The best places to go in Colombia: Cheapest places to travel in Colombia

Colombia: stunning previous cities, nationwide parks, seashores… it’s the proper place for a long-weekend or prolonged journey. That’s precisely what Tristan, considered one of our pupil ambassador’s did just lately – spending every week in Colombia, and says that was greater than sufficient time to go to these locations and their surrounding areas: Cartagena, Tayrona Nationwide Park and Bogota. He spills the beans on all Three locations on this put up.

Cartagena & Rosario Islands

Colombia’s Caribbean port metropolis of Cartagena is an simply accessible getaway, with direct flights provided from many US cities– simply 5 hours continuous from NYC. Some states take longer than that, so it’s a no brainer!

The colonial structure is extraordinarily picturesque; brightly-painted houses and hostels stand boldly alongside Spanish manors and big church buildings. The colourful streets are filled with distributors, promoting all the things from contemporary fruit and coconut water to handmade items, or go into the shops and seize your self one thing historically woven, some boutique artwork or a specialty-crafted basket. Cartagena is stuffed with life, and it’s contagious.

Enterprise out of the previous city for native bars and golf equipment within the Getsemani neighborhood. Liquor is affordable to purchase in shops and even on the road: there are distributors all over the place handing out chilly cervezas.

And in case you’re feeling actually adventurous, take a ship to the Rosario islands, the place locals and vacationers go to loosen up or get together on one of many 16 islands. There are personal boats, but in addition public ferries which depart often from the Cartagena Marina within the Manga district.

Right here, you’ll be able to go scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming within the colourful coral-filled waters, hop on a jet-ski for a high-speed have a look at the islands, or simply take a while out to put out on the ivory-white seashores. Touring is difficult work in spite of everything…

Tayrona Nationwide Park

Colombia is thought for its pure parks and biodiversity. Whereas many of the animal species are distant within the Amazon rainforest, you might be handled to a glimpse whilst you’re right here, so hold your eyes peeled!

Just a few hours away from Cartagena by automobile, or a brief flight from Bogota, are the cities of Santa Marta and Tagana. Each cities are very near Tayrona, and sleeping right here will let you discover the park with ease (you’ll be able to even camp within the park in case you’re the outdoorsy kind). Tayrona Park is very large, with many mountain climbing trails and seashores, so keep the evening in case you can.
You’ll be amazed by Tayrona’s jagged cliffs, which jut out into the ocean. Taking a ship journey across the coast is an effective way to understand the dramatic panorama.

The perfect seashore is Cabo San Juan, well-known for its ‘double-beach’ and nature walks. Should you’re fortunate you’ll see some uncommon rainforest creatures. Or, simply sit again and benefit from the crystal-clear water. I sadly acquired caught in slightly little bit of a storm after the hike so I didn’t have a lot seashore time in Tayrona– however most days in Colombia are sunny and vibrant!

There are additionally a number of Indigenous communities, considered one of which is open to vacationers. A two-hour hike by means of the forest takes you to Pueblito, the place there are a number of conventional thatched-roof settlements.

You probably have extra time, you’ll be able to apparently go on a Three-Four day trek to seek out “The Misplaced Metropolis” — I simply want I’d recognized about it earlier than I went!

Bogota

Colombia’s often-overlooked capital metropolis is energetic, and boasts a wide selection of actions and atmospheres. The previous city neighborhood of Candelaria is brightly painted and crammed with candy retailers, whereas the downtown areas host a lot of Colombia’s nationwide museums and purchasing.

Bogota is named the Metropolis of Gold for a purpose!

Situated on the foot alongside the Andes’ mountains, Bogota’s air is contemporary and fewer humid than different Colombian cities. A hike or cable up Montserrat affords unimaginable views of this sprawling metropolis.

Bogota is infamous for its gray skies, however that doesn’t cease individuals from dancing within the streets!

The native meals scene ranges from unusual to stranger; conventional favorites embrace scorching chocolate with cheese, and aphrodisiac ants (not for me!). Bogota is a singular mixture of previous and new, and is value at the very least a day of your time, if no more.

Colombia may not be on each traveler’s radar, nevertheless it needs to be! Its proximity to the US makes it a simple journey or a perfect starting to an epic South American tour. There’s a lot to discover, you simply have to seek out someplace to begin! Try this journey information for slightly extra information.