Travelling solo as a woman to Colombia – let me guide you to a country still suffering from the stigma of being a dangerous place torn between drug barons and guerillas. But actually, it is a beautiful and interesting place – with wonderful, honest people. On just one visit, it became one of my favorite countries on earth. Wanna see for yourself? Then here is my complete guide
Cali, next to Medellín another Colombian city name that in the late 20th century made your blood freeze, is actually an inspiring place in the lovely Valle del Cauca so that you can easily go on a day trip to some paradisiac haciendas.
Cali prides itself to be the Salsa capital of the world; their words – sorry, Cuba. Where others need an entire troop of musicians, this gentleman rocks the street all bye:himself.
After the last Gentlemen of Cali were arrested in 1995, the city came to peace. Without the world noticing, though. Hence, to this date, Cali carries the stigma of a dangerous cradle of a dangerous drug syndicate.
Fifty Shades of Green – in reality, there are millions of shades of green in Salento, Colombia’s beautiful Coffee Region
The lucky people of Salento are spending their life right in a picture postcard.
Nestled in the coffee mountains of Quindío, Salento is the epitome of Colombian life: A small town with little houses painted in all the colors the hardware store had available.
Let me guide you to Medellín – which is also a great gateway for a fantastic day trip to the mesmerizing town of Guatapé.
Fernando Botero La Muerte de Pablo Escobar Escobar was shot and killed by the Colombian National Police already in 1993, but like all the rest of this beautiful country, since then, Colombia progressed a lot; sadly, without the world taking notice.I wish my post will change that at least a bit.This Way to the Whole Story ->
Cartagena is Colombia’s most touristy destination. No wonder, they have a Caribbean beach and a walled old town that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, I found spending two days in Cartagena enough.
Although no Colombian woman is wearing this when there are no tourists around, this lady makes this picture….picturesque. (Photo: ShonEjai from Pixabay)
However, the old city is very alluring and there are lots of touristy infrastructures.
Santa Marta is a wonderful, spectacularly unspectacular place.
Good morning, Santa Marta! The coffee lady is pushing her cart on Calle 19; who needs Starbucks, anyways?! In the afternoon her place is taken by the gentleman who sells cheese-filled arepas. A very pleasant fast-food culture far from chain companies.
The perfect place for those who don’t suffer from FOMO but are very well able to observe and enjoy the small things of truly Colombian life.
Before I begin to tell you about my amazing day at Parque Tayrona, I must admit that I skipped one stop.
Getting sneak peeks at the cool, blue ocean is very encouraging. Like the carrot dangling in front of a mule.
After we left the pleasure hell of the beaches of Cartagena, we made it to Santa Marta, a city by the sea. A little colonial, a little touristy, a little average, but very unpretentious. A healthy mix of good crowds.
And adjacent to the fantastic natural reserve Parque Tayrona.
Come, let me guide you to Bogotá, Colombia’s hip ‘n’ artsy capital. It’s the most energetic and vibrant Latin American city I’ve ever visited, indeed.
All the ingenious and powerful murales, colorful graffitis, are one of Bogotá’s strongest suits.
I’m still overwhelmed by the charm and the beauty of many neighborhoods. I’m also impressed by the environmental awareness, by the countless delightful little shops and vegetarian and vegan snack bars. The most amazing suit, however, is the eclectic, outstanding, creative art that can be found at every corner.