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SAT COLOMBIA
Dear Travel Partner!
Another year of travel is coming to an end. This one holds a special place in our hearts as we celebrate 50 years of SAT!
Here's to many more years of exciting adventures together. Thank you for being a valued part of the SAT family.
In our monthly newsletter, we usually share product updates, fresh travel ideas, and the latest developments in South America.
This year we have taken a different approach by bringing our local SAT offices into the spotlight, allowing them to showcase their personalities, favourites, and insider tips. We hope you've enjoyed getting to know the faces behind the names.
Today we conclude our special series with a focus on our SAT Colombia office.
Since its establishment in Bogotá in 2013, our Colombia team has been a vital part of our SAT family. Now we invite you to delve into the stories and experiences of our colleagues in Colombia and discover what they love most about their home country.
For bespoke travel experiences in Colombia, our local experts are ready to assist you. Feel free to contact them for personalised recommendations to ensure your clients have an unforgettable journey.
Your SAT Team
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ANGELA OVALLE, General Manager SAT Colombia
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Warm greetings from Colombia!
I’m Angela Ovalle, I’ve been working with SAT Colombia since 2012 when we opened the office!
I have been dedicated myself to tourism in Colombia for more than three decades, and I am amazed by the growth and transformation of this wonderful country, having seen its diverse offerings evolve over the years. I have also witnessed first-hand how
tourism has made a difference in many local communities, creating opportunities and empowering people. Throughout the country, I count my comings and goings in friendships and flavours, for I enjoy tasting all our wild delicacies can offer, while sharing my best know-how to support the different destinations’ touristic development.
My favourite escape has always been Cartagena de Indias, since this city has captivated me with its magic and its people; walking through the old city at sunset, you can get lost among literary passages, balconies and smiles; you can try all the city’s flavours like rum, passionfruit ice cream or delicate chocolate and from time to time, you will be lead from one square to the next by some drums beating on fire.
Nevertheless, Colombia has many other wonders to explore, like Guaviare, a natural gem where you can share with indigenous cultures and marvel at the wonders of the natural architecture like the Puerta de Orion; or Santa Marta, a destination that offers something for everyone, crystal clear beaches, hiking from the sea level to a Lost City in the cold tops, and intercultural exchange with native communities.
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JESÚS AGUIRRE, Product Account Executive
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I’m a 32-year-old international business graduate from Bogotá. Other than my career, I'm passionate about cycling, and you'll often find me exploring the city's streets on two wheels. Additionally, my love for dogs runs deep, and I'm the proud owner of two furry companions who bring joy to my life.
I’ve been fortunate to explore numerous countries and immerse myself in their diverse cultures. Now, I find joy in sharing my wealth of experience and knowledge with others, assisting them in turning their dream trips into a reality within our enchanting country. I love working in the product department, where I establish a genuine connection with each proposal I create for my clients. It’s as if I’m crafting the itinerary for my own journey, and that personal connection adds a special touch to my work. The
Coffee Region is my favourite region in Colombia, famous for producing the best coffee in the world, with its fragrant Arabica beans. But it’s not only about coffee: you can also visit
charming villages with colonial architecture and colourful houses, admire the majestic
wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley, and hike or bike through the green hills and valleys. Here, you’ll discover a land that’s abundant in culture and home to warm and welcoming people, all set against a backdrop of breath-taking landscapes.
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CATHERINE CABRA, Operations Executive
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My name is Catherine Cabra, and I want to share with you my love for Colombia. I live in Bogotá, a vibrant city where you can find a great variety of delicious foods. I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring new places and villages, each with its own magic. I also like to read and learn new things every day.
I am thrilled to work at SAT and share the cultural wealth and biodiversity of our country through tourism. It’s wonderful to see people promoting responsible tourism, and I’m proud to be a part of it. My work area in operations is where I learn new things every day, and I’m happy to contribute to fulfilling someone else’s dream by introducing them to our beautiful country, Colombia.
It’s difficult for me to pick a favourite place, but I adore small towns with their colonial charm. However, one of my most memorable experiences was visiting Bahía Solano, a hidden gem on the Pacific coast, where I witnessed the magic of the sea turtles being born and taking their first steps towards the sea. It was a magical moment that I will never forget.
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IBETH CARRILLO, Product Development Manager
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I’m a passionate traveller, I’ve been working with SAT for about 10 years which has allowed me to collect priceless experiences and be part of this family of wanderlusters who want to positively influence South America while sharing our best destinations and expertise with the world.
I would say you have to go, at least once, to the
jungle! For me, at least, the Amazon has been such a vital experience. Wilderness has the effect of making your ‘ego’ irrelevant, allowing you to immerse and truly experience nature as another member of it… So, when you are
swimming
with pink dolphins in the Tarapoto lakes, you feel how real the magic of this world is. Also, you feel different when you realise a toucan or a monkey is observing you; or when the locals tell you that some trees have been there before you and will definitely be there after you. All of that, mixed with the constant sound of its majesty, the
Amazon River and the exotic tastes of the unique fruits this land has to offer, makes it a unique experience.
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ANDREA CORBA, Operations Executive
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I'm Andrea Corba, a professional specialised in planning and coordinating unforgettable trips with more than a decade of experience.
My passion is to make visitors feel at home while they discover the cultural and natural wealth of this wonderful country.
Among the many destinations I have explored, there is one that has especially enchanted me:
Providencia and Santa Catalina, a paradisiacal archipelago in the Caribbean, where peace and harmony welcome you to enjoy dreamy beaches with crystal clear water and white sand, surrounded by lush vegetation.
You can also immerse yourself in the history and culture of the local inhabitants, who have preserved their traditions and language.
Providencia and Santa Catalina are enchanting islands that will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
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RODRIGO HERNANDEZ, Accountant
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Greetings! My name is Rodrigo and I am the accountant of SAT Colombia.
I have lived in Bogotá all my life and I am passionate about running and cycling, spending quality time with my family, and volunteering for a rescue group.
Working in the tourism industry allows me to share the beauty and diversity of Colombia with nice people from all over the world.
I also like to apply my expertise and experience to ensure growth and development of the office. My favourite destination in Colombia is the coffee region, a magical place with breath-taking landscapes, friendly people, and a rich culture.
It is also a key area for the country’s economy as it produces some of the finest coffee in the world. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience something unique and unforgettable in Colombia.
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HIDDEN TREASURES: Uncovering seasonal nature gems
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Colombia presents three unique seasonal destinations:
The River of the Five Colours
Known as the world's most beautiful river, Caño Cristales is a psychedelic display of colours in winter. Pockets of algae create a vibrant tapestry where aquamarine meets red eddies and yellow fingers cut through patches of bright green. Less than 100 kilometres long and rarely more than 20 metres wide, this compact river offers a kaleidoscope of otherworldly experiences.
Immerse yourself in this natural wonder from June to November and be captivated by its unparalleled beauty.
Whale Season on the Pacific Coast
Explore the rugged and unexplored Pacific coast, where rivers and streams carry alluvial gold and silver. Although Colombia occupies only 1% of the earth's surface, the Pacific coast represents 10% of its flora and fauna, with 1,721 species of birds and 49,000 species of plants studied. The highlight awaits off the shores of
Nuquí and
Bahía Solano, where
humpback whales gather from
July to late September for a mesmerizing spectacle of birthing. Watch these majestic underwater giants just metres away from your boat for an awe-inspiring experience.
Safari in the Eastern Flats
Stretching from the central highlands to the northeastern region near the Venezuelan border, Casanare is a haven for nature lovers. Its grasslands provide an ideal setting for cycling, horse riding, jeep safaris, and hiking. Capture incredible moments with your camera as you encounter jabiru, giant otters, anacondas, jaguars, anteaters and more against the extraordinary backdrop of towering moriche palms, vast wetlands, and the breathtaking savannah landscape.
The best time for this wildlife adventure is from December to March.
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5 THINGS TO DO FOR 0 DOLLARS!
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Explore the art and culture of the capital, Bogotá. Visit the Botero Museum, where you can admire the paintings and sculptures by Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero.
Take a stroll through Bogotá's Usaquén Flea Market, for handicrafts, antiques and delicious food, or experience the colours and flavours of Paloquemao Market, where you can buy fresh fruit, flowers and local dishes.
Visit the Botanical Garden in Medellín, with more than 1,000 species of plants and animals.
Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a traditional village on top of the Nutibara hill in Medellín, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the cultural city.
Explore the colourful houses, street art and vibrant nightlife of Cartagena's Getsemaní neighbourhood.
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... Colombia has the world’s largest salsa festival. The Festival Mundial de Salsa is held every year in September in Cali. It includes salsa competitions, shows and workshops.
... Colombia is home to 102 different indigenous groups. Some have lived in this territory for more than 14,000 years. There are more than 70 languages spoken by about 850,000 native speakers.
... Bogotá is one of the world’s top cities for graffiti art. It has more than 5,000 murals and pieces of street art decorating its walls and buildings. Some of them are made by famous artists such as Banksy, Stinkfish and Toxicomano.
... Colombia is the world´s leading exporter of emeralds. It produces between 70% and 90% of the world's emeralds.
... Colombia is the country with the most endemic species in the world. Endemic species are those that only exist in one place and nowhere else. Colombia has more than 2,000 endemic species of plants and animals.
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