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Exploring Afro-Latino Culture Through Travel: Kim Haas’s Journey

At the tender age of six, Kim Haas embarked on a journey that would shape her life. During her first international trip to Acapulco, Mexico, a chance encounter with a hotel guest sparked her fascination with languages and cultures, particularly Spanish. The moment she learned to count to twenty in Spanish ignited a passion that would guide her through a career dedicated to celebrating and sharing Latin American culture.

Haas’s love for the rich history and traditions of Latin America eventually led her to develop and host the PBS series Afro-Latino Travels With Kim Haas. This platform has now evolved into a venture where she curates group travel experiences focused on the vibrant Afro-descendant cultures of the region.

Haas views these guided tours as the next logical step from her television program. “I wanted to provide people with memorable opportunities to engage directly with Afro-descendant communities,” she explained, emphasizing the value of not just observing but truly experiencing the culture, resilience, and creativity of these groups.

The inaugural group journey took place in Costa Rica in July 2022, inspired by a viewer’s request after episodes highlighting Afro-Costa Rican culture. This tour included interactions with individuals depicted in her series, such as writer Quince Duncan and cacao farmer Daniel South, along with engaging activities like cooking lessons, ziplining, and white-water rafting.

Next, in July 2025, Haas will lead an extraordinary tour through Colombia, focusing on the history and resilience of Afro-descendant communities within the nation. The experience begins in Cali, known as the salsa capital, where participants will explore cultural landmarks including the Salsa Museum and visit the Afro-Colombian community of San Cipriano, celebrated for its eco-friendly practices. The journey culminates in Cartagena, a city steeped in history and former hub for the transatlantic slave trade, where travelers can explore sites like the UNESCO-recognized San Basilio de Palenque, the first free Black town in the Americas.

Haas highlights a significant gap in mainstream media regarding the narratives of Afro-Latinos, particularly those of women. “So many inspiring Afro-Colombian women deserve more attention,” she noted, advocating for their stories to be told and celebrated.

One shining example is Edna Valencia, the pioneering Afro-Colombian journalist known for embracing her natural hairstyle on television. Valencia contributed her expertise as a diversity consultant for Disney’s acclaimed film Encanto, helping to ensure authentic representation of Afro-Colombian characters. She will be among the notable figures featured in Haas’s Colombia tour, scheduled for July 16-24.

Kim Haas

I wanted to give people firsthand opportunities to experience Afro-descendant culture—to connect with communities, hear their stories, and witness their resilience and creativity in ways that go beyond the television series.

— Kim Haas

Haas encourages all travelers, regardless of their background, to join the tours, emphasizing the importance of an open mind and the desire to counter stereotypes and barriers. In addition to Colombia, her company plans to expand offerings to Brazil, Guatemala, and Uruguay next year.

For those interested in exploring the Colombia tour, additional details can be found on the travelswithkimhaas.com.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com