From Bogota to Santa Marta, a complete itinerary for traveling in Colombia
As France and Colombia prepare to celebrate the France-Colombia year in 2017, the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to President Juan Manuel Santos shines a little more light on the country whose popularity continues to grow. grow among travelers. Far from being a prey to mass tourism, backpackers can have a blast. If we had already given you an overview of the country in this mini-guide, today we are going further with a 7-step itinerary of a trip that will soon be trendy.
Stage 1: Bogota
Landed in the Colombian capital, direction the historic center, la candelaria. On the photo side, the colors and the Bolivar square are to be immortalized. The next step is the Monserrate Hill. On foot or by funicular, we reach a viewpoint over the entire city of twenty districts, at an altitude of 3700 meters. Photographers are having a blast, 1000 meters above the city. Those who have time will offer themselves a day in the village of Zipaquira, where a cathedral of salt awaits them. Ideally, 3 days in Bogota are a minimum to afford a good overview of the city.
Stage 2: San Agustin
Last days in Bogota. It's time to take part in a excursion to San Agustin, home to the largest number of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. More than a hundred, including one six meters high, are the highlight of the visit. The archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Backpackers will take advantage of the trip to face the waters of Magdalena river rafting or visit the surrounding coffee and sugar cane plantations.
Stage 3: detour in the Amazon jungle
For travelers who want to experience authenticity and live as close as possible to the Amazon, now is the time to fly to Leticia, located on the border between Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Backpackers will hire the services of a guide to take part in a trek, of the duration of their choice, in the legendary Amazon rainforest. For the lucky ones who have time in front of them, nothing prevents a stopover in Peru for a few days ...
Stage 4: Medellín
We return to civilization and we swallow the road on the west side. One stop is in order: Medellín. The capital of Antioquia must be visited so that everyone can form their own idea. Formerly, the second largest city in Colombia was known for her criminality, embodied by Pablo Escobar. Medellín has become an innovative city, which many travelers prefer in Bogota. The city of eternal spring deserves to be lingered there for several days, first to stroll through its center, and then to visit the hills of Santa where farming communities live.
Stage 5: the old town of Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena of India, not to be confused with the Spanish Cartagena, opens the other great chapter of this trip. The photos will be superb thanks to the colors of the baroque district, the flowers and the facades of the churches. Cartagena deserves at least four days of visit, including the San Felipe Barajas Castle, historic stronghold of the Spanish army. the Palais de the Inquisition is also a crucial element in understanding Colombian history. Backpackers, who do not have the chance to continue the trip, will take advantage of the location very close to the Caribbean Sea to enjoy an idyllic marine panorama.
Stage 6: Santa Marta and the Lost City
We continue the road to the west, going up towards the north of Colombia. Destination : Santa Marta. Hikers will not miss one of the Colombian archaeological treasures: the Lost city. In the heart of the high coastal mountains, the destination is as legendary as Machu Picchu in Peru. It testifies to the Tayrona civilization, which lived in these lands before the Spanish conquistadors discovered them. Several agencies organize treks to approach the jungle, understand the parc national de la Sierra Nevada or meet an indigenous family ...
Stage 7: Tayrona Natural Park
Return to Santa Marta. A little respite after these many days of walking in the national park which borrows its name from pre-Columbian civilization. Here in caribbean border, nature has taken its quarters. Rest: above all, we treat ourselves to a few days of relaxation on the white sand beaches, to the rhythm of the waves with clear waters, before returning to Bogota to conclude this backpacker journey.
