Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca’s New Travel Card
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Discovering Colombia's Vibrant Cities and Rural Retreats
From the vibrant cities of Medellín and Bogotá to the serene rural retreats of the Valle de Cocora and the Amazon rainforest, the country showcases its remarkable natural beauty and cultural richness.
Despite its troubled past, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation, drawing in digital nomads and curious visitors alike.
Bogotá, the capital, is more than just a stopover, with its deep history, cultural attractions, and lively atmosphere.
Beyond the cities, Colombia's rural landscapes, such as the Cocora Valley and the Amazon region, provide untouched and unspoiled experiences, catering to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Colombia's Tayrona National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the iconic Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere with a wingspan up to 3 meters (8 feet).
The Valle de Cocora in the Coffee Region features the world's tallest palm tree, the Quindío wax palm, which can grow up to 60 meters (197 feet) tall, towering over the lush green valley.
Medellín, once infamously known as the "most dangerous city in the world" in the 1980s and 1990s, has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a 95% decrease in the homicide rate since 2002, making it one of the safest major cities in Colombia today.
The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek in the Sierra Nevada mountains is believed to be older than the famous Machu Picchu in Peru, with the ancient ruins dating back to the 7th century AD, predating the Inca Empire by several centuries.
Colombia is home to the world's second-largest variety of orchids, with over 4,000 identified species, many of which can be found in the country's diverse national parks and cloud forests.
The Caño Cristales river in Serranía de la Macarena National Park is known as the "river of five colors" due to its vibrant hues, ranging from yellow to green, blue, red, and black, caused by the seasonal blooming of aquatic plants.
What else is in this post?
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Discovering Colombia's Vibrant Cities and Rural Retreats
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Exploring Ancient History and Mayan Ruins
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Indulging in Culinary Delights - Colombian Flavors
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Unspoiled Nature
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Immersing in Colombia's Rich Cultural Heritage
- Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Enhancing Travel Experiences with Avianca's Rewards Program
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Exploring Ancient History and Mayan Ruins
New discoveries have shed light the extent and organization of the ancient Mayan civilization. Laser mapping technology has uncovered over 1,000 early Mayan settlements and human-built roads that connected them, suggesting a more interconnected society than previously thought. This includes the oldest and largest Maya structure to date, as well as a long-lost Maya city named Ocom-tun in the Yucatan Peninsula. Additionally, Avianca's new travel card enables visitors to discover Colombia's hidden gems, breaking free from the constraints of miles and points. The recent discovery of over 1,000 early Mayan settlements and human-built roads that connected them suggests the Mayan civilization was more extensive and organized than previously thought. Laser mapping technology has uncovered a massive, 3,000-year-old ceremonial complex at an ancient site in Mexico, challenging our understanding of the scale and sophistication of Mayan architecture. Archaeologists have discovered a long-lost Maya city named Ocom-tun in the dense jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico, including plazas, large buildings, and residential complexes. The La Danta pyramid in northern Guatemala is the oldest and largest Maya structure discovered to date, providing new insights into the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization. An archaeologist at the University of Arizona spent $62,000 a map that eventually led to the discovery of Maya artifacts dating back to 700 to 1000 AD, demonstrating the value of investing in innovative research methods. The Mayan ruins of Tulum in Mexico showcase the civilization's profound understanding of astronomy and ecology, as evidenced by the site's architectural features. Excavations at the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza in Mexico have continued to reveal exciting surprises, despite the site's popularity and long history of visitation by tourists.
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Indulging in Culinary Delights - Colombian Flavors
From the hearty Bandeja Paisa to the soothing Ajiaco soup, the country's diverse regional specialties offer a delectable journey for food enthusiasts.
Colombia's national dish, Bandeja Paisa, contains an unusual ingredient - blood sausage (morcilla), which is made from pork blood, rice, onions, and spices, providing a unique and complex flavor profile.
Ajiaco, a traditional potato and chicken soup, is often served with a generous topping of capers, which add a tangy and briny contrast to the hearty broth.
Arequipe, a creamy, dulce de leche-like caramel spread, is a beloved Colombian treat that is used in a variety of desserts and is often spread on bread or used as a dip for fresh fruit.
Colombian street food stalls offer a delightful array of deep-fried snacks, including the popular empanadas, which can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients like beef, chicken, or potatoes.
The traditional Colombian dessert, Cuajada con Melao, is a unique blend of fresh cheese curds and a thick, molasses-like syrup made from the concentrated juice of the sugarcane plant.
Colombians are masters of fermentation, as evidenced by their production of artisanal chicha, a traditional corn-based beverage with a slightly alcoholic content, which has been enjoyed for centuries.
Colombian cuisine reflects the country's diverse cultural influences, with dishes like Sancocho, a hearty stew made with a variety of meats, root vegetables, and plantains, showcasing the blending of Indigenous, Spanish, and African culinary traditions.
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Adventure and Outdoor Activities in Unspoiled Nature
Colombia's unspoiled nature offers a wealth of thrilling adventure and outdoor activities, from white-water rafting in the Atrato River Canyon to paragliding over the immense Tatama National Natural Park.
The country's Avianca travel card provides access to curated tours that unveil Colombia's lesser-known natural treasures, allowing travelers to break free from the constraints of miles and points.
The Faroe Islands, a remote Nordic archipelago, offer some of the world's most tranquil and secluded getaways, with dramatic landscapes of steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene fjords.
Greenland's glaciers are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also serve as a unique canvas for "glacier chasing" - a growing adventure sport that involves exploring and navigating these icy landscapes.
In New Zealand, the Kawarau Bridge is home to one of the world's first and most iconic bungee jumping sites, offering adrenaline-seekers the chance to leap into the stunning, unspoiled gorge below.
Nicaragua's Cerro Negro volcano is a prime destination for the extreme sport of volcano boarding, where daredevils can race down the steep volcanic slopes on custom-made boards.
The US Best National Park for Every Outdoor Activity guide provides a comprehensive resource for adventurers, helping them identify the optimal national park for their preferred activity, from hiking and rock climbing to kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Avianca's new travel card unlocks a wealth of adventure and outdoor activities in Colombia, including white-water rafting in the Atrato River Canyon, paragliding over the expansive Tatama National Natural Park, and ziplining through the lush forests of the Coffee Region.
Beyond thrilling pursuits, the Avianca travel card also grants access to curated tours that unveil the lesser-known natural treasures of Colombia, allowing travelers to discover the country's truly unspoiled and hidden gems.
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Immersing in Colombia's Rich Cultural Heritage
Colombia's diverse cultural heritage offers a treasure trove of experiences for visitors.
From the Gold Museum in Bogotá to the Museo del Oro Mariordo Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz and the Santa Rita Monastery, the country's historic sites showcase its pre-Columbian past.
The Gold Museum in Bogotá houses the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, with over 55,000 pieces that showcase the remarkable metalworking skills of ancient Colombian civilizations.
The Museo del Oro Mariordo Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz in Cartagena features a unique exhibition on the cultural significance of gold in Colombia's indigenous communities, including its use in rituals and spiritual practices.
Despite its remote location, La Playa de Belén in the Caribbean region is a true architectural gem, boasting colorful colonial-style houses and a pristine beach that has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.
Medellín, once infamous for its drug cartel violence, has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a 95% decrease in its homicide rate since 2002, making it one of the safest major cities in Colombia today.
The San Agustín Archaeological Park in southern Colombia is home to the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, dating back to the 1st century AD.
The traditional Colombian music genre of Champeta, which originated in the coastal city of Cartagena, is a unique blend of African rhythms and Caribbean influences, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage.
Breaking Free from Miles and Points Discovering Hidden Gems in Colombia with Avianca's New Travel Card - Enhancing Travel Experiences with Avianca's Rewards Program
Avianca's LifeMiles program offers members the ability to earn and redeem miles through various means, including credit card partnerships and flights on Avianca and its Star Alliance partners.
The program provides flexibility and convenience, allowing travelers to upgrade flights, request upgrades, and enjoy exclusive benefits.
With Avianca's rewards program, members can enhance their travel experiences and discover hidden gems in Colombia using the new Avianca travel card.
Avianca LifeMiles members can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles by signing up for the Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card, one of the most generous welcome offers in the airline rewards program industry.
1 ratio, with occasional transfer bonuses, providing greater flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards.
The Avianca LifeMiles program is over 100 years old, making it one of the longest-running airline loyalty programs in the world, with a rich history of serving Colombian travelers.
Avianca LifeMiles can be redeemed not only for flights on Avianca but also on its extensive network of Star Alliance partners, including major carriers like Lufthansa and United Airlines.
Compared to other airline reward programs, Avianca LifeMiles offers exceptionally low redemption rates for flights, allowing members to stretch their miles further and access more value.
The new Avianca travel card, designed for adventurous travelers, offers exclusive discounts on flights and hotel stays, as well as travel insurance and other valuable perks.
Cardholders can earn points and miles on everyday purchases, not just Avianca flights, making it easier to accumulate rewards for future trips.
With the Avianca travel card, members can access curated tours and activities that showcase Colombia's lesser-known destinations, allowing them to discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
The Avianca LifeMiles program has been recognized for its innovative features, such as the ability to redeem miles for seat upgrades and other non-flight awards, providing greater flexibility for members.
Avianca's extensive route network and partnerships with other Star Alliance airlines make it possible for LifeMiles members to book complex multi-city itineraries, optimizing their travel plans and maximizing the value of their rewards.