I am an American who has been traveling to Colombia, South America since January 1999 (2-3 times a year).  It was the middle of Winter, with Spring nowhere in sight, and I was in contact with a Colombian female who was inviting me to travel to 80° weather and supposedly Tropical Paradise.  Sounding like a good enough excuse to escape the dead-of-winter, I decided to travel to Colombia by myself.  I had no clue what I was getting myself into.  I flew to Cali, Colombia and was blown away at how similar it is to New York City.  Lots of traffic (mostly taxis) and lots of partying (but I can do that anywhere).  I met with the Colombian female and her family, partied a little and had the pleasure of attending a soccer game between Colombia's National Team and Sweden.  I have watched South American Soccer on the television many times, but never in person.  What an experience!  I was exposed to the intimate passion that the fans of Colombia have for their beloved teams (Colombian Nationals and Club America de Cali).  After a few days in Cali, the family invited me to the town (Obando Valle) where they were raised in the Northern Valleys of Colombia. 

Located 2.5 hours from Cali, I traveled there by bus.  What a spectacular scenic view I had!  To make a long story short, I traveled to Colombia looking for love and wound up falling "in love" with a town and it's townspeople.  The town reminds me of a model for a Hollywood set.  The moment I stepped foot in that town, I instantly felt and knew I had found what I was looking for ... little town values, quiet, relaxing and laid-back.  I felt like I went back 40 years in time.  The townspeople are humble, passionate and proud (you remember those days, don't you!).  According to legend, I was the first Gringo to visit and establish a relationship with the townspeople of Obando and I have continued an ongoing relationship with these wonderful people and the region.  They have come to admire and appreciate the love I show towards them. 

For this reason, I feel that my experience and knowledge of Obando and the region (the past 10 years), motivates me to bring tourism to this part of the country.  Colombia is neither a "third-world nor an undeveloped" country.  It is a "middle-class and very developed" country.  Colombia's tourism is predominantly geared to the West Coast (La Costa).  It offers beautiful beaches and the 'usual beach-front accommodations' (and very successful, may I add). 

I, on the other hand, want to usher you into the new wave of tourism to Colombia (Ecotourism).  Where we, you and I, can enjoy nature and it's beauty at it's very finest.  The Townspeople of Obando Valle, along with the Mayor (Don Jhon Mario Velez Giraldo) and the Police Inspector (Don Henry Restrepo), are very excited and support this American and this project that I am offering to the region.  Growing up a City Slicker from birth, I can't get enough of this place!  Especially when you are driving up and down the highway with live stock and horses dotting the hillsides, along with the sugarcane, soy and corn fields.  This is your picture perfect Tropical Paradise. 

As we take you off the beat-and-path, I invite you to experience
"El Norte Valle de Colombia" (The Northern Valleys of Colombia)! 
A Tropical Paradise!!!
 

This region of Colombia offers the following: 

Beautiful Hotels, Chalets, Haciendas and Plantations (with breathtaking panoramic views, natural beauty and greenery everywhere you visit).

You can go "Fishing" at El Danubio (Cartago) or Villa Kerly (La Union) and be served "you're catch of the day" (either for lunch or dinner). 

You can go "Horseback Riding" at Los Vinedos (La Union) Casa Blanca (La Union) or El Danubio (Cartago). 

You can visit and "Taste the Wines" from the Vineyards of Los Vinedos (La Union). 

You can go "Swimming" in fresh water rivers (Barbas in Alcala) or in mini-waterfalls (Cumbia in Obando).  Or you can go swimming at the lavish pool sights, dotted all around the surrounding areas and region (you can arrange to have privacy at these pool sites, if you want). 

You can visit the "Thermal Springs" of Los Termales in Risaralda de Santa Rosa in Pereira. 

You can visit "Petting Zoos" and "Regular Zoos" in El Danubio in Cartago, Panaca and in Pereira).

You can visit El Parque de Café in Armenia. 

You can visit Ancient and Historic sites anywhere throughout the region (let me inform you that all these places of interest are between ½ hour to 1 hr via transportation)from Obando. 

You can party in the town of Obando (Friends or Discoteca Cafetel) or the many clubs located in the surrounding towns.

Everywhere you visit, the food is fresh and the pastry shops are out of this world!  The music is great and the people are sooo accommodating.  If you want to party, they will accommodate you.  If you want to just bask in the region's weather, panoramic views or just want to taste the delicious cuisine and wines, they will accommodate you.  They love pampering me, so I know they will love pampering you, the World!  Even though Spanish is the first language in Colombia, I have had the privilege of meeting and associating myself with native Colombians from the region and throughout Colombia, who speak English (and other languages), who can serve as translators.  They will be most valuable to you and I.

The reason I am building this site is to open the eyes of the world!  I would encourage other Americans (I've seen many of you on my flights), like myself, who have been traveling to Colombia; to respond and support me in this venture.  Please believe this AMERICAN, when he tells you, it is safe to travel and vacation to Colombia, providing you are with the right people!  That's where I come into the picture.  For the past 10 years I have 'surrounded' myself and formed a continuing relationship with the Townspeople and the region, the Mayor and the Commander of Police.  I am admired by the 20,000 habitants of my beloved adopted town of Obando.  Through the lens of my camera and the collage of photos I have laid out in this site, you can see what a Tropical Paradise Colombia really is (along with its uninhibited safety!)

I have visited and socialized in all of the above-mentioned towns along with the metropolitan cities of Colombia.  I can back it all up with the 30+ volumes of photo books and CD's that sit on my bookshelves at home.  I have grown to love Obando, the region and its people so much, that in February 2007, I bought a two-family house in this very town (and I don't even live here!)  When my time comes to retire, this will be the place!