About us

Kalaira was born after a journey to the lungs of the world, the incredible Amazon. There, we witnessed how some traditional travel agencies operating in the region did not value the cultural richness of the indigenous communities or their importance for nature and the fight against climate change.

Kalaira aims to become the largest marketplace for ethnotourism in the world. We offer experiences that inspire travelers to protect nature, sharing indigenous wisdom directly from their ancestral storytellers in each one. We guarantee fair payment, and above all, we guarantee the protection of their culture and territory, thus preventing their migration to cities, forced displacement, deforestation, and other issues.

“While Indigenous Peoples own, occupy, or use a quarter of the world’s surface area, they safeguard 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity.”
World Bank

Fuente: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/three-reasons-why-we-should-all-care-about-indigenous-peoples

Kalaira means jaguar in Wayuunaiki, the language of the Wayúu indigenous community, the largest in Colombia. The jaguar holds ancestral significance in many indigenous communities. Additionally, it is the largest feline and the strongest carnivore in all of the Americas. It is an umbrella species, vital for the conservation of the entire ecosystem it inhabits. Through the jaguar, we represent the strength and grandeur of indigenous communities.

In his article Economic Development and Environmental Conservation: Evidence from Eco-Tourism, Santiago Saavedra presents evidence on how ecotourism can help not only make tourism sustainable but also generate a positive impact on nature through tourism. At Kalaira, we promote impactful, cultural tourism that prioritizes the protection of indigenous peoples and the territories visited by travelers.

"We found that where ecotourism is promoted, employment increases by 16% and deforestation decreases by 50%."
Santiago Saavedra

About us

Difficulty levels definition

Grade

Description

Length

Elevation Gain

Terrain

Altitude

Experience

Recommended Physical Condition

Example

A+

More than 30 km (19 miles)

More than 1,500 m (4,900 feet)

Very steep terrain, light climbing, areas without defined trails

More than 4,000 m (13,100 feet)

Excellent physical condition, extensive experience, technical skills

Excellent endurance, strength, and altitude acclimatization

High mountain peak ascents

A

20-30 km (12-19 miles)

1,000-1,500 m (3,300-4,900 feet)

Steep terrain, river crossings, possible snow

3,000-4,000 m (10,000-13,100 feet)

Very good physical condition, significant experience

Very good endurance, strength, and altitude acclimatization

Alpine traverses, high-altitude trekking

B+

Difficult

15-20 km (9-12 miles)

500-1,000 m (1,650-3,300 feet)

Less defined trails, steep sections, rocky or uneven terrain

2,500-3,000 m (8,200-10,000 feet)

Good physical condition, hiking experience

Good endurance and strength, familiarity with moderate altitudes

B

10-15 km (6-9 miles)

300-500 m (1,000-1,650 feet)

Marked trails but rocky or with steep inclines

1,500-2,500 m (5,000-8,200 feet)

Reasonable physical condition, some experience

Moderate physical condition, adequate endurance and strength

National park hikes

C

Moderate

200-300 m (650-1,000 feet)

Well-marked trails, moderate inclines

Up to 1,500 m (5,000 feet)

Not much experience needed, good physical condition

Basic physical condition, some endurance

Nature area hikes, hill trails

D

Easy

100-200 m (330-650 feet)

Well-maintained trails, generally flat or with gentle slopes

Generally at low altitudes

No experience needed, basic physical condition

Minimum physical condition, suitable for beginners

Local park walks

E

Beginner

Less than 100 m (less than 330 feet)

Paved trails or easy paths

Very low altitudes

No experience or great physical condition needed

Suitable for anyone, including children and elderly

Urban trails or park walks