Am thinking of going to Colombia, is this a good place to travel to?
i'm going there in march.. let's hook up in Bogota and snort some coke...
Just went for a month. It's great! Out with my girlfriend now but i will happily answer any questions you might have later today
>>1038020
Not OP, but going to Colombia. Were you able to interact with locals a lot? I really want to work on my Spanish while traveling, so I'd rather talk to them than drunk Australians
>>1038022
Yup, the locals were extremely friendly, especially in Bogota and Medellin. There are a lot of beggars and drug peddlers, but, unlike in India, Africa, or Southeast Asia, they tend to leave you alone quickly if you say "no."
I don't speak much Spanish and it was still easy for me to meet people. Colombians are very forgiving when it comes to language - not having people smile and laugh and try to figure out how to communicate with me was the exception rather than the norm.
yeah its a great place, have fun OP!
>>1036784
I've been to Medellin and I loved it.
The people are very warm and friendly and appreciate those who at least try to communicate in Spanish.
And the women are incredible. As a tall, blue-eyed gringo in Colombia, I now know what life is like for a hot chick. It was kinda tough to come back to apathetic American women.
Stay out of Centro. Day or night. Careful with the cabs.
>>1039683
There's nothing wrong with Medellin's "Centro" during the day.
>>1036784
Yeah for cheap whores just avoud being robbed raoed kidnapped or killed
>>1039688
Cab drivers are usually halcones (informers for criminals)
>>1040278
Why not just take the Medellin Metro and walk around Centro? That's what I did when I visited the area and I didn't have a single problem, and neither do I know of one person who did.
>>1040279
Cause you didnt lurk enough, theynwill inform for targets or suspicious people
>>1040280
>didn't lurk enough
Whatever, m8. Did you buy a bullet proof vest and only travel by armored car when you were in Colombia too?
>>1040280
>didnt
*didn't
>>1040280
>theynwill
>>1040273
>just avoud
*just avoid
>>1040273
>raoed
*raped
>>1038512
>its a great place
*it's a great place
It has a lot of safe places to travel to, and the natural places are awesome. I recommend, Parque Tayrona, San Andres Island, Leticia (if you want to see the jungle), The "zona cafetera", parque de los nevados, and the city i liked the most was Medellín; the metro system takes you almost anywhere. You have to be cautios as much as in any other country in south America, but the security issues of that country are concentrated in certain areas, and city slums. The "centro" or downtown of any city, always has a lot of movement, it doesn't mean you can't walk around it, just do it during the days and with your eyes open.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyJl3t-8DAw
>>1040281
Two different repliers here.
A Colombian told me to stay out of Centro, so I took her advice. At any rate, there's plenty to see without going there.
Be sure to take the metro cabe. Interesting way to travel around the city.
Been there multiple times, but not been around the country other than a few cities. With that in mind, I'll respond. Take it for what it is worth.
>is this a good place to travel to?
I have enjoyed it very much. But what are you into?
>>1038022
>Were you able to interact with locals a lot?
Yeah, locals were very, very friendly. English is more seldom than in some countries.
>>1038511
>unlike in India, Africa, or Southeast Asia, they tend to leave you alone quickly if you say "no."
Presumably the strong police presence and the literal war on druglords impacts this -- it would not be a good country to goad somebody into siccing the police on you.
>>1039683
>And the women are incredible.
I did not find that to be the case. The women on average are not that great, but the few who are stunning are STUNNING.
Shit, phone, will come back...
>>1041384
I hear the ladies are better in Medellin than in Bogota and other parts of the country.
Maybe that has something to do with it? OR maybe just a matter of opinion, but to me, it was just fantastic.
>>1041384
Back..
>>1040278
Is this Medellin-specific? I know there used to be problems in Bogota with cabbies working in cahoots with muggers 00 they'd pick up a fare and then pick up the robbers, or just take you to some secluded spot where the robbers were waiting. People worked around that by calling a cab from a store, bar or restaurant rather than just hailing one on the street -- if the cab company dispatched a cab to you, their records would have the cabbies name if you got into trouble... tended to discourage trouble.
Cartagena is fun, if hot as balls. The "new city" is not to my taste at all, but the old city is great.
>>1041386
Well yeah, what women you find attractive is a personal thing.
I loved my trip to Colombia, and plan to return next month, will dump some pics if interested
>>1041573
yes, please dump pics
>>1041578
Where is this located
Monserrate, >>1041585
Bogota...
>>1041586
Glad you like 'em
Thats all for now, I may return tomorrow
Im thinking of doing the lost city hike outside Manta Marta, any one here done that?
A few more photo dumps...
>>1041877
I didn't do it but I've met a few people who have. The hike seems to be a fun experience but the ruins themselves apparently aren't very impressive. One guy described it as a "bunch of stone circles."
This is a picture I took of the river in Medellin during christmas time.
This is the "centro" in the town of Ibagué, in the Tolima department (departments are the regions in which the country is divided)
This is some parade I came across in the "centro" of its capital, Bogotá, in the Cundinamarca Department.
This is a sunset, somewhere in the Meta department. A lot of plains and small hills in this part of the country
This is part of the landscape in the Tolima department
The "Jhonny kay", watched from the beach of San Andres Isand. the Caribbean in this place looks awesome
>>1041386
there's plenty of Paisa (people from Medellin and the surrounding areas) women in Bogotá anyway. There's people from all over the country in Bogotá, probably half of the city's population wasn't born in it.
This picture is from a place called "Capurganá". It's a very little town (in the Chocó Department), where you can find the sea right next to the jungle. It's safe since there are a lot of tourists there and the army guards it. You can reach the border with Panamá by foot. You can dive and hike around. But you can only reach it by taking a plane from Medellín, or taking a boat from the town of "Turbo" (Antioquia Department). However, I strongly suggest you to take the plane, since the boat trip is very hard and the road from Medellín to Turbo can get troublesome; and the best time to go is from april to september, since the other months are a little more rainy and windy.
The place was nice, it felt like a good detachment from city, but still with the basic comfort to have a nice time.
>>1042179
Beautiful.
>>1040280
im living in medellin now and youre fairly incorrect in what you say
>>1043820
Tell Jairo and Inez the American Kite Guy said "Hi"
>>1043600
>since the boat trip is very hard and the road from Medellín to Turbo can get troublesome
I did it and it's very nice, it's the mouth of the Atrato river (which, I think, it's the river with the highest discharge in the World, in proportion to its lenght). I didn't have any problem nor was I warned about possible ones, but I'm Colombian, so, I don't know...
>>1044143
The boat trip can be a nice ride or a nightmare depending on the time of the year. I went on December... bad idea. April and June are better. But the plane will always be better.
>>1038512
They are making peace Bro
>>1042179
Here's another picture taken in San Andrés Island
I'm planning on teaching English there after my undergrad as part of their Ministry of Education program. I have no clue where I'll be stationed or anything like that yet, but I'm hoping for somewhere on the Caribbean Coast.
I'll be there either from 6 months to a year.
Are there any "must-visit" or "must-do" things that I can add to my list?
I already want to visit San Andres, take a cruise down the Magdalena River, and try and visit most of the major cities of Colombia if I can. But I am woefully unaware of natural sites to visit, hiking, and etc.
>>1045933
I'm colombian and I suggest you to research on a place called " San Agustin archealogical park". It is located in the "huila department" in the southern region. You can make some long walks and rides by horse because the place is enormous. There are a lot of archeological treasures of very ancient, extinct and unknown indigenous cultures.
>>1045933
If you want to watch the jungle, the most rainy place in the world, the small poisonous frogs and wales in the pacific coast, you can take a flight from Medellín to the town of Nuquí, in the "Chocó department". Ask for information on traveling to this place and be sure to travel between august and october so you can catch the wales.
>>1045933
The "Parque nacional del café" and "panaka" are two places you can find in the center of Colombia, in the "Quindío" department. That is what we call "zona cafetera" or the cofee zone. Everything in those places are about the culture of the cofee and the way of living of the farmers in the center of our andean region. It is a park, so you can entertain yourself and also learn a lot about the country.
>>1045933
In the southern region of Colombia, in the "Nariño" department, there are some beautiful mountains and a couple of places: "La Cocha" Lake, and the "Santuario de las lajas", recently acknowledged as one of the most beautiful churches in the world. If you go to " Nariño" department, you can stay in its capital: "Pasto". From there you can plan your road trip. It's also near the border with Ecuador. Take some coats there because those places are cold.
>>1045933
If you like hiking, climbing and stuff, I recoment "Parque del cocuy" in the "Boyacá" department, as well as "Parque de los nevados" in the "Tolima, caldas and Quindio" departnents, and of coure the "Sierra nevada de Santa Marta" in the "Magdalena department" where you can go to "ciudad perdida" and be in contact with the " Aruhaco and Kogi" indigenous comunities.
>>1045933
If you like rafting, find the "chicamocha canyon" in the "Santander" department. That's a good place to see.
>>1045933
If you want to see the jungle to the east of Colombia, try to find a tour to the "Cerros de Mavecure" in the "Guainía department". If you want to go there inform yourself with the authorities and go well equipped for a walk in the jungle.
>>1046050
Whales... sorry.
>>1046052
The "Galeras" volcano is also near from "Pasto". You can also go and visit the volcano.
>>1045933
I think I know the program you're talking about. Have you already been accepted?
I've heard from a few people that applying can be a mess. I went and did an interview and left thoroughly pissed off. I had been told numerous times that I didn't need to speak Spanish and would learn on site. However, the interviewer, who was moderately proficiently in English, kept blabbering at me in Spanish and seemed to think that I could understand what he was saying.
I don't want to complain too much, because I was in a Spanish-speaking country. However, the interview itself was a bit of a culture shock - I went there thinking it'd take fifteen or twenty minutes and was stuck there for three hours as the man running it kept leaving to take phone calls, make coffee, and more. Apparently that's standard protocol there. Everything in Colombia moves slowly.
One recommendation that somebody gave me is this: when you go to apply for a working visa at whatever government place, make sure you have somebody from the program accompany you.
>>1046051
parque del café
>>1046051
>>1046048
San Agustín, Huila, Colombia.
>>1046048
San Agustín, Huila.
>>1041386
That's true, I'm living in Bogotá and I've known a lot of women from Medellin that live here and most of them are very hot
Any body been to Palomino, Minca, Boquila, Palenque? Im in that area come November and Im thinking of checking them out, any insight appreciated..
Pic is Salento, awesome little town..
>>1046050
Whales in Nuquí, Chocó.
>>1046050
Beach in Nuquí, Chocó.
>Met Colombian qt and dated for 2 weeks (yeah I know)
>Made plan to visit her in couple of months if we're both still single
>Went back to her country
>Call nearly everyday
>Suddenly silence
>New BF
>Still friends but fuck spending 1000€ on a flight if there's no lay guarantee
>See this thread
>Still kinda want to go but don't speak Spanish
>>1047108
A friend of mine has been to Palomino.. here's a summary of what he told me.
You have to find the road called "Troncal del Magdalena". That will take you North to the city of "Santa Marta". If you go from Bogotá, the route is: Bogotá - Honda - Dorada - "Troncal del Magdalena" to Santa Marta.
If you go from Medellín, the route is: Medellín - Puerto Berrío - "Troncal del Magdalena" to Santa Marta.
Once you arrive to "Santa Marta", take the route called "Transversal del Caribe". That will lead you to Palomino (it is in the Guajira department). It takes around 1:40 minutes from Santa Marta to Palomino.
From the town of Palomino to the beach, its like 20 minutes by foot, but there are cabins available near the sea, but staying there will be more expensive than staying in the town.
There is a guy people call "Donaire", he owns part of the place and offers tourists a place to make camping in the beach.
Enjoy
>>1047681
1 hour and 40 minutes from Santa Marta to Palomino that is.
>>1047108
It's better to go to Palomino before December, because the prices will rise then. As it usually happens
Dont call me a fag but in all serious is Columbia still rather violent? drug wars and shit innocents getting shot or killed by accident? Narcos had me scared as fuck and even though it was 30 yrs ago I heard other organizations like the black eagles or los rastrojos are active. I really wanna see the nature and forests and scenery but I dont wanna be that tourist that went to south america and never came back...
>>1047742
> drug wars and shit innocents getting shot or killed by accident?
that never happened, not even in the 80s/90s, the risk of being involved in that was very low for most Colombians.
>black eagles
that group doesn't exist. It's just a meme some people use to scare others.
>los rastrojos
irrelevant if you don't go to some remote area or to some favela in Cúcuta or whatever.
>>1040278
You can also use UBER. Better service than taxi, specially in Bogotá
>>1047742
Don't worry. There are many tourists here in Colombia and with time they have increased once they spread the word of how the country is really like. Unfortunately, hollywood has made a good job making us look like hell. But the truth is, not even a single one of those movies were ever filmed here.
Just inform yourself with the local authorities how security is in the places you want to go (as you should do with any country you visit).
>>1046052
La cocha, Nariño.
>>1046052
"Las Lajas" sanctuary, Nariño.
>>1047838
Amazing
>>1047774
Romancing the Stone filmed in Cartagena.
Jumpinh into this thread,
After researching on my own it seems like bogota is not that great maybe and the only place worth going is cartagena. As a traveler coming from far away at least.
Am i right or is there something im missing?
>>1048040
completely wrong.
Bogotá is just as interesting as any big city in the World, for the same or very similar reasons London, Istanbul or whatever are interesting.
Also there are many more places worth going in Colombia. It's the second most biodiverse country in the World, one of the countries with the most varied landscapes, one of the most populated countries of the Americas and one of the most culturally diverse in the World, etc.
>>1048040
I can think of at least 7 cities more likeable than Cartagena:
Medellín
Bogotá
Cali
Bucaramanga
Manizales
Armenia
Pereira
Cartagena has a few historical things worth watching, but as a city... it's pretty low in the National ranking.
>>1047984
Yes, a very little part of the movie. Most of it is some jungle in central America. They made the rest of the country look like a shithole, just like in XxX and Mr.and Mrs. Smith. I hate all 3 of them... hate their guts.
>>1048043
>>1048058
Hmmm pereira and armenia look interesting but going by the google images eye test none if them hold a candle to how beautiful cartageba appears to be
Dont take it as im not listening and im going there no matter what, but rather i want to hear what makes places like bogota and medellin better than cartagena
>>1048068
As some other guy said in the thread, the old city in Cartagena is the one worth visiting, the new one... not so much. Cartagena has been sold as "The" touristic destination of Colombia, because it is part of routes of cruisers throghout the Caribbean, and has privileges for the construction of hotels. But the "ciudad amurallada" and the "San Felipe fort" are worth visiting. The ciusine is good too.
You can also check the clock tower, the inquisition palace, etc.
Since it has gotten more atention tjan other cities, people has had time to take good pictures aimed to call the tourists. It all depends on what you are looking for.
>>1048068
Cartagena is expensive compared with the others. And the others are better cities. But you are right, concerning what a tourist is usually looking for, Cartagena fills the requirements better than the others. However, be sure to check the other places listed before in this thread.
>>1046054
Parque del cocuy, Boyacá.
>>1046054
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena.
>>1046054
Parque de los nevados.
>>1048077
I have really enjoyed the old city in Cartagena, though. Would visit again.
>>1046054
Laguna del Otún, Risaralda.
>>1046054
Parque del Cocuy.
>>1048082
the Kogis are a phenomenon in them selves.
I would love to do the lost city trek and see them, though i think they find us vulgar and probably dont appreciate being turned into a human zoo exhibit. Watch the "Message from the kogis", its pretty amazing.
I was in Colombia for a few weeks amazing time made it to las lajas too
>>1048320
Wow dude! What the fuck! That looks amazing! How do they even do that?
>>1048040
i've been told Cartagena is shit and you should head to Santa Marta instead
really want to go to Colombia but i'm scared i'd be less safe going alone
>>1048310
I've seen that.. it's the centro in Medellín :)
>>1048332
I always travel at least with another person, no matter which country I go. You can always use couchsurfing or contact a tourism agency if you don't want to be alone.
>>1048332
it doesn't matter if you go alone, what matters is that you have contacts in the country that could guide and advise you once in there.
>>1046062
Galeras volcano, Nariño.
SANTA FUCKIN MARTA FTW
>>1046055
Parque Chicamocha, Santander.
>>1046055
Chicamocha, Santander.
>>1041890
More or less.. yeah. If you want to see prehispanic stuff, San Agustín is better. You can hike there too, although the weather is colder.
>>1046056
Cerros de Mavecure, Guainía.
>>1046056
Cerros de Mavecure, Guainia Department
>>1048332
Cartagena is very safe around the Walled City. Santa Marta, on the other hand, is a pretty big shit-hole. It's not unsafe, per se, but it's very chaotic, ugly, and without any charm.
Hey.. don't forget about "Caño cristales". That place is fu**ng awesome.
>>1049671
>>1049671
how hard is it to get to the river there, is it crazy expensive? do i need to worry about being kidnapped when i get there?
>>1050014
I'm gonna ask a dude who went there 2 years ago. I will tell you as doon as I get answer. But he told me there was no problem since the army was guarding it.
>>1050014
125~200 bucks to go and it's safe bro
>>1050123
Muchas Gracias, helps a lot. 100‰ going now
>>1046064
>Apparently that's standard protocol there. Everything in Colombia moves slowly.
Everyone has their own perceptions. As a Colombian in Germany, I feel everything is way slower in Europe than in Latam.
Anyway, the new generation is much better with english, so hopefully such problems will at least be less frequent in the future.
I spent six weeks in Colombia earlier this year. Here are my thoughts.
Cartagena - Awesome and worth a visit. Very touristy though. The walled city is fun to explore on foot.
Santa Marta - Kind of dumpy. We stayed at the Dreamer Hostel (loved it) and used this as a resting spot before doing the Lost City trek.
San Gil - Lots of adventure sports here, we did not choose to partake in any as we live in Colorado and do that shit daily. We did however enjoy the big park there and our stay at a small organic farm just outside the city limits.
Barichara - We took a day trip here from San Gil, absolutely worth it. I ate ants, they tasted like sand. Small, cute, and fun to explore on foot. Don't miss Barichara.
Guane - We hiked here from Barichara. Tiny ass little village with not much to do, but the hike downhill was fun. There is an archelogical museum here and not much else. Its worth coming here if you hike from Barichara. I can't remember the name of the trail. Something camino real something.
Villa de Leyva - this seemed to be a more upscale town. Beautiful, large town square. Relaxed vibe, good food. Small.
Bogota - Must visit, but not for too long. Hit up the gold museum and the botero museum for sure. Lots of hot chicks in Bogota too. Up north they have a more upscale area with more modern shopping.
San Agustin - Only come here for the archelogical park and those silly little statues. BUMPY ass ride in. I mean two hours non stop of the bumpiest ass road you've ever been on.
Popayan - fuck this place. Noisy as hell. its my fault though for staying right on the corner of a busy intersection. Nice square, this is the first place I got kind of sketched out at night but really it was fine.
Salento - Fuck yes. Fuck yes this place. Do not miss Salento. Small, quaint, and touristy on weekends. The valle de cocora hike is not to be missed. Pic related.
Medellin - not to be missed. Best spot of the trip.
>>1043820
Is it possible to day trip to cool natural shit from Medellin?
>>1047557
I know that keky feel.
>in miami
>meet qt venezolana
>shes super nice and sends me cute texts all day
>one day she just turns off
>she found some other kek to get them papeles
>>1051413
Quality post.
Cheers mate
>>1051659
The towns surrounding Medelín, like "Guatapé", "Carmen de Viboral" and some others have good natural surroundings. You can also take the metro to the "Arví park" for a nice walk. If you like rock climbing you can do it in "Piedra del Peñol" (picture), near the town of "Guatapé".
>>1052096
Not "really" necessary to "put" quotes arouf "everything."
Nah, I'm just kidding you, you're OK.
" "
Hi. Does anyone know how much does it cost and how long does it take to visit te salt cathedral in Zipaquira?. I think it's near Bogota rigth?.
Any info on that trip starting from Bogota would be apreciated.
>>1052336
it's cheap as fuck, like 13 bucks to go http://www.catedraldesal.gov.co/en/
>>1052096
"rock climbing" kek. I don't think you know what that means. You just climb a shitload of steps.
>>1052336
I actually went there this summer, it was amazing I recommend it. They have a light show there that's amazing. It's for tourists so you will hear people speaking in English for a change lol You can also buy emeralds if you are into that.
>>1036784
You should visit the Gold Museum in the capital, also try the coffee there, it's the best coffee you will ever try in your life.
>>1048332
Cartagena markets itself as the Miami of Colombia but in reality the beaches are pretty shit. I hear the islands surrounding it are nice as fuck though.
>>1053230
Dude.. the steps are for the ones who don't want to climb. You can reach the top by taking the stairs OR by climbing. I know what rock climbing is lol.
>>1053375
You are correct about the beaches, your heard correctly about the islands.
Old City in Cartagena is bretty good, dough.
Can anyone tell me how does it cost to go to Leticia from Bogotá?. Is it worth it?. I want togo to the Amazon but I want to know if there is a good place to stay over there.
>>1036784
The Gap is closed
What's the most interesting and affordable way to get from Medillin to Cartagena? I could take a flight but it's probably not either of those things.
>>1054821
>too wordy
Gap's closed.
>>1054861
You can go by bus which is somewhat scenic but takes for freaking ever.
