Colombian plan and new mobile: 0057 312 843 97 39

Trip Start Jan 06, 2008
1
104
125
Trip End Dec 20, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Colombia  ,
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

We have all heard about Colombia as the number one country for coffee but also cocaine, kidnapping and violence in general, making it one the most feared countries to travel to. It was also my only knowledge of this land and Colombia was definitely not part of my plans for this trip.

Nevertheless, since I met Pilar, I tried to listen and read more about this country and I can't wait to discover it during the coming 6 weeks. Talking about it in Chile, Peru and Ecuador, all the locals told me that Colombian people are some of the friendliest in Latin America. That's a good start when I already valued highly the friendliness level in South America.

Just few facts about Colombia:
3000 km of coasts with the Caribbean sea and the Pacific ocean. 20% of the country is above 1000 m high including the three main cities, Medellin, Cali and the capital Bogota which is at 2,800 m. This specificities provide a great variety of climates, cultures, nature and possible activities.
Third biodiversity in the world after Brazil and Indonesia, Colombia is number one for birds, butterflies and orchids among many other species. The country is home to 10% of the world flora and fauna.
Historically, Santa Marta was the first city to be established by the Spanish in South America while Cartagena is described as the second nicest colonial city in South America (second only to Cusco). Added to the numerous active indigenous populations, that makes Colombia's culture one of the richest around.

Still, only few tourists dare coming in Colombia. That should guarantee me an even more enjoyable time. So this is what my lovely girlfriend has arranged for my Colombian experience:
- From 4th Nov until 14th Nov: her hometown Popayan "The White"
- From 15th Nov until 19th Nov: the Island of San Andres, in the Caribbean
- From 19th Nov until 27th Nov: the Caribbean coast and natural parks from Santa Marta to Cartagena
- From 28th Nov until 2nd Dec: experience the Amazon in Leticia
- Few days rest in Popayan
- From around 5th Dec until 10th Dec approximately: drive along the "coffee region" and visit Medellin.
- From around 11th Dec until 18th Dec: Bogota

I will leave Colombia for Europe the 19th Dec.
Print this entry Bogota hotels