Absolute can't miss's in Colombia

Robert Jorge says on May 25, 2008, 18:48:

The buses between Bogota, Medellin, and Cali are not dangerous. And they are cheap. There isn't rail service.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 25, 2008, 19:03:

Fantastic! Thank you!
Any Idea how much i could expect to pay for a ride from BOG to MED?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on May 25, 2008, 19:05:

USD 25

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on May 25, 2008, 19:07:

No trains, period. No problem with buses, but the trips can be longgggggggggggg. Small plane into the Amazon? Only way is to rent-expensive. If you ever flew from Bogotá to Leticia(I have) there is no way I would be in anything less than two engines especially if you look out the window at nothing but jungle..

If you are flying from the USA on Avianca check on their Discover Colombia air pass. I contacted them here in Bogotá and my daughter could buy the pass in conjunction with her ticket. The pass allows for an aditional three cities, would be $150USD

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 25, 2008, 19:29:

Sounds great, gracias! Some one told me about a national park that had all the coffee plants and stuff. any idea what that is or where it is? Any other great spots?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 19:40:

There is Parque del Cafe, but it is not a national park, but rather a somewhat cheesy theme park.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 25, 2008, 19:47:

QUOTE: No problem with buses, but the trips can be longgggggggggggg.
Any Idea how long? 4-5Hours?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 19:50:

No, i would think Cali-bog, would be more like 12 hours

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin VIP Hotel says on May 25, 2008, 19:59:

Guatape is awesome! To really enjoy the lake you need to rent a boat or ride on one of the large tourist boats. http://www.medellin-vip-hotel.com/guatape.html

www.medellinviphotel.com & www.rentapartmentsmedellin.com & www.medellintravelersguide.com coming in July

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on May 25, 2008, 20:02:

Even Medellin would be about 8 hours. If you are willing to leave early morning it is a cheap and good way to see the country-take an executive or express bus.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on May 25, 2008, 20:34:

Parque Cafe? con queso? which direction from Cali?

One of my regrets.... with 'ignorance is bliss' sort of attitude at the time, is that on my first trip to Cali in Sept 2005, we didn't get up early enough to make the trip in her car, at the time. Is'nt it about two hours or three drive, from Cali??

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 20:38:

Ducks, it's about 3 hours from Cali on the way to Armenia, near Montenegro, but I would skip it and keep going to Salento and Valle de Cocora (also known as Corcora).

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

TimH says on May 25, 2008, 20:46:

Have t5o agree Vallley of Cocora is mystical - definite don`t miss.

National Parque de Cafe - you`ve got to be out of your mind. A second rate disneyland with a coffee twist. If you want to learn about coffee it`s the last place in the world (after starbucks) to visit. Visit a working coffee farm instead. Less rollercoaster more despulpadora...

It´s better to be silent and thought a fool than open your mouth and prove the fact....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 25, 2008, 21:08:

Valle de Cocora sounds pretty cool. Do you know if there is any place to camp there? Or any where in Colombia to put up a tent for that matter?

Thanks everyone for all the info. Any other do's and don't's would be great. I am a seasoned traveler (42 countries) but want to plan well for Colombia.

ice

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on May 25, 2008, 21:18:

"National Parque de Cafe - you`ve got to be out of your mind"

hey, hey... Tim! It's been said right here on pbh, that I have no mind... jjej. but, as for my gf, three years ago,... meeting me,.... alone,..... in Cali, for our first time... Now, she's really out of her mind.. jajja,... yer right.

(her idea, not mind... jja.. I had little-to-no idea wtf it or I was.)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on May 25, 2008, 21:20:

They said I was going to 'Cali'.. and I said, no problem; I lived in San Diego, San Francisco, and a few other places as a kid ;-)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 21:23:

Yes, there are camping sites in the upper valley. Ask around in Salento. Here is a contact you can start with, he owns a good restaurant in Salento and has a small hotel above it. He can help you with the camping: Juan David Mesa, "Balcones del ayer" (6) 759-3273 cel 312-226-2921, if you want to hire horses and guide up the valley, call Oscar Julian Londono 312-206-6673/313-700-3232

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 21:40:

For a tourist trap, the coffee park isn't that bad (http://www.parquenacionaldelcafe.com/); having said that, Quindío is full of beautiful places that are much more authentic so why go to a theme park? billyb already gave you some great ideas for the area. Colombia is full of cool places and it ultimately depends on what kind of sites you want to see and when you go.

"Es fácil vivir con los ojos cerrados interpretando todo lo que se ve mal..." ~ J. Lennon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Alma del Norte says on May 25, 2008, 21:43:

Salento and the Valle is beautiful. Last time I was there, I hiked up to the burnt-out hotel - Estrella de aguas? Spectacular! You can visit a cafe farm or pan for gold if you are so inclined. billyb - do you know anything about that plaza de toros?

La vida es una rutina

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 21:47:

TimH...beautiful place. I'll have to get in touch with you guys the next time I am in Salento.

"Es fácil vivir con los ojos cerrados interpretando todo lo que se ve mal..." ~ J. Lennon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Alma del Norte says on May 25, 2008, 21:55:

Ah Hah! Tim of The Plantation House. Yup! I'd recommend that.

La vida es una rutina

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 21:55:

Alma, if you call Oscar above, he will take you up to the plaza de toros on horseback as that is one of his most popular rides. You go down to the valley from Salento, cross over to the other side and it is half way up the hills on the other side. About 3 hours there and back. On the way back, ask him to take you up El camino de Los Indios, which is a centuries old indian trail up to Salento (and its indigenous predecesors), that Simon Bolivar used in the war of independence, the trail actually goes all the way to Antioquia. By the burnt out hotel, do you mean Carlos Lehder's old estancia Aleman, right when you get to the main armenia/Pereira road?

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrimm (Moderator) says on May 25, 2008, 21:59:

I believe that there are two commercial flights daily from Bogota to Leticia (capital city of the department of Amazonas, located on "the river").. not small planes by any stretch, and probably a good deal better priced than what a rental might be. Once in Leticia is easy to arrange a hop or passage on local or international boats going points elswhere along the Amazon.

While the roads aren't fabulous, drivers of the major bus lines know what they are doing. Avoid the busetas & collectivos and you should be fine, if tired.. but if it is any consolation the scenery can be spectacular due to te elevation changes.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Alma del Norte says on May 25, 2008, 22:09:

billyb - thanks for that info. I had no idea about the old trail - very interesting. I don't know what the hotel was called. It was burnt during elections a couple of years ago, stands at about 2,500 metres. From pics I've seen, it looked kinda German, jaja.

La vida es una rutina

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 25, 2008, 22:25:

Wow! Thanks alot everyone! Very good info! That really helps me out!

good stuff,

ice

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on May 25, 2008, 22:28:

ice,... jus don't be tellin 'em that 'billyb' sentcha ;-))

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 22:30:

jajaja, that's right, if you mention me, they'll put you on an old nag that's ready for the glue factory.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Alma del Norte says on May 25, 2008, 22:35:

Nope, it was this place, pero no existe nada mas...

Estrella de Agua. (3170m) This rather futuristic building (picture on the front of the map) is a Biological Research Station, but it’s possible for trekkers to stay here. They have 25 beds in dorm rooms at cost of 10000 pesos per person, blankets provided. There is no electricity but there is gas for cooking and a kitchen, which is equipped with (massive) pots and plates, so you can cook food for dinner. The caretakers house is behind the main building, and he will have to open up for you. He can also provide a simple breakfast for the morning (cost 3000 pesos), arrange the night before. There is also a simple building behind the caretakers house where you can ‘camp’ if you have your own kit. This is a good place to stop on the first day.

http://journals.worldnomads.com/will/post/1343.aspx

La vida es una rutina

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 25, 2008, 22:49:

The one I was thinking about was actually called La Posada Alemana. The burnt out hulk still sits right where you turn to go down to the valley.

http://posadaalemana.blogspot.com/

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lcacique says on May 25, 2008, 23:45:

If you get an air pass, why not hit the coastal zone?

"Es fácil vivir con los ojos cerrados interpretando todo lo que se ve mal..." ~ J. Lennon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on May 26, 2008, 00:15:

Ice, I noticed on your other thread that you will be travelling with 5 brothers and sisters, just out of curiosity, how did you all decide on Colombia? And was it unanimous? Or was there some arm twisting involved ;)

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on May 26, 2008, 00:54:

it does keep things exciting, doesn't it, buggey?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lcacique says on May 26, 2008, 01:40:

That's true buggy, but I always drink at least 6 beers before I get on the bus and several on the journey. Nobody has ever told me not to and I figure the drunks are usually the ones that survive crashes, so whatever gets me through...

"Es fácil vivir con los ojos cerrados interpretando todo lo que se ve mal..." ~ J. Lennon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Bill Turley (Moderator) says on May 26, 2008, 06:38:

OK Guys but anyone should also See the Museo del Oro and Monserrate in Bogota, Guatavita and Villa de Levya. The Salto de T is also impressive both as a natural view and the effects of pollution

Mr. Bill Somondoco

0 funny, 0 helpful.

TimH says on May 26, 2008, 07:05:

Just for the record Estrella de Agua - doesn´t exist any more.

It`s a pile of rubble and has been for the past couple of years. The FARC destroyed it 27 months ago to protest at the Senate Election.

Neither does El Bosque which was another place you could stay at (same reason - same timeframe).

It´s better to be silent and thought a fool than open your mouth and prove the fact....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 26, 2008, 08:10:

newbie.....don't give much worry to buses, however, if you followup on your desires to go to amazonas or putamayo you can give a little thought for the safety of your ass there.;

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 26, 2008, 17:31:

WOW! This is getting exciting! MAN! Why'd the FARC burn that place down that sounded perfect!!!! If I cross paths with one of them I'm gonna make um pay! (just kidding).

Quote:"""Ice, I noticed on your other thread that you will be travelling with 5 brothers and sisters, just out of curiosity, how did you all decide on Colombia? And was it unanimous? Or was there some arm twisting involved ;)"""""

YES we were all unanimous. AND Yes we know that Colombia is a dangerous place to visit! We are all Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, Speak perfect spanish and (i think i said this) have been all over the world (42 countries) including some other very dangerous places like Morroco (Especially because we are missionaries), Guatemala < every day there were bodies in the street and major crime on the news and panama city slums. Some parts of LA are'nt too great either. I think staying safe is all about common sense (ironic how it's not so common these days) Being smart and staying out of trouble!

Thanks everyone,

ice

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 26, 2008, 17:43:

AS far as what i was looking for in this post. we are not tourist. we are rugged travelers looking to find the best (out of the way, way off the beaten) in a short time. Camping, hiking, running being standed on the mountains ect.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 27, 2008, 05:51:

overnight on the busses, why waste good daylight

forgot to mention, get on the BIG busses and SEE the bus first. The ticket guys will lie and tell you anything you want to hear. Bring some TP too.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 27, 2008, 05:53:

black belts in tae kwon do - big deal down here (no offense meant)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 27, 2008, 06:04:

and yes, skip the dopey parks (unlees you got kids, even then skip 'em)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bickerss says on May 27, 2008, 07:52:

Dont Miss Parque Tayrona around Arrecifes and then the Lost City trek (6 days) which is awsome.

Investment Strategy - buying when others are crying!! Offloading when others are gloating!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on May 27, 2008, 11:41:

This is from the Black Sheep Hostel's site... http://www.blacksheepmedellin.com/EcoTermalesSanVicente.html

I spent a day there during the week and it was great. There were only 4 other people there so really quiet during the week not so much on weekends.

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 27, 2008, 18:08:

Quote: "black belts in tae kwon do - big deal down here (no offense meant)"

oh yeah? you want to go at it big boy?

ice

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on May 27, 2008, 18:28:

ice...LOL

I think it was meant that some colombians like to end a fight with a gun... hehehe

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ice says on May 27, 2008, 21:03:

guns are for sissy's!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on May 27, 2008, 23:43:

I agree ice but you got to admit guns are effective. Should be an intersting trip with your clan. I think you guys will trun many heads in colombia. You'll have many fond memories.

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on May 28, 2008, 15:51:

that's a 'from the hip', punk remark...."guns are for sissys" if that, young friend, is your attitude, i as one in colombia for many years would suggest you change it and make your first line of defense, a smile.

once you're off the beaten path, it's the old 'wild west'. and it ain't six shooters, it's fifty shooters, which they employ, promptly, with a smile and with abandon. keep your wits about you if you head for the south east, use cordial common sense, and NEVER be a smart ass. happy trails.

patriarch

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 29, 2008, 12:46:

I think it is "sissies" not "sissy's" which would mean something belonging to a sissy.

A family of Tae-kwon-doing gringo missionaries in Colombia - "sigh". One reason not to look back when I leave soon.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on May 29, 2008, 14:57:

yea bufalo, I think Colombia is better off with sex tourists than missionaries... LOL

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 29, 2008, 16:46:

... if I had to choose......

That is a tough one. I couldn't stand seeing the missionaries when I lived in Leticia, or other parts. Think how ridiculous it would be if a bunch of indigenous people got off a plane in JFK, walked up to some telemarketer or other 9-to5er on a break on a city street and told them:

"Where here to save you"

Same thing in reverse.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on May 29, 2008, 17:04:

... I wish they would.

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on May 29, 2008, 17:23:

They actually would save them! Show them a different side of life.

These other guys go into the jungle, where the local fish and then...... wait a second, that's about the most difficult part of their day... and feel the need to teach them economics and english oh and yes that they're going to hell if they don't change gods - good one.

I saw a bunch of indigenous all covered up and started asking. Turns out a bunch of lulus showed up telling them about hell and all and that now they have to dress and behave differently. What a waste.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor Avianca sucks major.

0 funny, 0 helpful.