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La Manigua Lodge


COLOMBIA

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La Manigua Lodge


COLOMBIA

La Manigua Lodge

Colombia

PERSONALITIES

Wildlife lovers. Bird watchers. Photographers. Geology enthusiasts. Cacao aficionados.

MOMENTS

Living in the heart of the Amazon. Surreal colours of the earth. Bird’s eye view of the jungle. The calls of scarlet macaws. Embracing new communities. Connecting to nature in its purest form.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The best time to visit the Orinoquía region of Colombia, including attractions like La Manigua Lodge and Caño Cristales, depends on what you want to experience:

  • Color Season (June to November): This is the ideal time to visit Caño Cristales, often called the "River of Five Colors." During this season, unique aquatic plants called Macarenia clavigera bloom, turning the river into a vibrant display of red, yellow, green, blue, and black. The lush vegetation and flowing rivers make it a spectacular time to explore the region’s biodiversity.

  • Dry Season (December to March): This season is perfect for activities like hiking, bird-watching, and exploring landmarks such as Angosturas Canyon and Ciudad de Piedra. The dry weather makes navigating the trails and rock formations easier, and river levels may be lower, offering different perspectives of the landscape.

Both seasons provide unique opportunities, but visiting during the Color Season is particularly magical for witnessing the extraordinary beauty of Caño Cristales.

WHY STAY

Tucked away in the jungle of La Macarena in the heart of Colombia's breathtaking Orinoquía region, La Manigua Lodge is a remote sanctuary where raw nature and thoughtful design converge. Residing along the shores of Guayabero River and surrounded by dense tropical forests, the lodge immerses visitors in an untouched paradise, rich with biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.

Just a short distance away lies Caño Cristales, often referred to as the "River of Five Colors" or the "Liquid Rainbow," a natural wonder of vibrant hues of red, yellow, green, blue, and black caused by unique aquatic plants and crystal-clear waters. This extraordinary river offers guests an unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most beautiful natural spectacles.

The lodge’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-conscious design, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Elevated on stilts to adapt to seasonal flooding, the structures minimize environmental impact while ensuring comfort and usability. With its deep respect for nature and focus on meaningful experiences, La Manigua Lodge is more than just a retreat—it’s a model for harmonious, sustainable travel that enriches both guests and the planet.

WHY WANDER

La Manigua Lodge offers an immersive experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, situated at the heart of Colombia's biodiverse Orinoquía region. The lodge is surrounded by the vibrant ecosystems of the Sierra de La Macarena National Park, home to an extraordinary variety of species. Guests can encounter capybaras grazing by riverbanks, marvel at the elegance of pink river dolphins gliding through the water, and listen to the calls of scarlet macaws as they soar above the treetops. Guided excursions, including jungle treks and river safaris, bring visitors face-to-face with this astonishing wildlife, while bird-watching tours provide opportunities to spot rare and exotic species in their natural habitat. A highlight for many is visiting the mesmerizing Caño Cristales, the “River of Five Colors,” where vivid hues created by unique aquatic plants transform the river into a living masterpiece.

Beyond its wildlife, the region's untouched landscapes offer breathtaking adventures into the heart of the Sierra de La Macarena National Park. Guests can explore the Angosturas Canyon with its dramatic rock walls, wander through the ancient rock formations of Ciudad de Piedra, and soak in the stunning vistas from El Mirador. These natural wonders provide not only a sense of awe but also a deeper appreciation for the area's geological history and unspoiled beauty.

For those seeking a cultural connection, La Manigua Lodge offers experiences that celebrate the traditions and heritage of the local community. Guests can enjoy enchanting river serenades, a harmonious blend of music and nature, or participate in artisan cacao workshops, while learning about the cultural significance of cacao in Colombia and its journey from bean to bar.

INDULGE IN

Guests are treated to regional dishes that reflect the unique flavors of La Macarena. A standout feature is the cacao experience, where visitors can savor the rich, chocolatey notes of locally produced cacao, a tribute to the region's agricultural heritage.

GETTING THERE

To reach La Manigua Lodge, fly to La Macarena via Bogotá or Medellín during the Color Season, or via Villavicencio during the Dry Season. From there, enjoy a 30-minute boat ride upstream along the scenic Guayabero River to arrive at the lodge.

WILD INITIATIVES

Powered entirely by solar panels, the lodge minimizes its carbon footprint while offering guests modern comforts. Efforts to restore native forests and protect biodiversity are central to its mission, ensuring the preservation of the surrounding ecosystems for future generations. The lodge collaborates closely with the local community, fostering partnerships for tour operations and environmental education, while promoting economic opportunities. Plastic-free operations, eco-friendly amenities, and facilities designed to adapt to the surrounding forest create an immersive experience that not only reduces impact but deepens the connection between guests and nature.

Photos property of La Manigua Lodge

 
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Hotel Las Islas


COLOMBIA

Hotel Las Islas


COLOMBIA

LAS ISLAS

isla baru, COLOMBIA

PERSONALITIES

Divers. Bird lovers. Couples planning a destination wedding.  

MOMENTS

Aqua blue waters. Lush rainforest. Outdoor showers. Walls that open to the surrounding landscape. Feeling one with nature.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

January through March is warm but not too humid.

COST


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WHY STAY

Hotel Las Islas is a luxury eco retreat on Colombia’s Isla Barú, surrounded by white sand beaches, lush jungle, mysterious mangroves, and turquoise water.

Stay at the one of the seafront or treetop bungalows, with views of the sea or the neighboring Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo, complete with furnished decks and Hermes products. Or, for a unique experience, spend a night at sea aboard Casa Navegante - Las Islas’ catamaran. The hotel’s own private island - The Isleta - is ideal for weddings of up to 200 people or private stays for up to 14 people.

Take a dip in the freshwater pool. Try thalassotherapy-focused treatment at the seafront Spa Niña Daniela. Visit the solarium and take in the tropical views of one of the truly wild corners of the world. 

WHY WANDER

Visit the hotel’s own private island for the day. Venture out at night for the bioluminescent plankton tour. Observe diverse flora and fauna of the island’s mangroves. Visit Corals National Natural Park for unparalleled snorkelling and diving. Take a day trip to the stunning Rosario or the San Bernardo Islands, home to Santa Cruz del Islote - known for being one of the most densely populated islands on earth. Bird watchers will love the National Aviary - home to more than 1,800 birds. End the day with a night sky observation with the hotel’s Celestron CGX-L telescope.

INDULGE IN

Take a cooking class and learn how to make Colombian staples like ceviche. Eat surrounded by vegetation and orchids.

GETTING THERE

Hotel Las Islas is located at the tip of Ciénaga de Cholón, Barú, roughly 45 minutes away via speedboat from the city of Cartagena.

*Photos property of Las Islas

 

BOOKING INFO

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Calanoa Jungle Lodge


COLOMBIA

Calanoa Jungle Lodge


COLOMBIA

Calanoa Jungle Lodge

the amazon, COLOMBIA

PERSONALITIES

Creatives. Bird watchers. Travelers looking to make a difference.

MOMENTS

Mystical Colombian Amazon. Natural architecture. Exploring with all senses. True wild. Giving back.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The dry season is from July to December and is perfect for hiking. The rainy season is from January to June and is great for water-based activities and discovering nature from a canoe.

COST


 
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WHY STAY

Calanoa Jungle Lodge is an art and adventure retreat in the heart of the Colombian Amazon. The space offers travelers a unique experience of connecting with the indigenous environment and cultures through creative workshops.

The lodge is located inside the Calanoa Natural Reserve on the banks of the Amazon River, close to indigenous villages of the Tikuna, Cocama, Huitoto, and Bora people, as well as Amacayacu Natural Park. Calanoa has been built with minimal impact to the Amazon forest using wood, raw earth, and ceramic in partnership with the local communities. Hardwood trees, fruits, and palms have been planted in order to supply building materials and food.

The owners, Diego and Marlene Sampler, have created the lodge and The Calanoa Amazonas Foundation to help conserve the biological and cultural diversity of the Amazon Region through sustainable tourism, art, community education, and research. The hotel is a place to truly experience the native environment and make a positive impact.

WHY WANDER

One of Calanoa’s most unique offerings is its arts program, focussed on interacting with nature and indigenous cultures through ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture, and environmental arts. See the Amazon through a new lens with a Photosynthesis Photography Workshop. Explore the natural fibers of the rainforest with the Fiber Arts Workshops.

Hike the Calanoa Natural Reserve and the Amacayacu National Park. Canoe through the ancient river. Fish. Camp deep in the forest. Go early morning bird watching. Visit indigenous communities, like Mocagua, the painted village. Learn about the Amazon’s medicinal plants.

INDULGE IN

Brazilian, Colombian, and Peruvian cuisine fuzed with ancient Amazonian traditions. Freshly baked bread.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Leticia, Colombia. Arrange a private or a public boat transfer to the lodge.

*Photos property of Calanoa + Guillaume AMAT

 

GET INVOLVED

The Calanoa Foundation intends to contribute to the conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of the Amazonian region, supporting the improvement of quality of life and sustainable development of the communities around The Calanoa Natural Reserve. To contribute to the awareness of environmental issues, the improvement of the quality of education and the quality of life, the Foundation's programs explore creative processes of regional communication, through visual and performing arts, communication design, the production of teaching materials and the support of local schools.

Contact us to find out how you can get involved!

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Blue Apple Beach


COLOMBIA

Blue Apple Beach


COLOMBIA

BLUE APPLE BEACH

Tierra Bomba, COLOMBIA

PERSONALITIES

Lovers of beach clubs, rosé and music. Divers. Artists looking for a tropical residency.

MOMENTS

Secluded beaches. Watching the waves from your bed. Lazy lunches. Dancing barefoot. Island living.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

January through March is warm but not too humid.

COST


 
 

WHY STAY

Blue Apple Beach House is a destination retreat on the southern shore of Tierra Bomba island, Colombia, equal parts beach club, restaurant and boutique hotel.

Stay in one of ten rooms or private beach bungalow cabañas, designed with local techniques and materials. Choose the Coco, Piña & Corozo Cabaña or the Manzana Cabaña complete with handwoven hammocks, private plunge pools, and outdoor rainforest showers. 

Enjoy the lively bohemian vibe and the laid back atmosphere in this unique tropical paradise that will feel like home.

WHY WANDER

Enjoy the hammock life. Explore Tierra Bomba on horseback. Divers will love the islands’s own coral reef, as well as other nearby dive sites (Baru, Rosario Islands). Visit local villages and cultural sites on a back of motorbike. 

INDULGE IN

Fresh caught Seabass. Artichoke carpaccio. Paella Del Mar. Coco Locos. Provençal rosé.  

GETTING THERE

Take a 30 minutes speedboat from the city of Cartagena.

*Photos property of Blue Apple Beach

 

BOOKING INFO

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Playa Manglares


COLOMBIA

Playa Manglares


COLOMBIA

Playa Manglares

isla baru, COLOMBIA

Personalities

Curious Explorers, Hippies, Bird Enthusiasts, Beach Bums

Moments

Waking up with the roosters to the sunrise outside your window. Falling asleep to the soft calls of wildlife all around you. Colombian coffee with vanilla sunsets. Swinging in a hammock. Tingling from a day spent in the sun with a cool serene breeze on your skin.

Best Visiting Months

Anytime of year - you are almost on the equator!

Cost


 
 

Why stay

It is hard to do Playa Manglares justice solely with words and images. You realize how special this place is once you step out of the cab and get a warm embrace from your host Olga. The feeling you get when at a family cottage mixed with wild outback lodging in a remote untouched paradise describes Playa Manglares best. The Eco-lodge is located on a bay surrounded by mangrove and palm trees and full of wildlife. There are 3 floors with a different beautifully designed room on each floor, suited for the needs of a family, a couple, or friends traveling together. Little touches like a hammock in the room overlooking the bay or intricately tiled outdoor shower amidst a lush jungle make Playa Manglares unforgettable.

Why wander

A short motorcycle ride away is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Playa Blanca. Be a beach bum for the day or take a boat trip to the nearby Rosario Islands, where you can snorkel and dive or simply enjoy having a private island to yourself. Once back at Playa Manglares, make sure to visit the Bird Sanctuary, and see why Colombia is one of the best places to bird-watch.

Indulge in

The juiciest and sweetest mango and papaya you will ever taste. Yucca and Cheese pastry. Guava coconut candy for dessert. Outdoor communal dinners with a different special everyday. You can count on it being fresh, local and organic.

Getting There

Fly into Cartagena and take a 50 minute taxi to Baru Island. Get around the island on the back of the locals' motorcycle.

*Photos property of PLAYA MANGLARES

 

BOOKING INFO