Jaguarundi Travel Zooming into Colombia’s Wild Heart

Jaguarundi Travel isn’t just another tour company — it’s a passionate journey into Colombia’s wild and beating heart. Since its founding in 2010, this nature-led travel collective has been curating expeditions that plunge deep into the country’s astonishing biodiversity — from cloud-draped Andean peaks to the emerald depths of the Amazon, from the sunlit Caribbean coast to the enigmatic Chocó rainforest.

Every journey is designed for the curious — naturalists, birders, herpetologists, botanists, and anyone who hungers for discovery. Whether through small-group departures or bespoke adventures, Jaguarundi Travel transforms exploration into true immersion. Its team — a dynamic blend of biologists, local guides, and seasoned field experts — turns every hike, sighting, and dawn chorus into a living narrative of Colombia’s natural wonders.

Yet, what truly defines Jaguarundi Travel is its purpose. This is not travel for leisure’s sake; it is travel with conscience and commitment. The company channels its passion into conservation, community collaboration, and habitat restoration — empowering travellers to tread lightly with practical tools like its carbon footprint calculator.

Celebrated by travellers for its insight, adaptability, and integrity, Jaguarundi Travel delivers far more than tours. It offers transformation — adventure fused with meaning, science infused with soul, and Colombia revealed as few have seen it: alive, untamed, unforgettable.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Global Wildlife Fair 2025, René Montero, Director of Jaguarundi Travel, shares a captivating overview of the company’s mission and achievements. He highlights Colombia’s unparalleled ecological strengths, outlines the audiences the company seeks to engage, and reflects on the enthusiastic response from the Indian market.

Here are the key takeaways from his compelling conversation.

Q: Could you share an overview of your company’s main areas of activity and how your work contributes to them?

A: We are a natural history tour operator based in Colombia — a country perched at the northern edge of South America and celebrated as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. For more than 17 years, we have designed and led specialized natural history expeditions that reveal Colombia’s extraordinary ecological richness. From the very beginning, our mission has gone beyond exploration. We set out to promote conservation and empower local communities, working hand in hand with them to protect and sustain the natural heritage that defines this remarkable land.

Q: What are the unique strengths or key advantages of your country in the areas of ecology and environmental conservation?

A: Colombia lies within the tropical belt, close to the equator — a geographical blessing that makes it one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Shaped by its dramatic landscapes, the nation unfolds across five distinct eco-regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Andes, the Llanos, and the Amazon. Each teems with unique life and ecosystems that define Colombia’s natural wealth.

At Jaguarundi Travel, we design and lead specialized tours that explore this astonishing diversity — from bird and mammal watching to expeditions focused on amphibians, butterflies, and orchids. Whether travellers seek a journey dedicated to one taxonomic group or a customized adventure combining several, we create tailor-made experiences that reveal Colombia’s living treasures in all their richness and variety.

Q: Could you describe the target audience your destination focuses on?

A: Our journeys aren’t designed for everyone — they are crafted for travellers who value responsible tourism and thoughtfully curated experiences. Whether you prefer the camaraderie of a small group or the exclusivity of a tailor-made itinerary, every trip reflects your curiosity, taste, and respect for nature.

We create imaginative, meticulously designed adventures that blend comfort with authenticity. Each experience brings travellers closer to nature’s heart — exploring regions of extraordinary biodiversity, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and immersing in Colombia’s most iconic wild places.

Q: What kind of response have you received so far, and what are your expectations from the Indian market?

A: The Indian market is beginning to discover and explore Colombia, and the interest is growing steadily. Although the country lies far from India, it has earned a place on the bucket list of many natural history travellers drawn by its astounding biodiversity. Colombia alone hosts nearly 2,000 bird species — with several new ones recently recorded and awaiting scientific description. The richness extends far beyond birds, encompassing orchids, amphibians, and countless other species that captivate naturalists and photographers alike.

For photography enthusiasts, Colombia offers exceptional opportunities for macro, bird, and mammal photography, all set against vibrant, biodiverse backdrops. We’ve observed that Indian travellers, in particular, show a deep passion for photography and nature exploration — and their response has been overwhelmingly positive. The growing interest from the Indian market signals an exciting new chapter of connection between two countries bound by curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.