NATURE EXPERIENCE – JUNGLE, WATERFALLS, CHOCOLATE ; SUGARCANE

Day 1: Nature Reserve Río Claro (L, D) Explore the fascinating landscape of the mountains of the Eastern Andes. The unique Nature Reserve Rio Claro has been voted one the most beautiful river sceneries in Colombia. Its crystal-clear water and the riverbed of marble meander through the narrow canyon lush with tropical rain forest. Enjoy the nature of the beautiful canyons surrounding “Rio Claro”. You have plenty of time to relax on the stunning beaches of the Claro River. On a zip lining circuit with several stations you can enjoy a bird´s eye view of the river and the trees. You will spend the night at El Refugio eco-lodge in the Río Claro nature reserve. Day 2: Community Tourism - Artisanal chocolate & Biodiversity of Antioquia (B, L, D) Today you travel to the idyllic village of San Francisco to visit a local community project. The region of the Eastern Highlands was related to Coca production due to the internal conflict.  After the war, the local farmer communities received training and support by international NGO´s to replace the Coca fields by legal crops. Nowadays the villagers produce cacao on organic farms. Learn more about the most typical Colombian product and artisanal chocolate production. After a refreshing bath in the impressive tropical river pools experiences the impressive biodiversity of the regional flora and fauna visiting a butterfly garden and a snake house at El Faisán Foundation. The family-run NGO wants to improve the awareness of the local population about the fragile tropical ecosystems. Without any governmental support, they do everything to save the species of endemic amphibians of the region. The tropical part of the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia is listed as a high biodiversity hotspot. Spend the night at an eco-lodge with awesome views. Day 3: Sugarcane & tropical Andean landscapes (B,L) The topic of the day is sugarcane. As a sugarcane growing country Colombia represents the main producer of Panela – unrefined raw sugarcane – in South America. On more than 200,000 hectares about 350,000 farmers are living of sugarcane crops and of processing Panela. The main use of Panela in Colombia is the so-called “agua panela” which is one of the most consumed beverages of the country. Visit a sugarcane farm and stroll through the sugarcane fields and learn more about its particular uses in Colombia. Later on, relax at the Jacuzzi or natural swimming pool of the hotel before travelling back to Medellín.