Transforming Tourism in the Amazon Through Education

Photo © Courtesy of Biodiverso Travel

Transforming Tourism in the Amazon Through Education

The Colombian Amazon is full of wonders for adventurous travelers to discover. But promoting sustainable tourism in a region historically marked by conflict and insecurity is no easy feat.

For over a decade, Biodiverso Travel, an interdisciplinary group of professional tourist guides, has worked tirelessly to showcase the natural beauty, culture, and history of their homeland. Their mission is to provide memorable travel experiences and foster environmental conservation and social transformation.

CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION

Biodiverso came from a deep love for the Amazon’s fragile ecosystems, threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. By partnering with local rural families and businesses, Biodiverso has created a tourism model that educates visitors while promoting environmental stewardship.

"We live surrounded by lush nature, but it’s fragile because of deforestation and wildlife habitat loss," explained one of the guides. "Tourism with locals offers income, helping people improve their quality of life. At the same time, it generates environmental education processes to protect and conserve our environment."

The goal of improving quality of life is signifi cant, as much of Biodiverso’s success includes its focus on community tourism and fair trade. This collaboration has improved the quality of tourism services and uplifted the local communities. "We work with rural families, our main service suppliers for the tourist operation," the guide continued. "With tourism development, we have accompanied these families in improving their service quality."

When it comes to leading the charge in sustainable tourism, Biodiverso has tackled challenges head-on through comprehensive training programs involving private organizations, NGOs, travel agencies, and academic institutions. "Tourism is a relatively new branch of economic activity here. Generating common growth through different training programs was one of our fi rst challenges," the guide shared. The peace process has signifi cantly improved regional security, but changing public perception remains a work in progress.

THE CERRO AZUL TOUR

One of Biodiverso's most popular tours is to Cerro Azul, home to some of the most iconic archaeological sites on earth. This site boasts over 11,000 square feet of Paleolithic rock art dating back 12,000 years.

The tour begins in the urban area of San Jose del Guaviare, where visitors embark on a 29-mile gravel road journey to the Cerro Azul settlement. Here, visitors receive site admission and recommendations before starting a two-mile hike that takes approximately three hours. The fi rst rock art panel is reached after a 25-minute walk through pastureland and a short steep slope, offering a glimpse of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. This panel is one of the best-preserved and most iconic.

The hike continues through the jungle to a 700-foot-long cave inhabited by bats, leading to the second level of rock art panels. From this vantage point, visitors can take in the vastness of the Amazon jungle and the longest rock art panels. After exploring the site, visitors return to the reception house, where a community-based tourism association offers a delicious local lunch, concluding the tour on a high note.

THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

Biodiverso’s commitment to sustainable and educational tourism is reshaping how people experience travel. By fostering a deep connection between visitors and the environment, they ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from these incredible natural and historical sites.