CARE Board Meeting - Colombia

In 2018, CARE expanded its emergency response program to Colombia to support Venezuelan migrants fleeing political, social, and economic crises. Together with local partners, we addressed an urgent need by focusing specifically on programming for women and girls, given the high levels of sexual violence in the migration context.

In 2019, CARE opened the Colombia Country Office to strengthen its support for migrants and to ensure that women and girls have access to basic services and a better quality of life. We began by coordinating a cross-border initiative with local partners in Ecuador and Venezuela. Since then, we have scaled up our programming—implementing more than 33 projects across 17 municipalities—to improve humanitarian response, facilitate the peacebuilding process, ensure equality for all people, promote food security, strengthen economic justice, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, especially for women and girls.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, CARE Colombia reached 66,140 people through these programs, with a focus on women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Dear all,

CARE has been operating in Colombia for five years, since its launch in 2019, scaling its efforts and working to achieve social justice and gender equality in the country. With teams committed to transforming structures and partnering with local organizations, particularly those led by women, we aim to ensure the impact and sustainability of our actions.

Despite the multiple vulnerabilities and diverse challenges faced by communities, such as the internal conflict or the regional migration crisis, we also have some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and resilient, entrepreneurial women who strive to change the reality of their families and surroundings. Additionally, there is an organized and committed civil society working to uphold the rights of those who are still unable to exercise them. In this context, notable social movements include indigenous groups, LGBTQ+ collectives, youth, and Domestic Workers’ Unions, which stand out for their actions and influence in our country.

On behalf of the entire national team, and our local partners, it is my pleasure to welcome your visit and ensure that it is a space for learning and understanding the context, as well as an exchange of experiences that enriches our work and motivates us to highlight field actions.

Sincerely,

Catalina Vargas Villamarin
Country Director
CARE Colombia

All day: Guests arrive in Bogotá and check into the Casa Medina Four Seasons Hotel. Free afternoon followed by optional group gathering or dinner on your own at the hotel.

8:00 am: Welcome Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with CARE Colombia’s staff and partners for a brief on Colombia, programmatic strategy, and security.

9:30 am: Cultural visit of downtown Bogotá with highlights like Plaza de Bolívar, Museo Botero, and Casa del Florero.

12:30 pm: Lunch in downtown Bogotá.

2:00 pm: Free afternoon to rest.

6:00 pm: Welcome Dinner.

7:00 am: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out.

8:00 am: Transport to the airport for a flight to Cúcuta.

12:30 pm: Lunch in Cúcuta with brief context on the migration crisis.

3:00 pm: Meeting with domestic workers, women entrepreneurs, and small-scale producers.

7:00 pm: Group Dinner at Restaurante Galileo.

7:00 am: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out.

8:30 am: Meeting with UN and governmental stakeholders followed by field visit of programs addressing migration and internal conflict.

10:00 am: Humanitarian response field visit.

2:00 pm: Lunch with Mayor’s Office of Cúcuta and the Department of Norte de Santander and meeting with local government on health and protection system.

3:30 pm: Transport to the airport for a flight to Cartagena.

8:00 pm: Dinner on your own in Cartagena.

8:00 am: Breakfast at hotel.

10:00 am: Board Meeting inclusive of lunch (Board Members).

10:00 am: Departure for downtown tour of Cartagena (Guests).

4:00 pm: Free afternoon to rest.

7:00 pm: Closing Dinner.

All day: Breakfast at hotel followed by check out and departure for return flights.

In mid-March, Bogotá, Cúcuta, and Cartagena each offer distinct climates. Bogotá, located at a high altitude, experiences mild temperatures ranging between 48°F (9°C) and 68°F (20°C). Mornings and evenings can be cool, and light rain is possible, so visitors should bring light layers and a rain jacket.

Cúcuta, in contrast, has a warmer climate, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C). The city experiences dry conditions during this time, so light clothing and sun protection are recommended.

Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, is hot and humid in March, with temperatures averaging between 77°F (25°C) and 88°F (31°C). Visitors should be prepared for the heat and humidity, especially during outdoor activities.

Clothing​

• 2-3 light fabric long-sleeved shirts (breathable material for warmer afternoons)​
• 1-2 light fabric short-sleeved shirts​
• 1-2 pairs of lightweight pants ​
• 2 cocktail attire outfits for formal events
• 2 sweaters or sweatshirts for layering during cooler evenings​
• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket for potential rain showers​
• 1 warm jacket, as Bogotá can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings​
• 1 hat with a wide brim or visor for sun protection during daytime activities​

Footwear​

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes (shoes may get muddy during field visits)​
• Several pairs of lightweight socks for varying conditions​

Miscellaneous​

• Sunglasses, sunscreen​
• Camera, battery charger​
• Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars (snacks will be available throughout the trip)  ​
• Hand sanitizer, hand wipes  ​

We advise you to work directly with your healthcare provider or a travel specialist to determine your personal vaccination and medication needs. Below are vaccines and preventive measures for travel to Colombia, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up to date with standard vaccinations, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), chickenpox, flu, and shingles.

Travel-specific vaccines

• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for most travelers.
• Typhoid: Especially recommended for those staying with locals or visiting rural areas.
• Rabies: Consider if you plan to engage in outdoor activities or will be in areas with animals.
• Yellow Fever: Recommended for certain regions, particularly if traveling to areas outside of Bogotá, Cúcuta, and Cartagena.
• Malaria: Malaria is not a risk in Bogotá or Cartagena, but it may be a concern in rural areas surrounding Cúcuta. Travelers to these regions should consider taking malaria prophylaxis. The CDC advises consulting with your healthcare provider for the most appropriate prevention strategy.

One Hundred Years of Solitude
by Gabriel García Marquez (1982 Nobel Prize in Literature)

Love in the Time of Cholera
by Gabriel García Marquez

María
by Jorge Isaacs

Liveforever
by Andrés Caicedo

The Making of Modern Colombia: A Nation in Spite of Itself
by David Bushnell

Colombia is in northwestern South America, bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. It has a complex history shaped by indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, independence movements, and periods of internal conflict.​

Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Muisca and Tairona. Spain established settlements and eventually created the Viceroyalty of New Granada, which included present-day Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Colombia gained independence in 1810, becoming part of the Republic of Gran Colombia under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. This union dissolved in 1830, leading to the formation of Colombia as a separate nation.​

The country experienced a series of civil wars and political conflicts throughout the 1800s and 1900s. In the latter half of the 20th century, Colombia faced significant challenges due to guerrilla warfare, drug trafficking, and paramilitary violence. The government reached a historic peace agreement with the largest guerrilla group, FARC, in 2016, although violence related to armed groups and narcotrafficking still affects some regions.​

Colombia’s economy relies on energy and mining exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. It is Latin America’s fourth largest oil producer and a leading exporter of coal and coffee. Despite its economic potential, the country continues to face issues related to poverty, inequality, and rural development.​

Source: CIA, The World Factbook​

Population and demographics​

• Nationality: Colombian.​
• Population: Approximately 49.3 million as of 2023.​
• Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mestizo and White (87.6%), with notable Afro-Colombian (6.8%) and Amerindian (4.3%) communities.​
• Languages: The official language is Spanish, with 65 Amerindian languages spoken across different regions.​
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (92.3%), primarily Roman Catholic.

Economy​

• GDP per capita: Estimated at $14,600 in 2021.​
• Major exports: Crude petroleum, coal, coffee, gold, and refined petroleum.​
• Exchange Rate (as of 10/2/2024): 4,185.30 Colombian pesos (COP) per U.S. dollar.​

Geography and natural resources​

• Area: Colombia has a total area of 1,138,910 sq km.​
• Terrain: The country’s geography includes coastal lowlands, central highlands, and eastern lowland plains.​
• Natural resources: Colombia is rich in petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, and hydropower.​

Government​

• Government type: Presidential republic.​
• Executive branch: The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Gustavo Petro (since August 2022).​
• Legislative branch: Bicameral Congress, consisting of a Senate (108 seats) and a Chamber of Representatives (188 seats).​

Colombia has a diverse landscape that supports various agricultural activities, and it is known for its production of coffee, sugar cane, bananas, and other crops. The country has a well-established mining and energy sector, and it is one of the world’s leading producers of emeralds.​

Source: CIA, The World Factbook​

Do I need a visa for Colombia?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Colombia. However, please check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For non-U.S. travelers, please use a reputable government site for guidance.

Can I extend my stay in Colombia after the board meeting? 
Absolutely! If you’d like to arrive to Bogotá early or extend your stay and explore more of Cartagena, we’d be happy to help. Our team can liaise with the hotel to arrange additional nights for you. Please reach out in advance with your travel dates, and we’ll assist with accommodation options to ensure a smooth extension to your trip.

What currency is used in Colombia, and what is the exchange rate?​
The Colombian Peso (COP) is the official currency in Colombia. As of recent data, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 4,185.30 COP, but it is advisable to check the current rate closer to your travel date.​

What are the power outlets used in Colombia?​
You will need an adapter for your electrical devices. Colombia uses power sockets of types A and B.​

Will my cell phone work while traveling in Colombia?​
Contact your cell phone provider to ensure international roaming is set up before your trip. Mobile service is generally reliable in urban areas, though coverage may vary in rural regions. For local calls, dial ‘0’ before the area code.​

What is the security situation in Colombia?​
Upon arrival in Colombia, you will be fully briefed on the security situation in Colombia. While Colombia has made significant progress in improving security, it is advisable to remain cautious. Always follow the guidance of your organization and local authorities. Avoid traveling to areas known for crime, and keep valuables secured.​

Will we have access to safe drinking water?​
Bottled water will be provided throughout your trip. It’s recommended to drink bottled or filtered water, as tap water quality may vary.​

What is standard food in Colombia?​
Common staples include rice, beans, arepas (corn cakes), plantains, and a variety of meats, especially chicken and beef. Traditional dishes often feature fresh ingredients and local spices.​

What is the appropriate way to handle tipping at restaurants, hotels, and on tours?​
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 10% to 15% tip is appropriate in restaurants, and small tips for hotel staff and tour guides are appreciated. ​

Can I take photos during field visits?  ​
CARE staff will assist you with determining when it is acceptable to take photos and of which subjects.