Colombia – quick travel guide

South American caribbean beach country with many different vibes.

Colombian is an interesting mix of many things. Most people know it as Caribbean beach destination with parties and beautiful people…but it has much more landscapes and personalities than just that. It also has the Pacific Ocean, San Andres island near Nicaragua, Amazon river like Brazil, also jungles, deserts and mountains. Colombia’s hippest city (Medellin) is actually a mountain town.

Culturally and economically…Colombians are also very distinct. Generally, they are poor and things are cheap. You will feel a much bigger cultural divide between them and the visiting gringo/foreigner. Whereas in Mexico or Brazil, where locals seem to bond better with foreigners or at least can vibe with them…in Colombia, it’s a bigger gap. You’re just too different and won’t be accepted into their circles like you would elsewhere. (This isn’t to say that they aren’t friendly!)

Which means you’re likely in Colombia to party cheap with foreigners. Or you want to explore more local and off-the-beaten-path destinations where there are zero foreigners. There’s no in-between.

Major destinations can be done within 3-4 weeks, but you’d need 2 or 3 months to really see everything. See if you like the vibe before you stay longer. Many people would easily camp out here 3-6 months enjoying the beach, party life, or just Colombian vibes.

Read more

Bogota – quick travel guide

My favorite big city in Colombia (its biggest), with many areas to explore.

While many travelers claim Medellin as their favorite city in Colombia, I personally found Bogota to be better in every way. Medellin is small and hip, with a convenient pretty and foreigner-friendly party area in El Poblado, and many beautiful people all congregated into this area. But IMO, it’s boring if you’re looking to do anything other than partying and going to restaurants, bars, cafes.

Bogota actually has lots more to do. A charmy colorful old town area, big squares and corners where people hang out, museums, much bigger and fancier party districts, much more shopping options, and multiple foreigner-friendly neighborhoods. I personally think Medellin is attractive for being small, cute, and cheap…and perhaps with a certain lifestyle vibe. But comparing every metric, Bogota feels superior in every way.

4 days is enough to cover the old town Candeleria area and Monserrate mountain, key museums, and also party/explore in the Zona Rosa area. Stay couple days longer if you want to enjoy the life, and perhaps visit the Zipaquira salt mine.

Read more

Cali – quick travel guide

The Salsa capital of the world, “city of rhythm” in south Colombia.

Cali is a fun place with warm vibes and easy-going atmosphere. Of all the places I’ve been in Colombia, it’s the one I felt I could spend the most time in. Mainly because of yes, I want to learn how to dance salsa…but also because of the nice restaurant area. It reminds me a bit of the El Poblado and Provenza neighborhood in Medellin.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy the vibe, but you’d probably want to stay longer. For whatever reason, many people really hang out here. It’s just a nice chill vibe, and also cheap. Most people I ran into were living life and not even doing tourist stuff.

Read more

Santa Marta – quick travel guide

Small beach town, relaxed and quiet.

Cartagena and Santa Marta are 2 opposite beach towns. Those who like Cartagena may find Santa Marta to be boring (like I did). Those who hate Cartagena’s crowded touristy-ness will like Santa Marta’s peace. I’d guess you have to come see for yourself if it’s your vibe or not.

The town has very little to do. And by little, I mean nothing in terms of touristic value. The beaches nearby are also not so pretty…you’d have to drive to get anywhere nice. It does have some nice cafes and restaurants. The center park is controlled by the local drug mafia. And you’ll be propositioned often for drugs. Also, they’ll stop you from recording any videos.

Most of your time will probably be hanging out at your resorty hotel or hostel pool with the rooftop terrace overlooking the hills and sea. Which basically means Santa Marta has nothing going on. How many days of nothing would you like? You choose.

Read more

Guatape – quick travel guide

Colorful small town with lush green landscape reaching across the water like many fingers.

Very touristic and beautiful, definitely worth a visit! The whole town looks like it was designed by kids. Then you go up the famous Piedra del Penon rock and see beautiful views of the landscape from above. Believe me when I tell you, I’ve been to many places and seen many beautiful views…but Guatape has its unique views with the green lands extending out all over the water. It’s very cool.

Day trip would be enough to see its main points if you don’t have time. Staying 1 or 2 nights if you have a fun AirBnB would be a great way to chill with friends. Depending on what you book, you’ll have a very different experience of Guatape.

Read more

Medellin – quick travel guide

Colombia’s coolest hippest city, built in the mountains and infamous as Pablo Escobar’s former territory.

In what used to be a dangerous narco city is now a rapidly transforming hilly city providing beautiful panoramic views, massive nightlife, and expat-friendly scene. Is it as expat-friendly as say Mexico? NO! But it’s getting there and many foreigners do love it. Medellin is great for parties, and also if you just want to live in a cool place in Colombia and don’t mind that there’s no beaches nearby here.

2-3 days is enough to see everything. Stay longer only if you want to party.

Read more

Cartagena – quick travel guide

Vibrant touristy colonial beach city of northern Colombia.

Cartagena reminds me an awful lot of Salvador, Brazil. Big northern beach city with colorful touristy old town, and then “ok” beaches full of really aggressive vendors. Most people spend a day in the touristy old town part (enjoying the busy life and restaurants/bars), and then another day at the beach and then hop off to other northern coastal towns and islands. But despite everybody saying the other towns are better, the same people will still insist on you stopping by Cartagena.

Usually just a 2 day stop, as people come for the tourist stuff and quickly move onto elsewhere for better (more peaceful) beach vibes.

Read more