).
Additional optional half day trip: 11 am we drive to the lovely town of Subachoque, to visit an orphanage that takes in and cares for children with HIV while trying to place them with families followed by lunch at a lovely hacienda restaurant in the farming community outside of Bogota. Will be returning around 4pm.
We suggest a lighter fare dinner at Crepes and Waffles.

Monday Oct 26 Coffee Region (Armenia city, Quindio department)
We will be flying to Armenia, principle city of the Zona Cafetera, or Coffee Region. We will stay at an old hacienda on a coffee plantation or farm, which has been restored with period antiques and modern amenities. We visit Recuca, a working coffee farm where the visitor can experience the history and production of coffee, including harvesting the beans right off the plant, and then sitting for a tasting of the local product.

Tuesday Oct 27 Coffee Region
We visit one of the highlights of the region, the picturesque town of Salento, with its beautifully painted main square and attractive streets containing crafts, shops and cafes. From there it is a short drive to the Cocora Valley, home of Colombia’s national tree, the Wax Palm, rising from the green hills into the fog above, making for an incomparable sight.

Wednesday Oct 28 – Coffee Region
Free Day. As an option, spend time relaxing at the Santa Rosa de Cabal natural hot springs for a warm bath in a beautiful natural setting. A dip in the pool at the hacienda is an inviting alternative.


Thursday Oct 29 Coffee Region
Free day. Some options include a ride down the river on a balsa raft, a visit to the natural gardens with a butterfly encounter, or visiting other quaint and traditional towns, for example Manizales, famed for its beauty.

Friday Oct 30 – Fly to Bogota
Relax in the morning at the hacienda, and return to Bogota in afternoon.

Saturday Oct 31 - Bogota
Free Day We can provide additional suggestions for shopping or other activities.
Evening Halloween party at Teatron

Sunday Nov 1 Bogota; tour ends
Return to USA

Colombian Carnaval and Machu Picchu 13 day tip

AMERICAS TRAVEL and VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR invite you to join us on an exciting journey to Peru and Colombia.

Peru - Colombia

13 Days Escorted Tour

February 12 - 24, 2010

The perfect combination to enjoy the best of Peru and Colombia, from ancient civilizations to cosmopolitan settings, from mystical encounters with the glorious past, high in the mountains, and in the enchanting Caribbean.

Barranquilla, Colombia, Colombia's "Golden Gate"; it's carnival features traditions dating back to the 19th century.

Cartagena, Colombia, has the largest (and best restored) walled colonial city surviving on the continent, combined with the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean.

Bogota, Colombia, has a thriving nightlife. 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.

Cuzco, 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.

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.

This 13 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 $3995 per person
Single Supplement $550.00

Price includes: International and domestic flights and transportation throughout the tour ~ Hotel accommodations, based on double occupancy ~ Daily breakfast and meals specified in the itinerary ~ Transportation in air-conditioned bus with driver and English-speaking guide ~ Visits mentioned in the itinerary with guides and entrance fees.

Price does not include: Optional Tours ~ Extra baggage charges ~ Gratuities and personal expenses ~ Trip Cancellation / Interruption Insurance ~ Airport Departure Taxes in South America

ITINERARY

Fri 12 Feb ~ USA to Barranquilla, Colombia
Depart USA in morning, arrive same evening, transfer to hotel.

Sat 13 Feb ~ Barranquilla
Attend Carnival parade. (B)

Sun 14 Feb ~ Barranquilla – Cartagena
Morning bus departure to Cartagena, transfer to hotel. Guided sunset walking tour old city; evening at leisure (B)

Mon 15 Feb ~ Cartagena
Day at leisure in Cartagena; optional Rosario island day tour. (B)

Tue 16 Feb ~ Cartagena – Bogota
Flight to Bogota, transfer to High Park hotel (B)

Wed 17 Feb ~ Bogota
Guided day tour of Bogota: Candelaria, Monserrate and Botero and Gold Museums. (B,L)

Thu 18 Feb ~ Bogota
Half day tour : Zipaquira, Salt Cathedral; dinner optional at famed Andres Carne de Res (B)

Fri 19 Feb ~ Bogota – Lima, Peru
Flight to Lima, Peru, transfer to hotel Casa Andina Miraflores Centro. Half Day Lima city tour (B)

Sat 20 Feb ~ Lima
Day at leisure (B)

Sun 21 Feb ~ Lima to Cuzco
Flight to Cuzco, transfer to hotel, afternoon city tour including nearby ruins (B)

Mon 22 Feb ~ Machu Picchu
Full day excursion (B,L)

Tue 23 Feb ~ Sacred Valley
Full day excursion (B,L)

Thu 24 Feb ~ Cuzco to Lima to USA

To register for Peru & Colombia 2010, please follow these steps:
1. Fill out and sign the Registration Form (available upon request).
2. Review and sign a copy of the Terms and Conditions.
3. Fax or mail these documents to AMERICAS TRAVEL with your deposit.



AMERICAS TRAVEL
348 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102-4421, USA
Fon: 415-703-9955 ~ Fax: 415-703-9959
www.americastravel.net
cesar@americastravel.net

VAMOS COLOMBIA TOUR

www.vamoscolombiatour.com

415-637-2660
walter@vamoscolombiatour.com

PROTECT YOUR TRAVEL INVESTMENT !

TravelGuard Essential - We recommend the purchase of the TravelGuard Essential policy, TravelGuard includes protection against Trip Cancellation or Interruption up to the total Trip Cost; $500 Trip Delay; $10,000 Medical Expenses; $100,000 Emergency Medical Transportation, $500 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Baggage & Travel Documents; $100 Baggage Delay; Free Lost Baggage Tracking; Travelguard Assistance, LiveTravel 24-hour hotline for emergencies; Live Messaging to relay email or phone messages; Emergency Cash transfers; and pre-trip Travel Advisories. Purchase your policy at the time of deposit to lock-in pre-existing condition coverage.

Latin Americas Travel, Inc., dba AMERICAS Travel . . . .. .. . . . CST 2064111-20

Medellin's Flower Festival Video

This catchy video featuring the group Piso 21 singing a pop song honoring Medellin's Flower Festival gives one a good idea of the festive atmosphere this time a year in Medellin.

Vamos Colombia Tours plans a tour to the event next year in 2010. Pictures of Medellin are below the video.

Macarena Neighborhood in Bogota featured in New York Times travel section

Bogota, Colombia was again featured in the travel section of The New York Times the weekend, this time focusing on the up and coming neighborhood of the Macarena. This is one Vamos Colombia Tour's favorite little corners of Bogota. The NYT appears to feel the same way.





The article is at

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/travel/26surfacing.html?ref=travel

The article focuses on its new and hip restaurants, galleries and bookstores, and notes that many foreigners are attracted to the area, as it continues to come up in stature.

We noticed in our visits that the area is full of old stately homes and buildings that need just a bit of restoration and are quite attractive. The neighborhood is also well situated behind the bullring and close to the Candalaria historic and touristic district, as well as the National Musuem. Good job NYT in this find!


These pictures are Vamos Colombia Tour's photos of the neighboord, including a fancy appartment building, a formal historic looking house, and the nearby park. All pictures were taken from the viewpoint atop the nearby Colpatria Tower (an office building with viewpoint open to the public).

Bogota Event a True Experience of Gay Pride

Welcome to the new readers and the return followers of the Vamos Colombia Tour blog!

I must tell you that I was amazed, impressed and very proud of the work that my fellow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) friends are doing in Bogota, Colombia.

AL ROSA VIVO

Bogota, Colombia hosted a great Gay Pride celebration in June, 2009.

The theme of the Pride parade was: “Discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual identity is not a game. We come from a family and we are a family.”

The public events took place over a period of several days, culminating in the Sunday Pride Parade (June 28, 2009).

I also was able to attend several events such as:

The Supervisor of Chapinero (the LGBT neighborhood in Bogota) is Blanca Ines Duran (pictured here with Walter Rey). She is an out and proud lesbian who is organizing our community at different levels. She has been in this position for a year and she presented her report to the community in a very creative way. She used one of the biggest gay club of Bogota, which was previously a theater, and presented a true multi-media presentation: a mix of video and live theater to present her report.

The place was packed and she informed us of the several campaigns for the Chapinero area, ranging from the reduction of noise, the campaign against parking violation, to education of the community and police on respect and behavior toward LGBT people. She also clearly made a point of including everyone, gay men, lesbians, transgender, and straight – noting that we all are working together for a better world. From what I have seen, she is doing a great job!

The Chapinero area also had a big stage in the center of he district, at a well known public park called “the park of the Hippies.” They presented shows during the three nights prior to the parade.

Some of them were informative, educational or just fun. They had a runway show were 8 designers were participating for best design outfits for the transsexual community. The outfits looked great at the fashion show (as did the transgendered models). They had a DJ contest, as well as the participation of several groups such as the gay radio station of Bogota, which can be accessed through the internet.

http://www.eledenradio.net/

The parade itself went down the principle boulevard of Seventh Avenue (Carrera Septima) for about 30 blocks. (From Parque Nacional to Plaza Bolivar in the Candelaria district). At the end in the heart of the histric old city and downtown there was another big stage was welcoming all to celebrate.

There were several floats and a great turn out of people. We all marched with pride. What it was different at this pride event from others in the world is the energy of the people. Having been to several gay pride parades in the world (including such welcoming places as San Francisco, New York, Sydney and Vancouver), I can say that I had never seem such strong energy and pride among the participants. I was very happy to be a part of it and by my presence add a little grain to it.

Still it is interesting that most of the people on the parade were young as many of the over-40 community were out of the city for the long weekend holiday (which coincided with the event) or just were not comfortable in the public environment.

The closet doors are heavy but slowly opening. I believe that is why is so important that everyone who is able (that means you!) can join us in future parades. Just being present sends an important message to the LGBT community and the city and country of Colombia and a whole. The mainstream press is starting to get the message and change is swiftly on the move in Colombia!

Vamos Colombia Tour continues to promote Colombia as a Gay and Lesbian travel destination and we would like you to join us. Currently we are preparing the 2010 calendar – it is sure to include nest year’s gay pride. If you would like a change from your local gay pride celebration, or perhaps would like to experience gay pride in a location where it is truly making a difference, then join us!

More pictures can also be found at:

http://vamoscolombiatour.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-pictures-from-bogota-gay-pride.html

and

http://vamoscolombiatour.blogspot.com/2009/07/bogota-gay-pride-parade-2009-exceeds.html

Colombia and Bogota are the new kids on the block in gay travel. Find out why everyone who goes has an unforgettable time!

Walter Rey
Vamos Colombia Tour
check us out on the web: www.VamosColombiaTour.com