Colombia, the low cost destination that could be your next destination. Here are four reasons to think about visiting Colombia this year.
"El peligro de Colombia es que te quieras quedar"(The danger of Colombia is that you will want to stay). Nothing could be more true. And after passing 5 settimane in this beautiful country, I can officially confirm it. This land and everything in it captures you inside. I don't know a person who after passing by was not enthusiastic but above all who said or thought that there was nothing more to visit, to discover, to experience.
For the population
The people who inhabit this nation they are among the most exquisite that I have never been able to meet in my wanderings. Ready to help you. Always. Kind and helpful. I don't know if it's because I'm a girl who travels alone with a backpack, but there hasn't been a family, person, group of friends I met that didn't take care of me. That it didn't make me feel protected. I'm not never felt alone. I have never felt lost. Colombians are kind, selfless and interested. Interested in finding out what happens on the other side of the ocean, what we think of them, how we grow up, our values, our ideals. And they are excited to be discovered in turn, they and their fantastic land.
For the rhythm
Colombia is Salsa. In every area. Obviously each department (the equivalent of our regions) has its own characteristics, but the rhythm is everywhere. I met several travelers who went to this wonderful state for learn to dance, there, in its place.
Cali is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of this style which here takes the name of "Cali Style" and is characterized by being very creative, energetic and sensual with great space for spontaneity. There are therefore many who participate in the great party at the end of December to listen to Colombia in celebration, not to be missed. Music, colors everywhere, people dancing in the street, festivals and concerts everywhere, where to indulge and participate because joy is present in every face and where every Colombian is enthusiastic about teaching a foreigner to dance! Any opportunity is good to learn.
For landscapes
This is the country that can satisfy all the needs of a traveler. Four times the size of Italy it is in fact surprisingly attractive in each of its best known or hidden corners. To the north it is bathed by the Caribbean Sea, where a stop at the Parque de Tayrona (natural reserve known for its incredible beaches. You stay in campsites close to the beaches in a tent or hammock. I highly recommend taking water and food with you because the sporadic restaurants are expensive. Unfortunately, like everything beautiful and well-known, you pay for entry (38000 pesos which is more or less 13€). You can get there by bus from Santa Marta or from nearby Taganga.
These cities are also the starting point for a 'excursion to the Ciudad Perdida, which as the name implies, is an ancient city, inhabited by indigenous peoples, lost on a mountain. You get to visit the place only after a long and exhausting walk of 4, 5 or 6 days. The route is accessible only with a guide (there are several agencies in Santa Marta and each is valid).
There are no particular differences because during the journey you mix with several other groups to eat, take a bath in the natural waterfalls that the mountain offers and sleep. The cost doesn't change either. And here one could faint. They are in fact 600000 pesos, or 215 €. But it is a contribution for the agency, the guides, food, sleep, water, customs, transport. But even if the expense is great. and it's an exhausting walk, this world is worth living in a truly unique adventure.
Leticia, then, is the last city in the deep south. It forms an invisible triple border with Peru and Brazil and can only be reached by plane or river, but before you leave, know that you will never be prepared enough for spectacle of the Amazon seen from the window of the plane, to the gigantic green carpet that appears endlessly before you.
Also not to be missed Medellin, Armenia, Pereira, the coffee area. These are the major cities of Antioquia to start a tour for those who want to know one of the most typical and famous productions of Colombia. It's a tour of aromas and majestic landscapes that certainly capture the attention of those who visit them.
For those who travel low cost
Colombia for a European is undoubtedly very economical. Many people offer a place to sleep for free in their homes through couchsurfing, where in addition to sleeping I have forged wonderful bonds with the locals, truly experiencing the city and the country, but you can also count on a huge offer of good and cheap hostel (even under € 10).
To move around the country the most used means of transport is the bus. Never buy the ticket online because you can always lower the price. At the station ask the various agencies and offer less and less. You will always win this war (which is not valid at parties. I almost stayed in Medellin for my usual lack of organization… but what can I do if I like to improvise).
However, I recommend that you considerflight option because the internal ones are really cheap (they happen to cost less than the bus. I paid for Bogota to Santa Marta 10 € more than the bus but I saved 15 hours of travel and all by buying it only 14 hours before the flight! Always consult sites that give you different options such as atrapalo.com, despegar.com, and then buy it on the company's website to prevent them from raising taxes).
Always take the bus into town. You can stop them as if they were taxis and ask the driver directly if they are going in the right direction and they will signal you where to get off. The ticket costs 1 € and, I don't know, it will be for the people playing, to chat with your neighbor, to feel proud to be able to move as a local in the place, but I have always preferred this option. I love to travel by mingling with the population, to be one of them, to study them closely and live their realities. In short, being more and more a traveler than a tourist.
