COLOMBIA
16 June - 9 July 2018
Map of our roadtrip: Bogota-Villa de Leyva-Bogota-San Agustin-Popayan-Pereira- Medellin- Palomino-Cartagena-Bogota-La Macarena-Cano Cristales-Bogota
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Day 1 (16 Jun)
Flew in from Ecuador to Bogota on Avianca, arriving around 1230pm (S$1,100 for two for the airfares). Our guide met us at the airport and made slight changes to the original schedule due to Election Day. First, we checked Into our hotel in the old town in Bogota. Did a walking tour of Bogotá, seeing the contrast of the modern and historical part of the city. We saw the most important buildings from the colonial era in La Can- delaria, the old town of Bogotá, as well as the government district around Plaza Bolívar with its Cathedral, Palace of Justice, Parliament and Town Hall. Visited Bogotá’s famous museum of the artist Fernando Botero, with its outstanding collection of contemporary art. Then we visited the Gold Museum, which is the highlight, with its unique collection of pre-Columbian gold jewellery. In late afternoon, we took the tram up to the Monserrate where we had a spectacular view of the big city. |
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Day 2 (17 Jun)
We drove to the lake of Guatavita and hike on the legendary Eldorado tracks. After a 30 minutes’ walk through a little forest and typical highland vegetation we reached the crater border at 3000m above sea level. Enjoyed the nice view on the Crater Lake, where once coronation ceremonies of the monarchs of the Muiscas took place. |
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Day 3 (18 Jun)
Today we visited Zipaquirá on our way to Barichara. The drive took about 1h 30min. The nice colonial old town of Zipaquirá gathers numerous buildings of the 18th century. Marvel at the imposing underground salt cathedral, a complete church inside a salt mine and learn more about the religious significance of the place and the importance of the salt for the region and its history. The cathedral is an important religious place and the same time a unique architectural work. We spend about 2 hours here and had lunch in Zipaquira before continuing our journey to Barichara |
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Day 4 (19 Jun)
Embrace nature in the east mountain chain of the Andes, where we enjoyed the typical landscape that characterises the mountains of Villa de Leyva and surroundings. Our tour started with a visit to Ráquira, a small town that lives traditionally by the pottery. Visited various souvenir shops, with all kinds of crafts from all over Colombia and took the chance to buy some souvenir of the region. Also visited a ceramic shop to see how the master make the handcrafted pottery. On the way back to Villa de Leyva, we visited a fossil museum in which, among other things an 8-meter-long ichthyosaur found in the region is exposed. |
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Day 5 (20 Jun)
Today, did a hike begins at a bridge close to Villa de Leyva. After a couple of switchbacks, it follows a line of forest on the hill above the village. Here we enjoyed great views of the valley of Villa de Leyva and Santa Sofía. After about 2 hours (4km, 650m altitude difference) we reached the little hamlet Honduras on a hidden flat. From there we followed the trail through the high Andean forest to the pass at 3.350 m altitude where we arrived at another two hours. From there it is all downhill to San Pedro de Iguaque. Contrasting with the rather dry sur- roundings of Villa de Leyva we arrived in the green potato growing land after another 2 hours walk. Total walking time 6 hours, total walking distance 15km, 1.100 m of ascending altitude difference. |
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Day 6 (21 Jun)
The journey slowly leads from the highlands to warmer region. The road from Villa de Leyva first passes through lush green pastures. From Arcabuco the road winds through a narrow gorge, which opens in the direction of the Río Suárez. On the slopes of Suárez Valley, at an altitude between 1’000 and 1’500 meters above sea level, the way leads from Barbosa to San Gil. Along the way there are numerous opportunities to stop at, for example to look at a traditional sugar mill or to taste the typical Guava mousse. The Caseteja at Oiba is known for this specialty. From San Gil it’s a half hour drive to Barichara. This perfectly preserved village was declared as the most beautiful village of Colombia. The town, located at an altitude of 1’300 m above sea level offers a pleasant temperature of about 26°C. |
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Day 7 (22 Jun)
Explored the region while an easy downhill hike from Barichara to the quiet village of Guane. Along the way, we passed tobacco fields and cow paddocks, enjoyed the view over the Valley of the Río Suárez and the powerful Cordillera de Cobardes. Thereafter, our driver picked us and drove back to Barichara by car. During a leisurely walk, we discovered Barichara with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. In many small galleries and craft workshops there’s always something interesting to discover. From the small chapel of Santa Barbara, we have a beautiful view over the village and the valley of the Río Suarez. |
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Day 8 (23 Jun)
A long and tiring hike today. Started from the hotel with a light breakfast in the car to Jordan Sube at the bottom of the Chicamocha Canyon. Its a tough hike up from Jordan to the top of the mountain under the hot and humid environment. Took us about 3.5 hours to reach the village of los Santos. Walking distance about 7 km, but the altitude difference was about 900 m. The driver took almost same time to drive from Jordan to Los Santos. After that, we drove from Barichara to the canyon del Chicamocha and then up to san Vicente de Churí. Barichara - San Vicente del Chucurí (Private car. Distance 107 km, Duration 3h) |
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Day 9 (24 Jun)
On this tour, everything is about chocolate. We started with a walk through the cocoa plantation with many different cocoa trees. They all have up to 25 cm long fruits that can be red, yellow or brown. After peeling and washing the beans are fermented and toasted which gives them their typical taste. Subsequently the beans are ground and the chocolate is produced. In this tour, we were given chance to make our own chocolate to take home. Back in San Vicente we also saw the cocoa trading sector of the village. After the cocoa plantation visit, we were transferred to Bucaramanga to take a flight to Neiva. San Vicente del Chucurí - Bucaramanga (Private car, Distance 90 km, Duration 2h 30min ) Bucaramanga - Bogotá (Duration of the flight 1h) Bogotá - Neiva (Duration of the flight 55min ) |
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Day 10 (25 Jun)
Our driver cum guide picked us up at 8am and departed from Neiva to San Agustín. The drive took about 3 hours and we arrived at around 1pm to San Agustín, in time to stop for lunch before visit the Park. The Park closes at 5pm. Along the drive, we saw how the landscape changes and the valley becomes more and more narrow, until we finally reached the village of San Agustín. During a coffee break in Gigante at the square of the village, we get to gaze at the huge ceiba tree. The tree gave his name to the village. The region around San Agustín is the most important archaeological site in Colombia as well as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.It is the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. It was only in the 18th century Spanish missionaries reported the mysterious statues in the forests around San Agustín. The modern archaeology has not found out much about the culture, with its peaks from the 6th to the 8th century. Mountainous terrain and the lack of written records make it difficult to research. The Archaeological Park of San Agustín is the place where on a relatively small space a good cross-section is given by the legacy of the culture of San Agustín. The “Ceremonial Fountain” and the "Forest of Statues" are the highlights of this archaeological collection. At each of the mysterious statues we spend a long time wondering if it’s a human or an animal and whether it’s threatening or reassuring. Neiva - San Agustín (Private car, Distance 230 km, Duration 5h) |
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Day 11 (26 Jun)
Today excursion was done on horseback riding. We ride through the canyon of the Magdalena River and reached the Alto de los Ídolos archaeological site. The trail rises gently from the village and cross a hill to the rim of the canyon. After many switchbacks, we reached the bridge across the river facing another series of switchbacks to reach the Alto de los Ídolos. This is a "mirror" site to the archeological park of San Agustín and the setting is even more impressive above the canyon. After exploring the tombs, we ride back to San Agustín. |
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Day 12 (27 Jun)
On the road from San Agustín to Popayan we crossed the central mountain range of the Andes and drove through the "Paramo", the typical high moor landscape of the Andes. The road conditions in the National Park is really bad, so we had bumpy ride for few hours. The sources of four of the largest rivers of Colombia are in this water-rich area. Enjoy during today's ride the Colombian countryside and by good weather the view of the volcano Puracé. In the early afternoon, we reached Popayán, also known as the "White City". San Agustín - Popayán (Private car, Distance 135 km, Duration 6h) |
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Day 13 (28 Jun)
Today, we visited a village of a Guambiano community. These are some of the last indigenous communities in Colombia's highlands that still live according to their traditions. They all, women and men, wear bright blue skirts and colourful ponchos. The blue colour is a symbol for the cosmos and black symbolizes the earth. We had a typical lunch with a local family, getting the opportunity to learn a lot about their lives between tradition and modern Colombia. After lunch, it was a long drive from Popayan to Salento, the coffee zone. Popayán - Salento (Private car, Distance 340 km, Duration 6h) |
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Day 14 (29 Jun)
This morning, we visited the Cocora valley, located at an altitude between 2000 and 2400m (6.500 and 7.900ft). This cloud forest is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park and the principal location of the national tree and symbol of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm. We did another horseback riding to discover the valley. On our way back from the mountains, we had lunch in the restaurant that looks at the valley, so you can enjoy the view while eating. The typical meal visitors always have is Trucha al ajillo (grilled trout in garlic sauce). |
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Day 15 (30 Jun)
During today tour, we learn everything about Colombian coffee, one of the world's best. The Colombian coffee landscape, declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO has unique geographic qualities, resulting in a cup of coffee characterized by a medium-high acidity, round body, good balance and pronounced aroma. The tour in the coffee farm followed the procedure of growing, harvesting and peeling of the beans. Thereafter, we headed to the capital of the departamento of Antioquia. Medellín is the second largest city of the country. It is also known as the eternal spring city because it has an average temperature of 22°C. Along the nearly 200km track we passed through typical little towns of the region and have the opportunity to stop and buy souvenirs or taste an arepa, a flatbread made of ground maize dough or cooked flour. It is to be found everywhere and can be served with various fillings such as cheese (cuajada) and avocado. Upon reaching Medellín, our tour starts at Pueblito Paisa, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the city. The next destination is the historic center of Medellín. Then we visited the Plaza Botero, where you can see an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The tour continues through the busy streets of the center of Medellín to the Parque Boli- var, one of the most beautiful places of the city. The tour continues with a cable car ride (Metrocable) into the neighborhood Santo Domingo, which was in Escobars time notorious for gangs and violence. Immerse yourself in the exciting story of the transformation of Medellín, which was once one of the most dangerous cities in the world and has trans- formed into an exciting cultural place. Salento - Medellín (Private car, Distance 250 km, Duration 6h) |
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Day 16 (1 Jul)
After a short tour in Medellín, our driver and guide drove us to Guatapé. After about 2 hours' drive, we arrived at this peaceful and beautiful town located in Eastern Antioquia. On this daytrip we were taken on a scenic drive through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia. We climbed up the Peñol rock, one of the most spectacular destinations in the surroundings of Medellin. To get on top of the 200m high rock, we need to climb 740 steps that lead you up to the top. Gaze at the wonderful view of the blue lakes and green mountains the region offers. Afterwards enjoy a nice Colombian dish at the coast of the Guatapé lake. Last stop was the village Guatapé is a small, silent spot with nicely warm climate. It is known for his church and the beautiful colored wall paintings of the houses. |
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Day 17 (2 Jul)
We supposed to fly off today to Nuqui for whale watching in the Pacific coast. However, due to technical issues, the airline has no flight out from Nuqui for the next two weeks and hence we were stuck in Medellin for another three nights. So we did a tour to the Communa 13 (slump 13) in the afternoon. |
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Day 18 (3 Jul)
Visited one of the old colonial towns near Medellín, Santa Fe Antioquia. This is one of the hermitage towns in Colombia,, and hence the old buildings are protected and not allowed to make changes. The drive from Medellín to Santa Fe is more than an hour. Not a lot tourists here |
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Day 19 (4 Jul)
Action day! Requested to do the tandem paragliding in mountains near Medellin. Weather was great for paragliding today as the cloud cleared up. The drive from our hotel took less than an hour to arrive at the paragliding office. We opted for 20 mins in the air, which costs about S$85 per person. Jean rented the GoPro camera for taking photos and filming, which costs about S$25. A great experience not to be missed while in Medellin. Jean's pilot kept flying up to the clouds! |
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Day 20 (5 Jul)
Visited a local flower farm to learnt more about the flower festival in Medellin, which is held every August. The drive from hotel to the flower farm took about 1-1.5 hours and we spend about 2-3 hours here. After that, our guide dropped us in one of the small castle near our hotel. |
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Day 21 (6 Jul)
Transferred to the international airport of Medellín on time for our flight today. The drive from the city to the airport took about an hour. Upon arrival, we were transferred from the airport Simón Bolívar of Santa Marta to our hotel. Today, we enjoyed a city tour through the colonial city Santa Marta. We explored the restored historic center and walk along the sea promenade. A little bit outside of the town, we visited sit the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the country home where Simon Bolivar spent his last days. Then, we visited the oldest cathedral in the country and finishing by walking the carrera tercera. Medellín - Santa Marta (Duration of the flight 1h 5min) |
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Day 22 (7 Jul)
This morning, our driver drove us to Tayrona NP, where we spend the day with a local guide. We took the horseback riding to the ruins of Pueblito, a city of the Tayrona indigenous people. From there, we hike about an hour to the famous Cabo San Juan, where we had packed lunch enjoying the crystal-clear water. From here, we hike for another hour to Arrecifes, where you can relax and enjoy the beach. Here, our driver took us back to our hotel in Santa Marta. |
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Day 23 (8 Jul)
Today, we were transferred from Santa Marta to Cartagena. Along the way, we crossed the Río Magdalena in Barranquilla, where the famous Colombian singer Shakira was born. This river measures 1538m and is the longest river of the country. We also get to enjoy the beautiful sea view during this ride along the Caribbean coast. Santa Marta - Cartagena (Private car, Distance 230 km, Duration 4h 30min ) |
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Day 24 (9 Jul)
To get to know the city better we first visited the Fort San Felipe, which was built by the Spaniards to protect the rich city of Cartagena against attacks from the mainland. Cartagena was the place, where the looted treasures of the Incas by the Spaniards and the gold and silver treasures from the mines of Peru and Bolivia were stored for shipping to Spain. Thus, the city was repeatedly the object of desire of many pirates. In the labyrinthine corridors of the fortress, you feel transferred back to the pirate’s time. From the fortress, we get to San Pedro Claver church and monastery. This church was built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits. It was named after the defender and protector of the slaves, Pedro Claver. Known as the “Slave of the slaves” and “The black people apostle”, he fought for the oppressed as well as for the slaves ‘freedom. He lived in this monastery until his last days in Cartagena. His mortal remains are kept in a vase in the main altar. Then, walk through the colonial Old Town. Free and easy in the afternoon, where we went souvenir shopping at the city wall and admire the sunset from the Café del Mar on the city walls. |
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Day 25 (10 Jul)
Today, went for a snorkelling tour in the crystal-clear waters of Rosario Islands. We walked to Diving Planet office at 08:00 am. The diving office is less than 5-minute walk from our hotel. From the office, we were taken to the dock, where we took the boat. An English-speaking professional snorkelling guide was with us at all times. Just one hour by boat from Cartagena, we arrived to one of the best dive sites: The Rosario Islands. - Two snorkel activities from a boat, accompanied by a guide - After the second dive, we were offered a meal: 1 sandwich, fresh fries and soda, juice or water. Returned to the city at 3:00 pm arriving in Cartagena around 4:00 p.m |
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Day 26 (11 Jul)
Transfer from hotel to airport for flight to Panama |
TRIP PHOTOS - COLOMBIA