Steer clear of tourist traps on your trip to Colombia and head for these offbeat places instead
Colombia is the only South American country to border both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and boasts diverse landscapes of mountain ranges, rainforests and postcard beaches. So it’s no surprise that Colombia’s cities are some of the most varied on the continent, from the buzzing nightlife of Bogotá to the Afro-Caribbean spirit of colonial Cartagena and Medellín’s friendly vibe. Yet somewhat more rewarding are the delights you’ll find outside of these world-famous destinations; take a break from the city and add a few extra excursions to your itinerary…
Parque Natural Chingaza
Bonkers Bogotá is envied for its happening nightlife and, as the capital’s party scene is considered to be one of the best across Latin America, drinking cocktails and dancing are high on the to do list here. Yet late nights will ruin your day plans; a banging head and aching feet are known for limiting travel.
Swap your heels for walking boots, chichi beer for water and glamour for natural beauty in Parque Natural Chingaza, just an hour and a half from the city. This nature reserve is home to stunning Andean forest landscapes perfect for both camping and trekking. Those bold enough to brave the chilly temperatures can take a dip in the Siecha lagoon; at 3,500m above sea level it's refreshing to say the least.
The biodiversity of flora and fauna makes this park the perfect location for budding photographers and wildlife watchers. Lucky travellers may even catch a glimpse of the bears, toucans or condors that live here. Head to one of three spectacular observation points for the best views of the park's undulating landscape.
Very few tour agencies offer day trips to the park, although they do exist. Your best option is to get a chartered taxi (charged by the hour) or to hire a car, which is necessary if you want to camp. Prior permission is required to enter the park, which can be obtained at no extra cost online.
The entrance fee is 33,000 Colombian Pesos (£11/$18) and 7,000 (£3/$4) for students. See here for more information on directions, camping and park activities.
The paisas of Medellín are perhaps the most friendly bunch of locals you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. They’ll bend over backwards to make you feel welcome, inviting you to their home for a family meal, showing you around the city, and treating you like royalty!
If, however, white knuckles are more appealing than not lifting a finger, head out of the city to try out the best of eco-adventure tourism. Several agencies offer an array of thrilling sports in the lush, mountainous surroundings, from abseiling and rafting to bungee jumping and paragliding, and all other extremes in between. The adrenaline junkie won’t be disappointed.
Three hours from Medellín, Antioquia is a top spot for adventure sporting in the Andean region.
Once acclimatised to the stifling wall of humidity that greets any traveller to Cartagena de Indias, you will fall in love with its blend of colonial architecture and Caribbean rhythm. Although all of the city’s gold was swiped in the 16th century and taken to Spain, it still remains a real treasure. The old town is the main attraction in the centre, but to escape the city's heat most travellers head to the white sand beaches to unwind.
The island of Playa Blanca is perhaps the best beach around but, as a result, it’s very popular. Go here and you’ll be lumped into group lunches, while sharing the scenery in your idyllic beach photos. For a cheaper, less crowded day head to the main stretch of the beach in Cartagena and barter with a local boat owner for a trip across to the nearest island. Enjoy massages, grilled fish with coconut rice and exclusive, albeit somewhat over-attentive, treatment.
Alternatively, for a little local culture, retrace Cartagena’s roots in the town of San Basilio de Palenque, where dances, languages and rituals of the African descent are still in full swing.
Buses leave from the city's main terminal twice a day and arrive in 45 minutes for a cost of approximately 7,000 Colombian Pesos (£3/$4).
Caffeine fiend or not, sampling the authentic Colombian blend is an absolute must and in the region known as the Coffee Triangle, the home-grown commodity is not just a beverage, but an experience in itself. A coffee-inspired (though uninspiring) theme park is a good choice for the kids and a short bus ride away from Armenia, but for a more gratifying day out, get stuck in with agrotourism.
Away from the city centre, Panaca National Park invites travellers to participate in the daily tasks of a coffee plantation: visiting eco-villages, collecting coffee beans and even caring for farm animals. Sounds too much like hard work? The Coffee Triangle’s diverse landscape also boasts volcanic hot springs close to Armenia and Pereira; the salt and mineral-enriched waters will cleanse, alleviate stress and make for a perfect detox after all that caffeine consumption.
Direct bus routes from Armenia to Panaca are hard to come by and in order to get to the least visited of the hot springs, San Vicente, you have to make your way to Santa Rosa de Cabral; buses leave daily, but with a limited schedule. Hiring a car is probably the best option; the farm is only a 40 minute drive away and the route to San Vicente takes about two hours.
For more information about the park and springs, visit their website.
