Backpacking Colombia is truly an amazing experience. Luxury: Akawanka Lodge. Creating an ultimate itinerary for a country you've never visited can be challenging. First of all, you cannot miss the San Agustin Archaeological Park that is home to hundreds of statues and tombs scattered not only here but even in the towns' surroundings. Because of its close proximity to the equator, Colombia doesnt get classic seasons and the day/night balance doesnt really change much either. From the late 1970s through the 1990s, the Colombian people endured a whole hell of a lot of trama, war, and terrorism. This fest takes places in May. Cartagena's streets with strikingly colorful houses with cute balconies are very photogenic, so grab your camera and start searching for the best photo opportunity. Here you can kayak, paraglide, and bungee jump! // The Tradition Se A sweet little travel gadget, and where we are hea You are adored {even without fame or fortune}. Two-month Colombia and Ecuador itinerary Visit Colombia and Ecuador. Day 10: Take transport to Cartagena. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. Tourists can use this travel itinerary for Ecuador and Colombia, which is available in reverse. Santa Marta is the hub for Northern Colombia but I recommend basing yourself in nearby Taganga. When time allows, make sure you take the old cable car to the top of the hill to get stunning views of the area. Welcome! You wont just save serious $$$, youll experience a different culture, cool projects, meet new people and integrate into the community in a different way. Atom Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP) as its currency, while Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD). My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. Here you can findpeaks are as high as 5,330 metres above sea level. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Enjoy the luxury of having one month in this wonderful country! Compare similar trips and tour companies to find your perfect vacatio Zona Rosa is a great place to go for drinks in the evening. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. Afterward, head to the postcard-perfect Cartagena. Santa Martas Hostels are the best option for a few nights. The next stop on our Colombia itinerary is Salento, which is about 8 hours drive from Jardin. Mid-range: Hotel Kantarrana Urbana Jardin | Ensure that you buy your park permit in advance in the peak season, and do not forget that the park closes its gate from late January throughout February (dates sometimes change, check out the up-to-date info before your travels). Mid-range: Casa de las Dos Palmas | I also saw the magnificent arboretum and traditional plazas with their cobbled streets and bouncy houses to taste the local culture. Re: Itinerary 12 years ago Next, Las Penas vibrant area is interesting enough to explore. After Cartagena, we are not afraid to say it is another destination every traveler visits. The fastest and most practical method to go to Medellin from Bogota is via plane. Festival de las Flores:The festival takes places inMedelln, Antioquia. As long as you plan ahead of time how you want to reach Ecuador from Colombia, you should be able to make it work. Although temperatures tend to dip in the evening, the summertime (June to August) can be rather hot. There are many places to see and activities, from the colonial La Candelaria districts cobblestone lanes, home to many of the oldest buildings and libraries on the continent, to the contemporary galleries and vibrant nightlife of Zona Rosa. Check out some of their awesome itineraries for Colombia here. Colombia, Galapagos / Ecuador. With chilled surfing beaches, crazed parties, bustling cities, lost cities, and incredible scenery, Colombia is a country that should be on every backpackers wishlist. Most nations around the world dont require a visa to backpack Columbia, which is awesome! Their culture is a very important part of their identity and they should always be treated with respect. The very touristy El Poblado area is where most backpackers base themselves, but I far preferred the quieter Envigado. Howevernot all tour operators are created equalthat is for sure. Cartagenas safety might be a bit questionable, so be careful. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. If youre going to convert your dollars to COP, find out the conversion rate & how much COP it equals to prior. Like literally they were marched to the ATM and forced to pull out millions of pesos, otherwise, the five angry young men who were pretending to be their friend just minutes before would beat them to a pulp. Cunto cuesta? Ecuador - Travel with Camila Baum Festival:One of the newer Bogota music festivals, Baum Festival is an electronic-music event organized by the popular nightclub of the same name. To save time, it is better to take an overnight bus from Cartagena to Medellin. how to cross the land border from Cali to QuitoBus travel from Cali to Quito takes 15 hours and 7 minutes, costing $60 to $90. This hike is a must if youre in the area. When it comes to getting around Colombia, the distances can be a problem. My favourite dish was by far empanadas, theyre a great snack & are filled with a variety of toppings. 2 or 3 weeks in Ecuador budget. Additionally, you may go on a fascinating tour of Gabriel Garcia Marquezs former residence, the House of the Flower. Day 11: Explore Cartagena and dont forget to enjoy the nightlife. Fly into Bogota, Colombias capital and enjoy the amazing food and nightlife. With so much to learn, lets begin organizing your 3-week adventure immediately. Its got a laid back travel vibe! Below I have provided essential information and Colombia travel tips for your backpacking adventure, including the best time to travel to Colombia, how much to budget for Colombia, and a guide to Colombian cuisine. Why should you visit Los Nevados National Park? An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! Again, thank you! You can travel to Santa Marta by bus from Cartagena in around 5 hours (50,000 cop for the express bus). Palomino is a great spot, so check out the best hostels in Palomino before you go! Day 25: Visit the Valle de Cocora. If you are looking for an affordable place to crash, their small guesthouse is called Casa Iguana (locatd by the health center). I strongly recommend booking accommodation in advance during the high season. Chingaza National Park: This park north of Bogota has some fantastic treks to do in the mountains. One Month Ecuador Itinerary - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Ecuador Remember if you are going to buy some local handicrafts from them, dont haggle so low as to insult all of the hard work that went into making it! In terms of organized activities in Minca, there are many operators to choose from. Dont be that backpacker. We decided to hike the whole loop that took us about five hours, but it is also possible to walk a shorter trail that will get you to the valley as well. The Grayl Geopress is the markets leading filtered water bottle protecting your tum from all the waterborne nasties. This destination is rather known among locals, but it has a lot to offer, even if you have only one day. 3 Weeks in Colombia: A Freaking EPIC Itinerary - Project Untethered (a very light weight insult), Shit eater Come Mierda (for better effect! Surfing in Columbia is gaining popularity as this beautiful country opens its doors to the rest of the word. The itinerary can start in Quito and finish in Cali or Cartagena. There are lots of long distance buses which vary in price depending on the company, I recommend booking buses in advance during the high season. No more boring hotels you deserve WAY BETTER. When traveling in Colombia, you must consider that distances between cities are often vast, and it takes time to get from one place to another. Colombia has a pretty saucy reputation when it comes to drugs & sex, especially in Pablo Escobars hometown Medellin. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. Mid-range: Hotel Pop Art Las Colinas | This is one of the biggest parties of the year in all of South America, perhaps only rivaled by the Carnaval parties in Brazil. In the 1980s and 1990s, Escobar was responsible for ordering the killings and bombing that resulted in tremendous loss of life in Colombia. If you're planning on completing the classic gringo trail (Colombia through the Andes, and then up to Brazil - or vice versa) then you'll need a minimum of 6 months. There is almost nothing in Santa Marta to get particularly excited about; however, there are lots of truly amazing places nearby. You can easily arrange this yourself and get there by public bus. You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you. Consider staying in Casa Moringa for a truly unique experience; living it up in a mansion overlooking the sea. Visits to Quito are complete with exploring the citys historic centre and everything it offers. There are international buses that you can catch from any major city. ), Two beers please Dos cervezas por favor. By the way, having a fully charged mirrorless camera all the time is one of the best tips we can give you, as Colombia is so colorful, it would be a shame at least not to try to capture it all. Tatacoa Desert: Desert in Colombia? Budget: La Cabrera Hotel Boutique | TRAVEL TIPS. Mid-range: Villa Gaddiel | Stay safe with our Medellin safety guide. Or, depending on your flight, you can take an overnight bus to Cartagena. This festival happens every year during the first two weeks of August and lasts around 10 days. Full Guide: Colombia to Ecuador by Bus | Stories along the Road Great social party vibes here. Day 14: Check out whatever you havent gotten to see in Cartagena. Budget: Hotel Jardin Antioquia | San Gil is the adventure capital of Colombia; if youre after rafting, caving or trekking this is the place to go. However, it can be time-consuming and occasionally uncomfortable. It is important to know that hiring a knowledgeable guide is highly recommended because of poor signage and low clouds and mist that can confuse a first-time traveler. My three weeks in Colombia and Ecuador were indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, city guide, south america, colonial town, Colombia Travel Guide, what to see and do, travel guide, travel itinerary, south america, Tayrona National Park, Colombia offers an incredible array of cute colonial towns, things you should know before visting Medellin, Tatacoa desert is the second largest desert in Colombia, explore the wonderful landscape around San Agustin, 11 Best Colonial Towns in Colombia You Can't Miss, Medellin: Things to Know Before Your Visit, Cartagena de Indias Travel Guide: Best Things to Do.