The Colombia Collection

Colombia has been an up and coming destination in the travel world recently and after spending one month exploring the ins and outs of the country, I can understand the hype. I explored eight different towns in Colombia, all of which are unique in their own ways. I could have easily spent another month in this country because there is so much to do and see, but here’s what I got up to and some highlights from each town that I visited!

SAN CARLOS

I started off my trip in the small town of San Carlos to attend a week of Spanish school. The program I did was through the company The Spanish Adventure. I booked the adventure package which included two hours of lessons, one hour of tutoring, and afternoon activities daily. These activities included swimming in the river, nature walks, salsa classes, playing the local game of Tejo, and a grand adventure of your choice on the weekend. All of this was included in the price along with breakfast, lunch, and accommodation. This was the perfect introduction to Colombia and I highly recommend doing something like this if learning Spanish is one of your goals. You can find more information about this program here.

Length of Stay

• 7 nights

Where to Stay

• The Spanish Adventure

Highlights

• Going on a Cocoa Tour

• Learning Spanish with my best friend

• Immersing myself into the Colombian culture

GUATAPÉ

After Spanish school ended, it was time to say goodbye to my best friend and continue to explore as much of Colombia as possible. Two hours and two bus rides later, I made it to the colorful town of Guatapé. Guatapé is known for the famous 750 stair rock that you can climb up, their beautiful lake, and for being one of the towns that inspired the Disney movie Encanto. Most people take a day trip here from Medellín but because I came from San Carlos, it made more sense to make it my first stop.

Length of Stay

• 2 nights

Where to Stay

• Lake View Hostel

Highlights

• Exploring the colorful streets of Guatapé town

• Climbing El Peñol

MEDELLÍN

Another two hour bus ride and I made it to the city of Medellín. Knowing myself and how I am no longer a big city girl, I only stayed here for two nights and it ended up being the perfect amount of time for me! Although, the city is huge and there are plenty of things to do and see so you can easily spend a few more days here.

Length of Stay

• 2 nights

Where to Stay

• Baku Laureles Hostel

Highlights

• Comuna 13 Tour

• Taking a cable car ride for views of the city

SALENTO

After Medellín I hopped on an 8 hour bus ride to make it to one of my favorite spots in Colombia! Salento is another town that inspired Encanto and the vibe of this place is simply unmatched. It is also home to the tallest palm trees in the world!

Length of Stay

• 3 nights

Where to Stay

• Viajero Hostel

Highlights

• Valle de Cocora

• Strolling, sipping, and eating on Calle Real

• Playing Tejo at Los Amigos

• High Tacos for the best tacos in Colombia

• Los Chamico de Salento for salsa dancing

TAYRONA

After Salento it was time to say hello to sunshine and the Caribbean coastline of Colombia! My first stop was Tayrona, home of Tayrona National Park, a huge tourist destination here in Colombia. I personally skipped out on visiting the park but I’ve heard such great things from everyone that I met. You can even sleep overnight in the park as well.

Length of Stay

• 3 nights

Where to Stay

• Mama Tayrona Hostel

Highlights

• Down time by the pool

• Sunsets on the roof

MINCA

After soaking up the sun and some much needed R&R, I took a bus and a collectivo to get to Minca, another small town surrounded by some beautiful nature.

Length of Stay

• 2 nights

Where to Stay

• Costeno River Minca Hostel

Highlights

• Swimming in Marinka waterfall

• Sunset at Casa Loma

BARRANQUILLA

Leaving Minca to head to a place that I originally did not plan on visiting, but Shakira’s hometown of Barranquilla is where Carnaval takes place! I simply could not pass up the opportunity to celebrate another culture and I’m so glad I didn’t. If you are ever in Colombia during Carnaval, I highly recommend going!

Length of Stay

• 4 nights

Where to Stay

• Hotel Estefania Princesa 84

Highlights

• The Carnaval Parade

• Street parties that happen every night

• Visiting the Carnaval museum

CARTAGENA

After an insane few days at Carnaval, I headed to my last stop in Colombia. Cartagena ended up being another favorite of mine and I think I saved the best for last. The vibrant colors, the all around vibes, and how the town simply comes to life is such an indescribable feeling.

Length of Stay

• 3 nights

Where to Stay

• Viajero Getsemani Hostel

Highlights

• Strolling around Getsemani neighborhood

• Visiting the Old Town/Centro

• Cafe Havana for salsa dancing

• Belcanto for live music and brunch

And that wraps up my entire month in Colombia- learning Spanish, salsa dancing, meeting the locals, and exploring the colors and corners of this beautiful place has been nothing short of amazing, but now I’m off onto my next adventure. Stay tuned to read what’s next!

Happy Traveling!