About Forbes Guided Travel
Forbes Guided Travel (FGT) is about bringing people to mountains and bringing mountains alive for people. It's about adventure, connecting with those who know a country best and hearing their stories.
We shape trips for small groups in mountainous regions of exciting parts of the world that we know well and have the local knowledge and contacts to create a unique travel experience.
We currently focus on Colombia and Central Asia, but every year is different, with future trips planned in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and the Caucasus. At the heart of every trip is a journey of exploration through the mountains, on foot, mule or in a 4x4.
Around the journey we weave stays in magical places, where we bring experienced local guides and experts to help unearth the real country around the mountains, learning about the geography, history, politics and nature.
There are no off-the-shelf itineraries. You form your own group, help shape the journey according to your interests and appropriate level of challenge and decide when and for how long to travel.
Every trip is crafted and led by Lachie Forbes, a former British diplomat, who served in Colombia, the former Soviet Union and East Africa.
Colombia
From towering Andean peaks to wild Pacific coast and deep Amazon rainforest, Colombia is a country made for adventure. It's also a nation with a unique story and an allure like no other. Having lived, worked and travelled there extensively, Lachie offers an insider’s perspective and a reassuring feel for the real Colombia.
About Lachie
Lachie spent thirty years living and working across the areas of the world which FGT now visits. But his knowledge of these places always extended beyond the professional.
Whenever possible he set out to explore, using any means of transport available, taking groups of friends and family with him. These adventures took him to remote corners and helped him build the friendships, knowledge and feel for the countries that now sit at the heart of FGT.
On leaving His Majesty's Service, Lachie wanted to remain connected to the parts of the world he knows and loves best - and to share them with others who share his philosophy of travel.
Today he guides seasoned travellers who want something more than an organised tour: a little challenge, a lot of fun, genuine insights into the places they visit and experiences that would be hard to arrange on their own.
For Lachie the best journeys combine adventure, good company and learning as you go.
COLOMBIA
Traverse the Andes and eastern plains in fully equipped 4x4 campers. R&R in Cartagena
CENTRAL ASIA
A 5 day ride up into the Kyrgyz mountains, following shepherds' trails, camping on the high pastures. R&R in a yurt by an idyllic lake
COLOMBIA
A gentle 3 - 4 day supported walk along established paths, followed by R&R in Cartagena
Suggested Itineraries
The journeys below have been crafted by Lachie to showcase some of his favourite regions, routes and experiences. Think of them as an inspiration for a journey that can be shaped around you, your group and your appetite for adventure.
Timings
To coincide with the best weather conditions for travelling in these areas, Lachie runs several trips a year to Colombia between mid-January and late-March. Similarly, he runs his Central Asian trips between late June and early September.
Pricing
Every trip that Lachie organises is different and the same applies to the pricing. On request, he can provide an estimate for the various trip profiles between Colombia and Central Asia. Anyone who has looked at the prices of tailor-made, escorted journeys to these parts of the world should be pleasantly surprised!
A proportion of the price of every trip goes to support a good cause in the relevant country. In the case of Colombia, it's a reafforestation project and in Central Asia, an orphanage in Kyrgyzstan.
Lachie starts planning his trips up to a year in advance: so, have a look through the suggested itineraries and if you're interested, get in touch via the details below asap!
Osh Bazaar, Bishkek
Travelling with Lachie is the perfect combination of genuine adventure, deep local knowledge and tremendous fun. His understanding of the history, culture and realities on the ground makes you feel both intrepid and completely safe - Lachie is exactly the person you want leading you somewhere extraordinary.
Annah Lansdown | NYC
A trip with Lachie will take you off the beaten track with complete confidence.
Ben and Lucy Alexander | UK
I joined Lachie on a wonderful trip to Uganda. Travelling with him was a joy. With his many years working abroad with the UK Diplomatic Service, he has the experience and knowledge to make his trips interesting and well-organized. I look forward to joining Lachie on one of his future adventures!
Tony Lux | Arizona, USA
Lachie was a fantastic guide during our trip to Central Asia. He is very knowledgeable but also kept us entertained with great anecdotes. He is very well organised, always keeping us informed of the day's schedule and making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
Wilberth Solano | London
I can’t thank Lachie enough for arranging our amazing family trip to Colombia. The organisation was superb, with fabulous recommendations of what to see and do including trekking around Barichara and a visit to the second largest canyon in the world, a trip to Minca and the Santa Marta region, followed by some rest and relaxation in Cartegena and the Rosario Islands. We are already planning the next visit: there is so much to see and do!
Patrick and Lorraine Robinson | UK
Lachie marshals his deep knowledge of the country, as well as savvy insights from years of experience in the region, to lead a fun and engaging adventure you'll never forget.
Eric Schmitt | Fairfax, VA
I've been on 4x4 trips with Lachie in Colombia and there's no better way to experience the country. Our journeys were the perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty and a real sense of the country's history. What sets Lachie apart is his access and the depth that comes with relationships with Colombians.
Andreas Hahn and Joelle Ducharme | Colombia
With Lachie I’ve explored the glens of Scotland, the jungles of Colombia, the altiplano of Chile and the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and I could not pick a finer person to travel with. He’s a linguist, adventurer and excellent planner and leader.
If you are looking for a genuinely off the beaten track experience with a knowledgable and interested leader I cannot recommend Lachie strongly enough.
Malcolm Forbes Cable, Edinburgh.
Lachie is extremely knowledgeable and well-travelled. A true off the beaten track experience to remember. Top of the bucket list and I would recommend an adventure with Lachie to anyone
Nick Robinson, London
I am an experienced traveller with a preference for off the beaten track. Lachie was an excellent guide, his considerable insight and experience really added depth and colour to our trip. I very much look forward to having him as my guide again in the future. He is a good listener, very good company and a safe pair of hands.
Colin Bateman, London
My trip with Lachie was made all the more enjoyable by his extensive knowledge of the country and his understanding of the local situation. It was wonderful to travel with someone who can open doors to unique places and adventures!
Jane Golubev, Canada
Lachie's adventures are exactly that. Rather than following the well-trodden path of many guides, Lachie goes off the beaten track and blends in culture, flora/fauna etc so that you can see the real country. Lachie's humour, insight and huge experience make these experiences a real thrill.
Will Keith, London
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