Look down the page to find the city that you want to visit and we will offer our tips as to what to see and do!
Our favorite place on earth: Colombia! Our five years in Colombia were filled with lots of adventures and memories. The people are friendly, the food is great, and the nature that surrounds you is amazing. We taught at GI School in Armenia, located in the heart of the coffee region and were blessed to be able to influence the lives of our students, hopefully in a positive way. These are just a few of my favorite pictures from our time in Colombia.
The Amazon trip was an incredible week of "Survivor" with my senior students that I will never forget. We visited several local villages and tribes that shared with us their traditions and ceremonies. We were also able to bring school supplies to give to local children. I couldn't have asked for a better group of students to teach and share my experiences with!
The birds and butterflies in all of South America are beautiful but Colombia gave us a view of many we had never seen before. The best part was that they would come right up to our balcony so you didn't even need to hike in the woods to enjoy them!
The cities of Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin all have charm and lots of sights to see. From the old city in Cartagena to the bull fighting ring in Bogota to the Feria de Flores in Medellin, Colombia has something for everyone.
Bogota
Bogota is the capital city but not where I would spend much of my time if visiting Colombia. I would take the time to go up to the Monserrate where there is a monastary that overlooks the city. You ride up on a cable car and/or funicular and can walk if you choose; the ride is cooler. I would also go out to the Cathedral de Sal in Zipaquira. You can hire a car for the day for not too much or take your chances with the bus. We always stay at the Rosales Plaza http://www.hotelrosalesplaza.com/ and treat ourselves since we are usually there only a day.
Armenia
Rafting/Balsaje - a fun relaxing day on the river that includes a great lunch and a hike to one or two waterfalls.
Good company to use: 311 624 01 24 or 311 377 7071 (Montenegro) ask for Teresa or
Balsaje Los Rios, also in Monenegro. https://balsaje.co/
Canopy - if you like swinging through the trees, this was really fun. They had ten platforms and we felt very safe and secure. Do watch for branches and things in the way and make sure you have a good pair of gloves. Los Caracolies - 300 778 7099 - Jorge Hernan Jaramillo. It is on the way to Montenegro right off the main road.
Mariposario and Botanical Gardens - we have been many times and it is informative as well as relaxing and beautiful. The butterflies are most active early morning or late afternoon but you have to plan around any rain as well. It is located in Calarca, only a 30 minute taxi ride from Armenia. While you are there, be sure to have lunch at El Rincon de la Hacienda in Calarca. It is a bird sanctuary and has wonderful food. (Cra. 25 No. 47-94. 743-6688) The only day they don't have lunch is Tuesday.
Parque de Cafe - it a theme park, sortof, all about coffee. We go for the walks through the coffee process and the plants and flowers. The cultural dance show is a miss see and is put on twice a day so go early and get the early show at 11:00. You will see a good representation of the various cultural groups in Colombia, a history of coffee, and great dancing. It is just outside Armenia on a hill overlooking the city and has great views. You get different passes depending on what you want to do for the day.
Feria de Flores - one of the things you have to see before you die. It is an amazing parade and two weeks of a celebration of flowers. The parade is awesome but you also have to visit the botanical gardens during this time for the amazing display of orchids. You will never have seen anything like it before. The festival is usually the last week in July/first week in August. It is hard to get concrete information on the schedule of events so just keep looking on the web or ask at your hotel. You want to get tickets to sit in the stands for the parade because if you don't, you will be crushed in the standing crowd and not have a great view. I've done both and highly recommend the stands!
http://www.carpsonamission.com/feriadeflores.html
Medellin
--is our favorite city in Colombia. They people are friendly, the transportation system is easy, and it is a nice place to visit. Definitely take the rail system to the cable cars and ride up the hillside to get a birdseye view of Medellin. I read they also have just finished the world's longest outdoor escalator so that should be something to see as well. The zoo in town isn't much but the aquarium is really cool and just across the street from the botanical garden. We usually stay in El Poblado area as it is central to all we usually do. We use the Torre Poblado hotel as it is convenient and has good services without being too pricy. There are hostels nearby there as well. Out of Medellin you can visit El Penal, a really pretty rock formation that you climb that gives you a different view of the countryside of Colombia. You can get there on a tour or bus yourself.
http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniamay2008.html
Christmas time is also a great time to visit Medellin as they are crazy for the lights. http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniadecember2008.html
http://www.carpsonamission.com/feriadeflores.html
Medellin
--is our favorite city in Colombia. They people are friendly, the transportation system is easy, and it is a nice place to visit. Definitely take the rail system to the cable cars and ride up the hillside to get a birdseye view of Medellin. I read they also have just finished the world's longest outdoor escalator so that should be something to see as well. The zoo in town isn't much but the aquarium is really cool and just across the street from the botanical garden. We usually stay in El Poblado area as it is central to all we usually do. We use the Torre Poblado hotel as it is convenient and has good services without being too pricy. There are hostels nearby there as well. Out of Medellin you can visit El Penal, a really pretty rock formation that you climb that gives you a different view of the countryside of Colombia. You can get there on a tour or bus yourself.
http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniamay2008.html
Christmas time is also a great time to visit Medellin as they are crazy for the lights. http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniadecember2008.html
Throughout Colombia at Christmas time, you will see lots of displays of lights and alumbrados that make it the best place to be for the holiday season. The pace of life is slower and people take the time to share their lives with each other, enjoying life as they live every day.
Santa Marta
We started off at the Techos Azules in Tagana where we visited the Parque National Tayrona. Don't waste your time on a bus or tour guide. Just make a deal with a taxi from Tagana and go to the park gate. You can guide yourself up the shore line and see all the beaches and enjoy the day. You can walk through the woods or up the beaches. Be sure to stop at the bakery for the chocolate doughnuts! We found that the beaches on the way were much better than the one at the end at Cabo. I would suggest renting a car yourself as it is a great way to go where you want at your own pace. We use the Localiza company and have always had a good experience..
We used Ocean Lovers Scuba for a great trip out in the sea. You can do day and night dives and go with a group or rent a private boat for just yourselves. https://www.oceanloverstaganga.com/
In Palomino, you can take a wild motorcycle ride while holding your tube to take a relaxing ride down the Palomino River to the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of local seafood restaurants on the beach, so enjoy the day! On the way, there is an excellent restaurant to stop for breakfast with lots of birds and a tropical atmosphere that is super fun and enjoyable.
Santa Marta
We started off at the Techos Azules in Tagana where we visited the Parque National Tayrona. Don't waste your time on a bus or tour guide. Just make a deal with a taxi from Tagana and go to the park gate. You can guide yourself up the shore line and see all the beaches and enjoy the day. You can walk through the woods or up the beaches. Be sure to stop at the bakery for the chocolate doughnuts! We found that the beaches on the way were much better than the one at the end at Cabo. I would suggest renting a car yourself as it is a great way to go where you want at your own pace. We use the Localiza company and have always had a good experience..
We used Ocean Lovers Scuba for a great trip out in the sea. You can do day and night dives and go with a group or rent a private boat for just yourselves. https://www.oceanloverstaganga.com/
In Palomino, you can take a wild motorcycle ride while holding your tube to take a relaxing ride down the Palomino River to the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of local seafood restaurants on the beach, so enjoy the day! On the way, there is an excellent restaurant to stop for breakfast with lots of birds and a tropical atmosphere that is super fun and enjoyable.
Minca
Just up on the mountains about an hour from Santa Marta is Minca, a quaint town with lots of nature and hiking. You can see birds and lots of views. We stayed at the Costeno River Minca and it was a wonderful location with a great restaurant. There are several companies that do birding tours, coffee tours, chocolate tours at San Rafael, and waterfalls to visit. Just FYI, the Costeno River Minca does not have hot water but the ambiance makes up for it. You can get AC and hot water at other places in town if needed.
Just up on the mountains about an hour from Santa Marta is Minca, a quaint town with lots of nature and hiking. You can see birds and lots of views. We stayed at the Costeno River Minca and it was a wonderful location with a great restaurant. There are several companies that do birding tours, coffee tours, chocolate tours at San Rafael, and waterfalls to visit. Just FYI, the Costeno River Minca does not have hot water but the ambiance makes up for it. You can get AC and hot water at other places in town if needed.
Salento
A colonial town that has the flavor and culture of traditional Colombia. Good place to spend the day. You can hike or go horseback riding in the Valle de Cocoro. Definitely walk up the stairs at the end of the main street to see the views.
Best place for trout - Balcones del Ayer - right off the corner of the main square
If you want a tour of a small coffee plantation that is more personal than the Parque de Cafe, go out past the cemetery in Salento to the Finca el Ocaso and they will take you around for about 5 pesos. They also have places to stay and outdoor activities if you want to hang out there overnight. https://fincaelocasosalento.com/neweb/
La Guajira
This place is on the northern most point of Colombia, It is where the sun goes to really shine and put out the heat! We did a tour with the company listed below and it was great. We saw lots of different beaches, unique countryside, and slept in hammocks on the beach. Look on the link below for pictures and commentary of our trip there.
La Guajira is on the coast of Colombia and Venezuela and is a beautiful coastal area. We had a lovely hostel where our "room" was hammocks on the beach (not fun) and a bucket of water for bathing (doable). Definitely tests your ability to adapt and be flexible!
http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniamayjune2011.html
Cabo De La Vela (One Night - Two Days)
Visit the Manaure community and its salt mines, Musichi, Poportin, Ahuyama, Carrizal, the lighthouse, and El Pilón de Azucar. Lunch and dinner the first day. Breakfast and lunch the second day. Lodging in hammock, guide, and transportation. http://www.kaiecotravel.com/
Salento and La Guajira Photos - I think you'll be able to tell which is which!
Cartagena
If you want to go scuba diving and/or see a beautiful historic city, take the time to visit Cartagena. The only part worth seeing is within the old city so stay in that area. We stay at the Tres Banderas but there all many cheaper hostels you can check out. Going during Semana Santa allows you to see a lot of the pageantry of Holy Week, but any time you go you can experience the local flavor and culture. We went out on a tour of the islands and the mud volcano which was great and definitely worthwhile. You can set that up at any hotel you stay at. See pictures at the link below. Also don't forget to visit the candy stalls under the historic arches in the main plazas. Be sure to try the local coconut rice - it is amazingly delicious! It is a LONG bus ride from anywhere so I suggest a local flight on Taca, Copa, Easy Fly, or Avianca.
http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniaapril2008.html
San Andres
The islands off the coast of Colombia are often full of tourists, but depending on where you stay, you can still have a quiet, tranquil visit in the sun. There is a tourist fee when you get to San Andres so don't be surprised at the airport when they ask you for about 115,000 COP. You will have a voucher to fill out to show when you enter the immigration on the island. The. best way to see the island is to rent a "mula" for the day, about 250,000 cop, because you can take your time and drive at your own pace, stopping to snorkel, swim, eat, or just relax as you go. Ask at your hotel for the best deal.
Things to do:
If you want to SCUBA or get your certification, try Hans Dive Center
https://hansdiveshop.co/
We enjoyed our stay at the By the Sea Guest House as it was out of town right on the water, but only about a 20 minute walk back to the airport and town. You can walk the "strip" on the beach but then head back out to the quiet!
https://by-the-sea-guest-house.sanandreshotelspage.com/en/
The Botanical Garden was a nice stop to see lots of lizards and birds and enjoy the quiet nature of the island,
https://www.facebook.com/JardinBotanicoSanAndres
The glass bottom kayak and snorkel tour was a fun way to see the mangroves and snorkel in the clear waters around San Andres. They also provided a sample snack plate of local treats that were delicious!
https://www.facebook.com/EcofiwiTurismoEcologico?ref=hl
We also visited the old First Baptist Church on Orange Hill where you can climb to the steeple and get a 360 view of the island.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-colombias-san-andres-a-historic-churchs-roots-run-deep/2022/09/04/ce2d2720-2c51-11ed-bcc6-0874b26ae296_story.html
If you want to go scuba diving and/or see a beautiful historic city, take the time to visit Cartagena. The only part worth seeing is within the old city so stay in that area. We stay at the Tres Banderas but there all many cheaper hostels you can check out. Going during Semana Santa allows you to see a lot of the pageantry of Holy Week, but any time you go you can experience the local flavor and culture. We went out on a tour of the islands and the mud volcano which was great and definitely worthwhile. You can set that up at any hotel you stay at. See pictures at the link below. Also don't forget to visit the candy stalls under the historic arches in the main plazas. Be sure to try the local coconut rice - it is amazingly delicious! It is a LONG bus ride from anywhere so I suggest a local flight on Taca, Copa, Easy Fly, or Avianca.
http://www.carpsonamission.com/armeniaapril2008.html
San Andres
The islands off the coast of Colombia are often full of tourists, but depending on where you stay, you can still have a quiet, tranquil visit in the sun. There is a tourist fee when you get to San Andres so don't be surprised at the airport when they ask you for about 115,000 COP. You will have a voucher to fill out to show when you enter the immigration on the island. The. best way to see the island is to rent a "mula" for the day, about 250,000 cop, because you can take your time and drive at your own pace, stopping to snorkel, swim, eat, or just relax as you go. Ask at your hotel for the best deal.
Things to do:
If you want to SCUBA or get your certification, try Hans Dive Center
https://hansdiveshop.co/
We enjoyed our stay at the By the Sea Guest House as it was out of town right on the water, but only about a 20 minute walk back to the airport and town. You can walk the "strip" on the beach but then head back out to the quiet!
https://by-the-sea-guest-house.sanandreshotelspage.com/en/
The Botanical Garden was a nice stop to see lots of lizards and birds and enjoy the quiet nature of the island,
https://www.facebook.com/JardinBotanicoSanAndres
The glass bottom kayak and snorkel tour was a fun way to see the mangroves and snorkel in the clear waters around San Andres. They also provided a sample snack plate of local treats that were delicious!
https://www.facebook.com/EcofiwiTurismoEcologico?ref=hl
We also visited the old First Baptist Church on Orange Hill where you can climb to the steeple and get a 360 view of the island.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-colombias-san-andres-a-historic-churchs-roots-run-deep/2022/09/04/ce2d2720-2c51-11ed-bcc6-0874b26ae296_story.html
Jardin
Just a few hours outside of Medellin is the city of Jardin. It sits in the middle of the coffee fields and beautiful hills, a tranquil getaway that looks similar to Salento, but without the huge influx of tourists. It is a little cooler but that also meant fewer bugs and lots of colorful birds. The main town square is a great place to just sit and people watch or get a pastry and coffee at any of the many cafes located nearby. You can visit a coffee farm and see the process or ride la Garrucha up the mountainside for adventure. A visit to the reserve of the Gallito de la Roca to see the hard to see brightly colored orange birds is a must.
There isn't a lot to do other than just enjoy the nature and relax but sometimes that is all you need. There are lots of waterfalls, hikes, and places to enjoy so you just have to look to find your fun. We recommend staying at the Vista Farallones. It is a little walk outside of town but an easy 15-20 minute walk. You can also get a tuktuk for 7,000 cop. It was quiet, lots of birds right outside the window, hot water, and a kitchen available to use if needed. There are lot of easy hikes and walks from the hotel.
There isn't a lot to do other than just enjoy the nature and relax but sometimes that is all you need. There are lots of waterfalls, hikes, and places to enjoy so you just have to look to find your fun. We recommend staying at the Vista Farallones. It is a little walk outside of town but an easy 15-20 minute walk. You can also get a tuktuk for 7,000 cop. It was quiet, lots of birds right outside the window, hot water, and a kitchen available to use if needed. There are lot of easy hikes and walks from the hotel.
All photographs are copyrighted and the property of Cathleen L Carpenter Photography 2023
