Have you ever been head over heels in love with a vacation spot? Colombia certain makes it straightforward. It’s huge in each approach: from the tradition and meals to the landscapes and local weather, right down to its historical past and folks. Each area gives one thing distinct and brims with pleasure for each traveller. Want to take advantage of each don’t you dare miss this second? Read on for some stellar methods to immerse your self in certainly one of South America’s best-kept secrets and techniques.
1: Taste native fruit at Bogotá’s Paloquemao Market
Sitting 2,640 metres above sea stage on a excessive Andean plateau, Bogotá bustles with life. Start your day early and head to the town’s largest gathering of fruit distributors. Doors open day by day at 5am till 4:30pm throughout 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 the most effective locations to get your arms on native fruits like lulos, granadillas, and guanabanas — all of that are implausible! Pro tip: deliver Colombian Pesos and deal with your self to a new-to-you fruit smoothie or juice.
2: Down a scrumptious cup within the Coffee Triangle
Ever surprise the place that yummy caffeine kick at your native cafe is from? There’s an excellent 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 concerning the native espresso tradition straight from the supply and style a brilliant cup or two.
While you’re sure to seek out a fantastic brew wherever you go in Colombia, beans within the espresso belt are thought of the perfect round. After Armenia, make your method 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 bushes whereas sipping a wealthy café con leche (that’s espresso with milk, so begin training your order now!)
3: Feel uplifted in historic Medellín
Notorious for a historical past of violence, the town of Medellín has come a good 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. Colourful art work has helped rework previously harmful components of the town to locations the place youngsters play and native artists deliver their craft to the streets.
New infrastructure, together with a cable automotive system and large out of doors escalators, has improved life in Comuna 13 by making it simpler for residents and higher numbers of travellers to navigate steep streets. Don’t miss the cable vehicles for a chicken’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 Lost City
Looking to rid your self of destructive power? The jungle trek to The Lost City at Teyuna could sound arduous (and a tad mysterious) however most individuals swear by its constructive vibes. As such, it is among the most well-known and difficult treks in South America. Located within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the hike takes you thru lush jungles, rural Kogi communities, and over streams to finally experience La Ciudad Perdida.
Camping alongside the way in which, you’ll spend a number 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 after you’re up there, you’ll overlook each single hardship (incessant mosquitoes and gruelling humidity, come to thoughts) that you just 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. Trust me, it’s so much however completely price each step.
5: Learn about native Indigenous tradition
Whether you’re trekking to historic grounds or simply soaking in stunning environment, your native guides (aka Chief Experience Officers) are a wealth of information concerning the many Indigenous communities of Colombia. It is the second most ethnically various nation after Brazil and Indigenous folks make up about 3.5% of the inhabitants.
On my journey, I discovered that the highland Indigenous tribes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta share a standard perception in at all times being form to Mother Nature for she is why we stroll this earth. They encourage solely taking what you want and dealing arduous to provide again to the pure world. If you might be good to her, she shall be good to you. It was an honour to be taught the teachings of Pachamama or Mother Earth and fortunately introduced them dwelling with me.
6: Sway with the palms on jungle-lined seashores
Tayrona National Park, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a famend protected space that boasts not solely a few of the most beautiful seashores within the nation however a wealth of wildlife and cultural range. Every picture captured appears like a “wish you were here” postcard! The water is vibrant hues of blue and inexperienced with waves crashing at your ft. When you stand on the seashore trying again from shore, your view fills with idyllic mountains, excellent palm bushes, and tranquil blue skies.
Fair warning although, the journey to get to this slice of heaven will not be for the faint of coronary heart. There’s a reasonable hike earlier than you’ll be able to take a refreshing plunge within the ocean however the view alongside the way in which is unimaginable. Make certain 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.
In conserving with the native spirit of preserving Mother Earth, there are a number of instances of 12 months when Tayrona closes for a bit of downtime itself. Fear not, as there’s lots else to do within the space like tubing on the Don Diego River in Tayronaka Park. Let’s go!
Getting there
Ready to pour a scorching cup of Colombian magic for your self? We do not blame you. To assist we have gathered some high excursions that embody a bunch of those cannot miss moments:
Classic Colombia
Colombia – Lost City Trekking
Colombia Express
Colombia’s Caribbean Coast & Lost City