I usually go for a long holiday of four weeks during our winter time January and/or February. These 4 weeks gives me the time to get a good impression of the country and allow myself some time to chill at the beach the end of the vacation (again the beach girl in me!). I spent a lot of time for the preparations; decide on the itinerary; how many days where; what can I do at certain places; what are the highlights; how long does it take to get from A to B; which transport and what are the best looking accommodations. I used the Lonely Planet, websites from well know travel agencies and blogs like this to prepare for this trip.
Five must do’s in Big High Bogotá
I loved Bogota, did three tours and booked three nights to get over my jetlag from Amsterdam and to adjusted to the height of this capital city of Colombia. Click on the header to go directly to the blogs on this part of Colombia.
Archeological San Agustín
Via an overnight bus from Bogota, booked two nights in this quiet southern part of Colombia. The area is amazing green with the famous Magdalena river and a lot of archeological sites, which are worth the trip to this remote part of Colombia. Click on the header to go directly to the blogs on this part of Colombia.
White Colonial Popayán
Popayán is perfect stop between San Agustín and Cali. The road in this part are not the best so it will take a while to travel in this part of Colombia. Booked one night here and continues to Cali the next day. Click on the header to go directly to the blogs on this part of Colombia.
Salsa in Cali
Cali is know for the Cali Cartel (watch Narcos) and Salsa. The Salsa Capital of the world, so you need to go if you like dancing. Booked two nights and did indeed some professional salsa classes. Click on the header to go directly to the blogs on this part of Colombia.
Salento & Zona Cafeteria
Time for some coffee and hikes in Salento. Great natural area with the highest palm trees in the Valley. Slept three nights in Salento to do a intense hike and did a coffee tour. Check the blog on clicking on the header.
Medellín & Guatapé y el Peñol
Medellín is the example of the progress Colombia has gone though the years. Loved the tours here and the vibe of the city is unique. I did a day trip to the natural highlights in the area Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé. In total booked five nights in a cool hostel in Medellín, but could stay for ages here. Check the separate blogs on Medellín and Piedra del Peñol and Guatapé in the link above.
Palomino & Parque National Natural Tayrona
After the city Medellín time to head to the beach of Colombia. I booked six nights in this northern part of Colombia between Tayrona and Palomino. Chilled, walked, hiked and tubbed off the river. Perfect to relax and enjoy the nature here. Check the blog by clicking on the header.
“Carnaval de Barranquilla”
I was lucky or not really to be honest, I new there was the famous Carnaval in the period I was in Colombia. And decided last minute to go with a friend that I met in Palomino. Booked one night and saw the parade during day which was a great experience. Click on header to see the blog with amazing pictures to inspire you.
Cartagena & Rosario Islands
Last part of my four weeks Colombia travel experience: Cartagena. Heard a lot about this hot and windy city on the north coast of Colombia. I loved the Caribbean vibe and colors of this city. The day trip to the Rosario Islands made my trip complete and all relax to head back to the Netherlands. Please check the blog!
Transport
I traveled via local buses, tour operators, taxi/Uber, plane, boats, bikes, horses and of course my feet. I will describe in separate blogs each destination in detail; What you can do and see there?; How you get at each destination? And how do you get away? I write some tips and experiences on the topics as well, that could help your planning.
Of course you can adjust the route and maturity of your stay for each destination. After reading my blogs you can decide what you find interesting and adjust your journey to your needs.
