Ties Returns to Colombia: A Journey of Connection, Culture and Homecoming
By Ben Kaanta, Colombia Ties Program Manager
Walking through the streets of Cartagena.
The last time Ties traveled to Colombia was in 2019, just months before the times that shall not be named. Coming back this year felt like more than a return; it was a chance to reimagine what the Colombia program could look like. We completely reworked the itinerary to highlight the country’s incredible diversity, building in time in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
The moment we landed in Bogotá, I was struck again by the crisp mountain air, the energy of the city, and the lush beauty that seemed to spill out from every corner. Colombia has a way of engaging all your senses at once, and I could see travelers immediately leaning into it. In the first days, we learned about Colombia’s altitude layers that shape its ecology. Experiencing three different zones during our stay was eye-opening; it felt like we had visited three different countries in one trip.
An overview of Medellín from Comuna 13.
There were many highlights of the trip, but I would be remiss if I didn’t start with the food. From fresh fruits to the endless varieties of breads, and of course the coffee… every meal felt like a celebration. One traveler summed it up best when they said, “It tastes like home.”
This year we met with Lucas from the Juguemos en el Bosque Fundación, an organization with many causes but a clear focus on supporting children. They work with kids who have experienced abuse, neglect, or the loss of their parent. Today, the foundation teaches values to at-risk youth and runs an incredible program that helps those who age out of care learn how to become coffee baristas. It was inspiring to see such a creative, community-driven initiative up close.
Cooking class at an organic farm in the mountains outside Medellin – a highlight of the trip.
In Medellín, we spent time outside the city in the countryside mountains, visiting a small organic finca. Walking the farm fields, helping prepare dishes, and then sitting down together to enjoy what we had made was simple, grounding, and deeply meaningful. Later, in Cartagena, we ended the journey with a day at a small boutique hotel by the beach. The calm ocean waves and slower pace gave everyone a chance to breathe, reflect, and unwind after such a rich and full trip.
This year’s journey reminded me of how layered Colombia is, both geographically and culturally. Each city carries its own rhythm: Bogotá with its high-altitude pulse, Medellín with its creativity and resilience, and Cartagena with its vibrant yet laid-back spirit. What tied them all together was the way people opened their doors, their kitchens, and their stories to us.
Some in our group had a fascination with the street cats roaming around.
As a program manager, I was especially grateful for the connections we made with local leaders and organizations, and the way travelers embraced each new experience. Programs like Juguemos en el Bosque added depth to our days and reminded us that heritage travel is about more than visiting—it’s about participating in the ongoing story of a place.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about where the Colombia program is headed. We now have an itinerary that blends city life, cultural immersion, and time to rest and reflect, and the relationships we’ve built will only grow stronger in the years ahead. We also have plans for adding in more time in nature, and more connections with meaningful organizations. For adoptees and families who are thinking about reconnecting with Colombia, I can say this: the country is waiting for you, and the journey is worth it.
Colombia Ties 2025 poses in front of the Medellín sign in the Botero Plaza.
We had an amazing 2025 summer trip and are working hard on future trips to Colombia. If you are interested in traveling on a future Colombian Ties trip, let us know by requesting information and joining our mailing list to get all things Colombia.