My Colombian Journey: From Chance Encounter to Deep Expertise

My love affair with Colombia ignited unexpectedly back in 2005. Crossing the border from Panama during a three-year South American adventure, I met a Colombian family on the boat – a rare encounter for foreigners at the time. Their incredible warmth led to an invitation to Medellín for Christmas. I knew little about the city then, but that spontaneous “yes” changed everything.

They welcomed me not just into their home, but into the heart of their community, sharing vibrant neighborhood traditions like ‘La Natilla,’ festive family dinners, and explorations of Medellín. Their generosity was astounding, especially when my bank card failed, leaving me with minimal cash – they insisted on covering everything for nearly a month! I left profoundly touched by the Colombian spirit and made a promise to myself: I had to return. Colombia, alongside Cuba and Brazil, had already captured my heart as a place I could truly call home.

Seven years of working back in Europe were fueled by that promise. When the opportunity arose for a Travel Agency Director role in Santa Marta, a nudge from an old friend who’d fallen in love with nearby Minca sealed the deal. Trusting his experience, I packed my bags.

While my initial landing near Santa Marta wasn’t love at first sight, the very next day changed my perspective forever. A motorbike ride took me up into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to Mundo Nuevo. I was utterly awe-struck by the raw beauty and palpable energy of the lush jungle, home to the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo indigenous communities. Discovering the magic of the Sierra Nevada confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be. It remains one of my most cherished places on Earth.

My year managing the agency was just the start. Driven by curiosity, I spent every weekend exploring. Guides, eager to showcase their regions, invited me along. This intense period of discovery built an invaluable foundation. My role evolved – I spearheaded tour production, managed system migrations, and, crucially, began leading tours across the country myself. This hands-on experience allowed me to forge connections nationwide and gain intimate knowledge of diverse regions.

I quickly became the go-to expert for the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, particularly for tours involving the Koguis. I immersed myself in their culture, studied their worldview, and even learned some of their language. This deep connection provides unparalleled insider access for my photography tours today. Later, managing the agency’s digital presence and website further broadened my skills.
Finally, in 2019, driven by years of accumulated experience and a passion for sharing Colombia’s soul, I took the leap to launch my own photography tours. Drawing on that first life-changing encounter, years of professional immersion, relentless exploration, and specialized knowledge – especially within the Sierra Nevada – I now craft unique journeys designed to reveal the authentic heart of this incredible country through the lens.