What is more fascinating than a tool from our ancestors? In Colombia, La Chamba is a piece of pottery to prepare food that has been made there for centuries. Named after its origin, La Chamba, Colombia, this pot has a unique look but also a very unique creation process. Let’s see how La Chamba is created, where it comes from and some different recipes you can make in it! By Alexx J. for The Adventures of Pili
In the town of La Chamba, you will find a small community of artisans who create this cookware that dates back to 700 years ago. They continue the process of only using resources available exclusively in their region, which includes the black clay that the pots are molded from.
Black clay is harvested, rolled, hand-formed, painted, fired in a kiln, and dried before getting an extreme hand-polished finish. The whole process literally takes a village as each person takes on a specific role such as handle-maker, lid cutter, pot sculptor, or kiln operator. These are truly a labor of love, each step takes patience and focus and the community will do whatever it takes to protect them from the elements, such as rain.
The reason these pots are still used today is for their long-lasting capability to distribute and retain heat evenly. They can also be used on a gas or electric range and be simply used to serve in. Due to their natural makeup, they are free from toxins and instead, can add a smokey, rich flavor to your meals. The final step of creating these pots occurs when the pots are lit on fire and then the lid is shut to smoke them for many hours. Black colored pots will emerge from the smoking barrel and you’ll taste that richness in your meals when you cook with this piece of pottery.
Sustainable and suitable for many recipes, it seems like there’s nothing La Chamba can’t do. Now that we know it’s the essential cookware for Colombian recipes, let’s look at a couple of classic recipes you can make at home!
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By: Alexx J. for The Adventures of Pili. This is the latest post in the Pili´s Explorers Cookbook conceived by Kike Calvo and the team of The Adventures of Pili, which profiles interesting information, research, and thoughts on nutrition and food around the world for families and kids. Click here to read the previous article.
The first in the Colombia Blog Series by Colombia Photo Expeditions, in which Kike Calvo profiles interesting information, research and thoughts on Colombia for journalism, ecotourism, science, exploration and photography.
We invite you to explore our site including:
Are you a journalist, organization or tour operator in need of images of Colombia? VWPics.com archives one of the best photo libraries about Colombia, including the widest range of bird photographs in the market.
Photo: Rusty Flowerpiercer © Juan Jose Arango / VWPics
As a professional photographer, with years of experience working on assignment, my images of Colombia are regularly used in media around the world. This a fun list of some of the publications portraying Colombia through my eyes, many times captured during our journeys with our travelers.
Corpus Christ in Atánquez
¨Masterfully photographed in black and white, this important book celebrates the ancient tradition of Corpus Christi in the small town of Atánquez. It needs to be read by anyone who has been or is going to Colombia and wants to expand their knowledge about this unique cultural gem, one of the many hidden preserved in the country of a thousand rhythms. An honest and generous tribute to the Kankuamo People by Kike Calvo, a worldly and seasoned photographer, and a fresh voice in the world of (visual) anthropology.¨ ~ Wade Davis, Author of One River & Magdalena: River of Dreams
CNN Arabic: Caño Cristales
National Geographic: Cartagena de Indias
National Geographic: Barranquilla
CNN Travel
National Geographic España
National Geographic Italia
National Geographic Alemania
Financial Times: Colombia aims for post-pandemic tourism market
Washington Post: This jewel-like paradise in the Andes is one of Colombia’s hottest tourist destinations
Washington Post: We took a family trip to the capital of a notorious former drug cartel
Semana
⏱00:00–02:49 Vistas aéreas de CHIRIBIQUETE ⏱02:49–03:19 Introducción Entrevista con el Antropólogo y Arqueólogo CARLOS CASTAÑO ⏱03:19–04:31 Encuentro del ARQUEOLOGO Carlos Castaño con el JAGUAR ⏱04:31–08:09 ¿QUÉ es Chiribiquete? ¿DÓNDE se encuentra Chiribiquete? ¿Y qué importancia tiene Chiribiquete para Colombia y para el mundo? ⏱08:09–09:32 ¿Qué es significa la palabra TEPUI? ⏱09:32–15:46 ¿Cómo se DESCUBRIÓ Chiribiquete? Carlos Castaño explica cómo descubrió Chiribiquete. ⏱15:46–21:53 ¿Cómo fue la primera EXPLORACIÓN TERRESTRE de Chiribiquete? ⏱21:53–24:50 Las PINTURAS RUPESTRES y los Murales Pictóricos de Chiribiquete. El arqueólogo Carlos Castaño explica la TRADICIÓN CULTURAL CHIRIBIQUETE. ⏱24:50–28:38 ¿Cómo se descubrieron las primeras pinturas rupestres de Chiribiquete? ⏱28:38–32:25 Representaciones más comunes de las pinturas rupestres de Chiribiquete. Simbología del arte figurativo rupestre de la Serranía. ⏱32:25–38:42 El JAGUAR en las PINTURAS RUPESTRES de Chiribiquete. Carlos Castaño explica la DIMENSIÓN ESPIRITUAL del jaguar. ⏱38:42–41:08 ¿Qué representa el jaguar en el plano antropológico y etnográfico? ⏱41:08–42:38 Situación actual de la conservación del jaguar en América del Sur. ⏱42:38–45:32 Situación actual de la conservación del jaguar en el Caribe Colombiano. ⏱45:32–49:19 Animales EXTINCTOS representados en las PINTURAS RUPESTRES de Chiribiquete ⏱49:19–59:51 Comunidades Indígenas NÓMADES NO CONTACTADAS que viven en Chiribiquete. Los Indígenas Karijona, Urumís, Arawak, y Maku de la Serranía. ⏱59:51–1:05:55 Carlos Castaño explica su opinión sobre el futuro del TURISMO en Chiribiquete ⏱1:05:55–1:08:51 Aislamiento y Endemismo de la SIMA del ESTADIO en Chiribiquete ⏱1:08:51–1:11:01 Simbolismo y Connotación COSMOGONICA de los PUEBLOS ANCESTRALES de las SIMAS de la Serranía de Chiribiquete ⏱1:11:45–1:13:24 El Jaguar en América Neo-Tropical. Simbolismo y Connotación COSMOGONICA de los PUEBLOS ANCESTRALES del JAGUAR en la Serranía de Chiribiquete ⏱1:13:24–1:13:48 El Juego de las Palabras con Carlos Castaño y Kike Calvo. ⏱1:13:48–1:14:10 El arqueólogo Carlos Castaño explica el significado de los TEPUIS ⏱1:14:10–1:14:33 El arqueólogo Carlos Castaño habla del AJIACO colombiano. ⏱1:14:33–1:14:52 El antropólogo Carlos Castaño explica quienes son los HOMBRES JAGUAR ⏱1:14:52–1:17:13 El antropólogo Carlos Castaño explica los símbolos del SOMBRERO VUELTIAO ⏱1:17:13–1:17:57 El antropólogo Carlos Castaño habla de Gerardo Reichel-Dolmatoff ⏱1:17:57–1:17:57 Tres consejos para ser antropólogo por Carlos Castaño ⏱1:24:37–1:26:26 Invitación a NUNCA DEJAR de SOÑAR del antropólogo Carlos Castaño
El Parque Nacional de Chiribiquete, la mayor área protegida de Colombia, es el punto de confluencia de cuatro provincias biogeográficas: Orinoquia, Guayana, Amazonia y Norte de los Andes. Como tal, el Parque Nacional garantiza la conectividad y preservación de la biodiversidad de estas provincias, constituyéndose en un escenario de interacción en el que ha florecido la diversidad y el endemismo de la flora y la fauna. Uno de los rasgos que definen a Chiribiquete es la presencia de tepuyes, mesetas de arenisca de lados escarpados que sobresalen en el bosque y que dan lugar a un paisaje dramático que se ve reforzado por su lejanía, inaccesibilidad y excepcional conservación. En las paredes de los 60 abrigos rocosos hay más de 75.000 figuras realizadas por los indígenas desde el año 20.000 a.C., y que siguen siendo realizadas en la actualidad por los pueblos no contactados protegidos por el Parque Nacional. Estas pinturas representan escenas de caza, batallas, danzas y ceremonias, así como especies de fauna y flora, destacando el culto al jaguar, símbolo de poder y fertilidad. Las comunidades indígenas, que no están presentes directamente en el sitio, consideran que Chiribiquete es un lugar sagrado que no puede visitarse y que debe conservarse inalterado.
EXPLORA la ESENCIA del JOROPO de la ORINOQUIA con ANA VEYDÓ del GRUPO CIMARRÓN
DESCUBRE la ESENCIA del JOROPO: Entrevista con la cantante Ana Veydó del grupo Cimarrón. “La banda que lleva la música del Orinoco a todo el mundo” según la revista Forbes. Esta banda dos veces nominada a los Grammy presenta al mundo una mezcla extraordinaria de sus raíces indígenas y africanas, con un canto étnico crudo y profundo, una increíble danza zapateada y virtuosismo instrumental … Read More EXPLORA la ESENCIA del JOROPO de la ORINOQUIA con ANA VEYDÓ del GRUPO CIMARRÓN
🎥 Qué es la MUERTE para los WAYUU 👀 La GUAJIRA . Colombia ( Pueblo WAYUU )
Explicación detallada sobre qué es la muerte para los Wayuu en La Guajira. Curiosidades y secretos sobre las ceremonias y rituales ancestrales.
+ Boutique Travel, Colombia Music Expeditions, Ethnomusicology, Expedition Expert, In the Media, National Geographic Society, Tailored Experiences
Kike Calvo´s Colombia work in National Geographic
by KIKE CALVO
It is always a pleasure and an honor to see my photographic work from Colombia published in National Geographic.
Photography Tips for Beginners
Maggie Steber, National Geographic Magazine contributor photographer and Guggenheim Foundation, will join Kike Calvo in a Colombia Photo Expedition in 2021.
+ BIODIVERSITY, BIRDWATCHING, Blog, Boutique Travel, PEACE OF MIND, PHOTOGRAPHY, Private Tours, Tailored Experiences, WILDLIFE CAMP
What is a Peace of Mind Tour?
by KIKE CALVO
You are probably wondering what is a Peace-of-Mind Tour? We know that many of you are itching to get out and explore the world, and at Colombia Photo Expeditions we believe leisure travel will return and can be done safely. For this reason, we have designed a set of “Peace of Mind” natural history, birdwatching and photography tours and day tours that we think are the safest way to get you back out there when international air travel resumes:We are strictly following the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Colombian government’s biosafety protocols. The lodge has very spacious rooms with open hallways and common areas, excellent ventilation, and is only operating at 40% capacity.
PEACE OF MIND DESTINATIONS
ARAUCANA LODGE . COFFEE AREA & PARAMOS
WILD CAMP ORINOQUIA . MASSIF & CULTURE . THE PACIFIC
Our revised cancellation policy allows you to book with much flexibility and peace of mind.
Exclusive and private. A private guide means you will not share activities with others and you will always be transported in a private vehicle.
Flexibility in Daily Activities – This itinerary is merely a suggestion of activities; please contact us for more options.
Minimum Contact: Surely, we have designed the tours to visit sites where contact with other travelers will be minimal. We understand that contact with the locals it what makes traveling an enriching experience, so this will happen only in open areas and outdoors where we can practice social distancing.
Our Peace-of Mind Trips Include*
- All Lodging (Double Occupancy)
- All Meals From Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8
- Bottled Water Throughout the Trip
- All Activities Listed in Itinerary
- Bilingual Guide During Trip
- Internal Terrestrial Transport From Airport Pickup to Airport Drop-off
- Limited Health and Accident Insurance
Trip Does Not Include - Tips
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Insurance
- Airfare to Colombia
- Laundry
- Items of Personal Nature
* Please check each particular departure, as some variations may occur depending on the destination.
+ CULTURAL IMMERSION, Expedition Expert, National Geographic Society, Photo Expedition, PHOTOGRAPHY, Private Tours, Tailored Experiences
How to Photograph Strangers on the Street with National Geographic Photographer Maggie Steber
by KIKE CALVO
In this new episode, National Geographic photographer and Guggenheim Fellow Maggie Steber talks about her experiences photographing strangers in more than 70 countries.
► Travel with Maggie Steber to Colombia: https://colombiaphotoexpeditions.wordpress.com/wild-colombia/
Maggie Steber, National Geographic Magazine contributor photographer and Guggenheim Foundation Fellow Maggie Steber, and Safina Center Fellow, author and photographer Kike Calvo will lead a photographic tour to Colombia in August 2021.
About the tour: This tour is designed to highlight Colombia’s astounding natural and cultural diversity, and we believe we have struck the perfect balance with this exhilarating itinerary: From exploring the Feria de Las Flores in Medellin in the Andes mountains, to swimming in a river that has been dubbed “the liquid rainbow”, to the Latin rhythms of the salsa capital of the world, to riding motorcycle-powered carts through the luscious rainforest, to visiting the beaches and mangroves of one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet in search of Humpback Whales. This trip is of epic proportions, complete with beaches, city life, owers, and incredible hospitality. Join us in a land where everyday life is very real but visitors can easily escape into a magical world as they explore the culture and natural richness the country has to offer.
The Ultimate Video Guide to Colonial Cartagena
This episode is the ultimate video guide to colonial Cartagena in Colombia. What do to, what to eat and where to go. Find the most instagrammable places in the city. A great vlog to prepare for a trip to this unique and magical city, located on the Caribbean side of the country.
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This is an Online Photography Tutorial for kids & their parents.
Tricks, Games, Secrets, and Projects for Creative Little Explorers.
ENROLL NOW!
Photo by ParentRap–2161438
“The first time my dad Kikeo grabbed a camera he became a superhero. You can too! You can play being a journalist searching for stories around your home, a secret agent capturing photographs without anyone noticing, or a National Geographic photographer documenting “wild” animals in a local park. Together with my dad, I will share my secrets to capture great photographs. Together I will guide you through projects and lessons, and we will even explore projects of what can do with your pictures.” — Pili.
Are you looking for an art class for your kids, but lack the skills to teach it? Does photography sound like a useful home activity? Do you want to support your kid´s artistic side and expand their critical thinking? Is your kid homeschool and needs support in the artistic challenges?
Photo by Skitterphoto–324082
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Look no more! Click! Click! Click! Photography for Little Explorers is a Photography Tutorial for Kids by Kike Calvo and is the perfect solution for your needs. This online course is project-based. It was designed for 4-13 years old kids and homeschoolers in mind but don’t that let stop you if you want to take it. This course contains sections such as Kikeo´s photo tips, fun simple tricks; DIY projects; basic photography concepts; and much more. The core of the classes are projects (or assignments as we call them) so the children can go out and practice.
Photo by Victoria Borodinova
Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr.
Click! Click! Click! Online Tutorial
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- This Photography Course is an Online Tutorial and You Choose Your Schedule.
- Recommended for Ages 5-13. (Read FAQ for more info on this.)
- Each Lesson takes between 30-60 minutes to complete.
- You can take photographs using a camera, a tablet, or a smartphone.
- You get a certificate of completion.
- There are not mandatory projects. No homework. We suggest fun activities after you watch every lesson.
- We include fun DIY projects.
- We many simple tips on how to improve your photographs.
- Your parents or teachers can always reach Kike with questions.
Photo by Winnie Bruce
Multi-Module Photo Adventures: The course organized into module assignments, your kid’s projects. Each lesson contains an introduction to the project with photography tips tailored to the assignment. Kike will explain each of the weekly assignments in a way that will get the Little Explorers excited. Assisted by Pili, we will follow her as she completes her assignment. Each outing culminates with a photo review and a lesson, where National Geographic & Lindblad Expeditions Photo Expert Kike Calvo will discuss some of Pili’s best shots, always giving her tips on how to improve. Each weekly assignment, combining the video lesson and the actual practice assignment should take between 30 and 60 minutes.
We can’t wait to have you join our class.
See you inside the class!
Pili & Kike
Photo by Actina–2477360
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Photo by Tatiana Syrikova
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need?
Just a few minutes a day to watch the lesson using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. After each lesson, you will find suggested photo adventures (or assignments) you can do with any camera, including your phone. We include DIY projects, for which you will require basic materials listed on each one. But remember, this is a fun course, so nothing is mandatory. We suggest ideas for you to practice. Your access to this tutorial will be open for a month.
Ages?
We suggest this course for kids between 6-13, but we have had 5 years old, and even adults taking it. Kids between 5, 6 & 7 will certainly benefit from doing the course with the parents/teacher’s supervision. Great opportunity for spending family quality time together.
Will my assignments be looked at?
After much thought, we concluded it was best to share our lessons and allow the kids to experiment and explore their creativity. You can ask us questions at any time using our store chat, but we will note give grades or review any projects. If you have special needs, please let us know.
Do we get a certificate?
The answer is yes. Once all lessons are completed (and checked as completed) we will email you a printable certificate with your kid’s name.
What if I am homeschool and I need credit? If this is your case, please check with us before purchasing the tutorial. In general, our team can accommodate that truly need a grade so they can get homeschool credit or credit for an extracurricular class.
What is the instructor’s availability? Kike is always available through the chat room at The Adventures of Pili store for any questions or concerns. He normally gets back to you within 1-2 business days! Sometimes sooner.
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Meet Your Instructors:
Kike Calvo: Author, and photographer has trained hundreds of photography enthusiasts during his multiple assignments on National Geographic Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions around the world.
“Children will learn basic notions about photography and will discover some fun tricks. The course can be done with a smartphone or any camera. It is a fun way to spend quality time with your kids, while you both gain skills to capture the world around you! If your children are older, they can do the course by themselves. It is nothing but a creative and interactive photography and creativity online course in your own schedule.” — Kike
Pili: A world-wide traveler with just 5 years old, she helps her dad in teaching this course. She goes around with dad’s phone actively pursuing Kike’s lessons. A fun and unique way of teaching kids how to take better photographs. Pili was the inspiration of The Adventures of Pili books. And no, she does not like this anymore!
Photo by jyliagorbacheva–5290522
Colombia Photo Expeditions 