Colombia is the sunny gateway to South America and its Jewish history is as colorful and varied as its landscape. A tailored luxury tour of Columbia takes you through Cartagena’s winding colonial alleys and introduces you to Bogotá’s thriving modern Jewish community. Experience the warmth and friendliness of this extraordinary country and the excitement of a Latin American travel adventure organized by Gil Travel!
Colombia: A Brief Overview
Colombia wasn’t always a place that the average American Jew was likely to consider a priority destination for a vacation. The Latin American country had a bad reputation at one time and was usually avoided by travelers. That’s rapidly changing and Colombia is keen to attract high end tourists who are looking for a luxury vacation that takes them off the conventional tourist circuit. Colombia also has an fascinating, but little-known Jewish heritage, that is definitely worth exploring.
If you travel through Central America, Colombia is the first truly South American country that you’ll come to. It lies at the north of the continent between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean – two of the most beautiful seas in the world. When Sephardic Jews first arrived in South America in the 15th and 16th centuries they were quick to see the possibilities of New Granada (as Colombia was then called). They settled the area and were largely absorbed into local communities, retaining Judaism as family traditions. In the 18th century waves of practicing Jews, who’d prospered in Curaçao and Jamaica, came to Colombia in search of new opportunities. Their cultural legacy is still visible today, particularly in the historic port of Cartagena.
More Sephardic Jews arrived from the Mediterranean and Levant in the early 20th century and the cultural and ethnic layer cake grew with the arrival of German Jews and other Ashkenazis fleeing the Nazis. Today, a number of Jews from neighboring Venezuela are seeking a better life in Colombia.
The Jewish Community in Bogotá
Bogotá is Colombia’s capital city and it has the distinction of being located on a mountain plateau 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level. The high altitude is comparable to Colorado in the US and guarantees cool weather all year round. Bogotá has the largest Jewish community in Colombia with an estimated 6,000 people. One of the most important Jewish sites is the Adat Israel Synagogue, a religious and cultural center for the Ashkenazi community.
At first glance the Adat Israel looks like an ordinary neighborhood building, until you see the rooftop dome and realise that it’s a place of worship and a focal point of the community. The interior of the synagogue is comfortable and functional rather than ornate and luxurious. Its design reflects the circumstances of the people who built it. They channelled the resources they had into creating a synagogue that would serve the congregation, rather than expressing wealth and ostentation with extravagant designs.
Gil Travel can arrange a private visit to the Adat Israel and an opportunity to meet the Rabbi and English speaking congregants. It’s an excellent way to learn more about Bogotá’s Jewish community and to make new friends. Some of the stories of how 20th century immigrants made it out of Europe and across the Atlantic – to a country they knew nothing about – are truly fascinating. Gil Travel can also arrange a visit to the Hebraica Jewish Cultural Center, an important resource for Jewish education and social life.
Explore Non-Jewish Attractions in Bogotá
Although it doesn’t have a direct Jewish connection, Bogotá’s Gold Museum is a “must-see” cultural site. Not only does the museum have an amazing collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, including the spectacular Muisca Raft, it has ten dedicated exhibition halls featuring every indigenous culture. The Gold Museum contains one of Latin America’s most important archaeological collections and is an amazing way to gain a fast insight into the millenia of rich history that Colombia’s Jews are adding to.
If you have a special interest in any of the museum’s collections, Gil Travel may be able to negotiate private access to collections via the museum’s Specialized Advisory Service. The Gold Museum is located in La Candelaria, the colorful old center of Bogotá, founded in 1538. The neighborhoods of La Candelaria contain a wealth of museums, churches, libraries and other artistic and cultural sites. It also offers a glimpse of the old city that Jewish residents in previous centuries knew well. A private walking tour of La Candelaria can be customized to focus on the sites that interest you most.
Cartagena: Colombia’s Historical Caribbean Port
Cartagena (pronounced Kar-te-Hen-a) is the port city where seafaring Jewish adventurers first landed in the 1500s. Life in Cartagena wasn’t easy for the early Conversos – or for anybody else. Pirate raids, naval bombardments and fires were an ongoing hazard, and the Inquisition arrived in 1610 and extended its reign of terror to local residents. Naturally, the Crypto Jews or Marranos fell under particular suspicion. The dreaded Palace of the Inquisition is now a museum and is a fascinating – and poignant – place to visit. Despite its sinister origins, the building is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture, with some Baroque features.
Cartagena is a charming blend of Caribbean, Latin American and South American influences and a wonderful place to explore with an expert guide. The old walled city is noted for its colorful architecture, sunlit plazas and the abundance of interesting historical buildings and sites. Cartagena is not to be missed, but it’s important to remember that it’s a tropical coastal city. Unless you’re a fan of heavy rain, you need to visit between January and April!
Gil Travel has plenty of experience organizing luxury tours of Colombia and will work with you to create a wonderful tailored itinerary for you and your family (or tour group). You can strike a comfortable balance between Jewish heritage trips and a chance to experience Colombia’s indigenous cultures and awesome natural beauty. Talk to Gilt Travel today about how to explore the gateway to South America!
FAQs about Planning a Luxury Tour of Colombia
If you’re ready to plan your luxury Jewish heritage tour of Colombia, either as a stand-alone visit or as part of a wider kosher tour of South America, Gil Travel has all the expertise, experience and local contacts to help you create the perfect tailored itinerary. Colombia is an amazing travel destination, but it’s not an especially well-known one. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is Colombia safe for American Jews to visit?
Generally speaking, yes! Colombia is leaving the bad old days of lawlessness and chaos firmly in the past. Gil Travel will liaise with local security contacts to get up to the minute advice, but Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá all attract plenty of international visitors who enjoy their stays. There’s a good tourist infrastructure and private guides and chauffeurs will ensure that you have a safe and rewarding trip.
Is there kosher food available in Colombia?
Yes, and it’s usually excellent. Bogotá has a good choice of kosher restaurants, delis and markets. There’s an eclectic mix of Sephardic, Mediterranean, Levantine and Ashkenazi dishes, all with a tasty South American influence. Food is one of the big pleasures of kosher travel anywhere in South America.
Are there any Jewish Museums in Colombia?
There isn’t a large dedicated Jewish museum in Colombia – at least not yet. If you want a deeper dive into Colombia’s Jewish history and cultural heritage, Bogotá’s community centers own various historical archives, some of which are on public display.
It’s usually possible to arrange historical lectures by local experts, as well as private tours of closed archives and collections. Jewish community historians are delighted to share their interest and knowledge with foreign guests.
How large is Colombia’s Jewish population?
Good question: The answer depends on who you ask and who you consider to be Jewish. Estimates vary between 4,000 – 8,000 people, most of whom live in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. The community is small but vibrant and self-confident. Many Jews left during the rough years of the 1990s but the ones who remain are secure and are largely optimistic about the future.
What are the visa requirements for visiting Colombia?
Americans can usually stay in Colombia for up to 90 days upon arrival. There is no need to apply in advance for a visa. Gil Travel will give you updated advice before you fly. Travel to Columbia is generally straightforward and hassle-free. If you’re planning to visit the jungle or rural areas, a yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended.
