Inspired Travel Novels and Netflix!  Explore a Forgotten World.

The moment we confirm a Journey with our clients, they receive a basket of books on their destination AND a reading list which may also include music play lists, and movie suggestions on their destination. Explore the Real Macondo.

Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude captured the world’s imagination with its lush storytelling and mythical town of Macondo. With Netflix bringing new life to this literary masterpiece, there’s no better time to experience the country that inspired it. Explore environments and landscapes that reflect the magic, mystery, and history woven into Márquez’s enduring work. Gabriel García Márquez’s novel “The General in His Labyrinth.” “Mompox doesn’t exist,” Mr. García Márquez wrote, “we sometimes dream about her, but she doesn’t exist.” There is nothing directly related with the author in the city — no statues or plaques — but the area, and particularly the river, heavily informed his writing. He once said in an interview: “I traveled the Magdalena River 11 times, back and forth, I know every village and every tree on that river.”

Mompox: The Forgotten World of Magical Realism. Hidden along the Magdalena River, Mompox feels like a town where time stands still — a place of quiet streets, historic manors, and stories whispered through the breeze. This UNESCO World Heritage Site inspired much of Márquez’s magical realism, particularly in The General in His Labyrinth and One Hundred Years of Solitude. He once described Mompox as a town where “nothing happens, but everything happens,” capturing its dreamlike, timeless essence. A private day trip to Mompox offers an unforgettable experience. A day trip with private plane transfer to explore the town with a local guide who will reveal its history and lasting influence on Gabo’s work. Stroll through ornate churches, colonial courtyards, and picturesque riverside streets before enjoying a traditional lunch. 

Begin your Journey in Cartagena, where I spent 3 glorious, hot days last spring! Includes 3 nights in luxury accommodations in Cartagena. Private plane day trip to Mompox. Advance itinerary customization and restaurant reservations, as well as 24/7 in-country support.

Arrival into Cartagena from the U.S. Cartagena can be easily reached via nonstop flights from U.S. gateways such as New York, Miami, Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale, as well as connecting service via Bogotá and Panama City. Cartagena is without a doubt the crowning jewel of the Caribbean and is Colombia’s top destination. This stunning 16th-century Spanish fort city is superbly preserved with cobblestone streets filled with colorful colonial homes whose terraces overflow with lush bougainvillea flowers. Here, the climate is warm and tropical, so a leisurely three-night stay is often our recommendation.

Meet our team of private driver and English-speaking guide who will welcome you just outside Customs for your private transfer to your five-star boutique hotel in the heart of the old city – we have a few favorites and will help you choose the best fit for your travel style.

After some time at leisure to settle in and have lunch meet your guide for an introductory walk around the historic center of Cartagena. The colorful streets are made for exploration on foot, and as you walk around your guide will bring the history and legends of Cartagena to life as you stop at various important landmarks including the Clock Tower and the monument to Don Pedro de Heredia, founder of the city in 1533. Your guide will also point out some notable museums you may wish to visit during your stay, including the Gold Museum and the Museum of the Inquisition.

Evening at leisure, but we’ll be happy to make advance dinner reservations for you, Cartagena has a long list of Top Restaurants of the World.

Next day- fly privately to explore Mompox, officially Santa Cruz de Mompox, a town and municipality in northern Colombia in the Bolivar region. Santa Cruz de Mompox, often abbreviated to Mompox, is a picturesque little town nestling on the banks of Colombia’s Magdalena River. Known for its rich colonial heritage, cobbled streets and tranquil atmosphere, Mompox is a must-see destination for history and culture lovers.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers an immersion in the past, a vibrant cultural scene and enchanting landscapes.  A magical town on an island in the middle of the Magdalena River, exuding history, romanticism, and nostalgia in every corner, especially along the Calle Real del Medio, or Main Royal Street, the most important of all streets and the one that concentrates the most captivating architectural sites.

In colonial times, the town was an important trade center thanks to the navigability of the Magdalena River and its remoteness from the Caribbean Sea, which enabled it to remain free from the attacks of pirates and corsairs. While military constructions reflected in bulwarks and walls grew in Cartagena, a classic, Sevillian-style religious architecture flourished in Mompox and remains today as evidence of those good times.

Founded in 1540 by Alonso de Heredia, Mompox played a crucial role during the colonial era. The town served as a refuge for the Spanish and a transit point for treasures en route to Cartagena. Its past prosperity is reflected in its well-preserved architecture, with churches, squares and colonial mansions bearing witness to its historical grandeur

The city is dotted with magnificent churches, each with its own unique history and architecture. Among the most noteworthy: Church of Santa Bárbara: Located in the main square, this 17th-century church is famous for its octagonal bell tower and intricately carved wooden balconies.

Church of San Francisco: Known for its white façade and Baroque interior decorations. Church of San Agustín: Another architectural gem, characterized by its frescoes and religious works of art.

A tour of Mompox is also a review of history and the fervent Holy Week celebrations that are still maintained, beginning with the processions of the week following Ash Wednesday. Momposinos are friendly and happy but preserve their ascetic character when it comes to celebrating Holy Week, the time of year when the influx of tourists is greatest.

Stroll along the river bank, look for the colonial white building with yellow poles, this majestic house is located in the historic center of Mompox, Bolívar, with an unparalleled view of the Magdalena River. Legado de la Marquesa is one of the four houses that make up the famous Portales de la Marquesa and, as its name suggests, it was the residence of the marquisates that originated in colonial times in Santa Cruz de Mompox. Café 1700 is inside, a lovely place to sit, the thick white walls keep the interiors cool, relax with a café helado.

Mompox is renowned for its crafts, particularly gold and silver filigree. This technique, inherited from Arab goldsmiths, has become a symbol of Mompox expertise. Craftsmen create meticulous works of art in filigree, a technique that involves twisting and soldering fine metal chains to form intricate designs. This tradition has been carried on for generations and represents a priceless cultural heritage. Visitors can watch demonstrations in local workshops.

A walk along the Magdalena River is a must. The banks of the river offer magnificent views, especially at sunset. The small fishing boats and colorful houses create a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.

Visit the Mompox Cemetery. The municipal cemetery is a peaceful resting place and a remarkable example of colonial funerary art. The tombs, adorned with detailed carvings and wrought-iron crosses, tell the story of the town through the centuries.

Discover the local cuisine. Momposina cuisine is a blend of indigenous, African and Spanish flavors. Dishes not to be missed include queso de capa (cheese in layers), butifarra (spicy sausage), dulce de limón and corozo wine, not forgetting the unmissable arepas de huevo (egg-filled corn cakes) typical of the department of Bolivar.

Return to Cartagena, head for the island boutique resort with a private beach on the island of Barú, one of the iconic spots on the Caribbean coast, with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Six bungalows on a private island… just you, the sea and the discerning staff! Wake up overlooking the Caribbean Sea in your rustic beach bungalow.

Why go to Latin America? If you love colorful colonial architecture, gastronomic hotspot cuisine, off the beaten path gems. Music, dance, natural beauty, street art…it’s still relatively undiscovered.

Acasi private beach island of Barú. Wake up overlooking the Caribbean Sea in your rustic beach bungalow

Camel Love – How to Prepare for Another Camel Encounter!

Camel Symbolism: How These Moody, Gentle Giants Help Us Go Over Our Humps. My Camel Encounters have mostly been pleasant, one bad experience on basically, a wild animal, fills my brain full of fear. I’m insanely afraid of spiders and no amount of reading about them has calmed my irrational fears. Growing up riding horses, we always knew a horse could sense fear, so best to exude confidence and control, grip the horse with your thighs and speak assertively. In India when your sunset camel ride on your own, which means, you aren’t pulled around by a rope by a handler, was a delightful experience, especially when your camel arrives decorated like a magnificent circus animal!

Isn’t he stunning and sweet!?

My next Camel encounter in India was a bit unpleasant, with deep guttural growling and stubbornness, he wasn’t interested in walking me to dinner, so we sat while he growled and turned his head toward my ankles a few times… looking too interested in my shoes. My confidence sank, the handlers didn’t seem concerned. We eventually trotted to our private dining room for our dinner, but not without a few snarls and head turns toward my ankles.

Ornery and too interested in my ankles..I look scared! India

I swore off camels for the second time. In Dubai, I was enchanted with the vintage Land Rover desert jeeps, so I avoided the desert Camel trot, but they did serve Camel stew for dinner, which I declined. In Africa, I’ve tasted every wild animal offered, and yes, it all tastes like chicken!

Dubai, where I declined Camel Stew..note muzzle on camel mouth!

Wadi Rum desert, again, I chose the sand jeeps, safe! Instead, I sipped tea with a Bedouin in his tent stacked with treasures!

Wadi Rum desert, Jordan.

Apart from their distinctive humps, we all know that camels have the amazing ability to survive weeks without drinking. Playing a significant role in Arabic communities, these mostly domesticated desert-dwelling creatures are one of the many power animals that most of us believe are a spirit guide that influences our actions and decisions in life. Often dependable, loyal, and patient, with the notorious reputation to spit and kick, we can better understand what the camel animal spirit represents by carefully listening to and analyzing its many symbolism.

Camels visiting The Treasury in Petra, Jordan.

Camel Symbolism is a common theme in cultures throughout the world, and for good reason. Camel spirit animals are symbols of patience and dedication. Camel’s symbolism means that you should be patient and not rush things as they come to you, because if you do it will make everything fall into place naturally.

What Does A Camel Symbolize? Because of their incredible ability to roam the desert for extensive periods without any food or water, it doesn’t come as a surprise that camels are referred to as the “ships of the desert” in many Arabic cultures. Known to be some of the most enduring species on earth, these fascinating spirit animals are a symbol of positivity, persistence, stamina, and strength. While many of us appreciate these wonderful and gentle creatures for their awesome physical traits, these exotic and inspiring animals are valued and admired for the marvelous symbolisms that they bring.

A true definition of genuine positivity, these wonderful animals are easily associated with exploration, travel, and a long Journey. While it can at times represent an actual physical adventure, it may also present the image of new discoveries that eventually lead to spiritual relief and divine revelations. Highly regarded as a symbol of courage, patience, endurance, and strength, these alluring creatures with exceptionally long eyelashes remind us about the importance of being mild, tolerant, and lenient as such traits allow us to achieve great things as long as we don’t give up.

Far from being demanding creatures, their bodies are equipped with physical capabilities to withstand even the most extremely poor conditions in which the camel represents modesty, diligence, energy, and survival. All it requires is for us to attune ourselves with the camel to allow this animal spirit to guide us in the most excellent and advantageous way.

Camel: Symbol Of Love. Throughout history, various cultures have portrayed love by way of symbols. As the appearance of this spirit animal in your day-to-day life could be an indication that a handful of good things are about to come, it could be a message that you must prepare yourself for an adventure that may at first seem difficult. While camels are in no way close to being the ultimate symbol of adoration, their gentle, loyal, patient, and easygoing nature have made them a suitable representation of love and affection.

Those who have the camel as their animal spirit guide tend to be more determined and patient and are willing to do everything to make their relationships a success. While it can at times reach a point where they might feel all burned out, they would patiently try their best to understand their partners for the relationship to work. And since camels can be persistent and enduring, they would often overlook other opportunities that eventually lead to causing them more harm. Known to be good friends and lovers, camels teach us the importance of putting a lot of effort into our relationships as it enables our connections with other people to withstand challenges and difficulties, as well as the test of time. Since camels don’t easily give up, they are more likely to maintain lasting relationships as they are ready to do everything they can for the person they care about.

Spiritual meaning. A popular representation of toughness, endurance, and sacrifice, camels are more than just for carrying your luggage and traversing sand dunes with tourists. With going on adventures and journeys as their key symbol, these hardy animals’ ability to withstand blistering desert temperatures and carry considerable amounts of cargo across long distances make them the perfect spirit animal to help you go through the most challenging of times. When this spirit guide enters your life, it provides you with the positive energy and the courage to face the difficulties of the journey with great enthusiasm.

Camel nuzzling or biting? Egypt, again, no thank you!

Whether it’s a physical journey or a spiritual odyssey you need, the camel will provide you with higher spiritual foundations, as well as the strength and protection that you will need to make it through to the end. As an animal that helps make long expeditions fast and easy through the harshest conditions, these steadfast creatures are gifted to make sure that Numerology is an excellent tool to help you gain that clarity. By looking at the numbers associated with your name and birth date, numerology can provide insights into the areas of your life you will want to focus on in the coming year.

Animal Totem Referred to as the dromedary camel, this single-humped sand lover’s symbolic meaning is a tad different from its two-humped Bactrian peers. When the dromedary camel enters your life, it will teach you how to use your resources with the utmost care. Not only does it show you the importance of saving what you have for the unexpected rainy days, but it also provides you with the positivity that can help you mend the rough patches that you currently have. By furnishing yourself with calmness and a sense of humor, you can share the cheerful and pleasant energy that will keep the people around you lighthearted and joyful, especially when times get tough.

If the Bactrian camel is the presence you have, it means that you are highly adaptable and are able to do well regardless of the challenges thrown at you. Resilient and versatile, constant changes and movements do not easily dishearten those who have this camel as their animal totem, all while lifting everyone using their powerful and dedicated spirit.

Camel meanings in different cultures Buddhism and Hinduism. Camel symbolism is found in Buddhism and Hinduism, where the camel symbolizes a willingness to do what it takes even if you don’t want to. Camel spirit animals are symbols of dedication and patience. The camel meaning reminds us that we should work hard for things we truly believe in or care about because life isn’t always easy but good rewards take time so be patient.

Camel symbolism bible. In the bible, Camel’s symbolism is used to represent a number of different things. Camels are often seen as symbols of wealth because they were an important part of desert trade routes. They are also mentioned in the bible as being one of the animals that will be present at the end of days. In general, camel symbolism on the bible represents the represents strength, patience, and dedication.

In ancient times, camels were used for a variety of purposes from riding to beast-of burden. In the Bible, we read about these animals being given by Pharaoh as well as Abraham’s cattle count in Genesis 12:16.

Islamic culture. In Islamic culture, the Camel symbolizes charity and giving. The camel was seen as a creature that could go without water for long periods of time so it came to symbolize endurance and sacrifice. Charity is an important part of Islam, and so camel meaning reminds us to always give what we can to help others.

Racing camels Dubai, headed to the track

The Camel is a miracle of the almighty God, mentioned in the Quran and recommended by prophet Muhammad. Its milk has been used as a remedy for some diseases such as skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis because it reduces inflammation while boosting hydration to improve symptoms!

It’s no surprise that camels were very important to the Bedouin tribes of southern Arabia. As we saw in Oman, a camel hump became currency and each tribe had its own song for them — called Jabra — which was sung while crossing deserts with this species on routes over long distances between towns/villages. A single journey would take months; these animals could go days without water if needed too but also required sustenance along their travel route such as feedings at regular intervals during daytime hours before stopping by campsites where meals awaited caravan leaders’ approval after they arrived safely home again!

Dreaming of camels meaning. Camel dreams can symbolize many different things depending on the person’s individual experiences and culture. In general, Camel dreams may symbolize:

  • Endurance
  • Strength
  • Determination
  • Patience
  • Ability to Survive in Difficult Conditions
My next Camel encounter, where the desert guys in brilliant blue robes said they are Nice Camels. Merzouga, Morocco

If you dream of a camel, ask yourself what qualities the camel is representing for you. Camel symbolism in dreams can have a strong positive or negative meaning depending on the person’s circumstances. A camel dream interprets being patient, calm, and confident under pressure. A camel may symbolize your willingness to get through difficult times without losing hope for better days ahead because you are determined to succeed!

Dreaming of camel riding is often interpreted as representing leadership, independence, and determination. It might also be seen as an omen that you should go with what feels right deep down inside rather than following the crowd – even if it seems risky at first glance!

Camel dreams mean having power over yourself while keeping other people close by lest they wander off too far away from home base (in society). Camel spirit animals represent leading others while staying focused on your own goals so don’t get lost in other people’s problems. The camel reminds us that everything is temporary and will come to an end, even the difficult times are meant to teach you something before moving on. Camel meaning in dreams may also be interpreted as being patient when it comes to situations that aren’t going your way yet because things take time but they always work out for good eventually!

Dreaming of Camels can also symbolize being dependable while learning how to control yourself rather than letting others have too much influence over what you do/believe etc..

Camel along the road in Morocco, I wanted him for a pet

Don’t let change overwhelm our emotions or fears stop us from chasing after our goals – life isn’t about staying comfortable all the time so push yourself outside of your comfort zone once in a while if you want to grow!

Conclusion. By teaching us how to live from within ourselves, the camel often comes as a reminder for us to take it easy and slow down. With such adaptations like their unique ability to close their nostrils to prevent sand and dust from going up against their noses, as well as having small, hair-covered ears to stop residues from getting in, these prickly plant-eating machines help develop in us the real essence of survival, patience, and endurance, all while keeping our legs and spit to ourselves.

Full Camel Commentary when I return from the Desert!

Camels in the mist on the beach in Morocco, the men asked me if I wanted to go for a ride…