“Colombia, a land of vibrant colors and passionate rhythms, where the warmth of its people rivals the brilliance of its emerald mountains and the depth of its coffee-filled valleys.” – Gabriel García Márquez
This is one of the only trips where we used an agent (this is literally the second time in twenty years). We used an agent called Black Tomato. On balance we were glad we did. Some of the day trips they organised for us were pretty unique. The hike in a private cattle ranch in the Cocora Valley is exclusive to Black Tomato and was one of our highlights. Shared a view of the spots we visited below.
Where we stayed: Four Seasons Casa Medina, Bogota, Colombia
Bogota is a necessary stop over for those looking to discover Colombia. Plenty to do for a day or two – but there are better places to explore therafter.
Casa Medina is a great hotel to explore the city from – whilst a walking tour and a good lunch is a decent way of seeing a lot in double quick time. The street art is worth seeing too!
Where we stayed: Casa San Carlos Lodge, Pereira, Colombia
The coffee region in Colombia is a must. Casa San Carlos has extensive grounds full of humming birds and tropical plants. The views over the valley are great from the pool – which is also a great place to watch the sunset.
Cocora valley is a short drive away. Hiking amongst the was pines is definitely the order of the day – but the colourful villages should not be missed either.
Black Tomato organised a tour for us to the Cocora Valley. The valley is home to towering Wax Palms – which can grow to over 200 feet tall. Our tour included lunch overlooking the valley in a private cattle ranch. One of our favourites days hiking and finished with a cold beer and a game of Tejo! Tejo is a traditional game where players throw discus shaped objects at targets that explode on impact soring points.
The location is amazing in its own right – but the tour with BT surpassed expectations!
Cartagena, Colombia
Where we stayed: Casa San Agustin, Cartagena
Cartagena is a vibrant city with rich history and culture. It has been on my wish list ever since I watched Romancing the Stone as a child!
The old walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of colourful streets, lively squares (where seemingly you will be offered every type of narcotic imaginable as standard), and impressive colonial architecture. Felt very safe wandering around.
Cooking Class
Again, organised through BT, we spent a full morning attending a private cooking class. The day started by visiting the local market – which is an experience in itself. Not for the faint hearted – a very authentic experience! It’s an eye opening insight into the way that some of the locals live.
From there we spent a fun couple of hours learning how to make ceviche (yes, that is my standard of cooking – raw fish) and a Colombian rice dish. Really fun way to spend a morning.
Our final trip in Cartagena involved a dual engine speed boat and a trip to Blue Apple Beach on Tierra Bomba Island. Cartagena is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast amidst a variety of marine ecosystems – including mangrove forests – which made for a great morning boat trip.
Great lunch, good snorkelling and a fantastic way to relax for an afternoon away from the bustle of the city and the lingering aroma of the local market!
Interlude. We’ve been to various parts of South America in the past – including Costa Rica and whilst we’ve seen sloths, they’ve always been in the distance. The last place I expected to see them was in Cartagena… but a short stroll from the city centre is Parque del Centenario. This park has a number of resident sloths – so armed with my camera I spent many a happy hour trying to get a decent shot. The park also has parrots, iguanas and monkeys – as you do!
Tayrona National Park
Where we stayed: Villa Playa Tayrona, Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park was possibly my favourite part of our trip to Colombia. It is a stunning location – full of birds and wildlife. Villa Playa was a super chilled place to spend a few days. Beautiful pool, great walk to a sunset bar, cool beach and signs warning you to avoid the cayman – what’s not to love?!
