UA-124173970-1 google-site-verification=0s5a35dli_mtOsnKZh7kpERYJye8W8PlW1indlDocgI 279506616524861 TTB 125: Exploring Colombia - The Travelers Blueprint

Episode 125

TTB 125: Exploring Colombia

Matt Waugh, a Scottish Expat, moved to Peru in 2006 as a tour leader responsible for groups of tourists from all over the world. He now leads treks throughout Peru and Colombia, and today we discussed his tours through the Colombian jungle!  Matt is the Co-Founder of South Andes Tour Agency & Operator which specializes in local options and personalized experiences for hikes in Peru and Colombia. 

Inside the Episode:

  • (08:35): Matt starts us off with his incredible story of being stuck within Colombia for four months, starting in March of 2020 at the height of the global lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • (21:41): We make the transition into Colombian tourism, but first tackle the big question: Is Colombia dangerous?!
  • (31:03): We get into a discussion on the culture, environment, and tourist attractions of Colombia. 
  • (52:00): What’s the infrastructure in Colombia like? As Matt tells us - you can enjoy everything from major hotel chains to small village stays.
  • (01:10:29): Matt’s specialty is off the beaten path. He’s an explorer; and those that book with him are too. His treks wind through unknown trails exploring parts of Colombia that you’ll never read about in Lonely Planet. As they say, “the best views come after the hardest climb”, and with Matt you’ll see the authentic side of this overlooked South American gem. 
  • (01:22:40): Rapid Fire Round!

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About the Podcast

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The Travelers Blueprint
Insight provided by adventurers, travel authors, tour guides, nomads, and conservationists

About your host

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Elliot Shibley

We came up with the name "The Travelers Blueprint" for two main reasons:
To provide information for you to draft your own itineraries or how to begin a career that takes you all over the world.
We both have backgrounds in engineering, architecture, or the environment, so we though a blueprint was an apt title to describe our intentions and end goal.

Why We Do It:
We both recently settled down with our careers and families, and can no longer live the nomadic lifestyle we both still crave. The solution to satisfy our overwhelming wanderlust is this podcast where we get to sit down with savvy travelers, globetrotters, conservationists, nature-lovers, or any other travel enthusiasts to peer into their inspiring lives. By listening to these fascinating individuals, we vicariously live through their experiences, and in turn share them with you.

You will hear the personal stories of extraordinary people who have “been there and done that”. Our guests share their unique wisdom and unpack valuable advice on how to plan your trip, what to do once you get there, and how to make sure you head back home (or not) with memories that will last a lifetime. Each episode’s discussion will range from a particular location, to discussing a travel-oriented project or conservation effort, and everything in between.

Occasionally, we take a break from hosting guests, and you will get the opportunity to listen to us divulge our own travel ideas and travel experiences, or maybe just exchange our thoughts on travel methods. Although we have similar worldviews and travel ideologies, you will quickly learn that we also have some very different travel expectations.

Tune in each week, and discover something new about the world, the fascinating cultures buried within, and learn how to draft your own journey from those who have traveled before you!