Colombia Travel Forum

I am planning a trip to Cali in Nov! what is the safest way to get there? Is there a airport? or will iI have to fly to Bogota and drive? I am very worried about driving from city to city in colombia. Tell me how to get there! Thanks

I’ll be traveling to several South American countries this summer and one of my flights connects through Medellin, Colombia.

Has anyone out there connected through this airport? If so, do you have to clear customs before going to your connecting flight and how much time do you need?


Thanks in advance for your advise!

Hi, I will go with my husband and my kids to Bogota. I just start to worry a bit much about the fact that so many tourists are being kidnapped on a regular base in the country. Is the city itself safe or is the farc also very present in the city? Is it very dangerous to be there with 2 small kids?
C.-

Hi I am 25 years old and traveling on my own to Colombia and Venezuela. If any of you fellow travelers plan on visiting these two gorgeous countries, let me know and we can meet up. About me: i'm a girl, half Spanish, friendly, outgoing and very adventurous!

Happy Travels :)

We will be in Santa Marta on a small ship from 10 am to 5 pm on about the 14th of November. I would really like to visit friends in Cartegena, but I gather that would be difficult to do.

I would like to see local historic type places, including lighthouses and cemeteries and museums. Is Santa Marta a good place to do that? The only tour mentioned from the ship is the Santa Marta City Tour and Folkloric Show which apparently includes:

"The cathedral, built in four years later by the Dominicans, was named the Church of Santa Ana, and historians described the walls of the cathedral as "built with the barril boards carried by the river when it swelled." The Customs House is an architectural monument, beautifully restored and preserved as the Bank of the Republic's Gold Museum. It exhibits pre-Columbian artifacts and includes a small yet priceless collection of Tayrona gold and pottery pieces. San Pedro de Alejandrino Village dates back to the 17th century. It is a country estate outside the city limits and has been the setting for many significant events in Colombian history. In 1830, don Joaquin Mier y Benitez offered his home to the Great Liberator Simon Bolivar—a refuge for this last days. It was later declared a National Monument by the Colombian Government. Not only has the interior of the house been preserved, but the many gardens have also been restored to their former glory by National Tourism Corporation. El Rodadero is a lively strip of hotel and apartments built around the Gaira Bay, where the beaches are particularly lovely. You will stop at a local hotel for a special folkloric show, soft drinks and beer, with a chance to shop for handicrafts before returning to the ship."

Could we perhaps do this on our own? Could we hire a taxi to take us around? (I don't walk terribly well.)

I hear that the fishing village is a good place to scuba from. I don't know if a scuba excursion here would be possible within that time frame. We are certified, but have not dived in awhile, so would need a short refresher.

Where in Cartagena is "ELECTRA CLUB." A CLUB? WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE GO THERE?

I want to travel from Cali, Colombia to Guayaquil, Ecuador soon. WhAt is the address of the bus terminal in Cali that has international buses.

Over the years I have invested alot of research on the western portion of Colombia. I understand the "Hidden dangers"and am willing to take precautionary chances going and getting there. I would like to note that I am not going there blindfolded, I've been doing my homework. I am wondering how feasible (legality wise), it would for me to become a permanent citizen. My longterm goal and ambition is to live with the Choco Embera tribe...if things meet my satisfaction.
living a rugged lifestyle is nothing new to me. Being a previous survivalist for years, I would like to live in a community to allow surviving a little more practicle and enjoyable, or a the very least, tolerable. And the bonus of a place I find sooo beautiful (flora, fauna, culture) is a dream come true. I study herpetology and am currently researching Dendrobatidaes, and find that this would not only benifit me, but also herpers, and the scientific community. Possibly I can discover what exactly it is that brings out the alkaloid properties producing the Batrachotoxin in the Phyllobates terribilis.
My goal, of course, is to stay out of mainstream. I am not for modern industrialzation. I am primitive by heart. I do not wish to built up or promote businesses, but ultimatly inhance insight, opening up those gates of a splenderous world revealing a world and how they benifit within a closed tribal community whos lifestyle is nestled in a remote and inaccessible rainforest away from industrial influences, and how they have learned to share and coinciding with nature, reaping a lifestyle that build up the very fabric woven withing these tightly knit communities.
Thanks for reading and any responce.

Does anyone know of a nice Hotel to stay in Villa de Leiva and in Anapoima. We are planning a trip sometime in December.

Hello - I thought I would pose this question just in case someone has had experience in this issue. I am looking at flight from Washington, DC to Lima, Peru and found flights on the return on Avianca Aerovias via Bogota. The connection on the flights is only 35 min. Normally, I wouldn't choose such a tight connection, but it seems like a regular part of the schedule. Has anyone has such a tight connection in Bogota and/or aboard Avianca Aerovias? Although I may be able to get myself onboard, I doubt my luggage would make the connection. Thank you for any input!

I am planing a trip to Cali and recently I have heard it is not safe for me to go there. I have been to Bogota 3 times and have not had problems. But I was just told that it is danegrouis for me in Cali? I know I am a gringo but do know what not to do. well I want to visit but now I am haveing second thoughts. what do you think? can someone tell me a good hotel safe nice location, pool just good hotel I am young so i will want to party a little. but I dont want to put my self in danger.. please tell me where to go.....Thanks Gringo who loves south america

Is there a bus company in Colombia that goes from Barranquilla, Atlántico to Cali, Valle de Cauca. I see that Expreso Brasilia goes only as far as Bogotá.

I am going to stay in Pereira Colombia for two weeks (dental work)
What are some interesting places to visit and things to do in the area?

Thanks
Steve

Hello does anyone know where to go fishing off a boat in Cartagena, Santa Marta or Barranquilla? My first time going to Colombia and am an avid fisherman.

Is it possible to find out what gear I will need or if fishing companies in Colombia provide them, tackle shops?

Alguen sabe donde pescar en Cartagena, Santa Marta o Barranquilla? Si necesito traer mi propias cosas pa pescar o si tienen tiendas de pescar en donde comprar/rentar. GRACIAS

Quiero saber cuales son los HOSTELs en donde los aventurosos van y que no cobran mucho por noche.

I want to know which are the hostels that are frequented by the adventurous travelers and that do not charge a lot per night.

Gracias, thanks.

Are there credible hostels in Cartagena that, for the budget traveler is worth while? Or should I spend an extra $20 a night for a hotel?

Also, Im in California and not sure if its better to keep the itinerary open and not reserve a room until Im in Cartagena. June 20th is the expected date of arrival in Cartagena. Should I just walkin with my girlfriend and hope there is room available??? Thanks for now.

My travel buddy just announced she will not be able to make her trip so i will be in Cartagena alone on May 25 -28.

I will be visiting my family in Medellin and then flying to Cartagena since the flight back to LA departs from there. I wanted to see if there were any travelers i could connect with here that might be there during those days...you just never know.

I would love to go snorkeling to las islas del rosario and spend a day there, and have some company to go dancing. I am originally from Medellin, but i live in Los Angeles...

Good company makes travelling so much more fun and interesting!

Estare en Medellin la semana que viene para visitar a mi familia, pero ahora mi amiga me acaba de informar que no me podra acompanar a Cartagena - Estare en Cartagena el 25 de Mayo hasta el 28 - Alguien estara alli durante esos dias?? Que rico tener compania para ir a las islas del rosario, o para ir a bailar.???

Angelica

HOLA A TODOS QUE TAL, ALGUIEN ME PODRIA DECIR LA MEJOR LINEA AEREA PARA VIAJAR DE BOGOTA A BARCELONA? POR IBERIA? MAS O MENOS EN CUANTOS PESOS VIAJE REDONDO PARA MEDIADOS DE MAYO. GRACIAS DE ANTEMANO Y SALUDOS A TODOS DESDE MEXICO.

Where does one go in Barranquilla to renew a 30-day tourist visa? I'm from the US, if that matters.

Hi VT-ers,
I am heading off to Cartagena at the end of May. I am planning to stay in the Old Colonial City, in El Centro or San Diego and spend four full-days visiting the city and the surrounding area. Safety-wise, is there any specific "do" and "don't" I should be aware of, other than taking the usual precautions mandated by common sense?

Thanks for your help!
Giuseppe

We will be in Cartagena this August on a 1-day stop on a cruise. My wife and I tend to like the "do it at your own pace" type of exploration as opposed to a tour where you are timed down to the minute (as all of the excursions offered by the ship seem to be).

What suggestions does anyone have about how best to do it? We're more interested in the history, sight-seeing & unique shopping aspects rather than the beach (plenty of that on a cruise already).

Following is the cruise's description of the city - and it sounds great! But what we're looking for is a good and safe way to go about this on our own scheduled. We are there from 9:30-5:30.

"Step back in time in Cartagena amidst the scenic northern coast of Colombia. Stroll down narrow cobblestone streets of this seaport town and explore the famous walled colonial city, brimming with cafés, restaurants and shops. Wander the Bocagrande, the picturesque avenue bordering the beach, or delight in a visit to the 16th-century Cathedral with its majestic exterior. Tour Cartagena's oldest church, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, or behold the fascinating exhibits in the Palacio de la Inquisicíon. Stand in the shadows of the 17th-century Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, an ancient hillside fortress built to protect the city against pirates, or revel in the spectacular seaside views from the Convento de la Popa, a 400-year old monastery."

Hi all!

I'm interested to hop on a sailboat from Panama to Cartagena. Two questions: (1)Can anyone recommend a good cpt/boat in Colon to arrange w/ in advance? (2)Is the weather safe for sailing in early July, ie tropical storms frequent or not?

Would love to hear from anyone who has done this! Thanks!!

Hello everyone,

I will be heading down to South America later this year to study my last semester of law school in Quito, Ecuador. While I have wanted to visit the Andean countries for nearly a decade (and plan to visit Peru and Bolivia as well) I have recently been turned on to traveling in Colombia as well. I won't have a ton of time so am looking for those who have traveled there and know the places I am interested in to give me an estimate on how much time to dedicate to seeing the following places in Colombia:

- Cartagena, Santa Marta/Taganga, Tayrona National Park, Lost City 6-day hike
- the Zona Cafetera and the wax palms
- colonial cities such as Villa de Leiva near Bogota and Popayan
- San Agustin

I imagine Bogota would be a natural place to pass through and visit as well. Although not sooo interested in the cities people say that Cali has great salsa dancing (which I love) and would also love to see all the Botero works in Medellin.
I would be traveling to and from Quito on this trip and would be willing to do overnight buses (where not completely sketchy) and internal flights to make things go faster.
Is there anything I am missing? Also, if I only had a maximum of 2-3 weeks, what can I reasonably see in that amount of time and what SHOULD I make sure I don't miss?

Thanks so much!

Has anyone spent the night in El Dorado airport? I arrive late and leave early. Would it be sketchy to just crash out in a seat there?

Im going back to Bogota in a couple days I will be there for My girlfriends Birthday. I want to take he out to dinner and dancing give me some places to go..please.. also I know there are alot of parks in the north part of Bobota and would like to plan a little picinc with her in one of these parks.. is it allowed to have picins there. well also any other sugestions you can give will help.. also what about a day spa? messasges, mud traetments????? thanks

Hi!
I am planning to do South America tour, but still have not decided if I should include Colombia in my itinerary.
I would be traveling alone, therefore my question is how safe it is for a girl traveling alone?

hi all, any tips on beach towns not too touristy. good food, ppl, coffee, drinks... and some colonial architecture? or any rivers, etc places must go to? tks

anyone know any Colombian's living near MN?? or close?

wanted to meet for info on travel to Colombia

Thanks much

JW

Hi, I'm travelling to Colombia in July, and currently pulling together my schedule.. I'm really keen to do some jungle trekking and ideally on the river in canoes. Can anyone let me know where is the best place to do this, and if there's any guides/tours that you know of who do this? thanks.

hola, soy gianni desde italia y llegere en cali por trabajo y me quedere , creo, cinco meses....estoy buscando un cuarto donde vivir y me gustaria conocer alguien por hacer conocencia .
saludos...
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