Mariana Zapata
I specialize in sustainable tourism that approaches travel in a way that is respectful to people and nature. I love food, getting lost in new places, and learning different dances.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in the countries where I have lived for extended periods of time: Colombia (where I was born and raised), France, and South Korea. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always been a traveler and spent the first five years after graduating college figuring out ways to move from country to country. I have lived in multiple cities in several countries across four continents, and have no plan to stop anytime soon. Now I write about travel for a living."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"The random experiences are the ones that I remember the most: going to read in a park in Cali, Colombia and ending up drinking beer with new friends and dancing salsa in a parking lot food truck overlooking the city; finding a secret snorkel and dive spot in Jeju Island, South Korea; all the street food in Vietnam; getting lost and needing help from strangers in Paris; and all the small and empty roads I stumbled upon in Florence."
Mariana's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Once the center of the Italian Renaissance, Florence has evolved into a sophisticated city that holds firmly to its cultural past. Filled with world-class museums and galleries,...
Seville offers the perfect mix of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. With Neo-Moorish structures, beautifully manicured parks, and a welcoming spirit, the Andalusian capital...
Florence is magnificent at any time of year, but fall is arguably the best time to visit. With mild weather and an absence of large crowds, this season lets you enjoy the city...