Have you ever ever been head over heels in love with a vacation spot? Colombia certain makes it simple. It’s huge in each method: from the tradition and meals to the landscapes and local weather, all the way down to its historical past and other people. With six various areas — every with their very own distinctive traits and identities — Colombia is filled with limitless alternative for each traveller. Wish to profit from each don’t you dare miss this second? Learn on for some stellar methods to immerse your self in considered one of South America’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
1: Style native fruit at Bogotá’s Paloquemao Market
Sitting 2,640 metres above sea degree within the Japanese Colombian Andes area, Bogotá bustles with life. Begin your day early and head to the town’s largest gathering of fruit distributors. Doorways open each day at 5am till 4:30pm through the week and till 2pm on weekends.
The market is split into sections: aromatic and vibrant flowers; ripe fruit, greens and fragrant herbs; and contemporary meat and fish. It’s among the finest locations to get your arms on native fruits like lulos, granadillas, and guanabanas — all of that are improbable! Professional tip: carry Colombian Pesos and deal with your self to a new-to-you fruit smoothie or juice.
2: Down a scrumptious cup within the Espresso Triangle
Ever surprise the place that yummy caffeine kick at your native cafe is from? There’s a very good probability it’s Colombia. To be taught firsthand the way it’s produced, head to Armenia for a espresso farm tour within the Calarcá space. You’ll hear in regards to the native espresso tradition straight from the supply and style a vibrant cup or two.
Whilst you’re certain to search out an amazing brew wherever you go in Colombia, beans within the Western Colombian Andes area are thought-about the very best on the planet. After Armenia, make your technique to the candy city of Salento for extra superior espresso and placing views.
And within the close by Cocora Valley, put together to really feel delightfully small standing beneath the world’s tallest wax palm timber whereas sipping a wealthy café con leche (that’s espresso with milk, so begin working towards your order now!)
3: Really feel uplifted in historic Medellín
Infamous for a historical past of violence, the town of Medellín within the Western Colombian Andes area has come a great distance since Pablo Escobar and warring drug cartels. One native artist, John Alexander, leads excursions by the streets of Comuna 13 to inform the tales of his neighbourhood from bloodshed to a brighter future. Vibrant paintings has helped rework previously harmful elements of the town to locations the place children play and native artists carry their craft to the streets.
New infrastructure, together with a cable automotive system and big outside escalators, has improved life in Comuna 13 by making it simpler for residents and larger numbers of travellers to navigate steep streets. Don’t miss the cable vehicles for a hen’s-eye view of the hillside metropolis and simpler exploration. There are six situated all through the town making it a breeze to soak up a bunch of neighbourhoods with out cramping up your legs.
4: Push your self on the trail to The Misplaced Metropolis
Seeking to rid your self of unfavourable power? The jungle trek to The Misplaced Metropolis at Teyuna could sound arduous (and a tad mysterious) however most individuals swear by its constructive vibes. As such, it is without doubt one of the most well-known and difficult treks in South America. Positioned within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta within the Better Colombian Caribbean area, the hike takes you thru lush jungles, rural Kogi communities, and over streams to ultimately experience La Ciudad Perdida.
Tenting alongside the best way, you’ll spend a couple of days trekking up 30km / 19 mi after which metal your self for the climb up an extra 1,200+ steps to get to THE view. The excellent news is that when you’re up there, you’ll overlook each single hardship (incessant mosquitoes and gruelling humidity, come to thoughts) that you simply confronted en path to this sacred Indigenous website. After acknowledging your accomplishment and exploring the grounds, all that is still is to move again down and repeat each problem in reverse. Belief me, it’s lots however completely value each step.
5: Study native Indigenous tradition
Whether or not you’re trekking to historical grounds or simply soaking in lovely environment, your native guides (aka Chief Expertise Officers) are a wealth of information in regards to the many Indigenous communities of Colombia. It’s the second most ethnically various nation after Brazil and Indigenous folks make up about 3.5% of the inhabitants.
On my journey, I realized that the highland Indigenous tribes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta share a standard perception in all the time being form to Mom Nature for she is why we stroll this earth. They encourage solely taking what you want and dealing arduous to present again to the pure world. In case you are good to her, she can be good to you. It was an honour to be taught the teachings of Pachamama or Mom Earth and fortunately introduced them dwelling with me.
6: Sway with the palms on jungle-lined seashores
Tayrona Nationwide Park, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a famend protected space that boasts not solely among the most beautiful seashores within the nation however a wealth of wildlife and cultural range. Each picture captured seems to be like a “want you had been right here” postcard! The water is vibrant hues of blue and inexperienced with waves crashing at your toes. Once you stand on the seaside wanting again from shore, your view fills with idyllic mountains, good palm timber, and tranquil blue skies.
Truthful warning although, the journey to get to this slice of heaven just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. There’s a reasonable hike earlier than you possibly can take a refreshing plunge within the ocean however the view alongside the best way is unimaginable. Be certain that to go to the native meals stalls to strive conventional Caribbean-inspired dishes like fresh-caught fish, patacones (fried plantains), and ceviche in addition to contemporary fruit juice.
Consistent with the native spirit of preserving Mom Earth, there are a couple of instances of 12 months when Tayrona closes for just a little downtime itself. Worry not, as there’s a lot else to do within the Better Colombian Caribbean area like tubing on the Don Diego River in Tayronaka Park. Let’s go!
Getting there
Able to pour a sizzling cup of Colombian magic for your self? We do not blame you. To assist we have gathered some prime excursions that embrace a bunch of those cannot miss moments:
Classic Colombia
Colombia – Lost City Trekking
Colombia Express
Colombia’s Caribbean Coast & Lost City
