In February 2024, we had the pleasure of exploring Colombia, Chile, and Argentina for several weeks. All three countries were wonderful, but Colombia stands out for us and deserves our unequivocal recommendation.
The country offers a lush jungle paradise, breathtaking white Caribbean beaches, and a fascinating wildlife.
Reasons why a trip to Colombia is worthwhile:
Fantastic Weather.
Diverse travel experience: From small beach villages and dreamy Caribbean beaches to the mountainous inland with beautiful hiking routes and exciting cities like Medellín, Colombia offers a diverse landscape. It feels like traveling through multiple countries in one.
Fascinating Culture: Colombia's culture differs significantly from Europe's, offering an intriguing and exciting contrast.
Easy Travel and Good Bus Network: Getting around Colombia is straightforward, thanks to an excellent bus network. Whenever we wanted to go somewhere, we simply went to a bus station without booking in advance. We never had to wait longer than half an hour, even for longer bus rides such as Santa Marta to Medellín.
Affordability: Colombia is relatively inexpensive compared to other destinations. We paid an average of €30 for simple private accommodations for two people, around €5 per person for dinner with a drink, and approximately €10 per person for a 3-hour bus ride.
Engaging (and Complex) Recent History.
Safety Outside of Cities even at night.
Friendly and Helpful Locals.
Paradise for Wildlife Enthusiasts, Especially Birdwatchers.
Ideal for Outdoor Sports Fans (Surfing, Kite-Surfing, hiking)
Reasons against traveling to Colombia:
Language Barrier: If you love interacting with locals but don't speak Spanish.
Limited Time: If you only have a short amount of time. While you might be able to visit Cartagena in a week or less, you'll only get a very small glimpse of the country.
Digital Nomad Requirements: If you need stable and fast internet outside the cities.
Safety Concerns in cities at night: Despite improvements in city safety, you might feel uneasy in some areas, particularly on quiet streets and after dark.
Vegetarian/Vegan Diet: If you're vegetarian or vegan, as most restaurants outside the cities offer limited or no vegetarian options.
In conclusion, Colombia has it all and combines everything a traveler could desire. We hope to return soon.
