Colombia Posts from South America - Page 2 of 2

Anna looking over the tatacoa desert, Colombia

🇨🇴 Backpacking Colombia: Tips & Destinations

When we prepared our South American trip, we were very excited to learn that backpacking Colombia was now possible. One of the former most violent countries in the world is now safe to roam. And what a treasure box it is! Warm Caribbean beaches for the sun-worshippers; deep Amazon rain forest for the adventure-seekers; hidden ancient sites, colonial UNESCO sites and wonderful nature sights. Everyone has a reason to visit Colombia. But remember to keep your wits about you and follow the rules of common sense; some cities might steal more than your heart. We’re giving you here all our …

One of the best beaches in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Great Outdoors

🇨🇴 The Penultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Colombia

When people think about South America, they often depict crystal clear water with palm trees and white sand. We guarantee that beaches like this do exist in South America, although less often than we would have thought. In any case, some of the best beaches are definitely in Colombia. There are many places one can hit for a few days of beach life on the Caribbean Coast. Apart from the few famous places there are also less expensive spots with less people. This guide aims to help backpackers with all kinds of budget and those seeking off-the-beaten path experiences to …

City Visits

🇨🇴 Pasto, the Well-Kept Secret of Colombia

Who wants to stay all the time on the beaten path? Pasto, the westernmost biggest town in Colombia, hardly features on any route plan. Truth is, the places in the north take the fame: postcard-perfect Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, the tropical paradise Tayrona Park or backpackers’ favourite Medellin. But in fact, Pasto is blessed with amazing nature around, Colombia’s most beautiful churches and laid-back vibes. So don’t miss this hidden gem, especially on your way to or from Ecuador. Well, I know most travellers have limited time: that’s how I’ve been in the past…erm…many years. But imagine a city …

City Visits

🇨🇴 You Should (Really) Spend More Time in Medellin

Medellin is a very special place, to say the least. The 2nd most populated city in Colombia and the capital of the Antioquia department, it only vaguely resembles its counterparts Bogotá, Cali or Barranquilla. Scratch under the surface of brick-coloured hills and bodies lying on the pavements and you will surely get a different feeling. Medellin has risen from its terrible past to become the safest, friendliest and most innovative city in Colombia. Of course, alongside the colourful graffiti the city is famous for, not everything is pink. But there is a vibrant life and a city charm that get many …

Culture & Society

🇨🇴”A la orden” – A Beginner’s Guide to Colombian Spanish

Colombian Spanish is one of the most varied we could hear all over South America. Its unique use of words, colourful expressions, and especially the slang of Colombia make it fun to listen to natives from different regions. We don’t think Colombian is the easiest form of Spanish to learn though. Their pronunciation can be hard to understand, especially on the Caribbean coast and in Cali, where many letters are dropped or even replaced (!). We hope this little beginner’s guide will help you find your way through a Colombian conversation! Of course, there is not one kind of Colombian …

Culture & Society

🇨🇴 Coffee Paradise: San Alberto Cafe in Buenavista

At the end of a winding country road one hour from Armenia lies the peaceful small village of Buenavista, in Quindío. Cute, but nothing special. Its square is not particularly charming, its houses are not as colourful as in other villages around. It doesn’t boast a vibrant market. In fact, most visitors, national and foreign, come to the place for just one thing: to drink a cup of the best coffee produced in Colombia. After a mere 15 minute steep walk up the hill from the central square, Julián welcomes us with a warm smile. He is a coffee connoisseur …