Kim Haas’ passion for travel began at the age of six. Haas was six years old when she discovered her passion for travel. She and her grandmother were in the lobby of the hotel in Acapulco Mexico, and a stranger asked her if she would like to learn how to count in Spanish. Haas enthusiastically accepted. Travel + Leisure“From then on, I fell in love with Spanish, culture, language and travel.”
She created and starred in her own PBS TV show because of her passion for Latin American history and culture. Afro-Latino travels with Kim Haas. She curates group travel experiences via her own company.
Kim Haas Courtesy
Haas sees tours as a natural progression of her TV series. “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,” she said.
In July 2022, her first group trip was to Costa Rica. The idea came from a television watcher who had emailed about an Afro Costa Rica tour following the Costa Rica series. Haas created a customized tour for the group. It included a chance to meet Afro-Costa Ricans who were featured in the series. These included writer Quince Dunn and cacao farmer Daniel South. The tour also included cooking classes, white water rafting, and ziplining.
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Haas, in July 2025 will take travelers on an incredible journey through Colombia. The tour will give them insights into Afro-descendant cultures’ resilience, history and contributions. The tour starts in Cali, known as the salsa capital of Colombia, where visitors will see several historical and cultural sites, such as the Salsa Museum, and an Afro-Colombian village called San Cipriano. The tour concludes at CartagenaThe city of was once an important port in the transatlantic slave trading. Cartagena offers travelers the chance to explore the “walled-city” and San Basilio de Palenque – the first Black free town in America, which is recognized by UNESCO.
Haas says that Afro-Latinos’ stories and achievements are rarely told and discussed, especially by women. She stated that “there are so many Afro-Colombian females who deserve to be recognized.”
Haas gave Edna Valencia as an example of a notable Afro-Colombian woman who wore afro hairstyles on Colombian TV. Valencia was a diversity advisor for Disney’s Academy Award winning film EncantoValencia is one of Haas’s featured guests on his Colombia tour from July 16-24. This includes details such as their hair color, skin tone, and clothing. Valencia is one of the guests on Haas Colombia Tour, which runs between 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 stated that travelers do not need to be African descent in order to participate. Only an open mind, and a genuine commitment to breaking down stereotypes and barriers are required. Next year, the tour company will also offer tours in Brazil, Guatemala, Uruguay.
Visit the website to learn more about Colombia tours. travelswithkimhaas.com.
