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Ranked the second-most biodiverse country in the world and being home to some of the highest quality coffee on earth, Colombia is a country that is fully worth the visit. Like many other passionate and ambitious travelers, I have an ever-growing list of places around the world that I want and plan to visit, but surprisingly, Colombia wasn’t on it until I met my ex. After dating for a few months and casually throwing out the idea of tagging along on during her trip home to Medellín for the summer, travel plans began to formulate and I was soon enough booking a flight to South America.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to traveling and experience all that Colombia has to offer, so despite spending 3 weeks in the country, I already look forward to visiting again when possible. Whether you plan on traveling to the Caribbean coast, desert valley, mountainous coffee region, or tropical rainforest, I suggest bringing an assortment of clothing to accommodate the different climates and weather patterns.
3 DESTINATIONS
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21 DAYS
MEDELLÍN
Colombia’s second largest city and nicknamed the “city of eternal spring” due to its pleasant weather all year round.
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
A beautiful and vibrant coastal city home to one of the best-preserved colonial city walls in the Americas.
SALENTO
An impressionably charming town located within Colombia’s coffee region, displaying traditional bahareque architecture and just a short drive away from the world’s tallest palm trees.
CURRENCY
The currency used in Colombia is the Colombia Peso (COP) and the current exchange rate is 1 USD = $4,205.42 COP.
DAILY BUDGET
Colombia is an overall inexpensive travel destination with a variety of budget options for a range of travelers. On average, a budget traveler can expect a daily budget of around $30 USD. Per usual, you’ll find lower costs in more remote areas or small towns compared to big cities or touristy areas and expenses can easily vary based on personal travel habits such as meals, accommodation, activities, and shopping.
TRANSPORTATION
Depending which city you’re in, your options and preferences for getting from place to place may vary greatly throughout Colombia. In a walkable coastal city like Cartagena, you may not need anything but a comfortable pair of sneakers, however big cities like Medellín are nearly impossible to navigate without some form of transportation.
While the most efficient option for traveling in and between cities in Colombia is by car, I recommend solo or less experienced travelers to stick to public transportation such as the metro or bus systems. Road conditions can be difficult and dangerous to navigate and it’s common to experience spotty GPS signal, traffic jams, and road closures. Fortunately, bus services and transit systems in the country have great reputations for reliable and clean intercity travel and are a great low-cost alternative to rental cars, taxis, or some domestic airlines.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AND SOCIETAL ACCEPTANCE
Colombia is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. Anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation have been in place since 2011, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016. The overall societal acceptance is slightly less demonstrated, with just 46% of Colombians in support of same-sex marriage based on a public poll conducted in 2018. Everything considered, LGBTQ+ travelers are sure to find a booming gay culture throughout the country, especially in big cities such as Bogotá and Medellín.
MEDELLÍN
Making the final descent into Medellín’s international airport is an experience you’ll want to have your camera ready for. The city lies within the Aburrá valley of the Andes Mountains, so amidst the clouds you’ll see endless peaks from the longest mountain range in the world. To further captivate your senses, you can drive just up the road from the airport to immediately indulge your palate in an authentic bandeja paisa.
While many gastronomy and nightlife enthusiasts prefer the nation’s capital, Medellín wins over the hearts of many travelers as it’s a more contemporary metropolis with arguably more to offer. The city is a melting pot of cultures with limitless possibilities for eating, drinking, dancing, and sightseeing making it the perfect destination for travelers looking to fully immerse in Colombian culture and explore an energetic city atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY
EL POBLADO
Easily the most popular part of town among tourists and regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, El Poblado is where you’ll likely want to book your stay for your time in Medellín. Being a popular destination for backpackers and solo travelers in Colombia, there’s plentiful hostels around the neighborhood with quick access to coffee shops, shopping strips, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. While I didn’t stay in hostels during my time in Colombia, I can attest to El Poblado’s popularity and ideal accommodation location. I always suggest checking out Hostelworld to find and compare hostel properties no matter where you’re traveling to.
WHAT TO DO
LA COMUNA 13 GRAFFITOUR
Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous and crime-ridden neighborhoods, Medellín’s Comuna 13 has been completely transformed by music and art in recent years and is now a top destination for travelers seeking to learn about the area’s past and present. Walking tours are a must-do and are given by local guides for free, although tips are highly suggested. You can book tours in advance online, however I took the metro right to the San Javier station and was able to find a local guide almost immediately.
ATTEND A FÚTBOL MATCH
Whether you’re a long-time soccer fanatic or simply want to take part in the excitement of professional sports, dedicating an evening to attending a home stadium match and cheering alongside the local fanbase is an experience to remember. The two big teams in Medellín are Atlético Nacional (AN) and Independiente Medellín (DIM) and tickets can be purchased online through the AN website or the DIM Plus app.
EXPLORE PROVENZA
If you’re looking to explore the food and nightlife scene in Medellín, take a walk down Via Provenza in the heart of El Poblado for a unique and plentiful mix of restaurants and bars perfect for any time of day or night. A couple of my favorite spots were Burdo for an eclectic and laid back lunch and La Cruda for evening cocktails. This is a more posh and touristy part of town, so prices might not be so budget friendly, but it’s arguably worth the one-time splurge.
PARQUE EXPLORA
For around $10, you can spend a morning or afternoon exploring Medellín’s interactive science museum, Parque Explora. This museum houses South America’s largest freshwater aquarium in addition to a planetarium, public experimentation workshop, and hundreds of other interactive experiences and is a great self-paced, low-cost activity.
SAVOR FRESH COLOMBIAN COFFEE
It wouldn’t be a proper trip to Colombia without indulging in and savoring locally produced coffee. The South American country produces and exports some of the best coffee in the world, which made this near-daily activity one of my most anticipated ones. You’ll find countless coffee shops around the city and if I had to recommend one overall, the coffee quality and atmosphere at Pergamino won my vote.
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS
After spending time venturing around Medellín, I was excited to catch a flight and embark on a mini vacation to explore another notable Colombian city and one of the country’s most visited destinations: Cartagena de Indias. Located right on the Caribbean coast and popular for its beauty and deep history, the old city of Cartagena is largely known for having one of the best-preserved colonial city walls in the Americas, earning its spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When visiting, you’ll without a doubt encounter lots of traditional dancing and cuisine, high energy, flowers lining the colorful city streets, island party vibes, and more. Being a walkable city with a tropical climate, I recommend bringing comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, and perhaps a hand fan to keep cool.
WHERE TO STAY
SOY LOCAL INSIGNIA
Located on Calle 30 and just a 10-15 minute walk from the heart of the old city, Soy Local Insignia is a quaint and dreamy hotel with friendly staff and all the amenities you could need or want. This is the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway or weekend trip with a friend and runs $50-$60/night on average. I stayed here for the four-night length of my trip to Cartagena and couldn’t recommend it more.
The hotel features a rooftop pool, bar, garden, and free Wi-Fi in addition to 24-hour front desk services. The only potential downside of this hotel is the regular loud noise at night due to its proximity to nightlife. Overall, the hotel is well-rated among couples and solo travelers and I found it to be especially LGBTQ+ friendly!
WHAT TO DO
SUNSET COCKTAILS
Right atop the iconic city wall, Café del Mar is one of the most famous bars and the most popular spot to watch the sunset in Cartagena. While I was lucky enough to secure a spot with 30 minutes to spare before sundown, it’s best to arrive early due to its popularity to find a good seat, if any at all.
EXPLORE THE OLD CITY
The old city is what Cartagena is known for, so take a walking tour and see what it’s all about. Stroll through El Centenario Plaza and catch a glimpse of monkeys in the trees, stop to admire the historic architecture in Plaza Santo Domingo, dig into the history of the Palace of the Inquisition, or simply wander around from colorful street to colorful street.
RELAX BY THE POOL
No matter the time of year, Cartagena is hot with thick, humid air. So, take a break from walking in the sun and spend an afternoon or two cooling off with refreshments by a pool instead. If your hotel or hostel doesn’t have a pool on site, there are plenty of locations where you can book a day pass or local beaches around that you can opt for as a sandy alternative.
DRINK MORE COFFEE
You’re in Colombia after all, so there's no reason not to continue to indulge in local coffee. My favorite spots in Cartagena were Ábaco Libros y Café, where you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while browsing books from around the world, and Epoca Espresso Bar, where you can savor your coffee while catching up on emails or getting lost in conversation in a comfortable, relaxing environment.
PARTAKE IN THE ENERGETIC NIGHTLIFE
Cartagena is home to a fantastic and wild nightlife scene. Mirador Gastro Bar is a fun and energetic spot to party while overlooking the old city, and within arm’s reach you’ll come across other bars with similar energy. Before you go out drinking, stop for dinner at one of the many top-rated restaurants around town. I recommend Juan del Mar Restaurante, where if you time it just right, you’ll be able to get a simultaneous view of the open kitchen and traditional street performers.
SALENTO
Having already ventured around the bustling city of Medellín and historic coast of Cartagena, a trip to Colombia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the coffee triangle. Perhaps my favorite destination of all, the small town of Salento is located within the Quindío Department of Colombia and is where Disney got its inspiration for the film “Encanto.”
Near and around Salento, you’ll come across views of towering wax palms, gushing waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking mountains home to avocado and coffee plants. Decorated by traditional and colorful bahareque architecture, Salento is a truly magical destination to conclude your Colombian travels.
WHERE TO STAY
CASA DE LAS DOS PALMAS
Right in the heart of the town of Salento, Casa de las Dos Palmas is a traditional finca-style home with various room options for booking. Amenities include a jacuzzi pool, garden, terrace, Wi-Fi, and available breakfast options. The staff is more than welcoming, and rates are affordable especially when split among two or more people at an average of $60-$80/night.
ECOHOTEL PINOHERMOSO RESERVA NATURAL
A short drive from the main town, the Ecohotel Pinohermoso is a stunning and rustic country house with a unique and serene atmosphere. The property is a working milking farm, so between relaxing on a hammock or and taking the horses out for a ride, you can participate in farm activities by milking a cow at early morning hours. Rooms can be booked here for an average of $48/night and include access to amenities such as a garden, picnic area, front desk services, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and more.
WHAT TO DO
WANDER AROUND TOWN
Salento is a destination where you can spend hours strolling about without any set attraction or activity in mind and still feel fulfilled by the end of the day. Just wandering the few main streets, you’ll experience so much beauty and charm and find countless places to relax, whether it be with a cup of coffee or arepa in hand.
I suggest taking the small trek up to the viewpoint right above the town center and walking a few blocks away to spend some time in town’s main plaza. Additionally, if you haven’t gotten a souvenir from your travels in Colombia yet, you won’t be without options as there are small shops and vendors around nearly every corner.
LEARN TO PLAY TEJO
Tejo is a traditional Colombian throwing sport played similarly to cornhole. However, instead of tossing bags, you use heavy metal disks and try to hit the small targets containing gunpowder which explode on impact. Combine the excitement of the game with a few rounds of traditional Aguardiente Antioqueño and you’re sure to have quite the memorable Colombian-style evening. I learned to play during a spontaneous excursion to Los Amigos (located halfway between Calle 3 and Calle 4) at 1:00am and am forever happy I opted against turning in early.
RIDE HORSEBACK
Part of embracing finca life is taking some time to saddle up and explore the countryside on horseback. You have options including going through a tour agency around a coffee farm or on a private property such as what I did while staying at the Ecohotel Pinohermoso. Regardless of what you choose, spending a few hours exploring the foothills of the coffee triangle will surely let any intrusive thoughts escape your mind.
COCORA VALLEY
If you don’t have it on your bucket list already, you need to add it now! Cocora Valley, or Valle de Cocora in Spanish, is my favorite place I visited in Colombia and is home to the tallest palm trees in the world. You can pay a small entry fee to walk around and see the palms and surrounding landscape, or if you’re feeling more adventurous can complete the hike around the valley which takes around 5-6 hours. Be sure to have a camera ready when visiting to capture timeless photos encapsulating once-in-a-lifetime memories.
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