Travel through Colombia with your family for a month!
In December, our family of seven embarked on an amazing month-long journey through Colombia. Every member of our family had suggested where they wanted to go. We mainly focused on the highlights, and we wanted to spend a longer time in Medellín.
We received a very warm welcome in Colombia and were given an incredible amount of information by guides who were, on the whole, incredibly enthusiastic and very proud of their country. All the transfers went smoothly; the guides and the spacious private coach we travelled in were always well ahead of schedule and made sure we had everything we needed. They told us all the ins and outs, from what to look out for to where to find good food. If we had any special requests, these were arranged through Sapa Pana Travel’s Colombian partner.
“ We took that list to Sapa Pana Travel and they put together a fantastic trip for us. ”
Bogotá
We saw so much! In the huge and bustling city of Bogotá, we went on a city trip by bike, tasted loads of fresh fruit, visited Montserrat, the Museo del Oro and the Botero Museum, and went for a walk through La Candelaria. We also visited the other city, Medellín, which is undergoing a lot of positive change. Highlights included Comuna 13, the metro and cable car, Plaza Botero, the Museo de Antioquia and the trendy Parque Lleras. In the surrounding area, we visited the beautiful Río Claro. And last but not least, one evening we went to see the impressively illuminated Christmas decorations above the River Medellín, created by the city’s residents. It wouldn’t be Christmas if you hadn’t been there with your family. There was food and drink everywhere; it’s absolutely overwhelming.
Villa de Leyva
Outside these cities, we drove from Bogotá via Guatavita to Villa de Leyva. In Guatavita, our Muisca guide taught us that true wealth does not lie in gold. Their Eldorado is the sun and being at one with the elements of water, fire, air and earth. Villa de Leyva is a lovely little town with a charming square, set in beautiful surroundings featuring prehistoric archaeological sites. Of course, we also visited the enormous salt cathedral in Zipaquirá.
Cocora Valley
The Cocora Valley, with its mist, 60-metre-high wax trees and colourful villages, was an oasis of tranquillity. Naturally, a visit to a Finca del Café was a must. We learnt about the coffee-making process and gained a greater appreciation for our coffee. And what a lovely hotel we stayed in there!
Ciudad Perdida trek
Santa Marta is a bustling city with a very lively centre. And it’s the gateway to the beautiful Tayrona National Park. This is where our group split up. Four younger family members set off from here on a trek to Ciudad Perdida. A very gruelling trek through a stunning jungle. Extremely hot and humid, but an adventure they’ll never forget. They met members of the indigenous Kogi tribe and spent the night in the mystical Ciudad Perdida after climbing countless steps. Those of us who stayed behind enjoyed the peace and quiet, but also went on some wonderful walks along the coast and in Tayrona Park.
Cartagena
Finally, we made our way to Cartagena. What a lovely city, with its restored old colonial buildings and the trendy, up-and-coming neighbourhood of Getsemani. And of course, we watched the sun set whilst enjoying a drink and some great music at Café del Mar.
A country of many faces
Wealth and poverty in all their forms. We were able to experience Colombia with all our senses. The hustle and bustle of the cities, with their cacophony of car horns, music, lively people, exhaust fumes, street vendors everywhere, refuse collectors with their handcarts, the slums and the beautiful shopping centres. Then there were the colourful villages with the beautiful handicrafts they produce. From an altitude of 2,500 metres at 18 degrees to sea level at 33 degrees. The tranquillity of nature, the mountains, the sea, the jungle, the monkeys, the diversity of birds, the hummingbirds, the condor and other birds in the most beautiful colours. And the ancient culture of which the Colombians are so proud, which they love to talk about and do their utmost to protect.
But above all, the incredibly friendly and lively people, with their hospitality and a touch of curiosity. Because the guides kept us well informed, we never felt unsafe for a moment.
“ Colombia has stolen our hearts all over again ”
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.