Although Colombia is cheaper than other Latin America countries, its so easy to blow your budget, so keep track of your spending! For scuba diving, hit up the Rosario Islands. One Month Colombia Itinerary - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Colombia Its a win-win! Lava flows and cacti, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. However, the country does get a few rainy seasons which are worth bearing in mind particularly if you are headed up to the North when Caribbean, tropical typhoons can be considerable. Most ATMs are open 24 hours & in English, just be wary of ATM skimmers where you insert your card. You can obtain your certification with Diving Planet based in Cartagena. Far fewer people make the effort to get out and really explore. In the 1980s and 1990s, Escobar was responsible for ordering the killings and bombing that resulted in tremendous loss of life in Colombia. One Month Ecuador Itinerary - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Ecuador [Itinerary] 2 or 3 Weeks in Ecuador - Green Mochila Providencia and Santa Catalina, a smaller island to the north, is home to thethird largest coral reef barrier on earth, and includes over 40 dive sites. Cartagena's streets with strikingly colorful houses with cute balconies are very photogenic, so grab your camera and start searching for the best photo opportunity. My favourite dish was by far empanadas, theyre a great snack & are filled with a variety of toppings. Volunteering continues to be very popular all over the world. Day 31: Enjoy Popayans colonial feel and walk around the pretty white streets. Day 26: Visit a coffee plantation from Salento. For those willing to splurge, $3,000 should be a comfortable budget. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads usingthis link. Although it is not technically desert, it definitely feels as it was. Zona Rosa is a great place to go for drinks in the evening. The most famous monument in Ecuador is the Mitad del Mundo Monument, which marks the equator there. Cross-border connections from neighbouring nations; Colombia in context (unlimited duration, plus Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador) Travellers criss-crossing Central and South America will find Colombia refreshingly free from mass tourism, full of opportunities to explore the relative . Numerous airlines provide flights between the two nations, which could be costlier but quicker and more convenient. Mid-range: Hotel Kantarrana Urbana Jardin | Tatacoa Desert: Desert in Colombia? You can catch a flight to the Caribbean Islands of Providencia and San Andrs. Jardin is a very colorful pueblo, where time has stopped. Envigado: Arame Hotel | People arent terrified there might be a bombing or a shooting at any moment. It was constructed in 1657 to fend against pirates hoping to steal the silver and gold headed for Europe. The last day of the fourth-week ends in Bogota. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. (a very light weight insult), Shit eater Come Mierda (for better effect! Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Once you get from Tayrona National Park to Santa Marta, you can spend here another night, pick up your stuff from hotel storage, and the next day in the morning continue your Colombia journey to one of the top travel destinations, Cartagena de Indias. Me too. One Week in Colombia. Budget: La Cabrera Hotel Boutique | Colombia and Ecuador are eager for you, so start packing and planning your vacation. It is right on the equator and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Peru. Is your phone eSIM ready? Day 35: Do a day trip and visit La Mitad del Mundo. The most popular route for travellers is via the Rumichaca border crossing, which connects the towns of Ipiales on the Colombian side with Tulcan on the Ecuadorian side. Its got a big pool & great atmosphere! Two days in Salento, or rather a day and a half, should be enough to cover the basics when considering the long drive. You arent going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. Signup for Worldpackers, a platform that connects local hosts with travelers. If you are tired of the standard rice, beans, and plantains and want to try the best falafel in Colombia, go to Novo Kebab. Police, judges, lawyers, journalists, rivals, civilians, guerrillas: everyone was affected. Head over to Barichara, a picturesque town. The best feature of Bogota, though, is its world-class museums. From Minca, get back to Santa Marta and take an early bus to Cartagena. Flights can sometimes be very cheap so it is worth considering internal flights on occasion. Cocaine tourism is on the rise in Columbia. See the several art galleries along the route as you ascend the numbered stairs to the lighthouse at the top of the hill. To understand the city's architecture and, most importantly, what local people had to go through during the long cartel war, take a free walking tour. It takes only four hours to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena. Just be careful with drugs especially abroad. Budget: Casabella Hotel | Volunteer English teachers are in pretty much endless demand across Colombia and I enjoyed a very joyful spell teaching in Cartagena. Both parts offer wonderful views of amazing rock formations, something we rather know from old western movies. Not everyone here is a drug lord that wants to kidnap you for ransom money. Our average speed on a bus was less than 40 km/h, which was bad. If you can get a group of 5-6 people together from your hostel, you can get a better per person price (maximum 6 people in the helicopter). Plan the Perfect South America Travel Route - We Don't Mind if You Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel. Get to know what traditional life is like for people living the way they have been for centuries. Budget: Hotel La Gaitana | Most people backpacking Colombia never have an issue, but you do hear the odd story of muggings & having things stolen. Ecuador and Colombia to open shared border from Dec. 1 There are so many fake taxis around just be careful, make sure the taxi has a meter & there are no other passengers in the taxi as this is a common robbery tactic. Two-month Colombia and Ecuador itinerary - Travel with Camila Spend a couple of days in San Gil and be sure to go paragliding over the incredible Chicamocha Canyon. Colombia has some amazing surfing beaches on both its Northern Caribbean Coast and its Western Pacific Coast. . Backpacking in Colombia is one hell of an adventure. Full Fun itineraries. Also, Salento is a perfect gateway for visiting a wonderful national park, but more about it later. Also, we really enjoyed a half-day trip to Juan Curi Waterfall. Bring insect repellent as I got destroyed by sandflies in Minca! And that's exactly what I'll show you how to do today. From Bogota to Medellin, direct buses operate daily. I recommend using the bus systems as much a possible. This destination is rather known among locals, but it has a lot to offer, even if you have only one day. This will be a long day so try to get an early start in order to arrive in the early afternoon in Cartagena. Including the Botero Museum and the Museo de Oro! El Centro: Medallo Social Hostal. Lost City Trek: This hike through the Colombian jungle will certainly be a highlight of your backpacking trip. Honestly, we hope you will enjoy Jardin as much as we did. It is also a great way to acclimatize as a few places we visit on this itinerary are in higher elevation. Hike, bike, and explore this unique part of the normally quite tropical Colombia. The trek to the Lost City takes 5 days and its an amazing experience. Transportation to the accommodations will most likely include a fun motorcycle ride up the mountain. There are some pretty epic beaches to be found in the near by Tayrona National Park. A trek here will certainly get you off of the beaten path. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! If it is in the evening, consider booking a hotel room to rest before the tiring journey. We have a general packing list for a 3-week trip or you can also check our 3-week summer packing list. Budget: Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona | The GRAYL Geopress is hands-down the most effective one weve ever used as well! This no mans land is predominantly run by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), who have a long track record of assassinations, kidnappings & violations of human rights. October 22, 2021 Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Margarita Rojas and Andreina Solorzano of Caracol TV. First of all, you should not skip the hiking part. Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market andditch the plastic. Colombias eco-tourism scene is growing rapidly, so youll also find plenty of sustainable accommodation options throughout the country. Dont forget that I didnt account for flights from your home to your first destination and back. When time allows, make sure you take the old cable car to the top of the hill to get stunning views of the area. Day 8: Head to Minca from Palomino. Visits to Quito are complete with exploring the citys historic centre and everything it offers. Classic and off the beaten path itineraries. Dont forget to visit essential locations like the Zoolgico de Cali, the Barrio Granada, and the enormous Cristo Rey. First of all, you cannot miss the San Agustin Archaeological Park that is home to hundreds of statues and tombs scattered not only here but even in the towns' surroundings. Colombian women are typically beautiful and exotic. It is also possible to obtain your PADI open water diving certificate if you dont have one. Check out this great article for more information about what to do in Tatacoa. Any suggestions are welcome. The coast is brimming with beautiful post-card beaches and the attractive locals to match. Their culture is a very important part of their identity and they should always be treated with respect. The very touristy El Poblado area is where most backpackers base themselves, but I far preferred the quieter Envigado. Want to know what the best neighbourhoods in Medellin are? Enjoy history, culture, very good beaches and snorkelling, beautiful. No more boring hotels you deserve WAY BETTER. Check our epic Medellinbackpacking guide. Day 3: Visit Bogota. The next day, you can take a taxi and explore other features in the proximity of Villa de Leyva - Pozos Azules, El Fosil, Convento del Santo Ecce Hommo, and El Infiernito. For most countries, Colombia included, solo travel is the name of the game. Why should you visit Los Nevados National Park? Just about 2-3 hours away from Santa Marta you can easily get there by bus. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. And the list of the best things to do in Jardin does not stop here. Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. We headed to Santa Marta instead and visited Cartagena right after. LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Mid-range: Payande - Tatacoa | Even though there are only 145 miles between the two destinations, the flight takes 56 minutes. They even offer yoga, windsurfing & other fun activities. Ensure that you buy your park permit in advance in the peak season, and do not forget that the park closes its gate from late January throughout February (dates sometimes change, check out the up-to-date info before your travels). There was truly so much going on in Colombia, so much violence, that the state was on the verge of collapse. An uncomfortable 9hour journey from San Gil, Bogota is the next logical stop on your adventure. Colombia (or specifically Cartagena, where we stayed) was all Caribbean charm! These are pretty easy to obtain for most western passport holders once you lined up a job and it is common to enter on a tourist visa and then upgrade it whilst in the country. Navigating Colombia is gonna be pretty dammed tough if you dont learn some Spanish. We decided to hike the whole loop that took us about five hours, but it is also possible to walk a shorter trail that will get you to the valley as well. Bogota, Colombia's capital, is a great place where to start getting to know the country. Great social party vibes here. Consider staying in Casa Moringa for a truly unique experience; living it up in a mansion overlooking the sea. Have dinner at Andres Carne de Res. SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST: Convento De La Popa and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Valle del Cauca Hacienda and Sugar Cane tour, Jardn Botnico de Bogot Jos Celestino Mutis, Parque Lleras streets around here are filled is popular restaurants, bars, and more, Parque Nacional Natural Farallones de Cali. You can find here many wonderful cobblestone streets lined with interesting buildings, churches, coffee shops, and plazas. For those with a little more time on their hands, 9 months is better which will allow around a week in all of the major destinations along the way. On the next day, join either a horseback riding tour or jeep tour designed for travelers to explore the wonderful landscape around San Agustin. As a matter of example, a night in a hostel dorm costs between $5 and $10. Luxury: Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. We spend the day in Santa Marta by exploring the colonial center and buying things for a few days we had planned for Tayrona. Action cameras come in many shapes and sizes find the perfect alternative for you. Hope it helps you plan yours! This breathtaking city, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty is well-known for its exciting nightlife and upscale resorts tourists like me enjoy its charming colonial architecture and old-world appeal. There is so much awesomeness to get into whilst backpacking Colombia, that your adventure is up to you and your motivation to put yourself out there. October 29, 2021 Joint Statement of the Ministerial Meeting in Bogot on the Causes and Challenges of Migration. As we had more time than one month, we decided to break the journey in Ocana and visit Playa de Belen and Los Estoraques the next day. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. We're not interested in long 1-2 day hikes, but would love to experience the beautiful scenery and culture that Ecuador seems to offer. Bogota sometimes gets a bad rap amongst Colombian backpackers on account of its rainy climate and gritty atmosphere. Home of the world biggest hammock & incredible mountainous jungle views. Although the nation's past issues and the ugly Escobar era gained a lot of the previous media about Colombia . No wonder its so popular among many travellers in South America. In the ensuing crossfire that followed the militarys reaction, scores of people lost their lives, as did most of the guerrillas, including several high-ranking operatives. San Agustin is one of the most important archaeological sites in Colombia. The beaches aroundNuquiare the best in Colombia and are an adventure lovers dream. So around $1,200 is a good average budget for 3 weeks in Ecuador and Colombia. In recent years theyve seen a big increase in the level of security & falling crime rates. Use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER. Its well known for both growing & selling cocaine, you can even snag a gram for as little as $7. More unique opportunities include working in the rainforests, nursing Jaguars and maybe helping out a coffee farmer. We took the bus to Arabuco, and it was not the best option, as getting to San Gil was much more challenging. Plan your last day, depending on your flight schedule. check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking. Theres a free checklist on those articles that you can print. Ill then go from there to Quito, Ecuadors vibrant capital. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Remember if you are going to buy some local handicrafts from them, dont haggle so low as to insult all of the hard work that went into making it! Day 13: Enjoy some more of Cartagena. For my jungle experience you can check it out here. Los Nevados National Park:This area of Colombia truly has it all. This enormous crater was once a volcano and is now home to a stunning blue lake. Fantastic 2 Weeks in Colombia: 3 itineraries with map - Two Week Traveller Thats right. Two-month Colombia and Ecuador itinerary Visit Colombia and Ecuador. It made for a sweet trip! Colombia to Ecuador Explorer - 19 Days - Travelstride Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Day 22: Do a day tour to Guatape. As Ernest Hemingway once said, If you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars. Pool halls and bars are a big part of Colombian culture. It is a perfect way to learn more about the history and get to know locals people and their thinking about their city better. Mid-range: Hotel Pop Art Las Colinas | 2 or 3 weeks in Ecuador budget. As I mentioned before, Colombia is now a nation at peace. Alternatively, you can fly, which takes 7hr and 42m and costs between $130 and $300. Compare similar trips and tour companies to find your perfect vacatio Columbia and Ecuador itinerary - Colombia Forum - Tripadvisor A Chiva bus is a high priority on that one. The main way to get to Colombia if youre overseas is by plane, flying into Bogota International Airport. Day 51: Spend the day at the beach surfing! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The rainforest can be wet all year round, and the coast is seriously hot. Escobars reign in Colombia brought the country to its knees. Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Colombia. Gringos and Gringas will find themselves very popular with the natives in Colombia. But with our 4-week Colombia itinerary, you will get a sample of the best places this increasingly popular South American country has to offer. It is among the most incredible things to do in Quito, and I enjoyed the tour! Pucon - 17 nights - Chile's Adventure Capital (though you won't need as long there) Activities: Horse riding, snowboarding, hydrospeeding, hot pools and hiking (along with plenty of work time). The square is filled with colorful chairs and tables, where you can just sit and watch life go by. The views are exceptionally stunning, plus who doesnt want to go for a ride in a helicopter at least once, right? In terms of organized activities in Minca, there are many operators to choose from. Luxury: Hotel Alejandria Resort. You can find more rustic hotels in the desert itself, or only a few kilometers away is the town Villavieja, which offers more options. Colombias famed coffee region has some of the best brew in South America. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39. The cheap bus is the most popular kind of public transportation, which can be found almost anywhere there is a road. Me puede dar un descuento? Thats why I visited the Bocagrande neighbourhood of the city. It only takes 2 minutes! Reviews, prices, videos, photos, and itinerary for Colombia to Ecuador Explorer - 19 Days. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. Also, a practical choice is to rent a car if you wish to travel quickly across the nation or to locations off the main path. Countries Visited. You simply cannot miss exploring the Walled City. Cartagena is a must-visit Colombia location if youre considering travelling there. Only four hours by bus from Bogota lies the colonial town, Villa de Leyva. You only need your national license to rent a car, but its also strongly advised to bring an international assignment. This includes bicycle trips to waterfalls, checking out the town. Flying takes an hour and is the quickest way to travel from Medellin to Cartagena. Day 5: Visit the Tayrona National Park. Colombians are not exactly shy about their sexuality. Because of the easy accessibility, many people find the park too crowded, but we think it was still pleasant, and we even spent there not three, but four days. Even though the park can be visited only one day, to appreciate it fully, we found three days to be an optimal amount of time. Colombia is also home to some of the best diving in the world well, OK, some of the cheapest places to learn to dive in the world. The valley is easily accessed from Salento.
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