One of the greatest joys of my life—and one of the most fun parts of my work with Proyecto Tití—has been sharing Colombia with the people who have been part of my story for so long. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to bring several groups of friends to visit Proyecto Tití and learn about what we have been up to for these many years.   This year my long-time friends from Wisconsin (and beyond), people who have supported me through many chapters of life… were brave enough to join me on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of cotton-top tamarin country. ________________________________________ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Let me tell you: it was pure joy from start to finish. We began our journey in Cartagena, a city that never fails to amaze me no matter how many times I visit. Cartagena is a place where history and beauty collide—colorful streets, music drifting through plazas, and the Caribbean breeze always reminding you that you’re somewhere special. And of course… the food! My friends quickly discovered what I already knew: Cartagena is a feast for the senses. We enjoyed incredible meals, fresh fruit juices, seafood, and all the flavors that make Colombia’s Caribbean coast so vibrant. Between cultural experiences, wandering the old city, and soaking up the energy of the people, Cartagena became the perfect introduction to Colombia.

But as much as we loved the city, everyone was excited for what came next: our ecotourism adventure with Proyecto Tití. We traveled to Los Límites for our Cotton-top Tamarin Adventure Tour, and it was truly one of the highlights of the trip. There is something magical about stepping into tropical dry forest and realizing you are walking in one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth—yet one that is still full of life. It didn’t take long before we began hearing movement in the canopy… and then there they were: cotton-top tamarins, leaping through the trees like tiny acrobats, curious and full of energy. Seeing them in the wild never gets old for me. But watching my friends see them for the first time? That was priceless. Their faces said it all: wonder, excitement, and the sudden realization that these little primates are real—and critically endangered—and worth protecting.

While in Los Límites, we also had the pleasure of meeting Don Víctor, one of the farmers who has become such an important partner in our conservation work. Don Víctor welcomed us with warmth and pride, and it was inspiring to hear him talk about his commitment to farming organically. He spoke about the importance of protecting forests and how wildlife belongs here just as much as people do. You can feel his love for the land in every word he says. It’s not just farming for him—it’s stewardship. One of my favorite moments with Don Víctor was when our group had the chance to plant a tree for a tití—right there near his agricultural fields. Together, we planted a young tree that will help expand the forest edge and create more habitat for cotton-top tamarins and other wildlife. It was such a simple act, but incredibly meaningful. Everyone loved the idea that we weren’t just visiting conservation—we were actively participating in it.

Another unforgettable experience was spending time with the talented women of ASOARTESANANAS, whose work has had such a positive impact on their community. My friends and I had so much fun learning how to crochet eco-mochilas—handmade bags crafted from recycled plastic. Let me just say… we gained a whole new respect for their skill! Crocheting is not as easy as it looks, but the laughter and the shared learning made it one of the most joyful moments of the trip. Even more meaningful was hearing the story behind ASOARTESANANAS—how creativity, recycling, and opportunity have come together to create livelihoods that support families while also protecting the forest. It’s the kind of community-driven success that makes me incredibly proud of Proyecto Tití’s work.

From there, we traveled to San Juan Nepomuceno to visit the Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve. This is where visitors really begin to understand the long-term commitment behind forest restoration. Walking through the reserve and learning about our reforestation efforts reminded everyone that conservation is built one tree at a time.

And once again, we didn’t just observe—we took action. Each person in our group had the opportunity to plant a tree in the reserve, leaving behind a piece of their own legacy in the forest. Watching my friends kneel in the soil, place their tree in the ground, and imagine what it will become in the years ahead was one of the most touching moments of the entire trip. Those trees will grow into habitat, shade, and food for wildlife—and will stand as living reminders that people from far away cared enough to help. 

And yes—we were thrilled to see even more cotton-top tamarins in the reserve! Every sighting felt like a celebration, a reminder that the forest is coming back, and that these animals still have a chance. One of the most delicious surprises of the trip was our shade-grown coffee tasting, featuring coffee grown right in the Montes de María region—the same region where cotton-top tamarins live. I loved seeing my friends’ reactions as they learned that sustainable coffee farming can support conservation. Coffee that protects forests. Coffee that supports cotton-tops. Honestly… what could be better than that? And because no trip to Colombia is complete without a little adventure (and a lot of laughter), we made our way to the Volcán de Totumo for a mud bath experience. If you’ve never floated in a warm mud volcano… you’re missing out. It was hilarious, messy, and completely unforgettable. I’m not sure who laughed more—me or my friends—but I can promise you we will be talking about that day for years.

As I reflect on these trips with my AMIGOS de ANNE, I feel incredibly grateful. These experiences remind me that conservation is not just science and strategy—it is also connection. It’s sharing a place you love with people you love. It’s watching someone fall in love with cotton-top tamarins for the first time. And it’s knowing that every visitor who comes to Proyecto Tití leaves with a deeper understanding of why this work matters. Colombia gave us unforgettable memories, but more importantly, it reminded us that hope lives in the forest—and in the communities protecting it. And now, thanks to the trees planted in Los Límites and in Los Titíes de San Juan, a part of each of my friends will always be rooted in this landscape.

And yes… I can’t wait for the next AMIGOS de ANNE adventure.  Want to join me??