Colombia is home to nearly 10% of the world’s biodiversity, and in today’s episode we’ll be exploring it from the Amazon to the Andes. In the company of three expert guests, our journey will take us deep into each of Colombia’s five distinct regions, revealing the unique ecosystems, rare wildlife, and cultural connections to nature that define them. From birdwatching in cloud forests and listening to humpback whales sing to meeting indigenous communities and searching for giant snakes, this is Colombia: Biodiversity Beyond Borders.

Featured Guests & Highlights:

Chris Bell
Wildlife guide, birding expert and Bogotá local Chris Bell discusses why Colombia is a dream destination for bird lovers.

• Over 1,900 bird species—more than any other country
• Spotting endemic species in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Andean cloud forests
• Birdwatching in the Amazon Basin and along the Pacific coast

Shafik Meghji
Author and travel writer Shafik Meghji explores Colombia’s biodiversity through the lens of culture, history, and nature.

• Los Llanos: vast savannahs teeming with capybaras, caimans, and cowboys (llaneros)
• Cartagena & Caribbean coast: where mangroves, colonial history, and vibrant culture meet
• San Andrés & Providencia: coral reefs, pirate treasure, and a unique island heritage unlike anywhere else

Angela Posada-Swafford
Science journalist Angela Posada-Swafford explains how Colombia’s climate and topography make it one of the most ecologically varied places on Earth.

• Amazon rainforest: spotting pink river dolphins and jaguars
• Pacific coast: whale migrations and remote rainforests
• Humpback songs: listen to a special 1min clip of a collaboration Angela worked on between humpback whales and a live orchestra

Listen Now and let your imagination wander from the Andes to the Amazon.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on how to plan your trip go to procolombia.co

Chris Bell: birding-experience.com, @chrisbellbirding

Shafik Meghji: shafikmeghji.com, @shafikmeghji

Angela Posada-Swafford: angelaposadaswafford.com, @aposadaswafford

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road

less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just

£35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues,

exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online

archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Indigenous-led tourism in British Columbia, where every journey fosters deep connections with the land and its people. Join us as we travel from the pristine Great Bear Rainforest to the rich waters of Desolation Sound, discovering experiences that inspire and transform.

Highlights Include:

• Witnessing the Spirit Bear: Experience the magic of the Great Bear Rainforest and learn about conservation efforts that protect this rare species. Spirit Bear Lodge
• Coastal Rainforest Adventures: Join guided wildlife tours that connect you with the ecology and Indigenous stories of the coastal rainforest. Coastal Rainforest Safaris
• Marine Wildlife Encounters: Explore the waters with Sea Wolf Adventures, focusing on orca watching and cultural insights from Indigenous guides. Sea Wolf Adventures
• Cultural Heritage Tours: Engage with the Homalco First Nation through wildlife tours that highlight local culture and history. Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
• Luxurious Wilderness Retreats: Discover Klahoose Wilderness Resort, where comfort meets authentic Indigenous experiences in stunning natural settings. Klahoose Wilderness Resort
• Unforgettable Bear Viewing: Experience the renowned Knight Inlet Lodge, known for exceptional bear viewing and insights into Indigenous conservation. Knight Inlet Lodge
• Rustic Ranch Experiences: Visit Big Bar Guest Ranch for horseback riding and cultural immersion, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Big Bar Guest Ranch
• Mountain Serenity: Relax at Nemiah Valley Lodge, where outdoor adventures meet the rich culture of the Tsilhqot’in people. Nemiah Valley Lodge

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on planning your Indigenous tourism adventure, visit Indigenous Tourism BC and hellobc.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode. Explore the beauty and diversity of British Columbia with the guidance of Indigenous-led experiences.

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine, dedicated to exploring the road less travelled since 1993. Discover more at wanderlustmagazine.com.

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to connect with a community of passionate travelers for just £35 a year (about $50). Enjoy six collectible issues, exclusive competitions, access to our online archive, and more.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show, with production by Charles Tyrie. Discover our other shows at armchair-productions.com.

When it comes to natural wonders Queensland, Australia has it all. From the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, to the oldest rainforest on the planet, the Daintree, this is a place to re-connect with nature, have an adventure and be inspired by the indigenous cultures that have lived here for thousands of years.

Taking us there are travel writer Karen Edwards, who’ll be recounting tales from her latest trip, and Queensland local Sarah Thomson, who’ll be giving us the insider secrets on the places she loves the most (there are a lot of them!).

These are the colours of Queensland: Ocean blue, forest green and outback red.

Highlights include:

• Peering under the waves into the technicolour world of the Great Barrier Reef

• Going on an aboriginal led walking tour through the more than 180-million year old Daintree Rainforest

• Exploring the food, stars and legendary local characters of the outback

• Getting the lowdown on three ‘dream sleeps’ - bucket list places to stay for each colour, including a hotel under the waves.

• Finding out what our expert’s ultimate Queensland itinerary is - two perfect weeks in one of the most diverse destinations on the planet.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on how to plan your trip go to queensland.com

Thanks also to Qatar Airways for supporting this episode. They were voted the world’s best airline 2024 by Skytrax, for the 8th time, and are the most comfortable way to get to Queensland. Find out more and book your tickets at qatarairways.com

Instagram: @karennedwaards_writer

WANDERLUST MAGAZINE

Wanderlust is the UK’s leading independent travel magazine which has been taking the road less travelled since 1993. Find out more at wanderlustmagazine.com

Become a Wanderlust Club Member to join our community of serious travellers for just £35 a year (or about $50). This will get you six beautiful collectible issues, exclusive member- only competitions and events, access to our entire online archive back to 2010, and heaps of other benefits.

This episode was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry. Aaron Millar hosts the show and Charles Tyrie produces it. Find our other shows at armchair-productions.com