My next travel destination is Mocoa im the state of Putumayo. This province is adjacent to the Amazonas region and features both mountains and rain forest. Moreover, it is a region with very strong indigenous roots and many intact communities. A great place to connect with nature—physically and spiritually.
Luckily I found a wonderful accommodation: Posada Kauai. Kauai means to look inward in the indigenous Inga language. I was welcomed by Taita Nora, an indigenous medicine woman and her husband Alberto. They made me feel like part of the family. I learned a lot about indigenous culture and medicinal plants from them.
They also recommended beautiful places to visit which are walking distance from their home. I am grateful that I got to visit Ornoyaco, a waterfall which bears a lot of importance to indigenous culture.
After a few days, I leave Mocoa via the trampolín de la muerte, supposedly Colombia‘s most dangerous road. It is extremely narrow and winds steeply through the jungle. Taking this road is an experience in itself. I agree with Nora however, that this road should be renamed to trampolín de la biodiversidad. A name that better reflects the beauty and appeal of this route.
The road leads to another beautiful place, the valley of Sibundoy, an important cultural center of indigenous people in Colombia. To be continued!
