Best Places For Backpackers In Colombia | Travel Blog

Hiking in Tayrona National Park in Colombia

In our Colombian tour, we got to the point when we headed to the Caribbean coast. Our first stop was Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia. The city itself is not a big deal but it’s at the ideal location: anyone who wants to discover the coastal area, could get a room here and move around. We wanted to do the Tayrona hike so it was a perfect spot. Arriving to Santa Marta We arrived from San Gil by a night bus. That seemed to be the easiest and cheapest option. It was not bad, we could get some […]

Bogota: A Guide to Colombia's Vibrant Capital City

With so many beautiful cities and national parks to visit in Colombia, some travelers might overlook Bogota, Colombia’s bustling capital city perched high in the Andes mountains. Although it lives up to its nickname of “the refrigerator of Colombia,” don’t let that turn you away from this gem of a city. With a growing foodie scene, fantastic nightlife, and surrounding natural wonders close by, Bogota is a city that you don’t want to skip on your trip to Colombia. What to Do La Candelaria La Candelaria is Bogota’s historic city center that has kept its charming colonial style intact. Walking […]

Unmissable places to visit in rural areas of Colombia

I open the window to you, the window of a space which a lot of people have resided. A space I have lived and loved, a love that means try to be the best version of a Colombian woman, difficult. For that, this narrative keep printed a grade of hospitality; I am a person who usually does not invite everybody to its home. Then, on this love that I have for the country I born I would like that who come here could be charged with the necessary care that this home deserves. Taking care about the life that is […]

What to Expect from the Trek to the Lost City of Santa Marta

Whether visiting Colombia for a few weeks or living in one of the country’s beautiful cities, the trek to “La Ciudad Perdida” (The Lost City) is an unforgettable experience. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Santa Marta near Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the trek offers stunning vistas and lush foliage from start to finish. If, like I was, you’re itching to explore this hidden gem, read on to learn all you should need to know to make the best out of your trip. The Lost City of Colombia Planning Your Trip to Santa Marta Go With […]

Barranquilla's Carnival – Top Things to Do

Barranquilla has been known as the “Golden Gate of Colombia” for decades and noted for the world’s second-largest carnival proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. For those interested in visiting the Carnival celebrated in Barranquilla, Colombia, with a two-three day trip, this is a quick guide to help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Marimonda by Michele Mariana is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Attend the Official Carnival Concert The Friday before Carnival’s Saturday is not officially Carnival. However, since it’s Friday, every neighborhood is filled with joy and […]

Experience the city of Cartagena

Cartagena is a wonderful city in the north part of Colombia. It is really easy to fall in love with Cartagena and the places to visit in this city. The sunset view is so romantic, the sea water so clear, the history so strong, and the people so warmth. To get the full experience of this Colombian city and visit the main places you will need a few days. The Cartagena experience City Tour in Traditional Chiva These are a wooden made bus original from Colombia, that goes around the main parts of the city. The tour starts from Bocagrande, the […]

Top Places And Treks To Do In The EJE CAFETERO: Colombia

The Eje Cafetero is one of the most important Coffee Producing Regions of Colombia. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it is the most representative area of this region for its landscapes and culture. If you are looking for Colors, Mountains, Trekking, Animals, Adventures, Culture, Nature, and even strange Insects, this place will surely surprise you. Getting there One of Colombia’s international airports is located in the city of Bogotá (Capital of the country). From there it is possible to take a 9-hour bus or a 1-hour plane to the city of Pereyra. The prices of both […]

10 things to do in Bogotá, Colombia

I was born and raised in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, but It wasn’t until I began traveling, that I realized how amazing my city truly is. Bogotá happens to be a city where history, art, (fast moving) modern life and culture lives. That means that one day you can go to La Puerta Falsa to drink a delicious cup of traditional hot chocolate with cheese and the next day you can go partying to the 85 street and dance Reggaeton with locals. That’s why I decided to create this little guide of 10 things that you must do when you visit […]

5 reasons why you should visit the Tatacoa Desert

The Tatacoa desert is a hidden gem located 280km (174 miles) to the south of Bógota. With its interesting history, lunar and dramatic landscapes, incredible stargazing, and various activities, adding this destination to your Colombia itinerary is a must! Here is a little background, 5 reasons why should visit this place, and some tips. Background The Tatacoa desert is named after a reptilian creature similar to a rattlesnake, which used to inhabit the area when the Spanish conquistadors discovered the site. Unfortunately (or not!), the tatacoa does not exist anymore, but you can find many scorpions, snakes, spiders, lizards, turtles, […]

Beaches and Restaurants in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

I had the marvellous opportunity to live in the gorgeous city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia for 6 months, and it was truly amazing. This time I would like to share with you some of the top beaches and restaurants I met while living there, and would recommend to any traveller. Best beaches in Cartagena One of the reasons that make the “heroic” city fo Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, one of the most attractive touristic destinations in Latin America, is the weather. Its average temperature is 27 ºC and it’s regularly sunny, like the city of the eternal summer, which […]

Tayrona National Park: a paradise come true

For sure you have heard about Colombia, but trust me, nowhere as majestic like this national park: El Tayrona name given by the ancient people who lived there. What to know about this place The indigenous people of the Sierra: The original owners of this land are the indigenous people of the Sierra. They are divided into four important tribes: kankuamos, Koguis, Arahuacos and the Wiwas, all living on the incredible Sierra Nevada de Santa Martha (the closed mountain snow peak to the sea in the world). Each group has their own culture, but what unites them, is that they are […]

Cartagena: sunset and night life

Cartagena de Indias is without a doubt one of the most visited destinations when it comes to travel to Colombia. It is a perfect mix of history and the development of modern cities, this combined with the friendliness of its people gives, as a result, an unforgettable experience. This magical city is located on the north coast of this Caribbean country and is also known as “La Heroica” among its inhabitants due to a historical event. How to get there This city has an airport right by the sea, which makes the landing a little scary and at the same time fun, as you […]

La pastora, Risaralda: A place you have probably never heard of

La pastora is located in the Ucumarí Natural Regional Park. This place is the visitor center of this natural reserve, where hundreds of tourists and locals come yearly to disconnect from technology and take a break from their busy lives. If you are looking for a quite place to spend some days hinking, chasing waterfalls, resting and enjoying a beautiful view this is the perfect place for you. (I know, I always say that but it’s true. There is a perfect place for everyone somewhere) La pastora Transportation options To start, let me tell you how […]

The route of Salsa in Cali

Cali “La capital de la Salsa” (salsa capital) Also called “La sucursal del cielo” – The sky brand, Cali is the third bigger city in Colombia and its a city located in the Valle del Caucadepartment, southwest of Bogotá. And Its well is known as the city of the salsa dancers. The icon type of music that we dance in Cali its a mix of a different kind of music from the Caribbean part that was made in New York and was called “Salsa.” Salsa its the combination of many things, imagine its the flavor that put savor to your food or […]

Cabo de la Vela: La Guajira Colombia

This is not like any other trip … the one that you are going to find scrolling down. 1117 kilometers indicates our old map located on the wall of our bedroom. This map showed us and it is going to show you as well, how to get to Riohacha in La Guajira, Colombia from our start point Pereira, Risaralda. It is there where our feet meet the hot sand, salty water, peaceful wind and magical sun. Our trip starts in Pereira, Risaralda nevertheless we are going to give you more details on how to get to this spectacular place from […]

Perfect low budget tips for 3 days in Medellín

Perfect low budget tips for 3 days in Medellín What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Medellín, Colombia? Right. I am afraid that it has something to do with white powder. That is probably the result of the popular Netflix series Narcos. However, when driving towards this beautiful city I was soon to be overwhelmed by its size (it – is – HUGE) and the hundreds of modern skyscrapers. Add to this that it is situated in the Aburrá valley, nestled in the foothills of the Central Cordillera, and you get a wonderful, dynamic Colombian […]

Medellín – “The city of the eternal spring”

MEDELLIN – COLOMBIA Well, perhaps you have heard about my city a lot, because of that show on Netflix and some soap operas that have been quite successful in the media, but I have news! It is all preconceptions. I want to tell you about the “Medellín” I know, I want you to see it the way I see it and want you to fall in love with “The city of the eternal spring”. It is located in Latin America (Colombia) and it has all the culture and resources related to this region that you will definitely love! [single_map_place] Medellín [/single_map_place] THE […]

My life experience in a little town called Tauramena Casanare

Great to be there!! Tauramena is located on the Colombian Eastern Plains. A few years ago, this was the richest municipality in Colombia due to the oil royalties. This royalties caused it to go from a small town, with electrical energy generated by portable power generators, without pavement streets, without adequate water supply system, to have tall buildings and a great infrastructure. When I moved to Tauramena, in 1996, its streets were dusty and sun-dried. At the same time, it was full of many people coming from different parts of the country. They all came looking for the opportunity to […]

Paradise of a Unique Kind in Medellin, Colombia

For many, the vision of paradise involves tropical beaches, palm trees, sipping an exotic tropical cocktail, and watching the sunset beyond the waves. Others prefer to escape the salty air, sweating, and sand chafing for a more refreshing clime and the prospect of eternal springtime; for this latter group, Medellin, Colombia is a paradise of a unique kind. Gone from Medellin are the days of Pablo Escobar and the drug cartels which held this mountain paradise in its grip. In their place, as though the hardy people of the Aburra Valley found their wings and took flight, is a […]

Filandia: Hidden Gem of Colombia

Most travelers that are familiar with Colombia have visited or at least heard of Salento, the town most visited by foreigners in Colombia’s coffee region. Unfortunately, Filandia is typically overlooked by backpackers when planning their trip through the Zona Cafetera. At first glance, the two towns appear very similar with their brightly colored buildings around a beautiful central plaza. But when you take a deeper look, you’ll notice that there hardly any foreigners in Filandia, while Salento can seem overrun with tourists at times. Although Filandia’s tourism industry is beginning to attract more foreigners, it is still the perfect town […]

How to move in Bogota: handy information for your next trip

So, if you're coming to town soon, you'll find this information useful. It can save you some time, money, and even a few headaches to know more about how to transport yourself in such a large city. ARRIVING Let's start with the obvious. It is very likely that you arrive at a recently renewed El Dorado airport, which is located on the west side of Bogota. Depending on how tired are you, the size of your luggage and the time of your arrival, there are a few options to consider. Taxi (or cab) is the most common here, and you'll […]

Picturesque Town of Guatapé, Colombia

Picturesque town of Guatapé, Colombia Have you been wondering where your next destination should be in Colombia? Have you been following Narcos or know of Pablo Escobar, the notorious king of Medellin cartel? Do you like being surrounded by beautiful landscape? Then I suggest you to consider taking a trip to the colorful town of Guatapé, which is located just outskirts of Medellin. Having been to different regions of Colombia, I don’t hesitate to say that Guatapé was one of my favorite places to visit. After visiting Bogota, Medellin and various cozy towns at the Carribbean coast, I was ready […]

Salento and the Valle de Colombia: Colombia's Coffee Region Gems

Colombia is often talked about for it’s ‘magical realism’. A place so beautiful, enchanted and alive it seems surreal. When I walked through Salento’s colourful streets and trekked the misty hills of the Valle de Cocora that’s certainly how I felt. After four perfect days in and around this little town I can say, with certainty, that this is a part of Colombia not to be missed. Salento While many foreigners go to Salento purely for Cocora, the town itself is packed with colour, music and plenty of places for tourists to eat, drink and be merry. As a result […]

8 things you probably didn't know about small town Colombia

In the past ten years, Colombia has become a popular tourist destination. The country is leaving behind it's reputation of drugs and violence, and is now part of the well-trodden backpackers path in South America. Colombia has become so popular because it has so much to offer; if you're looking for culture, impressive architecture and night life, visit Colombia's two biggest cities, Bogota and Medellin respectively; if you've come for beautiful beaches and clear Caribbean ocean, explore Parque Tayrona or go open-water diving in Taganga; if history and the heat is your thing, don't miss Cartagena's old town. And if […]

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