For me , that just meant that we were facing another challenge . In a way , it was another border to cross . I had some experience with off-road driving in the countryside of Holland , but it was nothing compared to this . Now , I was going on an adventure that would challenge all of my skills .
Two days later , the rest of my group arrived . We planned an early morning departure , and got together the night before to discuss our trip . The area that we were about to enter was remote and somewhat lawless . It is not everyone ’ s favorite vacation destination . Because of this , you have to respect some rules .
Everybody was pleasantly excited at our upcoming adventure . Just before departing , we went to a local place for breakfast . In keeping with local traditions , they served soup in the morning- and what a soup it was . If I had one last meal to eat on this earth , it would either be my mother ’ s vegetable soup or “ Sancocho ,” a local stew that you ’ ve got to taste if you ever make it to Colombia . But the fish soup they served that morning comes in a close second place . Colombian cuisine is known for its great soups , and this meal was no exception .
This region has been in conflict for a long period . Colombia has had a history of violence , and the effects on people exposed to it have always bothered me . Ironically , Colombia is the home to peaceful indigenous people including the Muisca , Quimbaya , and Tairona tribes . If Colombia far enough back into its roots , it is actually a gentle place on Mother Earth
Serranía de la Macarena is a remote department of the Meta district . This isolated mountain range was Colombia ’ s first nature reserve . Unfortunately , recent years have been difficult . The conflict between the government and the rebel forces has led to problems with coca growth , landmines , and unregulated mining that has led to problems both environmental and social . The coca industry , in particular , has been very harmful to nature . In order to staunch this illegal trade , Colombia ’ s government has resorted to fumigation- the practice of spraying lethal toxins to eradicate coca plants .
The coca industry has caused a great deal of social harm as well . In particular , the very existence of the cocaine trade is closely associated with the country of Colombia . In the minds of foreigners , this one industry has overshadowed all other aspects of this fascinating country . The modern cocaine trade has not done any good in the world today . But if you go back to ancient times , indigenous people have used coca as a medicine for numerous ailments including altitude sickness , headaches , rheumatism , and injuries . Surprisingly , cocaine also contains a range of valuable vitamins and minerals . At least you can ’ t say that the coca plant , in its pure form , isn ’ t healthy .
The biodiversity of the Serranía de la Macarena national park is amazing . It is highlighted by a range of flora and fauna that is found in abundance here at the intersection of the Amazon , Andes , and Orinoco regions of Colombia . The ecosystem of the park features a range of terrain types , including dry forests , shrublands , and savanna . Botanists have identified over 2,000 different species of plants inside the park . The animal kingdom is also well represented with anteaters , jaguars , deer , cougars , and eight species of monkeys . A total of 550 species of birds live within the park , and countless other varieties of reptiles and insects round out the natural inhabitants of this unique place .
Today , the park is also home to a range of human colonists . In addition to the “ Llaneros ,” the typical locals , a mix of government soldiers , mining corporations , and guerillas all roam its vast expanse . We are just here to have a great off-road adventure , so I don ’ t believe that we will be a threat to any of them . Security should not be an issue . Our intentions are just to experience the daily life of locals amid the abundant natural beauty , and have an extreme adventure that leaves us with unforgettable memories .
It took about four hours to reach the town of Buena Vista . When we arrived , we needed a short break . We did some maintenance on our bikes and chatted with the locals . Hendrik told us that it would take another 8 hours to reach the farm where we would be staying . When we had completed our repairs , we crossed a bridge just outside the town of Pitalito and left civilization far behind us .