Paths to Peace: Exploring Colombia's Journey to Justice and Reconciliation

Curated in collaboration with renowned legal expert Mr. Richard Peña, this itinerary offers an unparalleled exploration of Colombia’s transformative journey from conflict to peace. 

Seamlessly balancing cultural immersion and heritage experiences, you’ll traverse Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and the pristine Rosario Islands, delving into the country’s vibrant traditions and breathtaking landscapes. Engage with lawyers, professors, and community leaders to gain an insider’s perspective on Colombia’s path to peace and the historic 2016 agreement that reshaped its future.

Colombia, once known for its tumultuous history, is now celebrated as one of the world’s most exciting destinations, featured in leading travel publications and visited by over a million U.S. travelers in 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this dynamic country before over-tourism takes hold.  From private graffiti workshops and vibrant city tours to heartfelt stories of resilience shared by local communities and immersive cultural traditions, this journey is your gateway to understanding the interplay of law, peace, and culture in South America’s eternal spring. 

Focus on Rule of Law and Conflict Resolution

- Earn MCLE Credits: Enhance your professional expertise by earning MCLE credits, applied for through the State Bar of Texas, while immersing in a global perspective on the rule of law.

- Engage with Experts: Discuss the rule of law with Colombian legal professionals and leaders who lived through the nation’s conflict.

- Meet Advocates and Leaders: Connect with human rights lawyers and community leaders in Antioquia to hear stories of resilience and recovery.

- Learn from Academics: Gain insights from top law professors from Universidad Externado de Colombia who were involved in peace talks.

Accompanying guest program – alternate activities will be provided for guests who do not wish to attend the professional meetings.

Focus on Community & Culture

- Graffiti Workshop: Create your own masterpiece while learning about Bogotá’s vibrant urban art scene from local artist.

- Curated City Immersions: Explore Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena with expert guides, including visits to iconic sites like Bogotá’s Gold Museum and San Felipe de Barajas Fortress.

- Rum Tasting: Discover the Caribbean’s rich sugar cane history and savor its renowned local rum.

- Rosario Islands Escape: Relax on the pristine beaches of Majagua Island during a scenic boat ride.

- Medellín’s Dark Past: Uncover the city’s history through a tour examining the impact of Pablo Escobar.

- Moravia’s Culinary Resilience: Experience a unique gastronomy project led by inspiring women celebrating traditional Colombian recipes.

- Sweets Workshop: Learn the art of sweet treats in San Basilio de Palenque, whose traditions date back to the Republic era.

A message from our founder, Nicola Balmain

In the fall of 2009 I met Bram Evers, the owner of a travel company in Colombia and I knew then that we would one day work together. The timing of course was not right with the challenges Colombia was going through at the time. Fast Forward to 2024 and I finally realized my vision to share Colombia with my clients. We hosted two groups in the fall of 2024, and I was fortunate enough to accompany one of them. The reviews were among some of the best we have ever received! Colombia is beautiful, her people are so kind, compassionate and comedic. They have a resilience that we can’t even begin to comprehend, and I hope you too are fortunate enough to experience this beautiful country. The world, and the USA tourism industry, is only now realizing what a gem Colombia is. In 4-5 years’, you will be hearing that everyone is going – enjoy it now while its still authentic and real! You will not regret it. 

I am excited for you to learn about Colombia's past, present and bright future. Highlights for me where the Emerald Workshop, the coffee, meeting community leaders and residents in Moravia and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Rosario Islands. Observing my travelers and seeing them do a 180 on their opinions of Colombia was a heartwarming experience! Each of our guests in 2024 had the most amazing things to say about their time in Colombia - consistent across all of them was "I can't wait to go back!".

I am so excited that you too will get to experience this beautiful country! If you'd like to chat with me about my visit to Colombia last year, call me 888-747-7501 Ext 700 or email me nicola@nandajourneys.com

Depart Dallas for Bogotá today with arrival the same day. Bogotá is situated high in the Andes, and as the capital of a diverse country, truly has something for everyone. 

The area of modern Bogotá was first populated by indigenous groups who migrated from Mesoamerica. Among these groups were the Muiscas who settled in what are now the neighborhoods of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. With the arrival of the Spanish, the area became a major settlement, founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. The city later became the capital of the Spanish provinces and the seat of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. When independence came, Bogotá became the capital of Gran Colombia known today as the Republic of Colombia. 

After clearing Immigration and Customs procedures, travelers arriving on the group flight will be met by a local driver transfer to your hotel for check-in. Private transfers can be arranged for those arriving separately. 

Altitude Sickness - We recommend you check with your personal physician to see if altitude sickness medication is right for you. Those who live at sea level, or a lower elevation should pay particular attention. Bogotá is at 8,660 feet.

The Hotel de la Opera is beautifully restored, in a magnificent historical setting including onsite dining and a spa. Their 42 rooms are decorated with fine Italian-made furniture, Wi-Fi, cable TV, safe and more.

Check in and overnight. Meal service should be provided or available for purchase on your evening flight. 

Overnight: Hotel de la Opera (or similar)

Included meals: Dinner

After breakfast today you will explore the Colombian capital of Bogotá during a walking tour with your national guide. Bogotá has two sectors for tourism. The first is the old Candelaria Historic District scattered with traditional colonial houses and cobblestoned streets. The second sector and by contrast, the north of the city boasts modernity and innovation. You will find government buildings, as well as a variety of trendy shops, restaurants and bars.

Bogotá's historic city center "La Candelaria" with its impressive churches, the State Palace, and Plaza Bolívar will be explored with your guide who will explain each building’s history before you head on to visit the world-famous gold museum "Museo del Oro". The museum has an exhibition of jewelry and pottery from the indigenous cultures of the pre-Columbian period to present-day Colombia. It has more than 34,000 pieces and works of gold, 20,000 stone objects, ceramics, precious stones, and textiles that belonged to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Zenú, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. 

After a local lunch enjoy a Graffiti Tour. The tour started in 2011 by an Australian street artist and a Canadian graffiti artist that wanted to share Bogota’s unique and prolific urban art scene with a wider international audience. It made sense to share their love of the vibrant work that adorns the streets of Bogota with the world! Encounter stunning art that has changed over time, that is constantly reborn and see how it has embedded itself into the fabric of daily Bogota life. Join your fellow travelers to create your very own Nanda graffiti art during your private workshop.

Return to the hotel late this afternoon to get ready for your welcome dinner at a local restaurant. 

Overnight: Hotel de la Opera (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning professionals will head out for a day of professional engagement with your local counterparts. Meet with various individuals from governmental and private entities to discuss topics of interest related to peace in Colombia, offering different perspectives based on experiences from various regions of the country. Specific hosting organizations and speakers will be defined once the group forms. 

Lunch is by individual arrangement (own expense).

Accompanying guests will visit an emerald workshop. Colombia is known as the coffee country, but they have a longer history linked to what they call “green gold”. Over 60% of the world’s emeralds are originally from Colombia. The emerald tour in Bogotá begins at the main emerald trading center, guided by local professional staff with over 20 years of experience in this field you will learn about extraction, history, and the emerald trade, as well as how to recognize a genuine emerald. Later enjoy a culinary tour. Colombia is the second most bio-diverse country in the world. This diversity is expressed in their cuisine. They have thousands of varieties of vegetables, tubers, meats, and spices that are incorporated into local dishes. In this tour, you will have eight different foods from different Colombian regions: Amazon, Andes, Caribbean coast, Pacific coast and Orinoquia. Join your specialized guide in this delicious and cultural experience learning about the gourmet background of each region. 

Dinner will be provided this evening. 

Overnight: Hotel de la Opera (or similar) 

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a day dedicated to flying to Medellín, depending on flight time you will have some free time before heading to the airport with lunch on your own arrangement.

Get settled at the Poblado Plaza Hotel in the Milla de Oro area, with the best shopping, nightlife and more at your fingertips. Guest rooms have bathroom amenities, a safe, work desk, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, pillow menu, minibar, room service, iron, AC water/coffee and tea in the room. The hotel has a bar and onsite dining including a buffet breakfast from 6-10 am daily. Room service is available from noon to midnight daily.

Dinner will be provided at a local restaurant. 

Overnight: Poblado Plaza (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning the group will enjoy a city tour. Get to know the social interventions of Medellín today: its transport system, escalators, and the attitude of its people as you explore the historic city center. Experience what the people of Medellín think about the history of the city. Explore the iconic tourist sites like Plaza Botero, Parque Berrío, Santo Domingo, and take a graffiti tour in Comuna 13. 

Take the metro cable up to Santo Domingo, which was once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts and allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized population. At Comuna 13 district with its unique escalators you will have a chance to observe another innovative project that improved the quality of life of the people.

This afternoon you will have lunch and immerse yourself in the transformative spirit of Moravia, a community that has risen to prominence thanks to the leadership and resilience of its women. This unique social gastronomy project celebrates the vital role of women heads of household, who have blended their traditional Colombian recipes with professional culinary techniques and conscious eating principles to uplift their neighborhoods. Once known as an area facing social challenges, Moravia is now a beacon of resilience and community transformation. At the heart of this change are the women of Moravia, who have turned their stories of perseverance into engines of progress. Through this project, they preserve their culinary traditions, embrace sustainable practices, and promote conscious eating as a tool for empowerment and growth. 

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: Poblado Plaza (or similar) 

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning the group will head out for a Pablo Escobar tour. Discover the dark side of Medellín in a tour that unveils the destructive influence of Pablo Escobar. From the Memorial Park La Inflexión to the ruins of La Catedral prison and the Jardines de Montesacro Cemetery, each stop highlights the devastating consequences of his legacy. The tour concludes at the Museum Casa de la Memoria, honoring all victims of violence. This poignant journey commemorates Medellín's resilience in overcoming its turbulent past.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. 

This afternoon professionals will l meet with various individuals from governmental or private entities to discuss topics of interest related to peace in Colombia, offering different perspectives based on experiences from various regions of the country.
 

Accompanying guests will have free time to explore. Perhaps visit the Museum of Modern Art or the famous El Castillo Museum in El Poblado. This site features Medellín’s largest collection of decorative arts, making it a significant tourist attraction for lovers of culture, art, and tradition. 

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: Poblado Plaza (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today you will check out and fly to Cartagena, depending on flight time you will have some free time before heading to the airport with lunch on your own arrangement.

Located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, the city has colorful streets full of charm that make it the gateway to South America. It is in the north of the country and is the capital of the Bolívar region. 'La Heroica', as they call it, is surrounded by several archipelagos and islands that are paradises for true rest.

This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Cartagena historical center to visit the San Pedro Clavér Convent Museum, a former Jesuit Cloister (1605) and home of the so-called "Slave of the Slaves". To finish, wander through the main squares, churches, and streets of the city. Walk over the city walls to have the best views of the city and to know the most important bastions.

Get settled at the OSH Hotel Getsemani, with onsite dining, lounge, a rooftop bar and outside spaces to relax when you have some down time. Located in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to Forbes. Guest rooms have AC, safe, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, room service, minibar and more. 

Dinner will be provided this evening. 

Overnight: OSH Hotel Getsemani (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

 Head out this morning with your guide to continue exploring Cartagena. 

Explorations begins with the transfer from the city center to the La Popa Convent, located on a 150m high hill (highest point of Cartagena) where you will have a great view over the city. From there, proceed to the biggest fort which the Spaniards ever built in South America – the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. Explore the fort including some of its tunnels, as well as the statue of Don Blas de Lezo.

After this, go back to city center and visit the beautiful streets, churches and squares. Pass the official entrance of the walled city; the clock tower (Torre del Reloj) and se the monument to Don Pedro de Heredia, the founder of Cartagena in 1533. 

This afternoon the group will have lunch and then enjoy rum tasting! Join an expert to learn about the most famous drink of the Caribbean, Rum. Walk to the bar, where a mixologist will tell you about the history and characteristics of this alcohol. This journey of flavors will take you to taste different Colombian rums, some of them cataloged as the best in the world. You will learn their secrets and discover how wide and rich the world of Rum can be.

Dinner is on your own today.

Overnight: OSH Hotel Getsemani (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Wrap up your professional engagement with last meetings with your counterparts. this morning and afternoon. 

Lunch will be provided this afternoon. 

Accompanying guests will attend a drum workshop in La Boquilla, an afro-descendant fisher village that for more than 200 years until today continues in a struggle to preserve their ancestral traditions, where drums play a leading role. , is a unique opportunity to connect yourself with the typical rhythms of Afro-Colombian folk music such as Cumbia, Mapalé and Champeta, through immersion by playing traditional drums. Batambora operates this project led by a group of pushing young people from the Afro-descendant community of La Boquilla, who are committed to human and economic development that is aimed for rescuing and preserving the cultural traditions of the African heritage. We like to support young people who make a difference and are warmly inviting you to experience it!

Dinner is by individual arrangement. 

Overnight: OSH Hotel Getsemani (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Head out today for a full day in San Basilio de Palenque. A corner of Africa in America! Benkos Bioho, a runaway slave who, accompanied by 36 other male and female slaves, hid in the area found what is now known as San Basilio de Palenque, the first slavery-free town in Colombia. Their palenquera language, traditions and rituals remained intact since they had no connection with the main road and the city and remained isolated until the seventies when the famous boxer “Kid Pambelé” placed this settlement on the map and brought with him access roads to the village.

Located an hour and a half’s drive from Cartagena, this African corner, declared by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, offers to visitors a window on Afro-descendant history in Colombia and America.

After some explorations of town and lunch, you will enjoy a sweets (candy) workshop. San Basilio de Palenque has preserved memories tied to the tradition of sweets, a practice dating back to the times of the Republic. In the lands of the Colombian Caribbean, culinary knowledge and recipes have been carefully kept alive in the hands and cauldrons of the Palenqueras.

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: OSH Hotel Getsemani (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today you will visit Rosario Islands, which are located approximately 1 hour by boat south-west of Cartagena. They consist of 27 islands with 20 hectares of coral reefs. Explore the impressive, beautiful landscapes of the Rosario Islands with their clear waters, gentle breezes, and maritime life such as dolphins. Today, the entire surrounding area, including the Islas de Barú and the Islas de San Bernardo, are officially protected sites.

During this day trip on Majagua Island you will have enough time to explore the beautiful nature and relax on the beach.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon before you make your return to Cartagena. Return to the hotel for some time relax and get ready for dinner.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening as you say goodbye. Delight your senses with flavors, aromas and colors in a romantic setting, where history, architecture and the feel of Colombian culture come together in one of Cartagena’s historic city center restaurants.

OSH Hotel Getsemani (or similar) 

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your Colombian adventure ends today! Your guide will accompany you to the airport for your early afternoon flight to Dallas (potentially via Miami). We hope you have enjoyed your journey.

Included meals: Breakfast

We are honored and privileged to have Richard leading this journey. A veteran delegation leader, having led 21 international legal delegations. He has received the Eisenhower Achievement Award for being an outstanding legal delegation leader and is a national leader in the legal field. He has served as the President of the State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Foundation, and the Austin Bar Association. He is a former Chair of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Richard has received three Presidential Citations from the State Bar of Texas for is meritorious service to the profession and is a highly decorated and respected among his peers in the legal profession. 

There is so much more to know about Richard, read his full bio HERE

Read Blogs of some of Richards Past Delegations HERE

Review and download Booking Terms & Conditions HERE