A family place, shared with you
In the 1950s, our grandparents, Julio and Alicia, bought land in Colombia’s Western Andes and built a small finca. They named it La Araucana in honor of Alicia’s Chilean heritage.
It was a retreat from city life. When phone lines became available, our grandfather declined: “No, thank you, I don’t want anyone to be able to reach me here.”
Gardens, birds, and family life
Our father, Alvaro, a landscape designer and horticulturist, worked to balance growing crops with creating a haven for birds. Our mother, Suzanne, has cared for the gardens and fruit trees, and filled the finca with birthday parties and campouts.
The three of us—Michael, Christopher, and Anna—grew up coming here to play, watch birds, and spend time in nature. The farm once grew roses and orchids; it now produces fruits and vegetables for our family and guests.
Our welcome to you
We opened Araucana Lodge to share the place that shaped our family. We hope you’ll feel welcome here, with time to enjoy the gardens, birds, food, and company.
In memory of Alvaro Calonje
December 16, 1950 – October 14, 2025
Our father helped shape Araucana through his love of plants and his care for the land. A landscape designer and horticulturist, he worked to nurture the gardens while making space for birds and other life. We honor his memory by continuing to care for this place and sharing its beauty with others.