Fri. July 14, 2023
By Jerry Nunn
The Republic of Colombia has a great deal to offer travelers who visit and there's an obvious sense of pride from inhabitants that is displayed in everything they do.
Out in Colombia is a travel company that creates tailor-made experiences, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Current leaders of the organization, Juan David Borja, Sam Castaneda Holdren and Jorge Mario Rios all have the skills and connections to make a traveler feel right at home while exploring a whole new world. When facing some challenging times during my trip the team literally took me by the hand to make sure I was safe.
They are partnered with the tourist agency Magic Tour Colombia which provides knowledgable guides to take visitors on immersive experiences. This can range from treks to the Lost City or a trip to Tayrona National Nature Park.
A bumpy boat ride will take guests to designated beaches, such as Playa Cristal, to see wildlife and swim in crystal clear water.
Follow this up with a city tour of Santa Marta to learn about ancestors and architecture then set your sights higher. The Sierra Nevada Chocolate Experience takes place high in the sky on the North Side of Colombia where tourists can explore the company's humble beginnings as a small producer of real chocolate.
On the way back down on the mountain make a pit stop at Hotel on the Rock in Minca for lunch or stay for the night and fall asleep in a lofty hammock.
Close out the night at Bar Elles Disco Social easily spotted by the rainbow flag at the entrance and the dance music blasting from the DJ's fingertips.
Find more LGBTQ+ inclusive venues in Medellin, the second-largest city in Colombia. Barbacoas Street is the place to meet and find meat with some flavor within a bustling downtown scene. Start off the night with cocktails at the open-air Donde Aquellos Bar before walking over to the nearby Bar Chiquita for a drag show. Finish the festivities by shaking a tail feather at a huge venue called Club Oraculo where the party doesn't stop until the next day.
These bars and several other companies joined in the Pride celebrations in Medellin on July 2, 2023, which broke records with over 90,000 marching participants in the parade, not even counting the supportive onlookers. This year was the first time that the capitol of Colombia was decorated for Pride, which makes it both historic and important.
More possibilities that Out in Colombia can curate for clients is a tour of Centro Cultural Moravia to learn about the important work being done in the community followed by a walking tour of beautiful murals around the city square.
Stop by the 125-year-old coffee farm known as Capilla Del Rosario Cafe for samples and to learn about coffee from the ground up. The owners will warm your heart with stories as the caffeine activates the rest of your senses on a mountain.
Need a pop-up party put together for a group? Out in Colombia can provide a private chef, a sexy bartender and live DJ in a comfortable setting where guests can shop in a safe setting while watching special entertainers strut their stuff at a unique venue.
The sky is the limit with what this gay-owned company can create for those visiting their part of the world. Click over to OutInColombia.com and start planning your adventure in South America today!
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