Summer Trips that Transform - Experience the Cacao Harvest at Hacienda Bambusa, Armenia, Colombia
While Hacienda Bambusa may be located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, the owners are truly passionate about cultivating cacao to produce fine, artisanal chocolates. Cacao is harvested in two seasons, and the main harvest occurs from April to June and guests staying over these dates have the opportunity to get in on the action.
Experience the Cacao Harvest at Hacienda Bambusa, Armenia, Colombia
Great For: Great For: Foodies, Families, The Culturally Curious, Adventure Seekers
While Hacienda Bambusa may be located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, the owners are truly passionate about cultivating cacao to produce fine, artisanal chocolates. Cacao is harvested in two seasons, and the main harvest occurs from April to June and guests staying over these dates have the opportunity to get in on the action.
Together with Bambusa’s Chef, explore the hacienda's cacao fields to harvest pods while will be used to make your own hot chocolate. Experience the step by step process that goes into making a cup of hot chocolate; obtain and dry the cocoa seed, grind your own cocoa, and prepareg a delicious cup of chocolate to enjoy with fresh farm cheese or with an arepa. The bitterness of the chocolate drink might surprise you, and highlights how much extra sugar and cocoa butter goes into the sweet mass-produced chocolates more commonly found in grocery stores!
Experiencing the cacao harvest is just one facet of a stay at Hacienda Bambusa; guests can also explore colorful Salento, hike through the wax palms of the stunning Cocora Valley, explore the surrounding countryside on horseback and of course visit a coffee plantation. From April 17th-June 30th, enjoy a 25% discount on the “Highlights of Bambusa” package (half board + a welcome hike of the property) and add-on the Cacao Experience.
Summer Trips that Transform - Get Comfortable in the Saddle at Hacienda Zuleta
The quality of Zuleta’s horses and the expertise of their local riding guides and cowboys is reflected in the yearly return of guests for whom a week of riding through the Andes above Hacienda Zuleta is an annual experience. But you don’t have to be an equestrian expert to experience the 4,000 acre historical working farm and surrounding countryside on horseback.
Get Comfortable in the Saddle at Hacienda Zuleta
Great For: Families, Active Travelers, Honeymooners, Equestrian Enthusiasts
The quality of Zuleta’s horses and the expertise of their local riding guides and cowboys is reflected in the yearly return of guests for whom a week of riding through the Andes above Hacienda Zuleta is an annual experience. But you don’t have to be an equestrian expert to experience the 4,000 acre historical working farm and surrounding countryside on horseback. With a herd of nearly 100 horses, the Hacienda is known for its beautiful Zuleteño horses - a unique mixture between the Spanish-Andalusian, Thoroughbred and American Quarter horse. The outcome of this crossbreeding is a robust and noble Andean horse with the perfect disposition for trail-riding.
If a riding vacation is of interest, be sure to read through the detailed description of “Horseback Riding Excursions” Within you will find dozens of options ranging from short intro rides around the immediate property to half and full days rides which take more advanced riders to remote panorama points overlooking the snowy Andean mountains. Particularly fun for families (and accessible to children as young as 6) is the early morning “La Manada” in which participants assist the Hacienda cowboys in moving the herd from their overnight pasture to the hacienda, returning to Zuleta’s grounds among the thundering of hundreds of hooves!
Horseback riding at Hacienda Zuleta is an additional cost, but their sales team is happy to create a custom package with flexible options for your guests. Longer stays are eligible for additional discounts and value - Book 3 nights and get 1 short ride free of cost. Stays of 4 - 5 nights receive a 5% discount. Stays of 6+ nights receive a 10% discount.
Summer Trips that Transform - Learn the Art of Naturalist Guiding at Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Is your ultimate dream to identify wildlife with the soothing accuracy of David Attenborough? Whether you are a budding biologist, a hardcore nature enthusiast or a wannabe birder, the guiding pros at Lapa Rios can take your identification and interpretation skills to the next level with their 5-night Lapa Rios Guide School, available in May, June and August of 2018.
Learn the Art of Naturalist Guiding at Lapa Rios Ecolodge
Great For: Nature Lovers, Educational Travel, Aspiring Guides, Birders
Is your ultimate dream to identify wildlife with the soothing accuracy of David Attenborough? Whether you are a budding biologist, a hardcore nature enthusiast or a wannabe birder, the guiding pros at Lapa Rios can take your identification and interpretation skills to the next level with their 5-night Lapa Rios Guide School, available in May, June and August of 2018.
Under the careful tutelage of some of the very best rainforest guides in the business, learn what it takes to be a naturalist guide with the wild Osa Peninsula as your classroom. Distinguish your squirrel from your spider monkeys. Identify the calls of toucans amongst the jungle chorus. Know your medicinal flora and your venomous fauna. Tap into almost 50 years of cumulative guiding knowledge, learning indispensable techniques while out hiking nature trails. Interact with the community and experience the Osa Peninsula from a new perspective and learn about conservation challenges and initiatives in what National Geographic calls the most biologically intense place on earth. Your efforts for the week are capped off with an official “Guide School Graduation” and certificate of achievement.
Prices for this 5-night/ 6-day natural immersion start at $1,760 per person. The Lapa Rios Guide school is limited to 8 persons and minimum age of 14 years of age. To arrange this experience for your clients, agents should contact should contact their preferred local DMC or Tour Operator.
Excellent wildlife viewing right from your own private balcony
Summer Trips that Transform, Inspire & Enlighten
For today’s traveler, the summer holiday season isn’t just about relaxing on a beach with a frozen cocktail or soaking up sunshine somewhere. Increasingly, travelers want to utilize their vacation time to learn a new skill, pursue personal development, or tackle a physical challenge that leave them transformed. These destinations offer just that.
Summer Trips that Transform, Inspire & Enlighten
For today’s traveler, the summer holiday season isn’t just about relaxing on a beach with a
frozen cocktail or soaking up sunshine somewhere. Increasingly, travelers want to utilize their
vacation time to learn a new skill, pursue personal development or tackle a physical challenge that leave them transformed, with lasting habits and a changed outlook on life and the world around them.
If you have clients – both families and adults – that are in search of something immersive, educational or somewhat off the grid over the North America summer months, look no further than Latin America. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite picks for experiences that will challenge & enlighten while also offering extra value due to the off-peak time frame for each destination.
Use the links below to access the individual posts about each destination and experience.
The Cayuga Collection - Leaders in Sustainable Luxury
Get to know the mission and values of the Cayuga Collection, a world leader in providing sustainable hospitality experiences. The six properties that we currently represent in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama are all managed by Cayuga.
With the expansion of this portfolio into Central America, we’re excited to welcome six new properties in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama that are all operated by the Cayuga Collection, an industry leader in providing sustainable luxury hospitality experiences.
Founders Hans Pfister and Andrea Bonilla are both graduates of Cornell University’s Hotel School in Ithaca, New York and dedicated ecotourism professionals. (Hans actually began his career managing the Hampton Inn at the San Jose Airport where he made waves in the late 80s by eliminating single use bath products in favor of refillable bottles.) Together, Andrea and Hans started Cayuga in 1994 with the goal to blend true luxury travel with practices that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to the local communities. They now manage nine individually owned hotels across the region, of which we are currently representing six. These are Jicaro Island Ecolodge, Latitude 10 Resort, Arenas del Mar , Kurà Design Villas, Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Isla Palenque, a new private island resort along Panama's north Pacific coast. In 2017 Cayuga won the National Geographical World Legacy Award in the Earth Changers category.
Andrea and Hans - Founders of the Cayuga Collection
While there is some variation across the properties, the following are hallmarks of the entire collection:
No Single Use Plastic Bottles or Straws: Tap water at the Cayuga hotels is always treated and filtered to international standards and is 100% safe for human consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to refill or can borrow one for the duration of their visit. Additionally, the Cayuga properties did away with plastic drinking straws several years ago, replacing these with a robust, compostable bamboo option which was the brainchild of a gardener at the Harmony Hotel in Nosara. Needless to say, he’s not gardening anymore.
Bamboo straws in cocktails at Jicaro Island
Sustainability on Display: A mission of the Cayuga Hotels is to educate guests on their sustainability practices, even the unglamorous and often overlooked ones like composting and carefully monitoring exact water to load ratios for optimal energy efficiency in the laundry room. Each property offers a complimentary “Behind the Scenes” sustainability tour to showcase the various ways green practices are implemented. This ranges from using solar panels to heat water to raising pigs to break down compostable scraps in order to produce biogas.
Go Natural: You won’t find trimmed grass lawns or perfectly paved walkways at these properties. Most of the hotels exist within the tropical rainforest so lush, natural vegetation is cultivated and in many cases, was left intact and undisturbed when the property was constructed. This equates to more wildlife, especially birds and monkeys who feed on the fruits of established trees.
Natural vegetation means more wildlife overhead or right outside your window
Employ Local: Across the 9 properties and including headquarters in San Jose, Cayuga employs over 400 individuals from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Staff at each hotel are 80%-100% from the local community immediately surrounding the property. All positions are year round, keeping service standards consistent and fostering cross training among employees who don't have to worry about seasonal layoffs which are typical at many Costa Rica hotels.
Eat & Drink Local: Cayuga piloted the global “Dock to Dish” program in Central America - they connect their chefs with local fishermen and only use responsibly caught seafood. This often leads to unique dishes as the hotels all pledge to purchase and prepare whatever teh fishermen bring in that day. Additionally, their restaurants use only grass-fed beef and hormone-free chicken and as many locally produced and organic fruits and vegetables as possible.
Local fishermen in Puerto Jimenez, part of the Dock to Dish program at Lapa Rios
Community Investment: The company founded and finances a public charity called Earth Equilibrium, which focuses on environmental education & community development. Supported projects range from providing local schools with solar power and a water filtration system to providing residents with educational, infrastructure and sustainable food projects
It's true that the Cayuga Collection properties may not be for everyone; travelers seeking a larger tropical resort experience with AC, dedicated pool butlers, manicured grounds, golf courses or a full gym may be happier with the international name brand resorts typical of Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula. But for travelers who seek to experience authentic local culture, have friendly and genuine interactions with members of the community, travel in a style that is environmentally conscious while giving back through travel, Cayuga is for them.
Latest News from the Properties
Here is a roundup of the latest news and happenings from each of the properties.
Latest News from the Properties
COLOMBIA
Coffee Region, Colombia
Tourism to Colombia is booming. Hacienda Bambusa is essentially already full for January and February of 2018. Remember to take advantage of the special 25% discount at Bambusa from mid April through the end of June. An updated 2018 Rates Sheet can be downloaded here, which includes details on this discount.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
Hacienda Zuleta - Ecuador
Construction of the new dining room at Hacienda Zuleta is complete and guests are now enjoying more space and seating options. Guests can choose to dine family style with others or select individual more private tables, even outdoor patio seating.
Have a look at the new dining room below and then read about options to visit Zuleta for the day, for those that can't swing an overnight.
If you have travelers who will just be in Quito for a night or two but want to venture out of the city, consider Hacienda Zuleta's new "dine & learn" option. Designed for travelers who can't stay at the Hacienda but want to have lunch and learn about the property's rich history, the experience lasts four hours and includes a homemade three-course lunch. Optional add-ons include a bike or horseback ride in the surrounding region or a guided visit of the cheese factory and embroidery workshop. A great option for travelers just stopping over in Quito on either end of a Galapagos trip - we bet they'll want to return to Zuleta! Net rates start at $90 per person and can be booked via your Ecuador Tour Operator or DMC.
Cloudforest, Ecuador
You can now venture behind the scenes of Mashpi Lodge on Netflix. The BBC series "Amazing Hotels" is newly available for Netflix subscribers.
You can also delve behind the scenes with "The Mashpi Project", the title of a photography book due for publication in 2018 that showcases the unique and often difficult to spot members of the Choco Ecosystem. The project brings together both Mashpi staff and award-winning photographers and graphic designers and 50% of all sales proceeds will go towards funding conservation efforts at Mashpi. For a sample of the stunning wildlife photography and more about the project, read The Mashpi Project post on Mashpi Lodge's blog or search #themashpiproject on Instagram.
Our annual Ecuador and Galapagos FAM trip is now set for May 4th-13th, 2018. This trip stays at Casa Gangotena, Mashpi Lodge, Galapagos Safari Camp and Hacienda Zuleta. If you are interested in being considered for this trip, please express your interest via email and also provide a bit of history on your current and prospective Galapagos and Ecuador bookings.
Enjoy this short new promotional video from Galapagos Safari Camp.
December 6th is Quito's official day of founding but the city devotes the whole first week of December to celebrating the "Fiestas de Quito." If you'll be in Quito during this celebratory period, be sure to check out Casa Gangotena's blog post on the "Top Things to Enjoy During Fiestas de Quito." From drinking hot canelazo to riding a chiva to learning how to play cuarenta, these tips will have you partying like a local.
CHILE & ARGENTINA
As most of you know by now, Awasi Iguazu will open its doors for public bookings beginning February 5th, 2018. Rates and booking details are available for download via this link. An extensive Fact Sheet and a presentation of the property with information on the common areas + blueprints of the villa layout can be found by clicking on the respective imbedded links. I'm heading down to experience the property in late January and will send a full update + schedule of webinar trainings after my return.
Award-winning National Geographic photographer Keith Ladzinski is currently at Awasi Patagonia documenting the wildlife and landscapes. Follow their facebook page for the latest photos from Keith and check out his awesome time-lapse of a windy morning in Torres del Paine, shared via Instagram.
PERU
Titilaka will take care of your guests in Lima!
Guests booked for stays at Titilaka occurring from January 15th till March 15th of 2018 will receive complimentary hotel nights in Lima. Three nights in Titilaka equals 2 complimentary nights in Lima or book 2 nights Titilaka and receive 1 complimentary night in Lima.
Titilaka also has availability over Christmas and Easter Week 2018 as of this writing.
Two rooms are available from December 20-27th, 2017 and four rooms are available from March 25th to the 31st. Easter Week is an excellent time for guests interested in cultural traditions as nearby Puno is renowned for its Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivals and parades, which present a colorful blend of Christian and Andean customs and symbolism.
Considering Titilaka and Lake Titicaca as part of a family trip to Peru? Tara Cannon of Pint Size Pilot wrote about her family's recent stay at Titilaka on her blog.
Hotel B has curated a series of excellent experiences that highlight the world-class culinary scene of Lima. Read the full blog post for details on their market visits & cooking class or shorter craft cocktail lessons, a fun way to kick off or end a trip to Peru.
December marks the return of Hotel B's beloved 'Christmas Tea' available daily from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Think full High Tea service with a festive twist. If you have guests staying at Hotel B in December, make sure they are aware of this offer as reservations are suggested due to the popularity. It's an excellent experience to return to after a day of exploring Lima.
To reserve, please email: recepcion@hotelb.pe (Price: S/59 Adults; S/35 children) (About $18 USD for adults and $11 USD for children.)
Tara Cannon of Pint Sized Pilot recently traveled to the Peruvian Amazon and stayed at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica as part of their family trip to Peru. Read Tara's take on exploring the Amazon with children on her recent blog post.
For our "The People Behind the Experience" series, we recently interviewed Luisella Garmendia, General Manager at Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco. Learn more about Luisella and the fascinating history of the La Casona building on the CK blog.
Luisella Garmendia of Inkaterra La Casona - The People Behind the Experience
Inkaterra La Casona has a reputation as one of the most bespoke and exclusive properties in all of Cusco. It can be hard to book for your clients due to its limited availability and sterling reputation, but it's so worth it when you can! We sat down with Luisella Garmendia, the General Manager, to learn a bit more about Inkaterra La Casona and what sets it apart.
Luisella Garmendia of Inkaterra La Casona
- The People Behind the Experience -
For travel professionals that organize and sell high end travel to Peru, most have a love/hate relationship with Inkaterra La Casona. They love when they are able to get availability in one of the 11 exclusive suites for their clients, it allows them to offer something so authentic and exclusive that sets their services apart from the masses. But due to the small size and sterling reputation of the property amongst industry insiders, they hate that availability, more often than not, results in the dreaded waitlist game.
We sat down with Luisella Garmendia, the General Manager, to learn a bit more about Inkaterra La Casona and what sets it apart in Cusco
First, what was your background prior to becoming GM of Inkaterra La Casona?
I worked many years for the Belmond chain of hotels, when they were still called Orient Express Hotels. I worked as receptionist and then in guest services at the Monasterio Hotel, which sits just across the Plazoleta Nazarenas from La Casona. Then I spent a few years in sales for the Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima. In 2008 I was offered a role in guest services for Inkaterra and took it, eventually assuming the role of GM at Inkaterra La Casona in 2010.
...only those with one of the 11 rooms keys get a chance to experience the history behind these doors.
Considering that Belmond is one of the most internationally recognized luxury hotel brands, what was it that made you decide to go work for Inkaterra?
Correct, I'm extremely grateful for my time with Belmond and still have the utmost respect for the brand, their hotels and service standards. With that being said, first, I wanted to get back to Cusco, there is something magical about this city that never leaves you. Second, I had worked in hospitality long enough to know that what I loved doing, and what makes me happy, is interacting with guests. Inkaterra La Casona, having only 11 suites compared to the much larger hotels I had experience working in, was just a perfect fit for me. You can really get to know each and every guest on a personal level, and the setting is more intimate. I never think anymore in terms of check in and check out, but rather of welcoming them into my home for a few days and making sure they leave feeling like they were part of something special for the time they were with us. Third, I'm proudly Peruvian...and had watched this beautiful colonial building sit in a state of sad abandonment for many years before Inkaterra acquired it in 1999. Then over years and years, the most thoughtful and dedicated restoration process unfolded by Inkaterra. Although known for their hotels, Inkaterra is a true champion in sustainable development and in conserving the biodiversity and cultural heritage that Peru offers visitors. So being invited to be part of such a tremendous local vision, the pride that came along with being able to share that with visitors, and the simple fact of working in Cusco's most storied building every day was just something I would never pass up. Inkaterra La Casona is also the only Relais & Chateaux property in Cusco, a real distinction for travelers looking for someplace unique.
One of just two of the Plaza View Suites at Inkaterra La Casona
Speaking about the history of Inkaterra La Casona, in a nutshell, what makes it so unique in Cusco?
Oh, wow...in a nutshell? Hahaha... This site during Inca times was the Warakos Academy, it was the training center for the most elite of the Incan army. The foundations of the current building here are original Inca walls from that period of time. Then after Francisco Pizzaro's conquest of the Inca Empire during the late 16th century, this was the first colonial building erected on top of Incan ruins after the siege of Cusco. The house was first home to Diego de Almagro, who was one of Pizarro's Captains during the Inca conquest and later become the first European discoverer of Chile. Next, La Casona was home to Captain Francisco Barrientos and Don Juan Alvarez de Maldonado who is credited with expanding the conquest into the Amazon. And then the most notable resident of the home was Simon Bolivar who lived here after leading the independence of Peru from Spain in 1825.
So, what about during your time as General Manager, who are some of the most memorable guests you have cared for?
Well, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones has a special affinity for Peru and La Casona is his home when in Cusco. We have also had Bono from U2 and Antonio Banderas, to name just a few.
But probably my most memorable guests were in 2014 when the Dutch Royal Family - King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, along with their children and grandchildren were our guests, they were such a lovely family to host.
When you are not working, what do you do?
I'm always working. But, I have two precious little girls, so I'm enjoying time with them on days off....while still always attentive to what is happening at the property.
Ecuador with the Kids - Pint Size Pilot
Earlier this year, I helped Tara Cannon arrange a trip to Ecuador with her husband and two children, ages 9 and 12. Tara is the founder of the leading family-travel blog 'Pint Size Pilot'. Through documenting her own experiences of traveling as a family, she seeks to show other parents that having children does not mean an end to exotic, interesting or adventurous journeys.
Ecuador With The Kids
Earlier this year, I helped Tara Cannon arrange a trip to Ecuador with her husband and two children, ages 9 and 12. Tara is the founder of the leading family-travel blog 'Pint Size Pilot'. Through documenting her own experiences of traveling as a family, she seeks to show other parents that having children does not mean an end to exotic, interesting or adventurous journeys.
Views of the main square from the rooftop terrace at Casa Gangotena, Quito
While Pint Size Pilot is geared towards globe-trotting parents, Tara's website is a great resource for travel industry professionals too. She peppers her destination and hotel blogs with first-hand recommendations on flying with children, gear reviews, restaurant advice and directories for babysitting services and baby equipment rentals throughout North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. If you are ever stumped by a family-travel related question from a client, there's a chance that the answer can be found on Pint Size Pilot.
Exploring the Andean Highlands on horseback at Hacienda Zuleta
In Ecuador Tara's family was hosted at each of the Ecuador mainland properties in the Clark Kotula Collection; Casa Gangotena in Quito, Mashpi Ecolodge in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and Hacienda Zuleta in the Andean Mountains of Northern Ecuador. The following links take you directly to her blog posts, good fodder to send to travelers who are considering a mainland Ecuador extension before or after a Galapagos Islands trip.
Top Things to do in Quito, Ecuador with Kids: Highlights a few less-obvious attractions that appeal to children and a great resource for family travelers with a free day in Quito.
Discovering the Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge
Review of Mashpi Lodge: Candid review of the property as an optional trip from Quito with great anecdotes about the wonderful, kid-friendly guides and additional amenities that the lodge provides to help younger visitors really engage with the surrounding Cloud Forest environment. Tara also provides good information on weather and packing suggestions.
Paradise Found: Hacienda Zuleta: I've said it before, but it is always nice to have another voice echoing my sentiment; Zuleta is made for families. Tara spent a few nights here at the start of her Ecuador trip to relax after a long flight but Hacienda Zuleta is ideal at the beginning or the end of any larger Ecuador adventure. Knowing that the kids can safely roam the property under the supervision of farm dogs is a treat for mom and dad.
Canine companion "Mambo" - perfect guide for exploring the grounds at Hacienda Zuleta
Hacienda Bambusa's Olivier Dufeu & Diego Ruiz - The People Behind the Experience
Hacienda Bambusa is a hidden gem in Colombia. It's remote, tucked away at the foothills of the Andes in the lush central coffee region, a position that is equal parts magically charming and logistically challenging. Colombian Contemporary artist Santiago Montoya owns the property; here we find out more about the magic of Bambusa.
Hacienda Bambusa's Olivier Dufeu & Diego Ruiz - The People Behind the Experience
Hacienda Bambusa is a hidden gem in Colombia. It's remote, tucked away at the foothills of the Andes in the lush central coffee region, a position that is equal parts magically charming and logistically challenging. Colombian Contemporary artist Santiago Montoya owns the property; he and his family still keep a house nearby and used to oversee the management of the Hacienda personally. But balancing a hospitality role with the demands of an escalating international art career proved impossible and four years ago, the Montoya family decided to suspend operations at Hacienda Bambusa, closing it to the public.
Enter Olivier Dufeu, a Frenchman who worked in Chile & Argentina and Diego Ruiz, a Cali native who became a Buenos Aires restauranteur. Partners in business and in life, they were traveling through Colombia three years ago while in search of potential business opportunities and fell in love with the Coffee Triangle Region. With backgrounds in hospitality, tourism and restaurant management, their skill set and passion were exactly the magic that Hacienda Bambusa needed to reopen her doors. Through Clark Kotula, Olivier & Diego connected with the Montoya Family and Hacienda Bambusa reopened under their creative vision and detailed management.
Olivier and Diego have a compelling story and were kind enough to answer a few questions for us. We hope you enjoy this interview with the People Behind the Experience at Hacienda Bambusa!
First, the most important question. How did you two meet each other?
We met five years ago in Buenos Aires and while we tell people that we had an initial great connection, in truth is was love at first sight! I (Olivier) was working for a travel agency & tour operator in Buenos Aires after traveling around South America for several years and Diego owned a restaurant. We met at a bar in BA and bonded over our love of travel, music, excellent food and South America as a whole.
Why did you make the leap from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Armenia, Colombia?
Diego is from Cali, Colombia, and I was always interested in exploring more of that particular country beyond what I had already experienced during my backpacking days. We took a trip together three years ago and just really fell for the friendliness of the Colombia people and the beauty of the country, especially the mountains surrounding the Coffee Triangle. That's when the idea of relocating to Colombia and taking on a project in the destination really started to form. Colombia also had and has a really positive energy; tourism is increasing and with the opportunity to work together to reopen Hacienda Bambusa, all of the stars seemed to align. It was just the right time to make the move.
Today, we spend most of the year at Bambusa and live just ten minutes away from the property. We have full autonomy to manage the hotel but the Montoya Family still owns and cultivates the 500 acres surrounding the house.
What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of operating a high-end boutique property in a fairly remote and somewhat obscure location?
First, its the limitations of the location itself as well as clearly setting expectations for what the Hacienda Bambusa experience is. It is sometimes a struggle to convince travelers that they should stay at a property that is somewhat remote, in the middle of a farm and surrounded only by nature, though fortunately Avianca offers good flight schedules so we aren't too far out of the way. Also, Bambusa is a rustic countryside house made out of Bamboo (Bambusa actually refers to a type of clumping bamboo.) We simply don't have all of the comforts and luxuries that a 5* city hotel offers. Weather can affect the wifi, our verandas aren't screened and bugs are a fact of life when surrounded by flowering plants, and we don't have an elevator so all eight of our Jr. Suites must be accessed by stairs.
Spacious verandas & gardens surround every room at Hacienda Bambusa, which is built circling a central enclosed courtyard.
The greatest reward is when our guests leave with a huge smile in their faces, sad to leave but assuring they will not forget the days they spent staying with us. We recently hosted a lovely newlywed couple from the UK and arranged a surprised private dinner for them in the middle of the garden, surrounded by candles and flowers. They loved it!
Or, last year, we hosted a French family who adopted twin girls from Colombia thirteen years ago. This was their first trip back in Colombia since the adoption. The parents wanted to show the girls what a beautiful country Colombia is and the trip was very emotional for everybody.
What do you feel is often a surprising and unanticipated highlight of guests staying at Hacienda Bambusa?
I think our customers are surprised with our attention to detail and the balance between the relaxing countryside atmosphere and world class service. We try to get to know our clients in advance so we can surprise them with attention to personal details during their stay.
A highlight for guests is undoubtedly to walk around the property with Camilo, our naturalist guide, through the cocoa plantation and the bamboo forest. And many guests are surprised that much more than just coffee is grown here!
What are you most proud of since reopening Hacienda Bambusa?
A hot air balloon ride offers guests a unique perspective of the Hacienda & surrounding countryside
Bambusa was already known when we arrived; the hotel had developed a niche following among guests with fond memories of their time there. We started with the goal of reconnecting with those guests, recreating those memories and going beyond that. And we've added lots of details to improve the stay of our guests, from AC and WiFi in each room to expanding the types of activities and experiences that guests can have on the property. We've also managed to attract more media and industry attention so Hacienda Bambusa is more recognized than before.
We are always thinking of ways to improve our experience and stay fresh. This exercise of constant renewal goes from the smallest detail in the garden to making adjustments to our menu or training our staff.
Tell me why someone should experience the Coffee Triangle without using the word “coffee.”
As our guests discover, the region produces way more than its namesake! It actually also produces also cocoa, plantains, pineapple, avocados, etc! The area is very lush and ideal for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Cows far outnumber coffee trees on the plantation grounds surrounding Hacienda Bambusa.
As we are at the very foot of the Andes, the green mountains surrounding us offer amazing views and many options for activities. There is excellent hiking, birdwatching and horseback riding right beyond our doorstep.
And last but not least, the culture of the region is phenomenal. People in this part of Colombia are especially friendly and welcoming and are very candid about sharing their history. They have their own culture, food and identity which sets this area apart for the rest of Colombia, much in the same way that Salta feels very different from the rest of Argentina. When people think of Colombia, they tend to focus on the cities like Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin and Cali. These are great and should not be missed, the the countryside surrounding us offers a more complete and complementary picture of Colombia as a whole.
Typical street scene in a town near Hacienda Bambusa; WWII era Jeep Willy loaded to the brim with plantains.
Lastly, please share some of your Insider's Tips on Colombia! What are your favorite places to eat, hike, stay and experience Colombian culture (aside from Bambusa of course!)
Aside from Bambusa? This is a hard question...
When we want culture and great food we go to Bogota. The city is not one of those cities that strikes you at first glance, but as you grow to know it you appreciate it more and more. Bogota has a very vibrant and up and coming food and art scene.
I also love the region of Santander to the north of Bogota, especially Barichara village. The whole region is perfect for active adventures and we've done some amazing hikes and white water rafting there.
Olivier and Diego look forward to welcoming your guests at Hacienda Bambusa. Make sure to get in touch with personalized traveler details so that they can prepare special touches in advance!
Trains, Planes & Automobiles: How to Access Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is now more accessible than ever thanks to new train routes linking Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. To help guests navigate the multitude of transportation choices, Titilaka has compiled a helpful pdf outlining all access options for travelers arriving from Bolivia or within Peru.
Lake Titicaca is now more accessible than ever thanks to new train routes linking Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. To help guests navigate the multitude of transportation choices, Titilaka has compiled a helpful pdf outlining all access options for travelers arriving from Bolivia or within Peru. The pdf, featured in their latest newsletter, is geared towards travel-industry insiders but does not mention rates and therefore can be sent directly to clients who are considering Lake Titicaca and Titilaka. Download a copy of the PDF here.
Trains:
On May 31st, 2017, PeruRail relaunched the Titicaca Train which links Puno to Cusco on a 10 hour and 33 minute luxury rail trip. Passengers travel through spectacular high altiplano scenery in Pullman-style train cars with a capacity for 132 persons. The train travels from Cusco-Puno on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and from Puno to Cusco on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No stops are made, though travelers can take in the scenery from the Observatory/Bar car while enjoying traditional live music and dancing, three gourmet meals, assorted beverages and afternoon tea. This is an excellent option for train buffs looking for a more relaxing day after the excitement of already touring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu but due to the length of travel and lack of stops, is not recommended for children. More information on the journey and services can be found on the PeruRail website.
Andean Explorer Train Route in Detail
The Belmond Andean Explorer began service this year, offering the first ultra-luxury Sleeper Train experience in South America. The train runs between Cusco, Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa with regularly scheduled weekly departures for every month except February and unlike the Titicaca Train, passengers disembark on short, guided explorations along the route. Currently, travel options include either a 3-day/2-night journey connecting Cusco to Arequipa (with just a day-long stop at Lake Titicaca) or as a 1-night/2-day journey between Cusco and Puno. While PeruRail manages the bookings for the Belmond Andean Explorer, in-depth descriptions of the routes and sleeper cars can be found on the Belmond website.
Planes:
Flying continues to be the quickest and most convenient way to reach Lake Titicaca. From Lima, LATAM and Avianca offer a total of four nonstop daily flights to Juliaca, the closest airport to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Nonstop flight time is just under two hours. Many more flights connect via Cusco and the Cusco-Juliaca leg of the flight takes just 40 minutes. While codesharing makes it possible to book onward travel to Juliaca after an international arrival into Lima, this really isn't recommended due to the high altitude of the lake of 12,508' asl. Better to first acclimate in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu and then proceed up to Lake Titicaca.
Titilaka offers complimentary pick-up for all guests arriving at the Juliaca Airport. The cultural experience begins right away as a brief stop is often made at Sillustani, a large complex of Pre-Hispanic tombs located about halfway between Titilaka and the airport.
Automobiles:
Private car transfers can be arranged to Lake Titicaca from Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Cusco and the Bolivian Border and travel times range from 2-7 hours without stops. There are also a number of 'tourist bus' companies that offer First Class service between Arequipa and Puno or Cusco and Puno. Timing ranges from 7 hours with direct travel to a full 12 hours if the bus makes stops along the way. While there generally isn't much overlap between guests who stay at Titilaka and travelers who opt to go overland by bus, its still a viable transportation option to be aware of.
Titilaka includes complimentary guest pick-up at either the Puno rail station, Puno bus station or Juliaca Airport and can arrange overland transportation from Bolivia or Arequipa upon request. Private touring en route can be arranged as well if requested in advance.
