The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MinCIT) has completed the national evaluation stage to select the country’s candidates for the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages 2026. This initiative is a global program that recognizes rural destinations for cultural preservation, sustainability, and tourism development.

From an initial pool of 27 municipalities across 13 departments, eight were selected to advance to Colombia’s official international nomination phase, which will be submitted by the ministry’s technical team to UN Tourism.

“Twenty-seven municipalities from 13 departments participated, with proposals that reflect the diversity, richness, and commitment of Colombia’s rural territories.” – Diana Marcela Morales Rojas, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

The Minister added that the selection process had a technical evaluation and qualitative assessment before identifying the final eight candidates.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative, led by UN Tourism, recognizes rural destinations that preserve their cultural and natural heritage. the goal is to use tourism to support sustainable economic and social development.

The eight shortlisted municipalities now move to the international nomination stage, where they will represent Colombia in UN Tourism’s annual selection process.

Consaca in Narino (Photo: Alcaldía)

Located on the slopes of the Galeras volcano, Consacá combines high-altitude coffee production with traditional craftsmanship. The municipality is recognized for its toquilla-straw handicrafts and its historical connection to independence-era battles in the region.

(Photo: Alcaldía de El Peñón)

El Peñón is a rural municipality in Santander known for its natural landscapes, caves, and agricultural traditions. Its tourism proposal highlights the connection between local communities, farming activities, and the quiet rural experiences offered by its mountain surroundings.

Jericó in Antioquia (Photo: Alcaldía de Jericó)

Surrounded by the Western Cordillera in Antioquia, Jericó combines coffee culture, historic architecture, and deep-rooted traditions. The municipality is known for its flower-lined balconies, religious heritage, and as the birthplace of the carriel, the traditional leather satchel that has become one of the region’s most distinctive symbols.

Marulanda in Caldas (Photo: Alcaldía de Marulanda)

Surrounded by high-altitude páramos in Caldas, Marulanda preserves a rural identity built around sheep farming, wool craftsmanship, and traditional textile production. The municipality also maintains its arriería (muleteer) heritage, connecting its cultural traditions with the mountain landscapes that shape its tourism offer.

(Photo: Alcaldía de Norcasia)

Shaped by rivers descending from the Central Cordillera, Norcasia in Caldas blends cacao production, biodiversity, and adventure tourism with community-led initiatives. Its natural surroundings provide a setting for ecotourism experiences while local traditions remain central to the municipality’s tourism identity.

(Photo: Alcaldía de Paicol)

Often called La Puerta del Viento (The Gateway of the Wind), Paicol in Huila combines natural attractions with deep-rooted cultural traditions. The municipality’s caves, cacao production, and Semana Santa celebrations form part of a tourism offer that connects local heritage, landscapes, and community experiences.

(Photo: Alcaldía de Sesquilé)

Tied to the legend of El Dorado, Sesquilé in Cundinamarca offers a unique connection between ancestral heritage, nature, and rural tourism. Located near Lake Guatavita, the municipality works to preserve its páramo ecosystems and traditional knowledge while showcasing the landscapes that have shaped its cultural identity.

#Cali/ este sujeto agredió verbalmente con palabras racistas a un agente de tránsito cuando se encontraba realizando actividades propias del servicio al frente de un establecimiento comercial. pic.twitter.com/Wn1e5hIPak

— Denuncias Antioquia (@DenunciasAntio2) May 16, 2025

The incident has ignited a national conversation on racism and the legal protections afforded to public servants in Colombia.

Timeline of Events

• Mid-May 2025: In the El Peñón neighborhood of Cali, Henry Alexis Velasco verbally attacks and harasses transit agent José Félix Angulo Cabezas. The incident is filmed and later posted on social media.
• May 17, 2025: The video gains national attention. Public figures and organizations begin to react. Industria Licorera de Caldas issues a statement after Velasco is seen wearing a shirt with their branding. The restaurant where Velasco worked, 891 Gastropub, also releases a statement.
• Following Days: President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez condemn the act. The Mayor’s Office of Cali announces measures against the establishment where Velasco was employed.
• May 23, 2025: Velasco is captured by authorities. During his arraignment, he accepts the charges of violence against a public servant and acts of racism or discrimination. A judge orders him to be placed under house arrest as the judicial process continues.

The Racist Attack

The event occurred in the El Peñón sector of Cali when Velasco, a bartender, approached and began insulting agent Angulo Cabezas. According to reports from El Colombiano, Velasco was recorded shouting phrases such as, “You are black trash” (“sos un negro basura”), and “if you were smart, you wouldn’t be a guard” (“si fueras inteligente, no serías guarda”).

The transit officer, Angulo Cabezas, later stated his resolve in the face of the attack. “Do I, an Afro or a black man like I am, not deserve to be a transit agent? Do I not have the same capabilities as others? I do have them. If I am here, it was because I trained and studied to serve in my job,” he commented when denouncing the case.

Widespread Condemnation and Official Response

The viral nature of the video prompted swift reactions. Cali’s Mayor, Alejandro Eder, announced on social media that his administration had taken action. “In Cali, there is no room for racism, illegality, or violence,” Eder stated, as reported by El País Cali. The Mayor’s Office proceeded to close the 891 Gastropub, the establishment where Velasco was employed, citing its failure to comply with required documentation.

The restaurant, 891 Gastropub, issued a formal communication distancing itself from the incident. As detailed by Infobae, the establishment stated that Velasco’s actions “do not represent the way we operate or our principles,” and confirmed he had resigned.

Because Velasco was wearing a shirt featuring a brand from Industria Licorera de Caldas (ILC), the state-owned liquor company also issued a statement. According to a report from El País Cali, the company rejected the act and clarified that Velasco was not a direct employee but rather a collaborator of a third-party distributor. As previously covered by Finance Colombia, ILC is a significant, state-owned enterprise based in Manizales.

The nation’s highest leaders also weighed in. President Gustavo Petro posted on X, stating succinctly, “It’s called racism and it is a crime punishable by prison” (El País Cali).

Vice President Francia Márquez, an outspoken advocate against racial discrimination, also condemned the attack. “Racism is a form of violence and is classified as a crime. I call on the Attorney General’s Office to investigate these events… these events cannot be repeated. No more racism!” she stated, according to El Tiempo.

Criminal Charges and Legal Future

Following his arrest, Henry Alexis Velasco was charged with violence against a public servant and acts of discrimination, both aggravated. According to a report from El Colombiano, Velasco accepted the charges during a hearing.

Under the Colombian penal code, the charge of violence against a public servant carries a potential sentence of four to eight years in prison. The crime of aggravated discrimination can lead to a sentence of 12 to 36 months in prison and significant fines (El País Cali). Velasco is currently under house arrest as his case proceeds through the justice system.

El hombre aceptó los cargos en su contra y, por disposición de un juez de control de garantías, deberá cumplir medida de aseguramiento privativa de la libertad en su lugar de residencia.

Información completa aquí: https://t.co/dBsLupTNLu pic.twitter.com/UJTs9j8zME

— Fiscalía Colombia (@FiscaliaCol) May 24, 2025

“Although in some areas of the country such as Bogotá, Piedecuesta and Chinchiná there have been heavy rains, according to Ideam forecasts, the dry season is expected to last until the end of March. Our call – both in drought and in the rainy season – is to keep emergency and contingency plans active since in either of these situations the aqueduct systems can be affected,” said the Deputy Minister of Water & Sanitation, José Luis Acero.

The new follow-up report on public potable water supplies in the country records an increase of 31 municipalities with shortages due to low rainfall. These new populations are located in the departments of Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Santander, Tolima and Huila.

“To date we have 102 municipalities that have registered some degree of affectation in the provision of water supply suitable for human consumption. It is important to clarify that the estimate of water required for emergency situations is based on a calculation of 25 liters per capita per day, this estimate is made for the requirement of the entire urban population, which does not imply that these are current needs, given that not all of these municipalities have shortages in all urban areas,” explained the Deputy Minister.

The new populations with some degree of supply deficiency in their aqueduct systems are:

Cundinamarca:

Municipalities affected by drought conditions in Colombia; Graphic courtesy of Minvivienda

• Apulo
• Beltrán
• Cabrera
• Chaguaní
• Caparrapí
• Chocontá
• El Peñón
• Guayabal de Síquima
• Jerusalem
• Junín
• La Palma
• La Peña
• Nilo
• Paratebueno
• Quipile
• San Juan de Rioseco
• Sibaté
• Tocaima
• Topaipí
• Ubalá
• Viotá
• Yacopí.

Huila:

• Pitalito
• Aipe.

Magdalena:

• Piñón del Carmen
• San Sebastián de Buenavista
• San Zenón.

Santander:

• Cabrera
• Capitanejo
• Girón.

Tolima:

• San Luis.

El Peñon is an ancient granite batholith in Guatapé and El Peñol that attracts thousands of tourists every month. Spectacular views of the surrounding countryside await those hardy enough to ascend the 659 steps to the summit.

Guatapé is a lake front town that sits on EPM’s Represa de Guatapé, a hydroelectric reservoir; and at the foot of El Peñón de Guatapé, a granite basolith between Guatapé and the town of El Peñol. The town is easily reached by bus and is popular with both local and international tourists.

Jorge Londoño de la Cuesta is the CEO and general manager of EPM

“The construction of the Guatapé Malecón is a fundamental contribution to the dynamism and growth that we are experiencing in this municipality,” said EPM’s CEO Jorge Londoño De La Cuesta. “EPM wanted to participate in this effort, and now we present the work that opens a new panorama for the people; for those that live here and for the tourists that will now begin to add do their travel memories this new space that speaks very well to Paisa culture, a locality that for its characteristics really represents Antioquia and Colombia.”

The approximately $6 million USD project was paid primarily by EPM, who contributed 77.32% of the budget. That does not include a forthcoming boat dock on the frigid lake stocked with North American rainbow trout, that will cost another $2.4 million USD.

The town of Guatapé also recently received notoriety for banning polystyrene and single use plastics.

“With the realization of this project we don’t just improve the municipal and community infrastructure. In terms of cultural options, urban planning, displacement, and quality of life for the population, we also materialize the proposition of contributing to competitive and sustainable territories, generating regional development,” added Londoño.

3 years ago, before the new improvements were put in place, a tragic accident happened on the lake near the town, when a commercial tourist boat capsized with over 150 passengers on board, causing 7 deaths. Not only are the waters cold, but the bottom near the town is muddy, which can trap feet and legs. Swimming is not allowed from the shore of the lake facing Guatapé.

Photos courtesy EPM except El Peñon, by Loren Moss