Meet Maria Jose
While Maria Jose was traveling the world, the seed of a powerful idea was planted in her mind: to find a way to introduce her fellow travelers to modern Colombia through the country’s culinary richness. Driven by the desire to shake off Colombia’s reputation as a troubled nation and replace it with a new respect for the country’s breathtaking biodiversity, she offers tours at the Paloquemao Market in Bogota to educate guests about local ingredients. Join Maria Jose for a deep-dive into the exotic world of Colombian fruits and vegetables. She is a passionate advocate for her country’s gastronomy and hopes that through her work she can increase travelers’ understanding of Colombia’s past, present and future. Her goal is to help create local jobs, support good agricultural practices, and help make her country a better place in this new age of peace building.
What to Expect
Market visit: (1-7 guests) Meet your host, Maria Jose, at the spectacular Paloquemao Market for an exploration of Colombia’s extensive variety of fruits and vegetables. Maria Jose will lead you through the marketplace and introduce you to more than 15 varieties of exotic fruit. From granadilla, to lulo, to mangostino, to gulupa, you will walk from stall to stall tasting the fruits and fruit juices, while learning about local cooking, agriculture and importance of farmers to the Colombian economy. In addition to sampling fruits, you will also taste savory foods sold at the small stalls in the market. Maria Jose might take you to snack on almojábana (Colombian cheese bread), empanadas, sausages, and other local foods for sale. She will also introduce you to local herbs, tropical flowers, and handicrafts.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the different geographical regions in Colombia and the wide variety of foods eaten throughout the country. While you will not sit down to eat an entire meal all at once, you will leave the experience with a full stomach having sampled many different fruits and snacks, and you will have a new appreciation of Colombia’s wide varied gastronomy.
Maria Jose can also help you do a bit of shopping and can assist with bargaining if there is something you might like to buy at the market.
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
0 nights | Call for pricing
Featured Destinations
Bogota
The Andean city of Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is where most visitors begin their experience in the country.
Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, Bogota lies at the Western base of a mountain range that includes the shrine-topped peaks of Monserrate and Guadalupe.
The city is set at 8,500 ft/2,600 m—if you fly in from a much lower elevation, take it easy for a day or two to adjust to the altitude. Allow three days to see Bogota's sights.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
05/01/2019 -
12/31/2024
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* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
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Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Pricing is per person. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and children 4 and under are free. Please note number and ages of children at time of booking. Please note that all experiences are private and fully customizable. If your travelers have particular preferences or dietary restrictions please note this at the time of booking. Additional terms and conditions apply.
This is a DAY TOUR with no hotel accommodations included. Price may vary by date of travel, currency rate fluctuations and tour option; please inquire for the best prices for your preferred travel dates. 1-7 guests.
Notes: Please note menu might vary. Your tour of the market and the menu can be customized to your interests and tastes. Just tell Maria Jose if there are certain fruits you would like to try, or if you have a craving for salty over sweet. The market tour is scheduled to begin at 10am, but you can start anytime between 8am-12pm. If you would prefer to start at a different time, feel free to ask when you make your booking. Maria Jose can offer round-trip transportation only from the following neighborhoods in Bogota: Zona T, Candelaria or Chapinero. If you would like her to pick you up please as your travel advisor to add transportation to your booking and be sure to tell her where you are staying.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1312961
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Kahala Travel
3838 Camino Del Rio N., Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92108
USA
619-282-8300
800-852-8338