Editor’s Note: We’d like to introduce you to blogger Ted of “Traveling Ted,” who recently stayed at this eco-tent in Magdalena, Colombia. Read on to hear his glamping experience, accompanied by a brief interview!
I arrived to my glamping location in a pool of sweat thanks to the half hour walk from the bus stop at the road. I was greeted with sweet panella water and smiles from the staff at my glamping location. I was given the keys to tent five, which was the closest to the water.
I took a swim to cool off and then enjoyed the hammocks until it was time to serve lunch. Lunch consisted of fresh fish and more sugary juice, which was much needed in this hot and humid environment.
Lunch was served atop the main cabin on a balcony that overlooked the tents and the ocean. It was supremely beautiful here and quiet except for the crashing waves. The beach was deserted except for the few other souls staying at the surf camp next door.
One of my favorite activities here was either hanging out on the hammocks or on my front porch and watching the interesting array of birds. Colombia is known for having more species of birds than any other country with more than 1800. From my porch and hammock I saw frigate birds, caracaras, hawks, pelicans, woodpeckers, parakeets, and several other interesting species.
There were plenty of adventurous things to do around my glamping spot. There was a waterfall that was about a 15 minute moto-bike ride away. Carlos kindly set this up with a driver who worked for the location, and a round trip ride cost about $3.50.
I got to hike to Valencia Waterfall and climb up the rocks to one of the beautiful pools. I jumped into the cool water and swam under the waterfall. Words cannot describe how spectacular the refreshing water felt after the hike in the jungle.
It was wonderful just to relax and enjoy the pristine beach, but there was also plenty of adventure, so a glamping stay in Colombia combines the best of both worlds. I definitely enjoyed my first glamping experience and cannot wait to do it again.
Our Interview with Ted
Choose three adjectives to describe the glamping site you stayed at before your trip and another three words to describe it post- stay. How did your expectations measure up to reality?
Before – Paradise, luxurious, tropical. After – Paradise, pristine, and remote.
I thought the property would be more luxurious. It was more Spartan than luxurious. This was fine with me as I love to camp, so I do not mind roughing it a bit. There was no electricity at night and no Wi-Fi, but the location was absolutely paradise with waves crashing on the beach merely 20 feet from my tent with parakeets, frigate birds, caracaras, and other amazing birds flying by.
Who did you go glamping with, and what was your favorite memory that you made together during the stay?
I glamped by myself, but there were other people staying at the tents and the manager Carlos was great company. The best memory was swimming with two French dudes who were staying in the next tent over and with Carlos who managed the place. The waves were crashing into the beach, and we were running into them and trying to jump over them.
What was the best part about the accommodation? How does it compare to past places you’ve stayed?
The best part of the accommodation was being so close to a pristine beach. It was like being shipwrecked on a desert island, but not being on an island. There was a surf school next door, but other than that, there was nobody on the beach.
Describe to us the area around the glamping site. What do you think the perfect time of year to stay here would be, and why?
The beach was virtually deserted except for our neighbors. The only sound one could hear was the constant crash of the waves. In the distance you could see jungle covered mountains rising from the ocean. Since Colombia is along the equator, the temperature is pretty much the same year round.
Tell us one thing about your first glamping experience that surprised you and why.
Since glamping is a combination of glamour and camping, I thought the location would be a little more luxurious, but other than the fact that I was sleeping in a clean room and a bed, the experience was like camping. There was no electricity after 5 p.m. and no Wi-Fi. I did not mind it as the place was so peaceful that being unplugged helped me concentrate on how amazing the place was. My head was not buried in my phone, it was occupied watching birds and the ocean.
If you could have invited a famous celebrity (dead or alive) over to your glamping site, who would it be, and what would you have done together?
I would pick George Carlin. It would be great to have some comic entertainment at night when the generator lights turned off.
What is your ideal food item and beverage for a glamping trip, and why? If you have a special secret or recipe, please share with us—if you’re willing, of course!
It was so hot at this place that I would have loved to have been drinking more fresh juice. I really enjoyed the panella water, which is basically sugary water that they served during the day, but more tropical drinks whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic would have hit the spot.
Do you prefer a more active or more relaxing getaway? Which did you opt for at the glamping site, and what was the best related activity in the area?
I prefer a mixture. I enjoyed just laying around on the hammocks, but I also liked hiking and swimming at the waterfall and next time I want to do a little surfing.
Fill in the end of the sentence: “This glamping site would be the perfect place for____________________,” and tell us why!
A honeymoon—It was such a secluded beautiful place that it would definitely be a great romantic spot.
Would you recommend glamping to family and friends? Do you see yourself going glamping again? Let us know why!
I really enjoyed the glamping experience. I think a lot of people who are a bit intimidated by camping would really love it and might even get them interested in camping.
To find out more about Ted and “Traveling Ted,” be sure to check out his blog, Facebook, and Twitter!
