Thirteen Routes in Colombian Department Added to the World Map of Religious Tourism
Thirteen municipalities in the department of Antioquia, including its capital, Medellin, in western Colombia, officially joined as founding members of the Global Religious Tourism Network, a program of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, marking a milestone for the international projection of this Colombian territory.
Those sites will now have the possibility of being included in the portfolio distributed in European, Asian and North American countries. This recognition is the result of joint work among mayors’ offices, tourism teams and parishes, with the support of the Government of Antioquia and the Antioquia es Magica strategy.
The process began in 2024
The thirteen municipalities of Antioquia were nominated last year to the Global Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations, an important international showcase that makes it possible to promote religious tourism products among travel agencies, operators and travelers.
But, in reality, this incorporation concludes a process that began in 2024 with the creation of the Network of Religious and Heritage Destinations of Antioquia, conceived to highlight the religious, cultural and architectural heritage of its municipalities and strengthen their positioning as destinations linked to faith tourism.
Now, the thirteen destinations in Antioquia join Cartagena and Buga, in Valle del Cauca, which until now were the only Colombian cities in the Global Network. Each one has a unique identity.
Below are the geographic and road data from Medellin:
· La Estrella: Route of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira. Altitude of 1,775 meters above sea level. Temperature of 22°. Distance of 6.9 km. Travel time of 40 min.
· Girardota: Route of the Fallen Lord. Altitude of 1,425 meters above sea level. Temperature of 28°. Distance of 26 km. Travel time of 40 min.
· Angostura: Route of Blessed Father Marianito. Altitude of 1,870 meters above sea level. Temperature of 21°. Distance of 106 km. Travel time of 3 hours.
· Santa Rosa de Osos: Route of Our Lady of Mercy. Altitude of 2,550 meters above sea level. Temperature of 13°. Distance of 77 km. Travel time of 1 h 40 min.
· San Pedro de los Milagros: Route of the Miraculous One. Altitude of 2,475 meters above sea level. Temperature of 14°. Distance of 35.5 km. Travel time of 1 h 15 min.
· La Ceja: Vaticanito of the East Route. Altitude of 2,153 meters above sea level. Temperature of 17°. Distance of 41 km. Travel time of 44 min.
· Rionegro: Route of Our Lady of Arma. Altitude of 2,090 meters above sea level. Temperature of 18°. Distance of 35 km. Travel time of 48 min.
· Marinilla: Route of sacred art and music. Altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. Temperature of 19°. Distance of 45 km. Travel time of 40 min.
· Santuario: Route of the Apostle Saint Jude Thaddeus. Altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level. Temperature of 16°. Distance of 74 km. Travel time of 1 hour.
· El Penol: Route of the Piedra del Marial. Altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level. Temperature of 18°. Distance of 94 km. Travel time of 2 h 15 min.
· Santa Fe de Antioquia: Route of the colonial temples. Altitude of 550 meters above sea level. Temperature of 28°. Distance of 58 km. Travel time of 1 hour.
· Jerico: Route of Saint Laura of Jerico. Altitude of 1,950 meters above sea level. Temperature of 18°. Distance of 108 km. Travel time of 2 h 15 min.
Joining the Network opens new opportunities for global promotion and the exchange of experiences with other destinations around the world. The departmental Tourism director, Oscar Sanchez, highlighted that the network will showcase the architectural and historical wealth of these localities, integrating 25 municipalities into the departmental network.
The Global Religious Tourism Network is an initiative promoted by the Tourism and Society Think Tank, in collaboration with partner companies, created with the purpose of promoting religious tourism and culture in different regions and countries. It is a global platform that connects destinations, organizations, companies and experts in religious and spiritual tourism.
In addition to exchanging knowledge, experiences and good practices, they promote sustainable strategies that respect the cultural and religious heritage of communities.
Members of this organization can also benefit from educational institutions such as Florida Global University (FGU) and the Center of Education and Leadership (CEL).