A varied journey through a beautiful country
Tanya and Maria
After sixty years of friendship, we are going on our first big trip together. For one of us, Colombia is a new experience; the other is also visiting family and friends. Following a few discussions with Petra from Sapa Pana Travel, we have put together a carefully planned itinerary, and we are setting off on this special journey feeling confident and with everything taken care of.
After a long journey via Panama, we arrive late in the evening at our cosy boutique hotel. The next day, we explore the colourful, lively historic centre with its squares, colonial houses and street musicians. In the evening, we take a stroll through the charming Getsemaní district, where music and cheerfulness set the tone. The following morning, we set off for Medellín.
“ Medellín pleasantly surprised us: modern, friendly and never once felt unsafe. ”
We’re met with a warm welcome everywhere we go – what a treat. Our hotel, Quinta Ladera, is a charming and comfortable oasis in the Poblado district. With our guide Nataly, we visit Comuna 13, once a violent neighbourhood but now a symbol of resilience and creativity, with colourful street art, local musicians and lively streets. In the afternoon, we get to know Medellín’s public transport system – the only city in Colombia with a metro. For residents of the higher-lying neighbourhoods, there are teleféricos that depart directly from the metro. Afterwards, we pop into the city centre: a lively chaos of people, noise and music, where we say goodbye to Nataly. In the evening, back in our own neighbourhood, we walk to a lovely restaurant to round off this visit.
Medellín was a pleasant surprise: modern, friendly and never once felt unsafe.
After a short flight to Pereira, we drive through the green hills to the Sazagua Cocora Boutique Hotel, a colourful lodge surrounded by nature. The room is spacious, the view is magnificent. We walk to a waterfall on the grounds and, the following day, explore the Cocora Valley with its giant wax palms, accompanied by our guide Blaney. His stories about the indigenous people, their culture and spirituality leave a deep impression. We’ll never forget the moment he sat on that high mountain meadow playing the pan flute.
We then also visit Salento and Filandia, colourful villages with a relaxed atmosphere.
The next day, at a coffee plantation, we learn all about growing and harvesting coffee, rounding off the visit with a tasting session. We walk back to Salento, where we have lunch at a vegetarian restaurant (yes, that’s possible in Colombia too). Afterwards, we spend some time enjoying the charming streets.
Already halfway through this trip, we set off in a car from Salento towards Bogotá, including a stop-off to visit family in La Mesa. It’s a long drive with a good driver, who gives us the chance to see the variety in landscape and flora as we travel through different altitudes. We have deliberately planned a day’s rest so that we are then ‘ready’ for our intensive visit to the capital.
In the capital, we’ll visit Monserrate, with its sanctuary at an altitude of 3,125 metres and a magnificent view over the city. We then walk to the impressive Museo del Oro. Long before our era, gold, platinum, silver and bronze were crafted into decorative objects in Colombia. The collection is magnificent and we take our time to admire it all.
The following day, we visit La Candelaria in the city centre, home to the government buildings and the cathedral. Here, we attend part of the mass, accompanied by the singing of a large ‘Tuna’ group. We visit the Botero Museum, famous for its ‘chubby sculptures’ but also featuring a surprisingly large number of paintings depicting these figures. The final stop of the day is Usaquén, a former village that has since been swallowed up by the city, where we take our time strolling through the bustling Sunday craft market.
On our final day, we visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, built 180 metres underground in a former mine. It’s impressive, despite the touristy atmosphere. We drive back to Bogotá along a quiet route, our minds filled with memories of a rich, safe and well-organised journey through a surprisingly beautiful country. The warmth of the people and the stunning natural scenery will stay with us for a long time to come.
Would you like to go on a self-guided trip of Colombia or another country in Latin America, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then do have a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.