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My first Colombia solo journey was in 2013 after I began backpacking South America for 3.5 years. Since then, Colombia has been my favourite Latin American nation and on this information, I’ll share with you my years of expertise in Colombia journey.
Reader Mail: Expensive Trisha! I adopted you in 2015 as beneficial by a good friend right here in Finland. I like what you do and you’ve got fueled my want to journey to South America!
I plan to go to Colombia first however this nation is so large I don’t know the place to start out! Are you able to please advocate the most effective locations to go to in Colombia?
Like those that I shouldn’t miss? I like the outside and Colombia appears prefer it has plenty of it! Thanks a lot and maintain empowering us girls to journey alone!
Eliisa, Finland
Expensive Eliisa,
Thanks rather a lot for reaching out and I’m so glad you lastly determined to go to South America! Colombia is one among my favourite nations in Latin America, principally due to its individuals’s heat. After I traveled for 90 days in Colombia, I at all times felt protected even when I used to be navigating the nation on my own – the individuals are at all times useful!
On this publish, I’ll advocate locations to go to in Colombia. Really, it’s extra of a factor to not miss checklist as there’s actually rather a lot to do there however you get it. Good luck together with your journey and let me know when you want anything!
Xx,
Trisha
🇨🇴 Colombia journey at a look
- Capital: Bogota
- Foreign money: The foreign money in Colombia is known as the Colombian peso (COP). US$1 = 4,127 COP
- Energy plug: Colombia makes use of Kind A (two flat parallel pins) and sort B (two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin)
- Visa: Individuals, Canadians, Australians, British, and most European residents don’t want a visa to enter Colombia. You may be given 90 days of vacationer visa upon entry.
- Language: The language in Colombia is Spanish. Many Colombians within the capital metropolis of Bogota and large cities like Medellin can communicate English however distant areas and off-the-beaten-path (just like the Colombian coast) nonetheless don’t communicate English.
- Transportation: It is rather straightforward to go round Colombia by bus. I at all times hire a automotive (particularly if I’m solely going to the Pacific Coast) as a result of it’s cheaper and sooner. Within the getting round part of this text, I provides you with full particulars about transportation in Colombia.
- Wifi/Web in Colombia: I by no means had issues with wifi in Colombia, besides in these areas the place there isn’t a sign (i.e. Tayrona Nationwide Park). Main cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena have fiber-optic wifi.
- Colombia sim card: Tigo, Movistar, and Claro are the most well-liked community suppliers in Colombia. I principally use Tigo since they’ve higher protection. A 5GB knowledge for 30 days prices US$3.50 whereas the 10GB plan prices US$6.
- Instructed journey period: There are lots of Colombia itineraries on this publish that provides you with a transparent view of what number of days you must journey in Colombia. I’d advocate a 7-day minimal keep in Colombia (no matter space or itinerary you select). It will likely be greater than sufficient!
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✈️ Planning your journey to Colombia
Finest time to go to Colombia
The very best time to go to Colombia is from December to March, which can also be the excessive season in Colombia. Presently of the yr, it’s dry, sunny, and heat which is greatest for outside actions and seashore hopping within the Caribbean aspect of Colombia.
Anticipate large crowds and excessive costs for lodging and excursions throughout the excessive season. Additionally, you will discover many northern Individuals who’re escaping the tough winters of the north in these months, together with vacationers who need to spend Christmas and New Yr overseas.
The shoulder season in Colombia is from March to September. Climate in Colombia varies within the area (presently of the yr) so higher verify the climate within the place you need to go to in Colombia. Through the months of April and Could, will probably be raining in large cities like Medellin, Cali, and Bogota.
The off-season in Colombia is in October and November. That is the most effective time to go to The Amazon aspect of Colombia the place you may hike and discover the outside/nature. Motels, excursions, and flight costs are very low-cost presently of the yr.
To totally perceive the most effective time to go to Colombia, I’m including some nice occasions and festivals right here by month:
- January: Carnaval de Blancos y Negros (Pasto), Hay Competition (Cartagena), Competition Internacional de Musica (Cartagena), Feria de Manizales (Manizales)
- February: Fiestas de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria (Bogota), Carnaval de Barranquilla (Barranquilla)
- March: Holy Week (Semana Santa), Competition Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá, Concurso Nacional de Belleza (magnificence pageant in Colombia), and Competition Nacional de Música Colombiana (Colombian Music Competition)
- April: Vallenato Competition (an vital music competition in Colombia)
- Could: Primero de Mayo (Labor Day), Competition de la Cultura Wayúu (Uribia-La Guajira)
- June: Torneo Internacional del Joropo (Colombian-Venezuelan Folklore Competition), Competition Internacional de Tango
- July: Colombia’s Independence Day
- August: Rock al Parque (Rock Competition), Competition Petronio Álvarez (Patron Saint), Feria de las Flores (Flower Competition), Competition del Viento y Las Cometas in Villa de Leyva
- September: World Salsa Competition, Nationwide Gastronomic Congress, Worldwide Theater Competition, Petronio Alvarez Competition, Inexperienced Moon Competition, Free Theater Worldwide Jazz Competition
- October: Bogotá Worldwide Movie Competition, Dia de Brujitas (Halloween)
- November: Competition Pirarucú de Oro (Music Competition) and Cartagena’s Independence Day
- December: Alumbrado Navideño (Christmas), Cali Competition, and Lights Competition
📍 Locations to go to in Colombia
San Gil
Deemed the outside capital of Colombia, San Gil is a haven for thrill-seekers. This small Andean metropolis in Colombia gives a assorted vary of outside actions and the most well-liked is white water rafting. Rio Fonce is nice for households whereas Rio Suarez will actually get your adrenaline going.
La Tierra de Aventura additionally gives trekking, spelunking, mountain biking, and paragliding amongst different issues. Non-adventure junkies may also get pleasure from some waterfalls and pure swimming pools. San Gil actually is a small city that packs a punch.
Leticia
I imply, it’s the Amazon. What extra can I say? The Amazonia area is within the southernmost a part of Colombia and makes up 35% of the nation. You may be welcomed into pristine jungles, distinctive biodiversity, and indigenous communities if you go to those elements.
Leticia is a small metropolis bustling with commerce and is taken into account the gateway to the Amazon. Search for quite a few chicken species endemic to the world in Amacayacu, seek for the pink river dolphin in Tarapoto Lake, go to Monkey Island and Puerto Narino. The Amazon is the Amazon so, actually, you’ll have loads of issues to do.
San Andres and Providencia
San Andres and Providencia are shut to one another and are thought of some of the distant seashores in Colombia. In right here, it is possible for you to to chill out and luxuriate in a full-on nature exercise. It’s not straightforward to get as it’s actually distant. Flying and ferry rides are the most typical mode of transport to get to Providencia and San Andres.
Villa de Leyva
Are you attempting to think about what a colonial village regarded like 400 years in the past? Then you must take a pitstop at Villa de Leyva. Based in 1572, this little city in a high-altitude valley of semi-desert terrain is filled with cobblestone roads and buildings of colonial fashion and structure.
Guests can cool off in outdated church buildings, seize a cup of espresso on the city plaza, individuals watch on the parks, store at native markets, stroll or bike and marvel on the structure or soak in some historical past at one of many city’s museums. Day journeys and hikes not too removed from the city are additionally obtainable and simply accessible.
Johnny Cay
Removed from mainland Colombia however nonetheless politically a part of Colombia, the island of San Andres and the smaller Johnny Cay is one thing to see. Johnny Cay is a Caribbean paradise boasting white sand seashores, crystal clear waters, and palm-lined shores.
Guests can go lounge on the seashore and eat contemporary seafood. Snorkeling websites can be discovered inside the space. Within the evenings, native bands taking part in reggae songs have stay performances on the island. Are you able to get extra Caribbean than this?
Cali, the salsa capital
Cali is the salsa capital of the world. Regardless of having roots in Cuba, salsa gained recognition in New York throughout the Seventies. Ultimately, it discovered its method to Colombian shores and has reworked and developed over time. The Cali Faculty of salsa is uptempo and entails sooner and extra energetic beats.
It’s all concerning the footwork for the Cali fashion of salsa. Salsa might be heard in every single place within the metropolis and salsatecas are in abundance. When you wanna be taught salsa or simply merely dance each day, a visit to Cali is a should for you.
Barichara
Barichara is one among Colombia’s prettiest cities. It’s a tiny city situated within the north of the nation (near San Gil) with well-preserved colonial buildings and cobblestone roads. Barichara actually means place of relaxation within the native Guane language and you’ll perceive why as quickly as you go to.
The place emanates tranquility and peace. It in all probability doesn’t look any completely different from the way it was again in 1714 when it was first established. In a couple of hours of strolling across the small city, you absolutely really feel that you’re transported again in time.
Guatape
Guatape is dubbed essentially the most colourful city in Colombia. It’s well-known for its brightly-colored conventional homes that function work depicting the historical past of the city.
There’s additionally a lot to do on this small city. You possibly can problem your self by climbing the 740 steps of the Penol Rock and be rewarded with panoramic views or you may kayak or do plenty of water actions in Embalse Guatape.
After a day of being within the outside, you may indulge your self with nice meals in any of the various eating places scattered throughout city. You don’t want to remain the night time in Guatape. It’s a straightforward day journey from Medellin!
El Cocuy
White and inexperienced colonial buildings topped with purple Spanish tiled roofs with a backdrop of the Andean mountains, the small city of El Cocuy is a sight to behold. After all, the most well-liked attraction within the space is Parque Nacional Pure El Cocuy.
Right here, you’ll get gorgeous views of Andean snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes. The park gives three trails at completely different ranges for every kind of climbers to get pleasure from.
Don’t overlook to identify the uniquely stunning frailejones (perennial subshrubs within the sunflower household).
💃🏻 Issues to do in Colombia
Colombia is a rustic that exceeds all expectations. Regardless of its tumultuous previous that entails somebody named Pablo Escobar and drug cartels, Colombia is much from its violent previous and thrives in the present day greater than ever. Its tantalizing and assorted terrain gives each panorama possible.
Its equatorial place makes Colombia the second most biodiverse place on the planet. 10% of the earth’s wildlife is inside this nation. Additionally, observe that it’s the one South American nation that boasts coastlines in each the Caribbean and the Pacific.
You actually have greater than 300 seashores to select from. When you see what unbelievable magnificence and variety Colombia has to supply, you’ll perceive the eagerness that drives the Colombian individuals.
Tayrona Nationwide Park
Positioned on the northern coast of Colombia, you may get to Tayrona Nationwide Park by flying to Santa Marta or by bus from Cartagena or Barranquilla.
Nestled on the foot of the world’s highest coastal mountain vary, Parque Nacional Pure Tayrona is paradise. It’s a slice of heaven on Colombia’s Caribbean coast with crystal clear waters, golden stretches of sandy seashores, and plush rainforest.
Guests can have a collection of outside and seashore actions to select from. The 9 Stones hike is a well-liked selection and can let you see the scope and vary of the park.
For the historical past buffs, archeological proof of pre-Hispanic settlements can be discovered on the park.
The church buildings of Popayan
Nicknamed as La Ciudad Blanca or White Metropolis, Popayan is one among Colombia’s most stunning and well-preserved colonial settlements. Town simply has that feeling of peaceable magnificence. Mansions, colleges, and monasteries constructed within the seventeenth century sit alongside the well-known church buildings of the town.
Non secular or not, the church buildings are positively value a cease. Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de San Agustin, and Catedral Basilica Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion are the most well-liked ones though Iglesia La Ermita, Iglesia de San Jose, and Iglesia de Santo Domingo deserve a glance, too.
Ciudad Perdida
Ciudad Perdida actually means “The Misplaced Metropolis” in Spanish. On the time of the Spanish invasion, this metropolis disappeared and was found once more within the 70s.
It’s situated within the Sierra Nevada mountains – one among Colombia’s best satisfaction within the outside. If you’re a fan of mountaineering and might be visiting Santa Marta and Tayrona, don’t skip this!
Los Nevados Pure Park
Parque Nacional Pure Los Nevados gives essentially the most gorgeous glimpse into the Colombian Andes. Colombia, being part of the Pacific Ring of Hearth, is residence to greater than a dozen volcanoes and this nationwide park is residence to some jaw-dropping snow-covered ones.
Spot the Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima, and Nevado de Santa Isabel. The park’s various altitudes create panoramic scenes of paramos (high-mountain plains), cloud forests, and glaciers. It’s the right place for mountaineering at any stage. Be cautious of the altitude although and be sure you acclimatize.
Carnaval de Barranquilla
Think about 4 days of road events and continuous dancing. That is Carnaval de Barranquilla. Through the 4 days in February that lead as much as Ash Wednesday, the entire metropolis of Barranquilla comes alive with masquerade parades and stay performances.
Little or no is understood concerning the origins of this carnival but it surely’s an ideal illustration of Colombia’s distinctive historical past and cultural variety.
There are additionally occasions main as much as the four-day festivity such because the studying of the carnival proclamation, crowning of the carnival queen, the homosexual parade, and the La Guacherna. It’s a particular must-see and distinctive to this nation. And because the carnival motto goes, “those that stay it are those that get pleasure from it.”
I lived with an area household in Barranquilla, Colombia which made my expertise extra genuine. Experiences are actually completely different if you go together with locals. It was my greatest week in Barranquilla as a result of they confirmed me locations and issues I wouldn’t even know (or do) on my own!
Museo del Oro
Positioned in Bogota, Museo del Oro provides you with a captivating peek into how gold was weaved into the lives of pre-colonial inhabitants of the nation. The museum accommodates the biggest assortment of gold artifacts on the planet. Every flooring displays how gold was utilized in completely different elements of indigenous life.
If you need a extra in-depth understanding, excursions are supplied inside the museum for an affordable value. Admission is free on Sundays.
Whale watching
Yearly between July and November, humpback whales migrate to Colombia’s Pacific coast. They arrive to the hotter waters from the Antarctic as a way to mate and provides delivery.
Nuqui, Bahia Solano, Bahia Malaga, and Gorgona Island are in style spots for this yearly spectacle. Avid lovers of those big mammals can go for boat excursions.
It’s thought of protected for each people and whales if the space is saved and boat excursions are your most secure guess in seeing these majestic creatures up shut. Finest to go early within the morning in good situations. When you don’t get an opportunity to get on a ship tour, it’s also possible to spot the whales at excessive distances from land.
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira
A Roman Catholic church constructed inside the tunnels of a former halite mine is a sight to behold. Halite or rock salt has been mined on this space as early because the fifth century BCE. Native miners again within the Thirties determined to carve a sanctuary inside the mines as a spot for prayer.
Ultimately, a cathedral was lastly constructed and accomplished in 1954, and guests and pilgrims now flock to the small city of Zipaquira (north of Bogota) for this.
Guests may also go on guided excursions and be taught concerning the historical past of the place and the salt manufacturing processes which have existed on this deposit for hundreds of years.
Caño Cristales
A collection of distant rivers, Caño Cristales is a river of 5 colours situated in Parque Nacional Pure Sierra de La Macarena. Witness the streams in purple, inexperienced, pink – a pure phenomenon that solely occurs between July and November.
The tombs of Tierradentro
Tierradentro is much from the standard vacationer route in Colombia. In a distant valley within the southern a part of the Colombian Andes lies the underground tombs of Tierradentro. Little is understood concerning the civilization that flourished on this space as early as 200 BCE.
Kind of 100 tombs are discovered on this space and these funeral temples are distinctive and distinct from the remaining discovered within the Americas.
Proof of pre-colonial life within the space is discovered contained in the tombs–from wall drawings to pottery and sculptures to textiles. It’s an exquisite day journey whereby you may take in on some tradition and historical past amid great mountain and jungle surroundings.
Reserva Pure Cañon de Río Claro
Three hours from Medellin lies Reserva Pure Canon de Rio Claro. Guests can go for a swim or chill out in its river that runs by way of a surprising marble canyon. It’s an ideal place to sit down again and simply delight in all of the wonders that nature has to supply.
You are able to do hikes and marvel on the distinctive biodiversity of the world. It’s residence to the wildlife endemic to the world. The three-hour Cueva de Los Guacharos cave and stream stroll is a should. You don’t have to spend the night time. This may very well be an excellent possibility for a day journey while staying in Medellin.
🍲 Colombian meals: what to eat and drink
Aguardiente
Colombia’s licorice-flavored nationwide liquor roughly interprets to firewater. The kind or model of Aguardiente you drink varies no matter a part of the nation you might be in but it surely’s very straightforward to seek out wherever in Colombia. Have enjoyable with it. However please do drink with warning.
Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a wealthy stew usually made with hen, corn, potatoes, capers, and bitter cream. It’s a hearty soup and it would take some time for some individuals to get used to it. What units Colombian ajiaco aside although is using the herb guascas.
Arepa
A Colombian staple, arepas are technically corn pancakes. It may be eaten alone or with merely butter and cheese or no matter else you need to eat it with, truthfully. It’s additionally an ideal match for any savory meat or vegetable dish.
Bandeja Paisa
Dubbed as Colombia’s nationwide dish, bandeja paisa is a should strive. Be aware that it’s excessive in energy and never for the faint-hearted or anybody watching their ldl cholesterol.
Initially made to offer employees with sufficient power all through the day, this dish usually accommodates rice, plantain, arepa, beans, floor beef, steak, chicharrones and avocado, and is topped with a fried egg.
Chocolate con queso
This in style breakfast or snack is well-loved by Colombians. It’s cheese dipped in scorching chocolate. It’s the right stability of candy and salty and will certainly fulfill your style buds.
Empanada
Deep-fried pockets of perfection containing no matter ingredient is out there in every area from meat to cheese to greens. Empanadas are a Colombian staple. It’s straightforward to seek out on the streets and simply as straightforward to eat any time of the day.
Fritanga
It’s mainly a grilled meat platter served with arepas, plantains, potatoes, and corn. Excellent method to try to munch on bits and items of meat. It’s best shared with a gaggle of individuals with an alcoholic beverage in hand.
Lechona
A complete pig full of a wide range of elements resembling rice, onions, peas, and spices and roasted for 10 hours or extra. It might be on the heavy aspect however relaxation assured that you’ll get a hearty platter of flavors mixing collectively completely.
Sancocho
A variety of Colombian cuisines are primarily based on making a meal out of no matter is out there and Sancocho is a type of stews that actually exemplify that custom. It varies from area to area however the Sancocho staples are meat, potatoes, yucca, corn, and plantains. Eat it with white rice and a few slices of avocado and also you’ll stroll away feeling full and completely happy.
Tinto (espresso)
You possibly can’t miss out on espresso in Colombia and you must strive it the way in which locals devour it. Actually translated as ink, that is your common cup of unsweetened black espresso. It’s not the most effective cup that Colombia has to supply but it surely’s positively definitely worth the strive. It’s low-cost and it will get the job performed.
Trisha is a type of individuals who left their comfy life to journey the world and find out about life. Her fashion is to remain in a single place she likes for 3 months (or extra) to know what it feels wish to eat, prepare dinner, communicate, and sleep in one other tradition that isn’t hers. She’d wish to imagine she’s not historically touring however she simply chooses to be elsewhere on a regular basis. In no explicit order, her favourite cities on the planet are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Mexico Metropolis, and Tel Aviv.
