Accessible Nature Tourism in Tolima

When tourism puts life at the center of the territory

In the heart of Colombia, in a department blessed by three mountain ranges, eternal snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and breathtaking biodiversity, a silent but profound revolution is taking place. It is not a revolution of massive infrastructure or large hotel investments. It is something more fundamental: a transformation in the way we understand, organize, and experience tourism.

This is the story of how Tolima, that hidden gem in the Heart of the Andes, is redefining what it means to be a tourist destination in the 21st century. And at the heart of this transformation is a revolutionary concept: the fair tourism value chain.

The Conversation Colombian Tourism Needed

In a recent episode of the "Armando Accessible Tourism" podcast, three voices came together to weave a conversation that everyone in the tourism sector should hear. Armando, a leader in accessible tourism and founder of the Circular Economy Accessible Tourism Agency; Carlos González, professional guide and operations manager of Bioturismo Colombia, and Walter Cataño, social manager of the same agency, shared a vision that goes far beyond conventional tourism.

They didn't talk about tour packages or promotional rates. They talked about justice, equity, co-responsibility, and life. They talked about how to build a tourism industry that dignifies rather than exploits, that preserves rather than consumes, that includes rather than segregates.

The Starting Point: What is a Fair Value Chain?

When most agencies talk about the "value chain" in tourism, they are simply referring to the intermediary structure that connects the traveler to the destination. But at Bioturismo Colombia, they have taken this concept to a completely different level.

"The value chain is very important because it is an umbrella for the operation and tourism activities," explains Carlos González. But it's not just about the technical structure. It's about honest, fair, and co-responsible relationships among all stakeholders: from local communities to service providers, from guides to entrepreneurs, from public institutions to the private sector.

A fair value chain, in the words of these sustainable tourism pioneers, is one where:

Each stakeholder knows and respects the scope and limitations of the other
Relationships are built on honesty and transparency
Benefits are distributed equitably
Productivity is not aggressive toward destinations or communities
Cultural and natural landmarks are actively protected

This is not a theoretical concept. It's a practical way of doing business that recognizes a fundamental truth: tourism is only sustainable when everyone wins.

The Social Dimension: The Heart of Regenerative Tourism

If the fair value chain is the backbone of new tourism, the social dimension is its beating heart. Walter Cataño, in his role as a social manager, offers an illuminating perspective on why the social component is not a "nice add-on" to tourism, but its very essence.

The Lesson of the Palafitos Villages

The story Walter shares about his work in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta is revealing. There, in communities that literally live on the water, navigating canoes between their stilt houses, tourism arrived not as an invasion but as an opportunity for collaborative transformation.

These traditionally fishing communities saw their sources of income decline dramatically due to environmental degradation. Road construction, river diversions, and pollution were wiping out fishing. The answer? It wasn't simply "bringing tourists." It went much deeper.

The community-based tourism that developed there reversed the extractive logic:

Instead of tourists who come to litter, conscious visitors arrived who plant mangroves
Instead of people who shoot birds, observers arrived who contemplate and learn
Instead of deterioration, a process of territorial healing arrived

"If tourism doesn't take these community processes into account, the effects it will have on communities and territories won't be optimal," warns Walter. Tourism must be planned from a holistic perspective: caring for nature, strengthening communities, and the economic growth of its stakeholders, all interconnected.

The Guiding Principle: Life at the Center

There is a phrase that resonates throughout the conversation like a mantra: "Life at the center of the discourse." This is not empty rhetoric. It is the organizing principle of everything.

"If we don't take care of nature and water, there won't be tourism," Walter says with crystal clarity. "No tourist is going to want to go to a completely polluted place."

This principle translates into concrete practices:

Prioritize ecosystem well-being over short-term profitability
Strengthen local customs and practices instead of imposing external logic on them
Create new ways of being and existing in the world, where travel becomes a means of mutual learning
Generate transformative experiences for both visitors and hosts

Tolima: A Hidden Gem That the World Is Discovering

During the conversation, a painful but necessary reflection emerges: we Tolima residents haven't valued what we have. Armando expresses this with disarming honesty: "One believed that this was normal and that this had no value. Culturally, this harmed us because the neighbors take advantage of it."

It's time to change that narrative.

Tolima's Natural Wealth: An Amazing Inventory

Tolima is not just another department. It is a microcosm of Colombia's megadiversity:

Mountains and Snow-Capped Mountains

The Nevado del Tolima, that majestic peak covered in eternal ice, is more than a postcard. It is a complete ecosystem, accessible from both Quindío and Tolima. The ascent routes offer incomparable experiences: wax palm forests larger and better preserved than the famous Cocora forests, virgin moors, and landscapes that alternate between the sublime and the overwhelming.

Deep Canyons

The Combeima Canyon, that vertical cut in the mountain where a torrential river descends, is a geological and biological spectacle. Carlos describes it with passion: "I can stand in the Ibal tanks in Ibagué and feel how the air from the Combeima Canyon and the air from the Quebrada Cay Canyon unite, and your lungs expand."

This is no exaggeration. The air quality in Ibagué, surrounded by mountains and crossed by currents of pure air that descend from the heights, is exceptional. But many locals "regularize" it, as Carlos says. We take it for granted.

Multiple Ecosystems

Páramos: High-mountain ecosystems unique in the world
Andean Forests: With extraordinary biodiversity
Semi-desert areas: Arid landscapes of haunting beauty
Inland seas: Hydroelectric dams that function as enormous bodies of water
Coffee-growing region: Producer of some of the best coffee in the world

Biological Corridors

Traversals like Santa Teresa, Coqueta, San Bernardo, Chinaalta, Toche, and Tochecito aren't just names on a map. They are gateways to pristine ecosystems, authentic communities, and experiences found nowhere else.

Products with Designation of Origin

Tolima has rice with a designation of origin. Its lechona (suckling pig) is legendary. Its coffee competes with the best in the world. But beyond the products, it has something even more valuable: authenticity.

Colombia, Country of Beauty: Tolima as a Protagonist

Walter and Carlos share exciting news: they had just participated in COP16, where Colombia is positioning itself as the epicenter of a global movement to redesign the tourism sector.

"Colombia is at the center of that global movement," says Walter. "People are talking about Colombia, the country of beauty, because it's a global pilot project for how to redesign everything related to the tourism sector."

This is a historic opportunity. And Tolima, with its exceptional biodiversity and strategic location, is perfectly positioned to be a protagonist of this transformation.

The Moment is Now

In recent years, the national government, departmental, and municipal governments have begun to raise awareness of the region. There is movement, there are initiatives, there is energy.

"Great things are coming for Tolima," says Walter. "With people like you, like us who have been working for this region, we will be able to show the best side of our Tolima. We are in the best of all times."

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism: When Everyone Fits in the Journey

One of the most powerful aspects of the conversation is the topic of inclusion. Armando, as a person with a visual impairment and founder of an agency specializing in accessible tourism, brings a crucial perspective.

Beyond Social Responsibility

"When I came to disability and began working on social issues," Armando says, "I realized that everything was handled through issues of social responsibility or regulations. There was a lot of talk about rights, but between actions and sayings, there is a lot of right."

In other words: the laws are there, the programs exist, but the reality experienced by people with disabilities is very different.

In tourism, this translates into invisible but concrete barriers:

Infrastructure not designed for the diversity of bodies and abilities
Experiences designed from a single perspective
Lack of real awareness among service providers
Absence of accessible information

A New Philosophy of Inclusion

Walter explains it magnificently: "It's a global phenomenon, very fortunate, because if we look at the mid- and early 20th century, there were huge sectors of the world's population that were completely segregated, for whom there was no policy or recognition whatsoever."

Humanity is learning that differences are not deficiencies, but sources of wealth. Different ways of being, walking, dreaming, producing, and existing are not bad. They are valuable.

In the context of tourism, this means:

Universal Experience Design

"The human brain has an incredible capacity to create experiences through the senses," explains Walter. "One experience is the one I have observing something, but another is the one I have touching it, feeling the smell, the soundscape, the voices, the accents, the flavors, the aromas."

Inclusive tourism isn't about forcibly adapting a visual experience for a blind person. It's about designing multisensory experiences that everyone can fully enjoy, each based on their own abilities.

Collaborative Construction

"It has to be developed through conversation with the stakeholders who are part of the guilds and communities," says Walter. "These are our tools, this is our perspective. What are your needs? What do you want? What do you have to contribute?"

It's not about "we (those without disabilities) helping them (those with disabilities)." It's about true co-creation, where each person contributes from their unique experience of the world.

Difference as an Opportunity

"That difference is not an obstacle," emphasizes Walter. "That difference is an opportunity to build new ways of doing things."

When we design with diversity in mind, we create better experiences for everyone. A ramp helps a person in a wheelchair, but also someone with suitcases, a mother with a stroller, and an elderly person. An audio guide designed for people with vision loss enriches the experience for all visitors.

Organizing the House: How to Build a Sustainable Tourism Destination

One of the most powerful metaphors in the entire conversation is "organizing the house." Carlos puts it clearly: "We locals don't know the house. We don't know that I can stand on the Ibal tanks and feel the air... Our relationship with the house needs to be reformulated."

The Problem of Comfort

Tolima suffers from what Carlos calls "the comfort zone." We are so accustomed to our wealth that we make it invisible. We breathe fresh air and don't value it. We are surrounded by mountains and ignore them. We have moors, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and deserts just hours away, and we don't visit them.

But you can't sell what you don't know or love.

The Necessary Working Groups

Carlos's proposal is clear and urgent: "We need to sit down and reorganize our house. Point out the problems, tell each other the truth, and be honest."

This entails:

Dialogue Among All Stakeholders

Government and mayoralties
Chamber of Commerce
Private sector (agencies, hotels, restaurants, transporters)
Local communities
Academia
Service providers (guides, muleteers, artisans)

Concrete and Measurable Commitments

"We need to make commitments and ensure that each of these links in the value chain assumes its shared responsibility," says Carlos. Good intentions aren't enough. Specific actions with clear responsibilities are needed.

Improving Basic Services

Carlos mentions this directly: "We need to talk to the taxi drivers. The service needs to be improved. The services at the terminal, the infrastructure."

A tourist destination isn't built on beautiful landscapes alone. It's built on quality services at every point of contact with the visitor.

Tourism Governance: Planning Together

One of the most powerful ideas emerging is that of participatory tourism governance.

"The roadmap can't be drawn up only by the governor's office, nor only by the mayor's office, nor only by the business owner, nor only by the Chamber of Commerce," warns Carlos. "We all draw up the roadmap."

This is particularly important for Tolima, which has an advantage over other more developed destinations: the opportunity to plan before mass tourism.

"Unlike other departments where tourism has developed naturally, Tolima has the opportunity to be planned," says Walter. "This entire value chain will gain more meaning and will be beneficial for our relationship with nature."

The Biotourism Model: Productivity with Purpose

Carlos makes a refreshingly honest confession: "We got into this because it's a business. I want to make money, I want money, I want a lifestyle. I want to be a millionaire."

But he immediately adds the crucial difference: "The difference lies in how I'm going to get there."

The Principles of Biotourism

1. Life at the Center

"Biotourism puts life at the center of all discussions. The life of all species that inhabit this being called planet Earth."

It's not an abstract principle. It translates into concrete decisions: Does this project respect natural cycles? Does it strengthen or weaken ecosystems? Does it improve or worsen the living conditions of local communities?

2. Equitable Distribution of Benefits

"The productivity of a business must be shared, to each his own, fairly, in a chain."

When Bioturismo Colombia brings foreign tourists to the Combeima Canyon, it's not to maximize its own profits at the expense of locals. It's to generate shared prosperity.

"How can I go to the Combeima Canyon and not spend money on local producers?" Carlos asks. "How can I not go to Juntas to eat an arepa? How can I not sit and talk with the muleteers who have known these corridors their whole lives?"

3. Genuine Cultural Exchange

"We propose a tourism that goes, that interacts, a cultural exchange with the lives of the people and species in the environment."

It's not extractive tourism (I come, I take photos, I leave). It's relationship tourism (I come, I learn, I share, I transform, and I am transformed).

4. Capacity Building

"If I can contribute to strengthening the capacity of local providers so they provide me with a service that meets the standards I sell, that's wonderful."

Biotourism doesn't just pay fair rates. It invests in the training and empowerment of the people it works with.

The Virtuous Cycle

Carlos describes the entire economic model:

The productive sector generates revenue thanks to fair and well-designed operations.
It contributes to other links in the chain through equitable payments.
It pays taxes because it is formalized.
The State reinvests in infrastructure, training, and promotion.
The territory improves, which attracts more quality tourism.
The cycle is reinforced.

"If this were the way it should be, that would be wonderful," Carlos admits realistically. "We're talking about a utopia, and we must be clear, there's a lot to improve. But by taking care of ourselves and seeking a friendly business from the territory, from within ourselves, we can achieve it."

Safeguarding the Territory: Learning from Others' Mistakes

One of Carlos's most important warnings is about safeguarding the territory. Tourism has two faces, and not all of them are pretty.

The Case of Barcelona

"People are already going out to protest in Barcelona. Residents are protesting against tourists because they entered their homes and took them over."

This is predatory tourism:

Uncontrolled overcrowding
Gentrification that drives out local residents
Loss of cultural identity
Deterioration of ecosystems
Price inflation that makes it impossible for locals to live

Examples in Colombia

"In our Colombian territory, we have several examples of destinations that are not what we want, they are not what we are looking for," says Carlos, without mentioning specific names, but we all know what he means.

Overexploited destinations, where:

Communities don't share in the benefits
Nature is visibly degraded
Authenticity is lost in favor of standardized experiences
Prices skyrocket without improving quality

The Fundamental Question

"What kind of tourism do we want?" asks Carlos. "The kind of tourism that comes to your house, opens the refrigerator with dirty shoes, drinks the juice, and leaves everything in a mess? Or the kind of tourism where I open the door, show you my house, tell you the story, and share it?"

The answer is obvious. But building the second kind of tourism requires collective decision-making, careful planning, and constant vigilance.

Building Alliances: Honesty as a Foundation

One of the most valuable sections of the conversation is when Carlos talks about how to build alliances between tour operators.

Getting to Know Each Other and Recognizing Each Other

"It's very important to get to know each other as business owners. To understand what the other is doing, what their business perspective is, what mine is, and find common ground."

But also: "We have to be very honest: we can't work with everyone, we can't work with everyone to build on different perspectives."

This honesty is revolutionary in a sector where appearance often prevails over substance.

Long-Term Relationships

"We like long-term and stable relationships," says Carlos. "When we form alliances with other operators, the first thing we talk about is: a long, lasting, and stable relationship, where we have the opportunity to tell each other what works and what doesn't, and how we align."

These aren't one-time transactions. They are building trust that develop over time.

Mutual Care

"When we form a partnership, I'm putting my brand, my name, my possibilities, my feelings, my thoughts in your hands. I'm giving you my heart, and you're doing the same with me. We take care of each other."

This care isn't just emotional. It's also legal and professional:

Trademark registration
Protection of generated knowledge
Clear, written agreements
Respect for differentials

Overcoming Obsolete Practices

Carlos offers constructive but firm criticism: "Those practices: someone does something, I see it, I do the same thing, and I lower the price. Are we competing? Are we going to compete on prices with the same people?"

The alternative proposal: "Each one does their own thing, each from their perspective and expertise. We unite, we link together, I buy, you buy from me, we enter as a block."

The Art of Negotiation

"In the best negotiations," Carlos reflects, recalling a movie, "all parties lose a little and win, because I had to give in."

It's the philosophy of real win-win, not the superficial version where one dominates and the other resigns.

Avoiding Trends: Real Sustainability vs. Greenwashing

One of the most insightful moments of the conversation is when Carlos warns about "trends in concepts."

The Problem with the Label Without Substance

"We all talk about sustainability, we all talk about regenerative, we all talk about bioculturalism. That's fine, we have to aim for those concepts. However, we shouldn't just choose the trendy term and put it on the sign for the sake of it."

This is the phenomenon of tourism greenwashing: agencies that adopt the vocabulary of sustainability but maintain extractive practices.

Walking the Path

"To talk about biocultural territories, sustainability, and restorative tourism, a lot has to happen. You have to walk a path so that it doesn't remain on paper, a standard, a compliance issue."

The difficult questions:

Do I have a label, but do I really live that policy in my practices?
Do my daily actions reflect the principles I proclaim?
Is there consistency between my speech and my action?

The Role of Academia: Applied Knowledge

Carlos makes a direct appeal: "Another stone for academia: come on, let's bring this to life, let's do it, let's put it together."

The Gap between Theory and Practice

Academia generates valuable knowledge about sustainable tourism, destination management, and environmental and social impacts. But that knowledge often remains in papers and conferences.

The Necessary Bridge

"The productive sector can contribute a lot to academia because we are doing it," says Carlos. "Let's sit down for a great conversation where we think, plan, and formulate."

This could translate into:

Applied research on the Tolima region
Practical training for guides and operators
**Monitoring of the real impacts of tourism
Development of locally relevant indicators
Systematization of good practices

Biotourism Colombia is already working in this direction with institutions such as the Antonio Nariño University (UAN) and the University of Ibagué, developing pedagogical processes for communities and small businesses.

Planetary Crisis and the Tourism Response

Walter closes his participation with a reflection of global scope that contextualizes everything discussed:

The Moment of Transformation

"The planet is in a planetary crisis, especially in environmental terms. Both the political and industrial sectors, commerce, and life in general must ask themselves the question: how do we transform the ways we do things?"

This is not a rhetorical question. It is the question of survival of our era.

Tourism Must Transform

"We can't continue to operate the same industry from the 19th and 20th centuries. We can't have the same policies. Tourism must transform."

Why? Because the material support for the existence of all living beings is the land, and that land must be cared for and healthy in ecosystem terms.

Land as a Foundation

"If what we want is business or money, that's not possible if the water is contaminated," warns Walter. "There are no cities. There are many places in the world where, due to lack of water, people have to move."

This isn't a futuristic dystopia. It's the current reality in many places around the planet. And Colombia, being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, has a unique responsibility and opportunity.

From Obstacle to Treasure

"Before, the jungle, the mountains, these three mountain ranges were seen as an obstacle to the country's development," reflects Walter. "Today, they are the greatest asset we have."

This transformation in perception is fundamental. What was once seen as "unproductive territory" is now recognized as:

Irreplaceable natural capital
Source of vital ecosystem services
World Heritage Site
Foundation of new sustainable economies

Colombia: Power of Life

"We are the history of humanity, we are a power of biodiversity," says Walter with justifiable pride. The recent discoveries in Chiribiquete, the jungles of Chocó, the Amazon, the Orinoquía: all of these are not just landscapes to photograph.

They are complete ecosystems, sources of life, laboratories of evolution, libraries of ancestral and scientific knowledge.

The Final Call

"The call would be: those who engage in tourism, those who want to engage in tourism, the travel agencies, let's redesign the way we do it. Let's think about all our strategies from a technical perspective, from a community-based organization, and let everything be directed toward protection, enjoyment, and development with a beautiful and harmonious relationship with all forms of ecosystems in general."

It's not a sacrifice. It's evolutionary intelligence: understanding that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of the ecosystems that sustain us.

Export Route: From Dream to Reality

One of the most exciting moments of the conversation is when Armando shares that his agency has been selected for the third phase of ProColombia's Export Route.

Accessible Tourism as a Value Proposition

What began as a personal need (a blind professional guide who wanted to guarantee quality tourist experiences for people with disabilities) has become a nationally recognized commercial proposition.

"It was like sharing an idea, a need, but not taking it so lightly," Armando confesses. "But they gave us the opportunity because we're clear about it, and they see we have the capacity."

The Challenge of Materializing

Armando describes the feeling honestly: "It's challenging because what we suddenly saw as a dream is starting to materialize. We have to organize the house."

This is the moment many startups face: moving from vision to execution, from inspiring idea to structured operation.

The First Accessible Activity

The Thursday following the podcast recording, Armando's agency would launch its first fully accessible tourism activity in Ibagué. A milestone not only for the agency, but for Tolima as an inclusive destination.

Ibagué: Naturally Musical, Naturally Accessible

Throughout the conversation, a powerful vision emerges: Ibagué not only as a Musical City, but as an accessible, sustainable city and model of regenerative tourism.

Ibagué's Assets

Strategic Location

In the heart of Colombia, equidistant from Bogotá and other major urban centers, with land connections to multiple destinations.

Quality of Life

Pure air blowing down from the canyons, a pleasant climate, an urban landscape surrounded by mountains, and a manageable size that allows for efficient travel.

Surrounding Natural Wealth

Within a two-hour radius of Ibagué, you can access:

Páramos and snow-capped mountains
Canyons and rushing rivers
Wax palm forests
Coffee-growing regions
Hot springs
Deserts and arid zones
Towns with a vibrant history and culture

Musical Identity

This isn't empty marketing. Ibagué has a deep musical tradition, conservatories, festivals, and renowned composers. It's an authentic cultural asset that can be integrated into unique tourist experiences.

The Opportunity to Lead

"This opportunity is now or never," Armando says urgently. And he's right. Tolima is in a historic window of opportunity:

National and international recognition of Colombia as a sustainable destination
Growing demand for conscious and regenerative tourism
Basic infrastructure already established
Human capital with desire and capacity
Exceptional and relatively preserved natural and cultural assets
Possibility to plan before overcrowding

Practical Lessons: What Can Each Actor Do?

After this in-depth conversation, the practical question is: What concrete actions can each actor in the value chain take?

For Public Institutions (Government, Mayors, Chamber of Commerce)

Convene permanent working groups with all tourism stakeholders
Provide training spaces on sustainable and inclusive tourism
Invest in accessible infrastructure (signage, ramps, multi-format information)
Create incentives for operators that adopt certifiable sustainable practices
Develop a communications strategy that positions Tolima as a conscious tourism destination
Articulate with the national level to take advantage of programs such as ProColombia
Establish a monitoring system for tourism impacts (environmental, social, economic)

For Tour Agencies and Operators

Build honest alliances with other operators, based on Complementarity and non-competition
Formalize relationships with local providers through fair contracts
Invest in training for yourself and your partners on accessibility, sustainability, and service
Design multisensory experiences that are genuinely inclusive
Protect the intellectual property of developed experiences
**Authentically communicate sustainable practices (avoid greenwashing)
Actively participate in tourism governance spaces
Document and share good practices

For Service Providers (Guides, Transporters, Restaurants, Hotels)

Train in attention to diversity (people with disabilities, older adults, families with young children)
Improve quality standards in service
Connect with reputable operators that offer fair relationships
Value and communicate local history and culture
Adopt sustainable practices in operations (waste management, use (resource-efficient, local purchasing)
Organize into unions to have greater impact

For Local Communities

Organize around community tourism initiatives
Identify local assets (natural, cultural, gastronomic) that can be integrated into tourism experiences
Establish clear boundaries regarding what is shared and what is protected
Train in hospitality and tourism management
Demand fair relationships with external operators
Maintain cultural authenticity without falling into folklorization

For Academia

Develop applied research on the Tolima region
Offer training programs relevant to the sector
Create spaces for dialogue between theory and practice
Systematize local sustainable tourism experiences
Contribute to the design of monitoring and evaluation systems
Train professionals with a holistic vision of Tourism

For Tourists and Travelers

Choose responsible operators even if they cost a little more
Respect the territories you visit (culture, norms, ecosystems)
Consume locally (food, crafts, services)
Travel with curiosity and openness to learn, not just to extract experiences
Share experiences that highlight destinations like Tolima
Demand accessibility in all tourist spaces

The Tolima We Want: A Vision of the Future

Let's imagine Tolima in ten years if we make the right decisions now:

An Internationally Recognized Destination

Not as "the next Cartagena" or "the new Coffee Region," but as Tolima: a unique destination known for:

Its fair and regenerative tourism model
Its exemplary universal accessibility
Its exceptional, carefully preserved biodiversity
Its empowered and thriving communities
Its living cultural authenticity

Strengthened Ecosystems

Where tourism has been the driving force behind:

Reforesting watersheds (with tourists planting trees as part of their experience)
Protecting biological corridors (with part of tourist fees funding community rangers)
Recovering species (with responsible observation programs that generate resources for conservation)
Cleaning rivers and streams (with tourist volunteer initiatives)

Communities Transformed

Where rural, indigenous, and urban families:

Earn decent incomes from tourism without abandoning other productive activities
Have improved their infrastructure (housing, roads, schools, health centers) with tourism resources
Maintain their cultural identity strengthened, not diluted
Are protagonists of their development, not spectators

A Network of Ethical Operators

Where travel agencies:

Collaborate more than compete, with complementary products
Share good practices on common platforms
Self-regulate with more demanding standards than official regulations
Are proud of their fair relationships with suppliers and communities

Universal Infrastructure

Where all visitors, regardless of age, physical or sensory condition:

Can access the main tourist attractions
Receive information in multiple formats (visual, auditory, tactile)
Find services designed for the Human diversity
Feel welcomed and valued

Ibagué: Regenerative Tourism Hub

The capital city has become:

Training center in sustainable and inclusive tourism for Latin America
Host for international events on regenerative tourism
Model of a musical and accessible city studied in universities
Starting point to explore the entire region

How Biotourism Colombia Is Leading This Change

Beyond the inspirational rhetoric, Biotourism Colombia is putting all these principles into practice:

Concrete Experiences in Tolima

Visit to the Combeima Canyon

Guided tour with environmental interpretation
Stops at Juntas to consume local products
Interaction with muleteers and producers
Awareness raising about watershed conservation

Cerro Machín: Geology and Biodiversity

Understanding active volcanism
Observing unique ecosystems
Connecting with communities in the area of influence

Ibagué, Musical City

Heritage tours through the historic center
Meetings with local musicians and composers
Visits to conservatories and cultural spaces
Connecting urban and natural soundscapes

Wax Palm Route

Hiking in forests better preserved than Cocora
Education about endemic species
Support for conservation initiatives Community

Consulting for Municipalities

Biotourism Colombia works with different municipalities in Tolima and throughout the country on:

Territorial diagnostics for sustainable tourism
Design of experiences rooted in local culture and nature
Capacity building for community entrepreneurs
Authentic communication strategies

Pedagogy and Awareness-Raising

Through partnerships with universities and associations:

Talks and workshops on regenerative tourism
Training guides in environmental interpretation
Training operators in accessibility
Dialogues with communities on the opportunities and risks of tourism

Participation in National Networks

Biotourism Colombia is part of the National Network of Peace Destinations, which:

Makes Tolima visible on national and international stages
Connects with other territories that share the same vision
Facilitates the exchange of learning
Amplifies the impact of local initiatives

The Challenges: Being Honest About the Difficulties

The conversation wasn't all celebration. They also discussed the real obstacles facing this transformation of tourism in Tolima.

Toxic Relationships in the Sector

Armando put it bluntly: "We have to organize the relationships between those of us in the sector because there is a very toxic, very tense relationship."

These tensions stem from:

Unfair competition (copying products and lowering prices)
Historical mistrust between operators
Professional jealousy instead of collaboration
Lack of transparency in business practices
Client-like relationships with institutions

Lack of Recognition of Local Value

"We in Tolima don't believe it," says Armando. There is a problem of territorial self-esteem that leads to:

Undervaluing one's own assets
Copying models from other destinations instead of creating one's own
Not investing in in-depth knowledge of the territory
Selling cheaply because the value of what is offered is not recognized

Gap between Discourse and Practice

The adoption of trendy concepts (sustainability, regenerative, inclusive) without a real transformation of practices is a constant risk.

Institutional Limitations

Although there is will and some programs, public institutions:

Have limited scope due to budgets and bureaucracy
Are sometimes disconnected from the reality of the sector
May have political priorities that do not align with the needs of sustainable tourism
Face discontinuity due to changes in administration

Poor Infrastructure

Basic aspects that urgently need improvement:

Taxi service
Transportation terminals
Tourist signage
Universal accessibility
Connectivity (internet)
Basic services in rural areas

Resistance to Change

Some stakeholders are comfortable with the traditional model and view proposals for fair, accessible, and regenerative tourism as:

Threats to their established businesses
Unnecessary complications
Fads not worth adopting

Strategies to Overcome Obstacles

The conversation not only identifies problems, but also points to practical solutions:

1. Build From the Bottom Up

"If we cut off that dependence on waiting for the public sector to plan and execute, while we follow suit, we lose the opportunity," says Armando.

The proposal: an autonomous trade union organization of the private sector that:

Defines its own standards
Builds commercial alliances
Generates operational synergies
Presents articulated proposals to the public sector

2. Raise Awareness Through Business

"In business, we raise awareness, train, and educate," proposes Armando.

Don't wait for everyone to be aware before starting. Start with those who are ready and let the success of their operations inspire others.

3. Differentiate Clearly

Carlos emphasizes the importance of registering trademarks, protecting knowledge, and clearly communicating differentials.

When serious operators clearly distinguish themselves from opportunists, clients can make informed choices.

4. Be Selective in Alliances

"We can't work with everyone," Carlos admits. "We work with whoever is willing to build, to sit down, to reach an agreement."

Don't try to convince everyone. Build circles of trust with those who share values and vision, and expand gradually.

5. Document and Communicate Results

Show with data and testimonials the positive impact of sustainable, fair, and inclusive practices:

Community income
Measurable environmental improvements
Customer satisfaction
Capacity building
Cultural strengthening

6. Push with Proposals, Not Complaints

Instead of just criticizing institutions, present concrete proposals with:

Clear diagnoses
Viable solutions
Defined co-responsibilities
Measurable goals
Realistic deadlines

Accessible Tourism: More Than Ramps and Accessible Bathrooms

Armando's experience as a blind person and a leader in accessible tourism adds a fundamental dimension to the conversation.

Redefining Accessibility

Accessibility isn't just about meeting technical standards. It's designing experiences that everyone can fully enjoy, each based on their own abilities and preferences.

This includes:

Physical Accessibility

Ramps, handrails, non-slip surfaces
Adequate circulation spaces
Accessible restrooms
Available technical aids (wheelchairs, canes, etc.)

Sensory Accessibility

Information in Braille and large print for people with visual impairments
Sign language interpretation or subtitles for people who are deaf
Descriptive audio guides
Tactile elements (models, textures, reliefs)
Well-designed olfactory and gustatory experiences

Cognitive Accessibility

Easy-to-read information
Clear pictograms
Intuitive signage
Staff trained to support people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders

Communication Accessibility

Staff who can communicate with people with different types of disabilities
Materials in multiple formats
Use of assistive technologies

Accessibility Attitudinal

The most important: eliminate prejudices and develop a culture of respect for human diversity.

The Accessible Tourism Niche

Armando identified people with disabilities, older adults, and families as his "natural niche." And it makes economic sense:

Large market: 15% of the world's population has a disability, and the population is aging.
Purchasing power: Many people with disabilities and older adults can afford to pay.
Traveling with others: A tourist with a disability typically travels with two or three other people.
Loyalty: When they find truly accessible destinations, they repeat and recommend them.
Deseasonal adjustment: They are not limited to school holidays.

Accessible Ibagué and Tolima: A Commercial Proposal

The first accessible activity Armando proposed was just the beginning of a broader vision:

A Tolima where anyone, regardless of their condition, can:

Climb (with appropriate support) to see the snow-capped mountain.
Hike the Combeima Canyon.
Enjoy the local cuisine.
Participate in cultural activities.
Stay comfortably.
Feel welcomed and valued.

This is not altruism. It's business intelligence: opening the market to currently excluded segments, differentiating yourself competitively, and building a reputation as an inclusive destination.

Education vs. Training: A Crucial Distinction

Armando makes a distinction worth exploring: "For me, training is one thing, and education is quite another. Unfortunately, people think they're the same thing."

Training: Technical Skills

Training provides specific skills and knowledge:

How to operate a reservation system
Guide techniques
First aid in high mountains
Species identification
Care for people with disabilities
Safe food preparation

It's important and necessary. Without adequate technical training, tourism is amateurish and risky.

Education: Transforming Understandings

Education goes deeper. It transforms the way we understand the world:

Why tourism must be fair
How our relationship with nature determines our future
What inclusion really means
Why cultural diversity is valuable
What our role is in the chain of life

Education makes people want to do things right, not only because there is a standard but because they understand its importance.

The Need for Both

Regenerative, fair, and accessible tourism requires:

Technical training to do things correctly
Deep education to want to do them and to innovate creatively

Sentipensantes: Integrating Reason and Emotion

Walter introduces a beautiful concept: "We call ourselves sentipensantes."

It is a term coined by Colombian sociologist Orlando Fals Borda, which integrates:

Feeling: The emotional, empathetic, intuitive dimension
Thinking: The rational, analytical, strategic dimension

Why It Matters in Tourism

Traditional tourism tends to be:

Purely rational (maximizing profits, optimizing resources)
Or purely emotional (unstructured experiences, improvisation without planning)

Feeling-thinking tourism integrates both:

Thinking strategically about operations, financial sustainability, logistics, and risks
Feeling the connection with the territory, responsibility to communities, care for nature, empathy with visitors

This integration is manifested in:

Profitable businesses that are also ethically sound
Well-planned experiences that are also emotionally deep
Business relationships that are also genuine human bonds
Decisions that consider both numbers and values

The Time is Now: Urgency Without Anxiety

There's a sense of urgency throughout the conversation, but not paralyzing anxiety. It's the urgency of those who know they have a unique window of opportunity.

Why Now

Colombia is on the global radar as a sustainable tourism destination
Tolima is being highlighted for the first time on national platforms
Resources and programs (such as the Export Route) are available
The demand for conscious tourism is growing exponentially
The territory is still relatively preserved, allowing for planning rather than correction
There is an ecosystem of committed actors beginning to come together

Why the Urgency

Because the windows are closing:

Other destinations are advancing rapidly
Mass tourism may arrive before we are organized
Environmental degradation is advancing
Changes in public administration may alter priorities
Pioneers tire if they don't see progress

Act Without Anxiety

Carlos and Walter are clear: this is a progressive construction, not a frantic race.

It requires:

Patience to build strong relationships
Persistence to overcome obstacles
Flexibility to adjust on the fly
Firmness in core principles
Celebration of small achievements that sustain enthusiasm

Conclusion: The Tourism We Deserve

This podcast was much more than a conversation about tourism. It was an invitation to reimagine how we relate to the territory, to others, to ourselves.

The Driving Ideas

Let's highlight the core ideas that wove together this rich and profound conversation:

The fair value chain is not an abstract technical concept; it is a practice of honest relationships where everyone wins.
The social component is not an optional addition to tourism; it is its heart and meaning.
Life at the center means that every decision is evaluated for its impact on ecosystems and communities.
Tolima has everything to be an exceptional destination, but we need to believe it first.
Inclusion and accessibility expand the market and enrich everyone's experiences.
Organizing the home requires honest conversation, co-responsibility, and coordinated action.
Lasting partnerships are built on transparency and mutual care.
Real sustainability goes beyond labels; it is lived in everyday practices.
The time is now because we have a historic window of opportunity.
Regenerative tourism is not a sacrifice, it is evolutionary intelligence

The Call to Action

For institutions: convene, facilitate, invest, but don't try to do everything alone.

For entrepreneurs: organize, differentiate yourselves, nurture your relationships, be honest with your profit motive but also with your territorial responsibility.

For communities: empower yourselves, organize, demand justice, but also assume co-responsibility in building quality experiences.

For academia: ground knowledge, engage in dialogue with practice, train thoughtful professionals.

For residents of Tolima: know, value, and care for your home; share with pride what we have.

For travelers: choose consciously, pay fairly, respect deeply, learn humbly.

The Final Vision

The Tolima we want is not the most visited or most famous destination. It is:

A territory where tourism dignifies rather than exploitsWhere nature is strengthened rather than degradedWhere communities thrive without losing their identityWhere everyone, absolutely everyone, is welcomeWhere doing business does not conflict with caring for lifeWhere beauty is not just the landscape, but a way of relating to one another

Thank You for Joining Us

Bioturismo Colombia, with Carlos González and Walter Cataño; the Circular Economy Accessible Tourism Agency, with Armando; and all the stakeholders committed to this shared dream are writing a new page in the history of Colombian tourism.

It is not a page written in the boardrooms of large corporations or in the offices of senior officials. It is a page written on the paths of the moors, on the tables of peasant homes, in the deep canyons, on the streets of Ibagué, in honest conversations between allies.

This is the tourism page we deserve. And it's being written now, by all of us.

Contact and Resources

Biotourism Colombia

Website: www.bioturismocolombia.comInstagram: @bioturismocolombia

Biotourism Colombia offers:

Tourism experiences in Tolima and other regions of Colombia
Consulting for municipalities in sustainable tourism development
Training and capacity building in regenerative tourism
Design of tourism products with a community focus

Accessible Tourism Agency for the Circular Economy

Website: www.agenciainclusiva.com

Specialized in:

Accessible tourism for people with disabilities
Experiences for seniors
Inclusive family travel
Accessibility advice for tour operators

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bioturismo Colombia different from other agencies?

Bioturismo Colombia puts life at the center of all its operations. It not only offers tourism experiences, but also builds a management model that equitably benefits all stakeholders in the value chain: communities, local providers, guides, and of course, travelers seeking authentic and transformative experiences.

Is sustainable tourism more expensive?

Sustainable and fair tourism recognizes the true value of experiences and pays fair rates to everyone involved. This may translate into slightly higher prices than conventional tourism, but the value you receive is incomparably greater: authentic experiences, verifiable positive impact, genuine relationships with communities, and the peace of mind that your trip is contributing to conservation and local well-being.

What does it mean for tourism to be "accessible"?

Accessible tourism means that anyone, regardless of age, physical condition, or sensory needs, can fully enjoy tourism experiences. It includes adapted infrastructure, information in multiple formats, trained staff, and, above all, an attitude of respect and appreciation for human diversity.

How can I tell if an agency is truly sustainable?

Look for concrete evidence beyond rhetoric:

Do they work with local communities and can they show how they benefit?
Do they have long-term relationships with their suppliers?
Are they transparent about their practices and impacts?
Do they have verifiable certifications?
Do their experiences include educational and conservation components?
Do they respect ecosystem load limits?

What tourism experiences does Tolima offer?

Tolima is incredibly diverse:

Mountaineering and trekking: Ascent to Nevado del Tolima, hikes in the páramos
Ecotourism: Birdwatching, wax palm forests, exceptional biodiversity
Adventure: Canyons, rivers, climbing areas
Culture: Ibagué, a musical city, heritage towns, traditional cuisine
Agrotourism: Coffee farms, sugarcane plantations, authentic rural experiences
Wellness: Hot springs, retreats, connection with nature

Can I visit Tolima if I have reduced mobility or a disability?

Absolutely! There are specialized accessible tourism operators designing experiences for everyone. Contact the Accessible Tourism Agency or Bioturismo Colombia to learn about specific options based on your needs.

How can I support community-based tourism in Tolima?

Choose operators that work directly with communities
Buy local products (handicrafts, food, services)
Hire local guides
Stay in community accommodations
Participate in experiences that include interaction with residents
Respect local norms and customs
Share your positive experiences to highlight community initiatives

What is a "fair value chain" in tourism?

It is a model where all stakeholders involved in a tourism experience (from host communities to operators, guides, transporters, artisans, and cooks) receive equitable benefits and maintain relationships of mutual respect, transparency, and co-responsibility. It is not a model where one intermediary accumulates the profits while others receive crumbs.

Is Tolima safe for visitors?

Yes. Tolima has made significant progress in safety and is a welcoming destination. As with any destination, it's important to travel with operators who are knowledgeable about the area, follow local recommendations, and maintain basic precautions. Responsible operators have safety protocols and are fully familiar with the areas they visit.

When is the best time to visit Tolima?

Tolima has attractions year-round. Consider:

Dry season (December-March and July-August): Ideal for mountaineering and high-altitude activities
Rainy season: Perfect for seeing waterfalls in their full splendor and greener landscapes
Cultural events: Music festivals in Ibagué take place at different times of the year

The diversity of thermal zones means there's always something to do: if it rains in the mountains, you can enjoy the valley, and vice versa.

Additional Resources

To Learn More About Sustainable Tourism

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC): International Sustainable Tourism Standards
Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia: National Policies and Programs
National Network of Peace Destinations: Network of which Biotourism Colombia is a part
ProColombia: Opportunities for Exporting Tourism Services

Training

Several universities in Colombia offer tourism programs with an emphasis on sustainability:

Externado de Colombia University
University of Ibagué
Antonio Nariño University
SENA (technical and technological programs)

Glossary of Terms

Biotourism: A tourism model that places (bio) life at the center of all decisions, seeking to strengthen ecosystems and communities, not just minimize negative impacts.

Fair Value Chain: A structure of commercial relationships in tourism where all stakeholders receive equitable benefits and maintain transparent and respectful relationships.

Regenerative tourism: Goes beyond "sustainable" (maintaining the status quo). It seeks to ensure that tourism actively improves the environmental, social, and cultural conditions of destinations.

Accessible tourism: Tourism that can be enjoyed by all people, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

Community-based tourism: A model where local communities are the owners, managers, and primary beneficiaries of tourism activities in their territories.

Sentipensante: A term used by sociologist Orlando Fals Borda that integrates feeling (emotional, empathetic) with thinking (rational, strategic).

Territory safeguarding: A set of actions to protect a territory from the negative impacts of unplanned mass tourism.

Co-responsibility: Recognition that all actors in the value chain have specific and complementary responsibilities; no one can delegate everything to others.

Greenwashing: The practice of using "green" or "sustainable" rhetoric without actual company practices supporting it.

Tourism governance: A participatory process where all stakeholders (public, private, community, academic) make joint decisions about tourism development.

The Future Is in Our Hands

This article, based on an in-depth conversation between people committed to transforming tourism, is an invitation.

An invitation to:

Rethink how we travel and why
Recognize the value of territories like Tolima
Reorganize relationships in the tourism value chain
Rebuild our relationship with nature and communities
Reimagine what success means in the tourism business

It's not an invitation to perfection. It's an invitation to imperfect but targeted action, to start where we are with what we have, to build progressively, to take care of each other along the way.

Tolima, the Heart of the Andes, has everything it takes to be a world leader in regenerative, fair, and accessible tourism. But that won't happen by decree or by accident. It will happen because we, each of us in our role, decide to do things differently.

It will happen because operators like Bioturismo Colombia and the Accessible Tourism Agency continue to walk their path, even when it is difficult.

It will happen because public institutions facilitate instead of hindering.

It will happen because communities organize and demand fair relationships.

It will happen because travelers make conscious choices and pay what is fair.

It will happen because each of us answers the question: What kind of tourism do I want for my home?

A Final Reflection: Tourism as Pedagogy

There is something deeply educational in tourism done well. When we travel consciously, we learn:

Humility: Recognizing that our ways of seeing and doing are not the only ones, nor necessarily the best.
Empathy: Putting ourselves in the shoes of those who inhabit territories with realities very different from our own.
Gratitude: Appreciating what we have when we know how others live.
Responsibility: Understanding that our consumption decisions have real consequences for people and ecosystems.
Wonder: Reconnecting with the ability to marvel at the beauty and diversity of the world.

Tolima, with its exceptional nature, its authentic communities, and its committed workers, can be a school of humanity for those who visit it.

But it is also a school for those who inhabit it. It teaches us to value what we have, to take care of our home, to build together, to dream big but act with our feet on the ground.

Acknowledgments
This article is made possible thanks to Armando's interview with Carlos González and Walter Cataño, who opened the conversation so we could all reflect.
Thanks to all the operators, guides, transporters, cooks, artisans, farmers, park rangers, public officials, and dreamers who are building, each from their own trenches, the tourism that Tolima deserves.
And thanks to you, the reader, for making it this far. Your time and attention are valuable, and we hope this reading inspires you to be part of this transformation, whether by visiting Tolima consciously, supporting responsible operators, or simply sharing this vision with others.

Share This Vision

If this article resonated with you, we invite you to:

📱 Share it on your social media 🔗 Tag people you think should know about this proposal ⭐ Rate and recommend responsible operators you know 📧 Contact Bioturismo Colombia or the Accessible Tourism Agency if you want to be an active part

The tourism we want is built conversation by conversation, decision by decision, trip by trip.

Welcome to Bioturismo. Welcome to Tolima. Welcome to a new way of traveling.