Okay, so I’ve been dreaming about a trip to Colombia for ages, and I finally decided to just go for it! I started planning everything out, which was kinda overwhelming at first, but super exciting.
Figuring Out the Basics
First things first, I had to decide when to go. I looked at the weather and stuff, and it seemed like the dry season (December to March) would be the best bet to avoid getting rained out all the time. I also checked for any big festivals or events happening during that time, ’cause I wanted to experience the local culture.
Building My Itinerary
Then came the fun part – picking where to go! Colombia is huge and has so much to offer. I knew I wanted to see the colorful streets of Cartagena, so that was a definite.
- Cartagena: Spend at least 3 days here. It’s on the coast, looks gorgeous, and seemed full of History.
I also really wanted to experience the coffee region, so I added Salento to my list.
- Salento: I’m a big coffee drinker and the pictures I saw were of beautiful green hills. I figured 2 days there would be good.
I heard good things about, Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring.”
- Medellín:Everyone I spoke to said it’s a must, so I put it in my itinerary. I Planned 3 days there.
Since I love nature, Tayrona National Park was a must.
- Tayrona National Park: Beaches and jungle? Sign me up! 2 days of hiking and relaxing seemed perfect.
Flights and Accommodation
Once I had a rough itinerary, I started looking at flights. I used some flight comparison websites to find the best deals. Accommodation was next. I booked a mix of hostels and Airbnbs, depending on the location and my budget. I like to meet people when I am travelling, so I do enjoy staying in a hostel when I can.
Getting Ready to Go
I made sure my passport was up to date, I will definetly need to double-check visa requirements (if any) before traveling, I’m pretty sure I don’t need one, but it is important to check . I also started learning some basic Spanish phrases – “Hola,” “Gracias,” “Dónde está…?” – you know, the essentials! I also want to make sure I have proper travel insurance.
Actually Going!
The trip itself was amazing! Cartagena was even more vibrant than I imagined. I walked along the old city walls, explored the Getsemaní neighborhood, and ate some delicious seafood. Salento was beautiful with perfect weather, and hiking through the Cocora Valley among those giant wax palm trees was unforgettable, it was the highlight of my trip. I learned so much about coffee production. Medellín was super cool, with its cable cars and lively atmosphere. I took a walking tour and learned about the city’s history. And finally, Tayrona Park was pure paradise. I spent my days swimming in the crystal-clear water, sunbathing on the beaches, and hiking through the jungle.
Overall, my Colombia trip was an incredible experience. I saw amazing places, met interesting people, and created memories that I’ll cherish forever. If you’re thinking about visiting Colombia, I say do it! Just do your research, plan ahead, and be prepared for an adventure.
