Colombia Photo Tour: The Land of Oblivion

Reception at the airport and meeting with Tristan, your guide. Departure to Minca, the ecological capital of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Then, transfer by 4×4 to our charming lodge. Be prepared, the road is an adventure in itself. Meet in the hotel lobby for a tour presentation that will be given by Tristan. He will cover the key points of the itinerary and give you some initial tips on how to make the most of the photo opportunities in Colombia…

First introduction to photography which will be one of the only purely theoretical parts of the trip, the rest being based on field experiences and practice. This course will establish the basis on which we will work during the trip. Known worldwide for coffee, we cannot go to Colombia without discovering the secrets of this popular beverage. We will visit this morning the charming farm next door to take beautiful authentic pictures. This afternoon we have a first approach of the indigenous culture of the Sierra Nevada with a private photo session with a Wiwa family. We will take the time to establish a private contact with them in this small village of 4 huts, and create unforgettable portraits. To end the day in beauty, we will return to the hotel’s viewpoint, for a photo session at sunset because in Mundo Nuevo it is an activity in itself, offering one of the most beautiful views of the entire region.

Appointment at 6am for a birdwatching session with a local specialized guide. We will be able to enjoy the biodiversity of Minca, with a little luck, see the Caribbean toucan, or tangaras. Transfer by 4×4 to the waterfalls of Marinka which offer the most beautiful natural pools of Minca. Visit of the 2 waterfalls where we will take the time to make beautiful photos in long exposure, without wanting to make puns 😉 We will take advantage of this splendid setting to create some environmental portrait photos with our Wiwas friends. We will leave in our 4×4 to reach the highest point of Cerro Kennedy. Departure on one of the most adventurous trails in Colombia, towards the El Dorado reserve. An exclusive place selected just for you with incredible views of the Sierra Nevada and changing light.

Our thirst for beautiful sunrises will keep us on our toes this morning. We’ll use our headlamps to stand at the most beautiful viewpoint of the reserve and photograph the first light on the snowy peaks of Colon & Bolivar. With more than 365 tropical birds, Minca and San Lorenzo are also among the best places in the world for bird watching. We will take advantage of our local guide to find unique endemic species in the world. The return by 4×4 will seem very short with all these beautiful images in mind. After the mountains, we join the coast for new tropical sceneries. Short break on the road to have lunch in a restaurant with a beautiful view on the Rio Piedras. We discover another beautiful & exclusive place: the Barlovento. The hotel is located at the mouth of the river Piedras, with the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background. It is an ideal place for a landscape photo session, but nature will surely reserve us some other surprises.

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This morning, we go to the Wayuu territory in Camarones, which is also home to a flamingo sanctuary in a unique habitat. But before that, we will make a stop over in Don Diego. Our trip continues by motorboat in the nature reserve of Taironaka. Located on the banks of the Rio Don Diego, Taironaka is an archaeological site of the greatest importance in the history of the region. We will take advantage of this ancestral site to realize some beautiful photos of environmental portraits with our indigenous friends Arhuacos. Then, river trip along the Rio Don Diego ending in the sea. Our expert guide will help us to observe various species of birds, howler monkeys, tiny crocodiles called Babillas, etc. He will also tell us cultural & historical anecdotes in the Taironaka Museum. Afternoon rich in colors, because we meet a woman chief of Wayuu clan who will make us discover her culture. We will then capture some of the most beautiful photos of our trip with a demonstration of ceremonial dance

Wake up early to join a small sailboat to capture the elegant flamingos at sunrise, with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the background. With the beautiful light of the morning, we will have perhaps the chance to photograph an endemic species, emblem of Guajira: the Vermilion Cardinal. Departure for new adventures: Taganga, near Santa Marta. On the way, lunch in an idyllic setting near the beach of Guachaca. Taganga is a typical fishing village that was once inhabited by the Carib Indians. We will let our curiosity guide us to meet the local fishermen and bring back some unique pictures. Dinner with a beautiful view of the Taganga bay.

This morning we take you to a place that few photographers have had the chance to visit. Nueva Venecia has the particularity to be the only village of the country entirely fluvial. Here, no car and no road, we move from house to house by canoe. We will take a private boat in the direction of the mangroves populated by thousands of marine birds, then we will visit the floating village to see the fishermen at work. If the school is open, we will make a short visit, followed by a demonstration of local music and dances. After these beautiful emotions, road towards Mompox, the universe of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Founded by the Spaniards in 1530, the site of Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful jewels of the colonial era. Despite this and its fantastic location on the Magdalena River, it receives very few visitors. It’s like having a giant living museum all to ourselves! Dinner in a charming restaurant near the river.

This morning we will meet on the beautiful grounds of the oldest part of the city with professional Cumbia musicians in costume to enhance our shots, they will help us create a striking visual art. To revive the history of this Mompox, we will have at our side a local guide who will open the doors of the houses of prestigious families, churches, and workshops of local craftsmen. Typical lunch on the banks of the Magdalena River. This afternoon, boat ride to photograph the ecosystem of the surrounding lagoons at sunset. Return to the sunset with a magnificent view of Mompox from the river. Tonight we will have the chance to have a demonstration of Mapalé & Cumbia dances during the aperitif. A great opportunity for us to document the culture of the depresión Momposina. Dinner in a charming restaurant near the river.

We would stay there much longer, but it is already time to leave the beautiful Mompox. Early departure for Cartagena. The “Pearl of the Caribbean” ​​is justly famous, rich in culture, colorful houses & lively squares. Meal on the road in a small village of stage. Arrival in the middle of the afternoon, just the time for us to check-in and freshen-up before exploring Cartagena’ center. This will be largely free shooting,but Tristan will use his charm to cajole locals into impromptu models when he sees a particularly good possibility. You are encouraged to use your own charm as well! Travel photography isn’t photojournalism, and creative license is fair game indeed.
Dinner at one of our secret addresses in Cartagena.

Today we will get up early to enjoy the beautiful historic center of Cartagena for a unique photo shoot. We will be lucky enough to have Cartagena all to ourselves, before the tourists arrive. With its colonial buildings and period architecture, it’s a perfect set up to photograph the grace and elegance of the Palenqueras, icons of Colombia. No limit in our creativity, we will be able to stroll in the streets with her and realize photos worthy of magazines. Once the shoot is over, accompanied by a local guide, we will continue our exploration and for more spontaneous photographs, as the city wakes up. Photo opportunities such as architecture, street photos, details on old doors, etc…
Lunch with Caribbean flavors. This afternoon, free time, or visit the district of getsemani and famous for its streets with umbrellas, its architecture and its magnificent grafitis. Perfect scenery to make colorful photos. We have one last iconic place to visit, Café Del Mar, the best sight in Cartagen

Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy a quiet morning and breakfast at the hotel, free time for souvenirs or a photo review, a photoshop session and advice with Tristan. Departure by cab to Cartagena airport

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