Travelogue from Colombia: From scepticism to joy

Read about Tom’s experiences in Colombia on his visit to the country in May 2018.

When I found out that I would be travelling to Colombia, I initially experienced a sinking feeling, followed by a certain scepticism. For many years, Colombia has not been a country that you travel to, but now, after several peace agreements, it is back on the map of safe countries to visit. I had always heard that Colombia was supposed to be one of the most amazing countries in Latin America, so it had always been high on my list of countries to visit at some point. My scepticism replaced by joy, I was ready to go!

The capital Bogotá

Finally, the day came when I sat myself down on the KLM aeroplane, destination Bogotá. Bogotá is an exciting capital, which I experienced at close quarters on a Sunday, when many sections of the city’s main roads were closed to allow cyclists, pedestrians, runners, roller bladers and skateboarders to move around without being disturbed by the otherwise normally heavy traffic. It was a unique experience and provided a completely different impression of the otherwise hectic capital.

The beautiful Salt Cathedral

Around an hour and a half from Bogotá is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. An extremely special and emotional experience awaited me here. The Salt Cathedral is 180 metres below ground. It had the most stunning chandeliers and impressive, large, illuminated crosses, with church music playing – it was beautiful.

The world’s best coffee

Colombia is famous for producing the world’s best coffee, so naturally a visit to the coffee region around Armenia is a must. There are, in addition, other highlights such as the Cocora Valley with Colombia’s national tree, the towering wax palms, and the colourful cosy towns of Salento and Filandia.

Medellin’s transformation

Colombia’s second largest city, Medellin, was known as the stronghold of the drug cartels, but today it oozes innovation and is definitely worth a visit. The best thing for me was the guided tour of the Communa 13 district, which young people have transformed, with their colourful and impressive graffiti paintings, into a neighbourhood where people can be and live again. I felt compelled to buy a mini-version of one of their wonderful works to take home with me.

Caribbean Cartagena

At the end of the tour, a stop is made at the famous city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. It is the most beautiful and most colourful city (the old town) in Colombia: Brightly-coloured buildings, balconies adorned with flowers, cosy narrow streets, beautiful plazas, not to mention a Caribbean atmosphere and a Latin American vibe. I am crazy about this sunny city and the fact that I could go on a full-day excursion out to the beautiful island of Isla Grande with its small beaches and azure waters made it a cooling and refreshing experience.

My scepticism has definitely been put to shame. Colombia is amazing and has so much to offer.  The country is ready to welcome tourists and show off all of its impressive highlights. So check out the tours on our website and contact me for further information and a quote.

Tom, TourCompass