The Colombians are good-tempered people. They are used to waiting for buses that are late, used to riding buses and trains that do not arrive."
Colombia. A country where time doesn’t matter. The bus will arrive and get you to your destination, eventually. The waiter in the quiet restaurant will serve you those drinks, eventually.
Colombia teaches you how to relax and go with the flow. This magnificent country on the North Caribbean coast of South America has a distinctive charm; from the cowboys supping their beers in Jardin town square to the Cali salsa bars full of locals dancing, deftly rolling their hips and flowing with ease.
It is awash with colour. Whether it be the stunning landscapes of jungle, coast and desert or the pastel hues of Salento and Guatape, it’ll remain ingrained in the memory.
Graffiti artists have become stars around Medellín and Bogotá, transforming the local streets into galleries for all to see.
Colombia is on a path of transformation. Its people are proud and want to show the world what it has to offer. They want to shed the stigma of the dark days of yore and share the country for what it really is; a friendly, vibrant nation with diverse landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and beautiful people.
Take your time and explore. Delve into its culture and embrace its quirks and curiosities. It’s a special place.
Colombia | Discover Cueva Del Esplendor, translated as the “Cave of Splendour”, located deep in the hills outside the beautiful town of Jardín….
Colombia | Guatapé, a small town in Antioquia, is often described as the most colourful place in Colombia. It’s definitely worth a spot on your backpacking itinerary..
Colombia | Climb 659 steps to the top of El Peńol, a unique natural phenomenon with incredible views of the Antioquian countryside….
Begin your adventure on the Caribbean coast in the warm, colonial city of Cartagena. Explore the walls of the romantic old town made famous by the Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and admire the graffiti masterpieces adorning the streets of Getsemani. There’s also an abundance of wonderful restaurants and street food vendors.
Looking for some relaxation after the bustle of Cartagena? Continue east along the coast to Santa Marta, a useful stop-off before moving on to the golden beaches of Tayrona National Park, the four-day hike to the Lost City or the lush, green mountainous jungles of Minca.
Head on down to Medellin, the reformed city at the heart of Colombia’s transformation. Once the second most dangerous city on the planet, it is a shining example of change, welcoming tourists from around the world. Learn about the troubled past of the colourful Comuna 13, ride the city’s game-changing cable car up to Parque Arvi or soak up the fiery passion of the two local football clubs; Atletico Nacional or Independiente Medellín. After the City of Eternal Spring, make the two-hour bus ride down to Guatapé, one of South America’s most colourful pueblos.
Do you want to get off the beaten track? Try Jardin, the sleepy Andean town in the region of Antioquia, famous for it’s brightly-painted streets. The town square is a marvellous destination to admire Colombia at its finest as Spanish music plays in the bars, old men sup their beers debating the latest news and cowboys ride past on horses.
The next destination is Salento, in the heart of the “Coffee Triangle”. Visit the local Finca’s for a coffee tour, learning how the beans are picked and produced before resting with a well-earned taza de café at the end. The town is also popular for its close proximity to the outstanding Valle de Cocora, a spectacular hike to say the least.
Get your dancing shoes on as you’re about to land in the Capital of Salsa – Cali. Find your groove and admire the locals as they gracefully spin and flow.
As you reach the southern stretch of your Colombian adventure, a host of opportunities emerge. Do you continue south over the border and into Ecuador? Or do you arch back around to Bogotá, the capital, via the incredible Tatacoa Desert? Whichever you choose, Popayàn is an ideal destination from which to ponder. The White City, famous for its whitewashed colonial buildings, is great to explore and is home to some excellent food establishments including the wonderful Mora Castilla.
Colombia | Do you want to go to Guatapé and El Peñol? Then read this guide on how to catch the bus from Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city…
Colombia | A beautiful location popular on any backpacker’s Colombia travel itinerary, the Valle de Cocora has a tragic underlying story….
Colombia | Everything you need to know about hiking Valle de Cocora; an essential addition to any backpacker’s Colombia itinerary….
Colombia | Earth or Mars? The Tatacoa Desert in Colombia is so spectacular, you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported to another world…..
Colombia | Comuna 13, once the epicentre of one of the most dangerous cities on earth, has undergone an incredible transformation…
Colombia | Minca, a mountainous jungle paradise high up in the hills on Colombia’s north coast. Read why you need to visit this beautiful area….
Colombia | The first leg of my South America travels began in the hot, stifling heat of Cartagena, a beautiful city on Colombia’s north coast…
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