I was a bit hesitant about heading out on a solo trip to Colombia, but it quickly turned into one of my favorite destinations in Latin America!
After studying in Brazil for 5 months, I found myself with a month to spare before Carnival kicked off, and I wanted to explore another Latin American country. Brazil had felt like home by then, and though my friends from my studies couldn’t join me, I was eager to travel solo again.
Tips for Colombia
- More Than Pablo Escobar: Colombia is way more than its past with Pablo Escobar and the notorious drug wars. The locals are incredibly warm and genuine—easily some of the nicest folks I’ve met in Latin America.
- Spanish: The Spanish here is super clear, making it a fantastic spot to polish your Spanish skills or practice what you know.
- Weather: The wet season runs from August to December, and the dry season is from January to July. Colombia is huge, so don’t expect uniform weather. I visited in January and enjoyed perfect weather. Bogotá and Salento are cooler (I needed a jacket during the day), while Cartagena and the Caribbean area are tropical.
- Safety: Colombia’s reputation from the drug cartel era is outdated. Since the peace deal with the FARC in late 2016, the country is considered very safe. While drug issues linger, they are not as prevalent as one might think. Be cautious, but don’t let old stereotypes deter you.
- Female Travelers: Catcalling might happen, but it’s common in many places (including NYC). In Medellín or Cartagena, you can safely walk around at night in tourist areas, unlike some areas in Brazil.
- Transportation: Flights within Colombia are often cheaper than buses. Check for flights before opting for a bus. In the cities, use Uber: It’s affordable and safe, with upfront pricing.
Trip Itinerary:
- Bogotá – 4 days (Casa Bellavista)
- Salento – 3 days (La Serrana)
- Medellín – 8 days (La Playa)
- Santa Marta – 4 days (The Dreamer Hostel)
- Cartagena – 1 night
- Rosario Islands – 3 days (Saman Hostel)
- Cartagena – 2 days (Friends to Be Hostel)
- Casa en el Agua – 2 days
- Cartagena – 2 days
Bogotá – 2 days
I spent 4 days in Bogotá, but honestly, it was a bit much. A couple of days would be sufficient. The city felt a bit gray to me.
What to Do in Bogotá:
- Graffiti Tour: This tour brings the city’s vibrant art scene to life, revealing powerful messages behind the murals.
- Cerro De Monserrate: Take a cable car to the top for breathtaking city views. You can watch the sunset from the upscale restaurant up there, which adds a special touch to the experience. When I visited around Christmas, the mountaintop was beautifully decorated with festive decorations.
- Walking Tour: A free walking tour provided fascinating insights into Bogotá and Colombian history.
Where to Stay in Bogotá:
I stayed at Casa Bellavista Hostel in La Candelaria, the heart of Bogotá’s cultural district. It features a well-equipped kitchen and offers a free breakfast (not vegan-friendly). The hostel has great common areas for mingling, though they’re close to the rooms, so noise can be an issue.
The staff were fantastic—knowledgeable and helpful.
For those who need laundry services, Casa Bellavista provides the most affordable rates you’ll find in Colombia—just 2,000 pesos per kilo! The service was quick, and my clothes came back fresh and clean.
Transportation in Bogotá:
You can easily explore La Candelaria on foot. For getting around the rest of Bogotá, Uber is a great option, affordable option!
Salento – 3 days
I initially planned 3 days in Salento but extended my stay to meet up with a friend. Three days is a good amount of time for this charming village.
Located in Colombia’s coffee region, Salento is the gateway to Valle de Cocora and is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. It’s touristic, but not overwhelmingly so, allowing you to experience authentic Colombian village life.
Although Salento is generally a sleepy village, my visit during January 6th, Dia de Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day), was vibrant. The village came alive with various Colombian music performances, making for a lively and memorable experience.
Note: If you’re visiting during holidays or busy periods, accommodations can fill up quickly. It’s a good idea to call ahead to check availability, or you can show up and see if there are any “vacancy” signs or people offering rooms around town.
Where to Stay in Salento:
What to Do in Salento:
- Palmeras Hike at Valle de Cocora:
This famous hike takes you through a valley with towering palm trees. The entire hike takes about 5 hours, and although it gets easier after the halfway point, where you mostly descend, it can still be challenging, especially if you’re not used to longer hikes.
To get started, leave early in the morning to maximize daylight and avoid heavy rains. Head to the center of Salento, where you’ll find many jeeps that will take you to the trailhead.
The hike begins with a muddy, slippery path, so wearing rain boots is highly recommended. If you don’t have them, as I didn’t, you might end up with soaked socks and ruined shoes, like I did. I used three pairs of socks to deal with the mud and still ended up with damp feet. The uphill trek can be strenuous, particularly if you’re not in top shape, but it’s manageable with determination.
After reaching the mountain’s summit, there’s a scenic viewpoint, and you can opt to continue hiking to the honeybee reserve if you wish. However, we decided to head back as rain clouds loomed.
The descent is breathtaking, surrounded by countless tall palm trees that are hard to capture in photos. As the rain started, we picked up the pace and were relieved to reach the bottom just as the downpour began. If you had to walk in that rain, it would have been nearly impossible, and you’d likely end up drenched.
For those who prefer not to hike, you can view the palm trees from the endpoint of the trail. Alternatively, horseback riding is available, but I’d advise against it. The steep terrain is tough on both hikers and horses, and you can see that the animals are not well-suited for the climb.
If you’re traveling solo and don’t want to hike alone, you can easily connect with fellow travelers at the hostel or on the way to the trail. Jess and I met an Argentinian traveler on the jeep ride to the trailhead, who joined us for the hike.
Mirador:
A brief walk up Carrera 6 takes you to the Mirador, a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of Salento. Climbing the 100 steps is definitely worth it for the stunning vista of the village and surrounding landscape. It’s also a fantastic spot to catch the sunset, with the village bathed in a warm, golden light as the day ends.
Transportation in Salento:
In Salento, you’ll mostly get around on foot, as many of the attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances or if you’re heading to the Palmeras hike, you’ll use the local taxis, which are essentially jeeps. These jeeps are handy for getting to the trailhead or navigating the village, especially when it rains. Prices for these jeep taxis are generally reasonable, and they’re a reliable option for getting around.
How to Get to Salento:
The best way to reach Salento is by flying into Armenia, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride to the village. You can also get there by bus from major cities to either Pereira or Armenia, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The bus journey can be lengthy and uncomfortable due to the winding roads, which might leave you swaying from side to side in your seat.
Medellín – 8 days
Medellín quickly became my favorite city in Colombia. Its blend of urban vibrancy and historical significance won me over. I extended my stay by 4 days because I loved it so much.
What to Do in Medellín:
- Guatapé: Take a bus or organized tour to see the Rock of Peñol. Climb 600 steps for a breathtaking view of the lake and meadows.
- Pablo Escobar Tour: Explore Medellín’s complex history with tours covering his life and legacy. Remember, Narcos presents a subjective view.
- Metrocable: Ride the cable car for stunning views of Medellín and its hillside neighborhoods.
- Plazoleta De Las Esculturas: Visit Botero Square to see his famous chubby statues.
- Exotic Fruits Tour: Taste 18 exotic fruits and enjoy the best arepa I had in Colombia.
- Shopping: Medellín is a great place for retail therapy if you have some downtime.
- Nightlife: El Poblado is the hotspot for bars and clubs. Happy Buddha is the main party hostel where you can enjoy nightlife every night.
Where to Stay in Medellín:
El Poblado is the best area for hostels, bars, and restaurants. I stayed at La Playa, which is close to Happy Buddha but in a quieter spot. It has a lovely bar and offers pretty drinks.
Transportation in Medellín:
Use the metro and Metrocable to get around. For nightlife and exploring, the public transport system is efficient and affordable.
Santa Marta – 4 days
I spent 4 days in Santa Marta, where the warm Caribbean vibe was a perfect change of pace.
Where to Stay in Santa Marta:
I stayed at The Dreamer Hostel, which was great for meeting fellow travelers and had a relaxed atmosphere.
What to Do in Santa Marta:
- Taganga Beach: A nearby beach town that’s perfect for a day trip or a relaxing day by the sea.
- Tayrona National Park: A must-visit for its stunning beaches and lush jungle.
Transportation in Santa Marta:
Walking and taxis are common. For trips to nearby beaches or the park, consider organized tours.
Rosario Islands – 3 days
I spent 3 days on the Rosario Islands, soaking up the sun and enjoying the clear waters.
Where to Stay in Rosario Islands:
I stayed at Saman Hostel, which offers a fantastic island experience with beautiful surroundings.
What to Do in Rosario Islands:
- Snorkeling: Explore coral reefs and even a sunken plane wreck on a boat trip.
- Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Navigate through mangrove tunnels connecting the island’s lakes.
- Fluorescent Plankton: A must-do is a nighttime trip to Laguna Encantada to witness glowing bioluminescent plankton.
- Biking: Ride through the island’s lush forest trails.
- Sunset Watching: End your day at Playa Cocotera, where you can relax with the local island dogs and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Transportation to Rosario Islands:
Boat transfers are common from Cartagena or Santa Marta.
Cartagena – 4 days
Returning to Cartagena for the last part of my trip was a great way to end my journey.
Where to Stay in Cartagena:
I stayed at Friends to Be Hostel, which had a great location and vibe.
What to Do in Cartagena:
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through the historic streets and enjoy the colonial architecture.
- Sunset Views: Watch the sunset from the city walls for a stunning view.
Transportation in Cartagena:
Walking is common in the Old Town, and taxis are readily available.
Casa en el Agua – 2 days
I spent 2 days at Casa en el Agua, a unique stay on a floating hostel in the Caribbean.
What to Do at Casa en el Agua:
- Relax: Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and beautiful views.
- Water Activities: Swim and snorkel in the surrounding clear waters.
