COLOMBIA POCKET GUIDE 5th EDITION
COLOMBIAN HOSTELS
POCKET GUIDE 5th
EDITION
GG HAN OR GCI HOME. GO FAR. DON'T GO HOME! 16,500 hostels in 179 countries
From private huts by the beach, to social dorms in the city. Hostelworld - Making it possible to Meet The World
La Imprenta Editores
This publication was made This publication was made possible possible through the support of the through the support of the members members of Colombian of Colombian Hostels Association Hostels Association, sponsors and and theses entities: ProColombia, these entities: ProColombia, Banco Museo del Oro, Banco de la de la RepĂşblica y Parques RepĂşblica. Nacionales Naturales ISSN 2422-2461
Contents
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY NORTH EAST ANDES CENTRAL ANDES SOUTH ANDES CARIBBEAN COAST PACIFIC COAST COLOMBIAN ISLANDS LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA AMAZONIA INFORMATION
10
36 84 126 146 224 236 240 248 257
OG
Contents
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Giant River Otter
OG
Apaporis River Vaupés OG
Colombian Hostels - Who we are? Easy steps for How to Become a Responsible Travel Top 10 Undiscovered Attractions in Colombia Introduction, A Brief History of Colombia The Geography of Colombia, Weather Ecology Colombian National Park System Population, Health, Culture Pueblos Patrimonio, Unesco Getting to Colombia Time distance map of Colombia Getting Around, When to Go, High Season in Colombia, What to Bring Visas, Security and Drugs in Colombia Tips for your trip Money Colombian Festivals and Ferias Regions of Colombia
NORTH EAST ANDES Indigenous Kogui OG
Burrowin owl
Bogotá Map of Cundinamarca Where to sleep Zipaquirá, Nemocón Villa de Leyva Map of Boyacá Where to sleep Tunja, Sotaquirá PNN El Cocuy, Cocuy & Güicán Sogamoso Iza
10 11 12 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 30 32 34
37 38 39 53 54 56 57 58 60 61 62
Monguí & Lago de Tota San Gil Where to sleep Barichara Where to sleep Guane Girón & Zapatoca Bucaramanga Map of Santander Where to sleep Map of Norte de Santander Playa de Belén & Los Estoraques Where to sleep
63 64 67 70 72 74 75 76 78 79 82 81 82 83
Medellín Map of Antioquia Where to sleep Guatapé Where to sleep Jardín Santa Fé de Antioquia Where to sleep Río Claro Where to sleep Map of Tolima Honda Manizales Map of Caldas Where to sleep Salamina Pereira Map of Risaralda Armenia Map of Quindío Where to sleep Salento Where to sleep
84 85
CENTRAL ANDES
86 87 90 92 93 94 96 97 102 98 103102 103 104 106 107 111 112 113 114 116 117 118 121
Chicamocha Canyon EC
Santa Fé de Antioquia OG
Muletter Loading Coffee OG
Colonial House Jardín
OG
Buena Vista & Pijao Filandia
SOUTH ANDES
Tatacoa Desert
OG
Las Lajas Sanctuary OG
Tayrona Park DP
Indigenous, PNN Utría
122 124
127 Cali 128 Map of Valle del Cauca 129 Where to sleep 130 Buga & San Cipriano 131 Popayán 132 Map of Cauca 133 San Andrés de Pisimbala 134 San Agustín Map of Huila 137 136 137 Where to sleep 139 Desierto de la Tatacoa 140 Mocoa 141 Map of Putumayo 142 Pasto 143 Map of Nariño 144 Laguna de la Cocha & Valle del Sibundoy
CARIBBEAN COAST Cartagena Map of Bolívar Where to sleep Isla Fuerte Lorica & Map of Córdoba Where to sleep Archipielago de San Bernardo Where to sleep Necoclí Capurganá Tolú & Coveñas Map of Sucre Mompós Where to sleep
147 148 149 160 162 163 164 166 168 170 171 172 174 177
Barranquilla Map of Atlántico Santa Marta Map of Magdalena Where to sleep Taganga Where to sleep Minca Where to sleep PNN Tayrona Map of Tayrona Where to sleep Palomino Map of Guajira Where to sleep Riohacha Where to sleep Cabo de la Vela & Camarones Valledupar Map of Cesar
178 179 180 182 183 190 193 196 199 202 203 204 210 213 214 216 218 219 222 223
PACIFIC COAST Bahía Solano Map of Chocó Where to sleep Bahía Málaga Where to sleep
Orchid OG
Scarlet Macaw AM.PNN
225 226 227 230 232
COLOMBIAN ISLAND San Andrés & Providencia Map of San Andrés & Providencia Where to sleep
OG
Howler Monkey OG
237 238 239
Los Limones, Palomino
OG
OG
LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA
Villavicencio Villavicencio Map of Los Llanos - Orinoquía Map oftoLos Llanos - Orinoquía Where sleep Where to sleep PNN La Macarena Meta, PNN Macarena Casanare & La Arauca Casanare & Arauca Vichada, Pto. Carreño & PNN El Tuparro Vichada, Pto. Carreño & PNN El Tuparro Guainía, Pto. Inírida & Cerros de Mavecure Guainía, Pto. Inírida & Cerros de Mavecure
241 241 242 242 243 243 244 244 245 245 246 246 247 247
Amazonía, Leticia & PNN Amacayacu Amazonía, Leticia & PNN Amacayacu Map of Amazonía Map of Amazonía Where Vaupésto&sleep Caquetá Vaup és & Caquetá Guaviare Guaviare
249 248 250 250 251 253 253 254 254
Photo PhotoCredits Credits&&Follow FollowUs Us Aknowledgements Aknowledgements && Note Note to to the the Reader Reader Embassies Embassies&&Consulates Consulates in in Colombia, Colombia, EmergencyTelephones EmergencyTelephones Numbers Numbers Useful Usefulexpressions expressions inin spanish spanish
257 257 258 258
AMAZONIA AMAZONIA Río Atabapo Guainía Río Atabapo Guainía DU DU
INFORMATION INFORMATION
Cerro ésés CerroTipiaca, Tipiaca,Vaup Vaup
259 259 260 260 OG OG
Sunset BitaRiver River Sunset atatBita
WANT TO BE PART OF COLOMBIAN HOSTELS! Visit our web site and find out how
COLOMBIAN HOSTELS BEST QUALITY HOSTELS AROUND COLOMBIA
All our members are socially and environmentaly responsible
WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
10
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
COLOMBIAN HOSTELS - WHO WE ARE Colombian Hostels Association is an initiative founded by the pioneer hostels of Colombia. Created for non-profit purposes since 2005, Colombian Hostels has worked since then for the growth of the accommodation sector at the hostel level and for the improvement of the country's tourism industry. We are a group of professionals from the hospitality and tourism sector in Colombia interested in generate projects and initiatives that contribute to local development, environmental protection, promotion of culture and the strengthening of the hospitality industry at the national level. We are committed to representing the interests of the hostel guild at a national level, contributing to the positioning of our sector; providing effective services and promoting the recognition of each member of the association through promotion, advertising and marketing strategies. In addition, generating synergies and approaches with important public and private entities for the industry, focusing on the relevance of the backpacking market and changes in global tourism trends. Currently Colombian Hostels is open to receive any type of accommodation establishment as a member, as long as it is committed to the objectives of the guild and complies with all the general, legal and operational requirements. Following the objective of growing as an association, unify efforts and work for the sustainability of our establishments. SebastiĂĄn AlemĂĄn DĂaz Executive Director Colombian Hostels
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
EASY STEPS ON HOW TO BECOME A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER Many hostels are making great strides towards becoming more eco-friendly. Please ask hostels about how you too can help to promote an eco-friendly environment and participate as much as possible.
BEFORE TRAVELING
*Bring a reusable water bottle with you instead of buying bottled water. *Fill up empty containers with soap, shampoo, etc. instead of buying tiny travelsize bottles. * Take reusable grocery shopping bags with you. *Familiarize yourself with which kinds of insects are beneficial to the environment and which are truly pests.*Print as little as possible (booking confirmations, tourist information, etc). *Walk or use public transportation.
DURING YOUR TRIP
*Support local economies and the environment by buying local goods and produce. *In natural areas, follow the maxim “take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints�. *Don't support illegal wildlife trafficking. *Don't pay to play or buy exotic animals. *When hiking, stay only on marked tracks to avoid destroying vegetation. *Take everything out that you brought with you. No graffiti, no litter. Support conservation programs.
WHEN YOU STAY AT THE HOSTEL
*When you leave the room, turn off the air-conditioning, heat, television, lights and other electric/electronic devices. *Take quick showers and reuse your towels & sheets as much as possible during your stay. *Place recyclables in their appropriate bins. *Take only the brochures or maps that are necessary for your use and return others. *Make recommendations on best practice to the hostel management on how to become more eco-friendly.
11
IN COLOMBIA 10 U N D I S C O V E R E D ATTRACTIONS
Duna de Aleewolu'u, PNN La Macuira - Guajira
OG OG
OG
Area Nacional Unica Los Estoraques, Playa de Belén - Norte de Santander
Cerro Morroco - Vaupés
Ríos Orinoco y Vita, Puerto Carreño - Vichada Puerta de Orión, San José del Guaviare - Guaviare
OG
Casanare Guainía Vichada Guajira Santander Guaviare Vaupés
Photos OG
Quebrada Las Gachas Guadalupe - Santander
Morichales, Sabanas Los Llanos - Casanare
Pinturas Rupestres de Cerro Tolima - Guaviare
Foto Safari Los Llanos - Casanare Cerros de Mavecure, Río Inírida - Guainía
14
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY In recent years Colombia has become a magnet for travelers coming to South America. With beautiful rainforests, mountains and beaches, lively cities and enchanting colonial towns, Colombia is not to be missed. Colombia is known for its well-educated, polite and friendly citizenry and for many visitors the highlight of their trip is conversing with locals and getting to see the country in a different light. Colombians are passionate about their country and want to you to enjoy it, willing to share bottle of aguardiente or teach a few salsa moves and always with a warm smile.
Breastplate with anthropomorphous figure alto cauca-cauca 900 d.C. - 1600 d.C. O06414
A BRIEF HISTORY OF COLOMBIA Before the arrival of Europeans to South America, the territory that is now Colombia was inhabited by various different aboriginal peoples who left an important ancestral and cultural heritage. The first incursions and explorations here by Europeans were led by the Spaniard Alonso de Ojeda in 1499 who founded an illfated settlement in Uraba. In 1525 the first city in colonial Colombia was founded at Santa Marta followed in 1533 by Cartagena and then in 1538 Bacata, the capital of the Muisca confederation, wich was razed and renamed Bogotรก. As part of the Spanish Empire Colombian lands were exploited in the search for gold, emeralds and salt and in
order to fuel this insatiable consumption African slaves were introduced to till the land. From 1740 the Spanish viceroyalty was established in Bogotรก and controlled the vast swathe of land now divided b e t w e e n C o l o m b i a , E cuador, Panamรก and Venezuela. Winds of discontent and opposition to Spanish rule were evident from the Insurreccion de los Comuneros in 1781 and then on July 20, 1810 independence was declared although absolute independence was not achieved until 1819 after the Liberator of Northern South America Simon Bolivar, triumphed at the Battle of Boyacรก. The Republica de La Gran Colombia was declared and
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY in 1826 the remnants of the Spanish hegemonic decision to alternate crown were expelled for good. power between Conservatives and Simon Bolivar and his longtime ally Liberals. In 1964 the largest most Francisco de Paula Santander could powerful of the Guerrilla groups, the not agree between Bolivar ’s FARC was formed and over the past centralized politics and Santander’s 5 decades has been fighting the desires for a Federalized state state. Left wing guerrilla groups creating conflict between liberals such as the FARC, ELN and M19 and and conservatives and rightwing paramilitary leading to a civil war groups such as the between 1840-1842. AUC divvied up Between 1899 and lucrative coca 1903, Colombia was producing areas and once again at war with almost led to Colombia itself in the Guerra de los being declared a failed Mil Días . state. Hardline While Colombia’s conservative policies economy improved in of former President Candelaria Bogota the early years of the Alvaro Uribe put paid 20th Century, Colombia was made to to peace talks hosted by his recognize Panama’s independence predecessor President Andres in 1914 for a one off payment of Pastrana. U$25 million from the United States. During the presidency of Juan In 1930 for the first time since 1886 Manuel Santos the peace process the Conservatives were no longer in (2012) began with the guerrilla power. Heralding a new era of group of FARC–EP to find a way to bloodshed, on April 9 1948 liberal end a 50-year war, and finally signed candidate Jorge Eliecer Gaitan was peace in 2016. Winning the assassinated in Bogota sparking elections in 2018 Ivan Duque is the citywide riots now referred to as the current president of Colombia, a Bogotazo. The dictatorship of nations now numbering more than Gustavo Rojas Pinilla from 1953- 49 million people. 1957 and was followed by a
15
16
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
THE GEOGRAPHY OF COLOMBIA Spanning a continental area of 1,141,748 sq km and 928.660 sq km of maritime zone Colombia is defined by its topographical variations and its multi-faceted climatic regions which are both its greatest asset and most formidable impediment to growth and which reach the dizzying heights of 5,775m at the Pico Cristóbal Colón on the Caribbean's Sierra Nevada. Situated on the northwestern shoulder of South America, Colombia is divided as if adjacently through its territory by the Andes mountain range and enjoys almost 3.000km of coastline almost equally Área Natural Única Los Estoraques, Playa de Belén shared between its Caribbean and Pacific edges. The country's lungs come in the form of departments such as Amazonas, Caquetá and Putumayo, recognized for their vast tropical jungles. In Colombia you can find deserts such as the Tatacoa in Huila and the Guajira, savannahs and grasslands in the Llanos of Meta, and Vichada, tropical islands in the form of San Andrés, Providencia and Gorgona, highland plateaus in Cundinamarca and Boyacá and such anomalies as the department of Chocó, the wettest region on earth. Colombia is a country rich in mineral wealth producing oil, gas, coal, precious metals and the most famous emeralds in the world.
WEATHER
Colombia's climate varies greatly from region to region. Chilier with piercing sunlight on high altitude plateaus to suffocating humid at times on the Caribbean coast all the while pleasantly uniform in the Eje Cafetero. In reality the temperatures in each respective region don't fluctuate too much, the only change is in rainfall. There are technically two seasons, rainy season and dry season and these vary throughout the country.
OG
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
17
In the Colombian Andes the months with rain are March, April, May, September, October and November, and in lowlands such as the Amazon or Los Llanos the rainy season is from April to November, with a short dry season in July and August. Anyway, in tropical countries you can have sunny days during the rainy season or vice versa. Plan and pack accordingly for your trip.
ECOLOGY
Due to its embarrassment of natural richness, Colombia is considered to be one of the most mega-diverse countries in the world. The geological land formation of Colombia is the result of a series of geological events and conditions such as, being coupled with Central and North America through the Panama Isthmus, the Andean Mountain chain – splitting off into three sections – as well as the influence of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans combined LT with the tropical location of the country. Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus All of these events have determined the formation of areas with characteristics of isolation and specific climates, which in addition to the evolutionary history of each species have enabled the development of different life forms (speciation). Colombia ranks first in the world for number of birds (1.909) and orchids species (2.368), second in plants (37.364), amphibians (686), butterflies (1.905) and fishes (3.834), third in reptiles (632) and palms (321) and fourth in mammals (528); and it is a country with 9.153 of unique species (endemics). Its diversity of ecosystems is breathtaking and can be divided into 5 large regions. The Colombian Andes comprises of high mountain ecosystems that include glaciers at 5.000 masl, the famous paramos, pygmy forests, cloud forests, high plains with inter Andean valleys and the most dense forest in the Andean foothills. The three mountain ranges generate a series of microclimates that produce dry and wet areas with a very diverse flora and fauna.
18
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Another area of great interest in Colombia is the biogeographic region of the ChocĂł that stretches from the borders with Panama all the way to Ecuador and at its eastern limits descends from the slopes of the Andes Mountains to the Pacific coast. This is one of the wettest regions on earth with 9000mm of rainfall per year and its rainforest is also considered as the most exuberant and impenetrable. Experts affirm that this area has the highest diversity per square kilometer on the planet. Each year the Pacific coast of Colombia is visited by various species of whales. The peninsula of La Guajira in Colombia's northeast bordering Venezuela on the Caribbean coast is a true desert ecosystem where it is amazing to see the incredible adaptations of tropical species to the extreme conditions. But, a small mountain is enough to trap moisture in the air and create a unique oasis like the one found at the SerranĂa de Macuira National Park. A little bit further south is the highest coastal mountain OG range in the world, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (5.775masl). These mountains cover a multitude of altitudinal ranges attracting a high diversity of birds. To the East lay the Great Plains which possess the same characteristics of the savannahs of Africa and where Amazonian species have adapted to open habitats. There are diverse landscapes from hug river flood plains to gallery forests and small forested hills with diverse life forms. And finally, the southern region of Colombia has the magical Amazon Cascadas Fin del Mundo, Mocoa - Putumayo rainforest, an explored and pristine area full of life in all of its forms and colors, with rivers where freshwater dolphins and manatees generate myths and legends for the aboriginal people. Here the Tepuis, which are the result of the Guiana Shield, create landscapes that are truly a lost world. The ecological richness of Colombia translates into a variety of unique landscapes that definitely boost incomparable tourism opportunities in the region.
Cocuy
“Do you want to explore Colombia? Do you want to travel to unknown and special! places DE UNA Colombia Tours specialized agency for trips off the beaten track
Caño Cristales
Vaupes
Cerros de
Mavecure
RNT 9744
www.deunacolombia.com info@deunacolombia.com Address: Carrera 24 # 39 B - 25 Office 501 Bogotá DC. Colombia Phones + 57- 1 368 1915
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
PARQUES NACIONALES NATURALES DE COLOMBIA NORTH EAST ANDES PNN Sumapaz PNN Chingaza SFF Iguaque SFF Guanentá Alto Río Fonce PNN Serranía de los Yariguíes PNN Pisba PNN Sierra Nevada del Cocuy PNN Tamá ANU Los Estoraques PNN Catatumbo Barí
PNN Corales de Profundidad SFF El Corchal “El Mono Hernández” SFF Los Colorados SF Acandí Playón y Playona SFF Ciénaga grande de Sta Marta VP Isla de Salamanca PNN Tayrona PNN Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta SFF Los Flamencos PNN Bahía Portete - Kaurrele PNN Serranía de Macuira
CENTRAL ANDES PNN Paramillo PNN Las Orquídeas PNN Selva de Florencia PNN Tatamá PNN Los Nevados SFF Otún Quimbaya PNN Las Hermosas Gloria V. de C.
PACIFIC COAST PNN Los Katíos PNN Ensenada de Utría PNN Uramba Bahía Málaga PNN Sanquianga
SOUTH ANDES: PNN Farallones de Cali PNN Munchique PNN Nevado del Huila PNN Cordillera de Los Picachos PNN Puracé PNN Complejo Volcánico Doña Juana PNN Cueva de los Guacharos PNN Alto Fragua Indi-Wasi PNN Serranía De los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi SFF Galeras SF Isla de la Corota SF Plantas Medicinales Orito Inge-Ande CARIBBEAN COAST PNN Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo
COLOMBIAN ISLANDS PNN Old Providence y Mc Bean Lagoon PNN Gorgona SFF Malpelo AMAZONIA PNN Amacayacu PNN Río Puré PNN Cahuinarí PNN Yaigojé Apaporis PNN La Paya PNN Serranía de Chiribiquete RNN Nukak RNN Puinawai LLANOS - ORINOQUIA PNN Sierra de la Macarena PNN Tinigua PNN EL Tuparro
When Planning a trip to any National Park please check online at www.parquesnacionales.gov.co to confirm opening hours and park services. atencionusuario@parquesnacionales.gov.co PH: (57)1-353 2400 Ext.138-139 Twitter @ParquesColombia
21
22
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
POPULATION Colombia's population is mainly distributed along the cordilleras and onto the Caribbean coast and is now in the region of 49 million. The majority of the population is of mestizo or European descent and the rest are made up of people of African and Amerindian descent.
HEALTH
OG
Nabusimake, Valledupar-Cesar
OG
We strongly recommend that prior to coming to Colombia you consult with the experts at your local travel clinic to ensure that you have all the necessary and correct vaccinations. Ask in your country of origin how your travel insurance in Colombia works, many insurers return the money when you present the receipts of your medical expenses or for personal item losses.
Typical Boyacense Peasant
RG
CULTURE Colombia is a country possessing incredibly strong regional identities that have been created by the historical isolation of one area from another and in turn accentuated by waves of varied immigration into the country. This said there's a feast of regional identities ranging from the Caribbean to the Andean, Llanero, Paisa and Chocoano.
Mochila Wuayu
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
*PUEBLOS PATRIMONIO The Colombian Government has created a new network of National Heritage towns known as Pueblos Patrimonio. To Visit any mentioned town please see: www.pueblospatrimoniodecolombia.travel
*UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO has made 19 declarations of World Heritage between the nature, cultural and intangible patrimony in Colombia. Visit the official web site for more information: whc.unesco.org
*NATIONAL HERITAGE TOWNS OF COLOMBIA North East Andes Villa de Leyva. Boyacá Monguí. Boyacá El Socorro Santander Barichara. Santander San Juan de Girón. Santander Playa de Belén. Norte de Santander Guaduas. Cundinamarca
Central Andes
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. Caldas, Risaralda & Quindío (2011)
South Andes
San Agustín Archaeological Park. Huila (1995) National Archaeological Park of Tierradentro. Cauca (1995) Holy Week in Popayán. Cauca (2009) Blacks and Whites' Carnival. Nariño (2009) Qhapaq Ñan, The Inca (Andean) road system. Nariño (2014)
Caribbean Coast
Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena. Bolívar (1984) Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox. Bolívar (1995) Cultural Space of Palenque de San Basilio. Bolívar (2008) Traditional Vallenato Music of the Greater Magdalena Region (2015) Barranquilla's Carnival. Atlántico (2008) Wayuu Normative System, Applied by the Pütchipü'üi (Palabrero). Guajira (2010)
Pacific Coast
Los Katíos National Park. Choco (1994) Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary. Cauca (2006) Festival of Saint Francis of Assisi, Quibdó. Choco (2012) Marimba Music and Traditional Chants From Colombia's South Pacific region. Valle del Cauca, Cauca y Nariño (2010 - 2015)
Central Andes
Santa Fé de Antioquia. Antioquia Jardín. Antioquia Jericó. Antioquia Salamina. Caldas Aguadas. Caldas Honda. Tolima
Los Llanos - Orinoquía
South Andes
Colombian-Venezuelan Llano Work Songs (2017)
Guadalajara de Buga. Valle del Cauca
Caribbean Coast
Amazonía
Santa Cruz de Mompós. Bolívar Santa Cruz de Lorica. Córdoba Ciénaga. Magdalena
Chiribiquete NationalPark “The Maloca of the Jaguar” (2018) Traditional Knowledge of the Jaguar Shamans of Yuruparí. Vaupés (2011)
MONI
O
L EB O
PATRI
PU
*WORLD HERITAGE PLACES IN COLOMBIA BY UNESCO
W
ORL D
UNESCO
23
24
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
GETTING TO COLOMBIA
RIVER – BRAZIL AND PERU
Whether arriving by air, sea, river or land it's easy to locate an affiliate of Colombian Hostels. Start your adventure with the latest and most up to date information by staying at a Colombian Hostels Associated Hostel.
Boats leave from Belén, Manaus (Brazil) and Iquitos (Peru) winding their way through the Amazon jungle and arrive at Leticia, Colombia's most southern point. Cheap flights from Leticia link the Amazon to Bogotá and the rest of the country.
AIR
LAND – VENEZUELA
Major international Airports are located in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and Cali. With many others cities, including Bucaramanga Pereira and San Andres, now also receiving international flights.
BY SEA FROM PANAMA
The link between Central and South America via Colombia is for many the first port of call for foreigners arriving to this continent. A popular route into Colombia is by sea with a five day trip from Panamá via the San Blas islands and finishing in Cartagena. Another option includes travelling by speed boat along the coast from Pu e r t o O b a d i a ( Pa n a m á ) v i a Capurgana (immigration) and then on to Turbo with connections to the rest of the country.
Entering from the Venezuelan coast you travel through the border city of Maicao and into the Guajira region. From here regular buses leave for Valledupar and Santa Marta. If you're further south you can enter Colombia from Merida via Cúcuta on the border. This is 6 hours by bus and regular buses then run from Cúcuta a further 5 hours to the city of Bucaramanga. Anyway check first the situation on the border, in recent years the Ve n e z u e l a n g o v e r n m e n t h a s frequently closed the way between the two countries.
OG
Typical Colombian Chiva Bus
Ca
la Vbo de Taga ela nga Pa Rioha cha Sa - M lo Providencia 3h Bar nta M inca mino 2h ranq art 2h uilla a C Maicao a 2h r San tag 4h 2h 2h B e T er na 3h
San Andrés
1:45h
Cap
Isla olú & C nardo Fue oveña rte s
urga
5h Bosconia
Mompós
Barichara 3hBucaramanga San Gil El Cocuy Medellín Guatapé Villa de 4h 6h Pto Sogamoso 50min 4hTriunfo3h Leyva 2h Yopal Tunja Manizales 4h Honda Pereira Salento 4h Bogotá 5h Armenia 3
Bahía Solano
40min
2h
Arauca
Pto. Carreño
1:30h
2h
Isla Nuquí Malpelo 28h
B. Málaga
Buenaventura Isla 10h Gorgona
3h
Cali
h 4h
Ibague
2h 6h
3h
Desierto 3h Neiva La Tatacoa1h 4h 4h Popayán Tierradentro 5h
ECUADOR
2h Valledupar
4h
3h 8h Lorica El Banco 1h El Burro Necoclí 13h Aguachica Ocaña VENEZUELA Turbo 4h 4h Cúcuta 5h 5h 8h
na
PANAMA
36h
Aracataca
2h
2:15h
4h
20min
1:30h
Ipiales
San Agustín
h
5h
6h
3:30
Pasto
6h
Mocoa
Florencia
Villavicencio
Pto. Inírida
1h
PNN La Macarena
1:30h
San José del Guaviare
Mitú
San Miguel
BRASIL
PERU
National Road
Cartagena - Tolú Coveñas Isla Fuerte - Paso Nuevo Santa Marta - Minca Santa Marta - Taganga Aguachica - Ocaña Medellín - Guatapé Manizales - Pereira
1:30h
Map Legend Distance
Domestic Flights
3:30h 0:30h 0:45h 0:20h 1:30h 2:00h 1:20h
2h
Boat Trip
Pereira - Armenia Armenia - Salento Tunja - Villa de Leyva San Gil - Barichara Sogamoso - Yopal Tierradentro - S Agustín Buenaventura - B Mállaga
1:20h 0:45h 1:00h 0:40h 3:30h 5:30h 1:30h
2h
Puerto Nariño Leticia
26
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
ECUADOR Travelling from Ecuador you reach the Tulcan / Ipiales border in 6 hours from Quito. Here buses leave regularly to Pasto an 1 hour and half. Another, less traveled route connects Nueva Loja in Ecuador with San Miguel in Colombia, from where you can travel to Mocoa and onwards to San Agustín.
GETTING AROUND In all major cities there are convenient easy forms of public transport such as taxis, buses and articulated buses. Flying between cities is convenient with Avianca, ADA, Copa Airlines, Latam, Satena and Viva Air offering various routes. Intercity buses are cheap and convenient and should be taken from official Transport Terminals.
WHEN TO GO There's no one time to visit Colombia since the country varies so much in landscape and weather patterns. Generally speaking the temperature does not vary much within the respective regions, just on rainfall levels. To best enjoy the country, aim for low season when fewer foreigners and nationals are travelling such as in the months of February, May September, October & November.
HIGH SEASON IN COLOMBIA
Running from June 15 to July 15 and December 15 to January 15 and including Easter week, all public holidays, festivals, ferias and carnivals. In the aforementioned dates most Colombians travel for their vacations and prices in some major tourist destinations (although not all) increase accordingly. You are recommended to book in advance for accommodation, activities and transport.
WHAT TO BRING Be sure to make copies of your Passport, bring the appropriate plugs to recharge your mobile and of course clothes to accommodate the varying regions and climates in Colombia. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance in your country and ask how it works in Colombia, see the page “Tips for your trip”.
RG
View over Villa de Leyva Town
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
VISAS No matter where you enter we recommend asking immigration for a 90 day visa as many people end up staying a lot longer than expect and make sure you get stamped when entering. Visa extensions are available for up to 6 months per calendar year but cost around US$35 for each month extension, depending upon the nationality. Check the current visa requirements for foreigners on: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co
SECURITY IN COLOMBIA The internal conflict is changing little by little since the peace was signed in 2016, and although there remain some dissident groups, there is hope that the new government will continue with the process and initiate dialogues with those groups that remain outside the law. Most of the fighting are restricted to specific areas of the jungle and some parts of the borders with Venezuela and Ecuador, ask in the hostels what areas should be avoided. When in Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Medellin or any other large city, please keep a careful eye on your belongings, speak to the locals and the tourist police, don't flash large
wads of cash around and use common sense. Colombia is safer than many of its neighbors. *Money exchange should take place only in airports, hotels and currency exchange offices. *It's a good idea to not display cameras, jewelry or other valuable items that may attract attention while in public.
DRUGS IN COLOMBIA The most appropriate piece of advice for anyone coming to Colombia is to steer well clear of any illegal drugs. Please remember that every Colombian family whether rich or poor has been affected by the fallout and violence from the drugs trade. And so, we are begging you to please consider that the consumption of cocaine in particular significantly damages Colombian society. Money spent on cocaine goes directly to support armed groups, fighting in Colombia's internal conflict, leading to assassinations, kidnappings, massacres and one of the world's largest refugee problems.
Consuming cocaine means nothing less than having somebody's blood on your hands‌
27
28
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
WATER:
USEFUL WEBSITES:
In some of the main cities of the country located by the Andean mountain range, tap water is usually safe to drink. But as a precaution always ask a reliable source like the hostel where you will be staying. In other regions like the Caribbean, Pacific, Amazon, and Los Llanos water is not usually treated, always try to carry your own potable water.
www.colombianhostels.co (Tourist Information) www.colombia.travel (Official Tourist Information) www.parquesnacionales.gov.co (National Parks of Colombia) www.policia.gov.co (Roads Conditions, "Estado de las VĂas") www.ideam.gov.co (Official Weather & Climate information) www.igac.gov.co (Official Maps of Colombia) www.humboldt.org.co www.natura.org.co (Research organizations)
ELECTRICITY:
Tips for your Trip
110 Volts. Bring a power converter and 2 parallel flat prongs - US type
TIPING: Tips are voluntary, but many Colombians will be happy to receive a tip. Think that the basic salary in the country is too low and you can help them with some extra money.
HOW TO CALL: Colombian international code is 57. Each department in Colombia has an additional specific area code called "Indicativos". Outside of Colombia to landline: + (57) +(area code) + phone number Outside of Colombia to mobile: + (57) + mobile number Mobile to landline: 03 + (area code) + phone number landline to landline in the same department: only the phone number landline to landline different department: + (area code) + phone number Landline to mobile: + (03) + mobile
AIRLINES www.vivaair.com / www.avianca.com www.latam.com / www.copaair.com
www.easyfly.com.co / www.satena.com
(AmazonĂa, Los Llanos, Pacific, Uraba Gulf)
BUSES www.expresobrasilia.com (Central Andes & Caribbean Coast) www.cootransbol.com (Central, N.E. Andes & Caribbean Coast) www.bolivariano.com.co (Central, North East & South Andes) www.expresopalmira.com.co (Central & South Andes) www.coflonorte.com (Central, North East Andes & Los Llanos) www.flotalamacarena.com (Central, North East Andes & Los Llanos)
30
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY Colombian Bank Notes and Coins
Previous version stilll in circulation Touch it, turn it over and ensure legality COP$ 1.000
COP$ 2.000
COP$ 5.000
COP$ 10.000
COP$ 20.000
COP$ 50.000
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
31
Current circulating coins
www.banrep.gov.co COP$50
COP$100
COP$200
COP$500
32
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
COLOMBIAN FESTIVALS AND FERIAS JANUARY
Black and White Carnival. Pasto, Nariño (UNESCO) Feria De Manizales. Manizales, Caldas Carnaval Del Diablo, (Odd year). Riosucio, Caldas Ferias de Salento. Salento, Quindío
FEBRUARY
Barranquilla Carnival. Barranquilla, Atlántico (UNESCO) Cartagena Film Festival. Cartagena, Bolívar San Agatón. Santa Marta & Taganga, Magdalena Astronomy Festival. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
MARCH
Iberoamerican Theater Festival (Even year). Bogotá. DC Easter week, Processions. Mompós, Bolívar Easter week, Religious Music Festival. Popayán, Cauca (UNESCO) Easter week, Ancient Music Meeting. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
APRIL
Festival de Música de Cuerda, San Gil, Santander Vallenato Legend Festival. Valledupar, Cesar International Book Festival. Bogotá. DC Bambú and Guadua Festivities. Armenia, Quindío Festival de Teatro Nacional. Bucaramanga, Santander World meeting of the Cowgirl Villavicencio, Meta
MAY
Wayuu Culture Festival. Uribía, La Guajira Festival Internacional de La Cultura. Tunja, Boyacá Festival de Cine Sin Fronteras. Medellín, Antioquia
JUNE
Rock al Parque. Bogotá. DC San Pedro Festival. Espinal, Tolima Festival de La Canción Mono Núñez. Ginebra, Valle Festival Internacional de Tango. Medellín, Antioquia Joropo Tournament. Villavicencio, Meta
JULY
Virgen Del Carmen. Nationwide Colombia Moda. Medellín, Antioquia Fiestas del Mar (July-August). Santa Marta, Magdalena Manizales Grita Rock. Manizales, Caldas Food Festival & Bogotá Half Marathon. Bogotá. DC
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
COLOMBIAN FESTIVALS AND FERIAS AUGUST
Feria de Las Flores. Medellín, Antioquia Kite Festival. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez. Cali, Valle International Piano Festival. Bucaramanga, Santander Festival Nacional de La Gaita. San Jacinto, Bolívar Festival de la Migración. Bahía Solano, Chocó
SEPTEMBER
Green Moon Festival. San Andres Island Festival Mundial de Salsa. Cali, Valle de Cauca Festival Latinoamericano de Teatro. Manizales, Caldas Jazz in the Park. Bogotá. DC Festival de Cine Verde (Festiver). Barichara, Santander Feria de Bucaramanga. Bucaramanga, Santander Ajazzgo, Festival de Jazz. Cali, Valle del Cauca National Gastronomic Congress. Popayán, Cauca Festival de Cine Independiente. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
OCTOBER
Ferias de Armenia – Jeepao. Armenia, Quindío Ferias de San Gil. San Gil, Santander Worldwide Coleo Meeting. Villavicencio, Meta Festival Internacional de la Cultura. Sogamoso, Boyacá Virgin of the Rosary Festival. Taganga, Magdalena Bogotá International Film Festival. Bogotá. DC Tree Festival Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
NOVEMBER
Cartagena Independence Day. Cartagena, Bolívar Fiestas del Arriero. Ciudad Bolívar, Antioquia Festival Int de Música Popular Amazonense. Leticia, Amazonas International Beauty Pageants and Llanera song Festival. Villavicencio, Meta
DECEMBER
Día de las Velitas 7 of December. Christmas Lights. Nationwide Feria de Cali. Cali, Valle de Cauca Fireworks Festival. Villa de Leyva, Boyacá Carnavalito de Blancos y Negros. San Agustín, Huila Guane de Oro. San Gil, Santander Devil's Festival. Santa Fé de Antioquia, Antioquia Carnaval Fin de Año. Guatapé, Antioquia Festival Llanero. Villavicencio, Meta
33
34
FACTS ABOUT THE COUNTRY
REGIONS OF COLOMBIA nd Isla
s
n
s Ea
de
d An
th An Sou
36
Central Andes
84
South Andes
126
Caribbean Coast
146
Pacific Coast
224
Colombian Islands
236
Los Llanos - Orinoquía
240
Amazonía
248
es
No rth
Coas t
ra nt Ce
n lA
Co
Los Llanos - Orinoquía
Pacific
Pacific Is lands
Ca rib b
ea
t as
North East Andes
st
ib Car
n bea
de s
Amazonía
*Colombian Islands (The scale is enlarged)
North East Andes
OG
Plaza de Bolivar
From the high altitude plateaus surrounding the capital of Bogotรก to the national parks and colonial towns that are scattered through the departments of Boyacรก, Cundinamarca and Santander, the Northeastern Andean region is one of landscapes, culture and adventure sports.
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTÁ Population: 8.905.000 Temperature: 6 - 19°C Altitude: 2.650 m.a.s.l. OG
Colombia's capital city is a captivating urban center with friendly people and a familiarity that, despite its capital city status, feels more village-like with its small barrios, rural settings and pine-tree covered hillsides. The rich cultural life, beautiful architecture and a charm that swirls, along with the high altitude winds and clear blue skies, bewitch tourists making them stay longer than originally planned. This is an active city with a great variety of activities on offer from museums, the Cerro de Monserrate, the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, flea markets to an interesting and effervescent night life. The old town of the Candelaria – where most of the
BOGOTÁ D.C.
attractions can be enjoyed - will transport you back to the XVI century. Bogotá continues to blossom culturally with highly visited libraries, top universities and international businesses are making this city a hub. Take a bike out during Bogotá's renowned Sunday ciclovia to explore the north of the city and then, in the company of friends, enjoy a hearty local specialty of ajiaco soup to keep off the chill that blows along this Andean cordillera. Bogotá is a business city rapidly embracing its newfound status as a destination that can draw in the tourism seducing us with regal accommodations, fine dining and a savage yet compelling history.
37
38
NORTH EAST ANDES - CUNDINAMARCA
To The Caribbean Coast
To Medellín
La Dorada
Pto. Triunfo
Pto. Salgar Caparrapi
T
To Raquira Chiquinquira Fuquene Ubaté
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Cundinamarca Simijaca
Bogotá D.C. Population: 8.905.000 Temperature: 6°- 19° C Altitude: 2.650 m.a.s.l.
To Tunja & Villa de Leyva
Honda To Villapinzón Manizales Guaduas Utica T Suesca Chocontá Nemocón T La Vega Sesquilé T Villeta Zipaquirá Tocancipa T El Rosal Chía T TSopo Guatavita T Guasca T T Facatativa T La Calera Madrid T T La Mesa BOGOTA D.C. Anapoima T Soacha Choachi T Tocaima Ubaque Chipaque Silvania Girardot Caqueza T
Boquerón To Espinal Melgar Ibague & Armenia To Tatacoa Desert & Neiva
Guayabetal
BOYACA
To Villavicencio META
Don't Miss:
- Wandering the Colonial Candelaria's scenic streets lined with arts cafes, restaurants and adorned with interesting graffiti. -Enjoying active Bogota by taking out a bike on the Sunday Ciclovia, hiking in the Cerros Orientales or up to Monserrate. -The capital's plethora of world class museums housed in interesting architectural attractions such as the Gold Museum, Nacional Museum and the Modern Art Museum.
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTĂ
240 39
SUE CANDELARIA
When you arrive at our beautifully restored colonial home in the heart of the Candelaria, you will be feel inmediately at home. Sue,meaning "traveller" in the native chibcha language, is Colombianowned, offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and an emphasis on personalized service. Chill out in the Sue Bar, in our internal garden or challenge friends to a game of ping pong, on every level we look for the best experiences for our guests. Ourfully equipped house appeal to all types of travellers and we excelin being a small hostel that offers a vast range of activities. Such as the party buses on weekends, tours in and out Bogota and cultural exchanges among others. as the party buses on weekends, tours in and out Bogota and cultural exchanges among others.
Address: Carrera 3 # 12 C - 18, Centro HistĂłrico Phone:+57 (1) 341 2647 Cellphone: +57 - 314 464 0774 E-mail: hostalsuecandelaria@yahoo.com www.hostalsuecalendaria.com www.hostalsuecandelaria.com
nat*
CREDIT
RNT 16378
40
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTA
THE CRANKY CROC
CREDIT
Conveniently located in Bogotá historic neighborhood - The Candelaria, the Cranky Croc is the perfect hostel where you'll find the great majority of Bogota's attractions outside your doorstep. Inside, we offer a gourmet restaurant and bar with craft beer on tap, an 80” TV for sports and a mini cinema for chilling. Rooms and bathrooms are modern with piping hot water and with great information, activities and tours you'll be sure to get the most out of your stay in Bogotá.
RNT 16333
Address: Calle 12D #3 - 56, Centro Histórico Phone: +57 (1) 342 2438 Cellphone: +57 - 314 427 5299 Email: info@crankycroc.com www.crankycroc.com www.crankycroc.com
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTA
240 41
ALEGRÍA’S
If you're looking for a perfect place to relax in the beautiful heart of Bogota, you've found it. Alegría's Hostel is your splendid, colonial home away from home. Perfectly located in Candelaria (Bogota's most beautiful neighborhood), nestled between all the most important sights and museums (Museo del Oro, Montserrat, Plaza Bolívar) we offer a perfect range of facilities to suit all needs. Our patio gardens, adorned with plants provides a rustic space for relaxing in our hammocks, or Writing memories in a notebook at our picnic tables. Address: Calle 9 # 2-13 La Candelaria, Centro Histórico Phone: +57 (1) 743 6157 Cellphone: +57 - 313 419 1288 (24/7) E-mail: info@alegriashostel.com www.alegriashostel.com www.alegriashostel.com
nat*
CREDIT RNT 16842
42
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTA
DESTINO NOMADA
nat*
CREDIT
RNT 17529
Destino Nomada is a place where culture is shared. Our staff is a tight-knit family. We listen to what you actually want to get out of your time here and do our best to set you up with an unforgettable experience. The accommodations we offer are just as personalized also, from cozy shared dorm spaces to peaceful private rooms with stunning views of Monserrate and La Candelaria. We have a fully-stocked kitchen available whenever you need it, with free breakfast served every morning. And at the heart of all of this space: a place to hang out, share stories, and get to know your fellow Nomadas. We give to our guests the chance to really get to know Bogota, it's culture and people. Address: Calle 11 # 1 - 38 La Candelaria, Centro Histรณrico Phone:+57(1) 352 0932 Cellphone: +57 - 321 407 3328 E-mail: contactus@destinonomada.com www.destinonomada.com www.destinonomada.com
44
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTA
´ REPUBLICA
CREDIT RNT 47670
Relax in our common areas surrounded with plants and fresh air. Our rooms are equipped with charging outlets, reading lamps and private lockers. Fresh towels for rent, breakfast is included. We offer a unique location different from most hostels in Bogota. The old British architecture, alternative Bars, and local design shops are all around and give the neighborhood a chill rustic yet modern feel. The Gastronomic center 'Zona G', Award Winning coffee shops, and Bogota's best night life in 'Zona Rosa' all are just 5 minutes Address: Carrera 12 # 68 - 28, Quinta Camacho Phone: + 57 (1) 455 6681 Cellphone: + 57 - 310 673 7490 E-mail: bogota@republicahostels.com
www.republicahostels.com www.republicahostels.com
46
FATIMA HOSTEL
Fatima Hostel Bogota is located in the historical center of Bogota where the most important touristic attractions are. Fatima is an intercultural hostel. We have a very well-known bar/restaurant where the guests can find many activities such as karaoke, and different free classes that you can enjoy and learn about our culture like Colombian music, dances or to learn spanish with many travelers and local people to feel like real Colombians. If you want a place to chill: we have yoga classes and free art classes too.
CREDIT RNT 16513 RNT-45118
DirecciĂłn:Carrera Carrera 4 No.12 C -14 Address: 4 no.12 c -14 TelĂŠfono: 031 243 78 11 Phone: +57(1) 243 78 11 contacto@hostalfatima.com E-mail: Contacto@hostalfatima.com c www.fatimahostels.com www.fatimahostels.com
As Colombian as this or what?
Figs with caramel Chicharrones
Steak a caballo
# 26D - 90 Carrera 4A
NA LA MACARE15 745va25 PBXRe ser s
48
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOGOTA
BOTĂ NICO
Relaxing, exciting and envigorating all at the same time. Make what you want of our beautiful decorated space, Hostel Botanico is your home away from home, located perfectly in Candelaria. If you're in need of some well-deserved rest and relaxation, check in to one of our beautiful private rooms, try our daily yoga classes and top notch evening meals. Every evening surround yourself with beautiful plants and trees at our garden bar, buzzing with all sorts of interesting conversation. We offer a down-beat refuge for tired feet by the fire, you haven't spent a sunset or a sunrise until you've spent it on our roof terrace.
nat*
CREDIT RNT 53966
Address: Carrera 2 # 9 - 87, Centro HistĂłrico Phone:+57 (1) 745 7572 Cellphone: +57 - 310 587 2960 (24/7) E-mail: botanicohostel@gmail.com www.botanicohostel.com
Andres Carne Carne de de Res Res Andres Bus Tour every friday and saturday
dont miss out on andres because you are alone or dont know how to get there, join our group! includes
entrance fee - transport door to door cocktails on the bus - coordinators
Bta. tours
TOU
tours.co
www.bta
Bt
RS
a.
( 57 ) 311
530 26
77
everyday tour 8am to 6pm
only Zipaquira on mondays
marvel of world architecture
zipaquira salt cathedral & Guatavita lake tour where the legend of “el dorado� was born
includes: transport door to door - lunch - all entrance fees - coordinator
Bta. tours
TOU
Bt
RS
a.
www.btatours.co
for info ask at your front desk or tel: 57 311 530 26 77 - 571 745 75 72 btatourscol@gmail.com
Bogota - colombia
( 57 ) 311 530 26 77
51
MASAYA MASAYA-BOGOTÁ
Masaya Hostel Bogotá skillfully mixes the spirit of a hostel with the comfort of a hotel. In a colonial house recognized national heritage in the heart of the Candelaria neighborhood, Masaya Hostel Bogotá offers a cultural program to insert oneself in the local Colombia culture on top of a great range of services and superb comfort. Each of our rooms pays tribute to a Colombian region. The hostel has three patios, private rooms, dormitories, a shared kitchen, a recreation area and music instruments available to all guests.
Address: Carrera 2 no 12 # 48 - Candelaria Carrera 2 No 12 # 48 – Candelaria – Bogotá Phone:+ 57 (1) 747 18 48 + 57 - 310 609 27 82 bogota@masaya-experience.com E-mail: bogota@masaya-experience.com +57 (1) 747 1848; +57 310 609 2782 www.masaya-experience.com www.masaya-experience.com
RNT-25983
NORTH EAST ANDES - ZIPAQUIRA - NEMOCON Population: 127.050 Temperature: 2 - 21째C Altitude: 2.650 m.a.s.l. OG
ZIPAQUIRA
Municipal Palace
Opened in 1995 the new Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira has attracted hundreds upon thousands of international tourists to its depths in the original salt mine in this ancient Muisca site outside of Bogota in the Cundinamarca countryside. Once inside the mine you can experience life as a miner, follow the stages of the cross and or course marvel at this amazing work of engineering.
Population: 13.920 Temperature: 0- 19째C Altitude: 2.600 m.a.s.l. OG
Nemoc처n Salt Mine
NEMOCON
However, if you want to experience a more impressive version, head to Nemoc처n where the mine hits depths of 800m below the surface and there is even a huge salt crystal weighing 1,600 kilos carved into the shape of a heart.
53
OG
Villa de Leyva during the Fireworks Festival
MONI
PU
O
PATRI
L EB O
55
NORTH EAST ANDES - VILLA DE LEYVA
Population: 17.100 Temperature: 12 - 20°C Alt: 2.150 m.a.s.l.
Rich in indigenous and colonial history and surrounded by spectacular natural scapesl, this Colombian heritage site is the perfect place to start or finish your trip to Colombia due to its proximity to Bogotá. Villa de Leyva displays well-preserved XVI century colonial architecture, fossils of life from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and archaeological sites of the Muisca people, the most important indigenous group of the northern part of South America. Close-by, in the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (3700masl), you can visit the source of the legend of “El Dorado” and explore high Andean forests and moorlands. Comfortable and inviting, Villa de Leyva entices
VILLA DE LEYVA
with a series of lavish festivals that spread over the calendar year from suchas the Festival de las Luces (fireworks), to the Festival de las Cometas (Kites) to a Festival de Cine. Given its location, Villa de Leyva makes for an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding towns and villages in Boyacá such as the exotic sounding; Ráquira, Sáchica, Sutamarchán and Tinjacá.
And so, which better place than to fill your lungs with fresh countryside air, hike and horse backs rides, calm walks along the atmospheric cobblestone streets of this historic town and enjoying the first rate cuisine offer Villa de Leyva's many restaurants.
Mayor Square Cathedral of Nuestra Señora del Rosario
OG
56
NORTH EAST ANDES - BOYACA
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Boyacá
Tunja: Population: 335.320 Temperature: 1- 20°C Altitude: 2.822 m.a.s.l.
OG
PNN El Cocuy
To Bucaramanga Málaga
ANTIOQUIA
To San Gil, Barichara & Bucaramanga
Capitanejo
Barbosa Moniquira T
Guican
PNN El Cocuy Panqueba San Tipacoque Mateo El Cocuy La Uvita Boavita Soata Sativanorte Susacón
SANTANDER
Sta Rosa de Viterbo
Sotaquira Duitama
Paz del Rio
ARAUCA
Belen Monguí
Saboya T Arcabuco Villa de Leyva Paipa T Sogamoso Chiquinquira Iza Laguna de Tota Ráquira T TUNJA Aquitania Samaca T Puente de To Pajarito Boyaca Bogotá
CUNDINAMARCA
BOYACA
To Yopal & Los Llanos Orinoquia
CASANARE
Don't Miss:
-Hiking in the Iguaque National Park that backs onto the town. -Coming to Villa de Leyva during one of the town's many excellent festivals. -Exploring the neighboring attractions of Villa de Leyva such as -Paso del Angel, La Periquera or El Hayal waterfalls, El Fósil museum and the Paleontological center (CIP) - Visit the Archaeological park of Monquira (El Infiernito).
NORTH EAST ANDES - VILLA DE LEYVA
57
RENACER
RENACER HOSTEL Villa de Leyva
This family owned "finca" of 12 rooms, and one wood cabin with chimenea, camping and social areas with hammocks, peaceful gardens and hiking trails right at your door steps, offers complete tranquility. Located 1.2km from the main square and on the edge of the Iguaque National Park, this is a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. In our guesthouse our facilities include a bonfire area, an open plan kitchen (with pizza oven), TV room, bio-pool, kiosk, Spanish classes, breakfast and dinner are on offer too! We can help you organize many activities to enjoy your time here such as: rappelling, canyoning, horse-back riding, hiking, city tours and bird watching. nat*
Address: Avenida Carrera 10# 21-Finca Renacer,VĂa La BaĂąadera Phone: +57 (8) 732 732 1201 18 62/ 732 1862 Cellphone: +57 - 311 308 3739 / 310 552 9079 E-mail: info@renacerhostel.com www.renacerhostel.com Free taxi on arrival
CREDIT RNT 66164
58
NORTH EAST ANDES - TUNJA - SOTAQUIRA
TUNJA
Population: 335.320 Temperature: 1 - 20°C Altitude: 2.822 m.a.s.l. JL
As a University town, Tunja positively buzzes during term time and visitors should take advantage of its proximity to both Bogotá and Villa de Leyva to visit the capital of Boyacá's colonial center. Opulent Spanish colonial churches and buildings ring one of South America's most historical plazas and for those interested in colonial religious art, Tunja is a mouthwatering prospect.
SOTAQUIRA
Population: 8.050 Temperature: 1 - 19°C Altitude: 2.860 m.a.s.l.
Two and a half hours from Bogotá or a half-hour from Tunja is Sotaquira. This lovely natural refuge is in the Andes, on the way to Paipa, Sogamoso and Cocuy. The region was occupied by the Sotaires, a subgroup of the Muisca indigenous nation. Their descendants still struggle, living as typical Colombian peasants. You may also relax in the nearby hot springs and visit factories to taste Colombia's only aged cheese (Queso Paipa).
60
NORTH EAST ANDES - PNN EL COCUY & GUICAN Parque Nacional El Cocuy Temperature: -4 - 30°C Altitude: 600 - 5.360 m.a.s.l. OG
PNN EL COCUY
With 25 snowy peaks making up the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, for many enthusiasts this is the main reason to visit Colombia. The park spreads over 4 departments and offers a plethora of options for those wishing to explore the trekking g options available. Enjoy a 6 day guided trek starting in Guican and ending in El Cocuy taking in the full circuit of glaciers, valleys and peaks.
Cocuy Population: 5.810 Temperature: 3 - 20°C Altitude: 2.700 m.a.s.l. OG
COCUY & GUICAN
Cocuy and Güicán are the two towns from which you can start your adventures into the mountain haven of the PNN El Cocuy. In either of these small towns you can find many options of accommodation and information on where to secure guides, eat, use an internet cafe and runge. If coming here in the peak months of December and January you are advised to call ahead to make reservations at more for your first night.
61
NORTH EAST ANDES - SOGAMOSO
SOGAMOSO
Population: 112.000 Temperature: 3 - 20°C Altitude: 2.569 m.a.s.l. BA OG
Sogamoso, with its Temple of the Sun located along the Iraka "great light on earth" valley, is found in the spectacular and still largely unknown region of Sugamuxi. Sometimes referred to as the “City of Sun” Sogamoso is a well located town from which to explore the surrounding area. This region is famous for its perfectly preserved colonial towns such as Iza, Monguí, Tibasosa amongst others.
62
NORTH EAST ANDES - IZA
Population: 2.520 Temperature: 9 - 21°C Altitude: 2.550 m.a.s.l. OG
IZA
Called since long ago as the Green Nest of BoyacĂĄ, Iza is one of those small towns that invites to be visited again and again to enjoy its landscapes of soft hills, ideal to explore on foot or by bicycle and enjoy at the end of the day its relaxing hot springs, but not before passing by and enjoying the variety of desserts offered in the main square. From here you can easily go to Playa Blanca in Lake Tota.
RNT 3659
MONI
O
L EB O
PATRI
MONGUI
PU
NORTH EAST ANDES - MONGUI
63
Population: 5.100 Temperature: 1 - 17°C Altitude: 2.900 m.a.s.l. OG
On the frigid plateaus of the department of Boyacá is the National Heritage town of Monguí. Known as one of Colombia's most scenic towns, Monguí is a place which, while resembling a Spanish colonial town, owes much of its mystery and charm to a strong indigenous heritage. Monguí is an ideal starting point for hikes into the breathtaking Páramo de Ocetá.
LAGO DE TOTA
Lago de Tota: Temp: -2 - 12°C Alt: 3.015 m.a.s.l. OG
Not to be missed is the Lago de Tota, Colombia's largest freshwater lake, measuring 12km by 47km, bordered by a spectacular white sand beach “Playa Blanca” where you can camp out under the stars at night after a long day of contemplating the spectacular views, walking or enjoying watersports.
OG
Juan Curi Waterfall
NORTH EAST ANDES - SAN GIL
SAN GIL
Population: 46.000 Temperature: 19 - 31°C Alt: 1.114 m.a.s.l.
Known as the adventure tourism capital of Colombia, it's no exaggeration to say that San Gil has it all. From rafting on the River Suárez, one of the biggest rivers in South America, to rappelling 180m waterfalls to paragliding Colombia's largest canyon or just relaxing in a colonial town nestled between imposing mountains and watered by powerfull rivers. The “Pearl of the River Fonce”, San Gil is gaining in popularity and in turn becoming a cosmopolitan small town with attractive cafes located around the central plaza, excellent lodging options and good restaurants great. The Parque El Gallineral has to be singled out with special note for being located close to the center of San Gil but on an island in the River Fonce where one can enjoy viewing all different species of flora, in particular the old man's beard plant that hangs from the tall trees offering much appreciated shade from the midday sun.
Rafting in Suarez River
But San Gil's main calling is that it has everything for the adrenaline addicts including hydro speed, kayaking and caving.
For the calmer visitor there are nearby swimming holes, and relaxing walks through the famous Gallineral Park.
Paragliding
65
66 AM
Did you know?
The “Chicamocha” canyon is considered to be one of the largest in the world with 108.000 hectares in area and 2.000 meters deep. Gallineral Park
Cueva de la Vaca
Santa Cruz Cathedral
Don't Miss:
Gallineral Park
- Take your pick from any of the thrilling adventure sports including paragliding, caving, etc. - Strolling through the Parque El Gallineral before trying some toasted ants (a-local delicacy!). - Rafting Río Suarez one of the most extreme rivers in Sout America.
68 NORTH EAST ANDES - SAN GIL
MACONDO
san gil
SPA*
nat* RNT 13390
Macondo and its secret garden offers a tranquil place in the heart of San Gil. Hummingbirds flutter amongst orchids, mango and papaya trees. A small bridge crosses a pool of Koi fish reaching a heated Jacuzzi, the perfect place to rest in a hammock and have a beer after a day of adventure. Known as the adventure tourism experts Macondo's staff know all the extreme sports from rafting and paragliding to free activities like hikes and natural pools. With a great social atmosphere including Colombia's original backpacker tejo night (local game with explosives) every Tuesday Macondo is about encouraging people to mix with locals and experience Colombia. Address: Carrera 8 #10-35 Phone: +57 (7) 724 8001 Cellphone: +57 - 311 828 2905 E-mail: info@macondohostel.com www.macondohostel.com
NORTH EAST ANDES - SAN GIL 69
SAM’S V.I.P
Located right on the main square, Sam's VIP Hostel offers you not only the perfect location to explore the town, but also this penthouse offers you the best views while having a drink on the bar terrace or by the pool terrace. The Hostel offers you access to all of the outdoor activities like paragliding, rafting, cannyoning, hiking, and more. 32 people capacity, 12 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, pool, sauna, private parking in site and a bank on the ground floor. Free activities every week like our national sport tejo (explosives and beer) and our local sport bolo criollo (local bowling) includes free transportation and entrance. And the best part, local owner and employees with the best knowledge of the region.
CREDIT
Address: Carrera 10 #12-33 Phone: +57 (7) 724 2746 Cellphone: +57 - 310 249 7400 E-mail: samshostel@gmail.com
www.samshostel.com
nat* RNT 20643
RG
Inmaculada Concepcion Cathedral
MONI
PU
71
PATRI
O
L EB O
BARICHARA
Population: 9.860 Temperature: 18 - 30°C Alt: 1.336 m.a.s.l. Favored by filmmakers and amateur photographers alike, Barichara is a perfectly preserved example of traditional colonial architecture set betwean stunning mountains. This wonderful National Heritage village is just 30 minutes from San Gil. Upon arrival the town's whitewashed walls welcome you into an oasis of calmes overlooked by the imposing Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepci ó n. The town's narrow streets are lined with colonial era facades featuring bare adobe walls and clay roof tiles that glow in the rich Santander sun.
While on weekends it is a popular destination with national travelers, you mag visit during the week and you'll have the town to yourself to explore at your own pace and set up your tripod for that perfecst hot. Barichara is also known for its fine dining options with several top eateries around town serving up hearty traditional local cuisine including carne oreada, roast goat and the region's most famous culinary export - hormigas culonas (fat-assed ants). You can eat the
crunchy insects by themselves or reinvented in a variety of gourmet dishes.
It's difficult to leave the charm of Barichara, the area surrounding the town is full of fascinating activities and hikes, including the three hour trek along the old royal road to the tiny village of Guane. OG
Fundación San Lorenzo, Taller de Papel OG
San Antonio Chapel
ARA
72
EAST ANDES - BARICHARA NORTH EAST ANDES - NORTH BARICHARA
TINTO
TINTO
TINTO
Enjoyatthe charm of Barichara Enjoy the charmin of TINTO HOSTEL. Locatedat inTINTO the HOS hara at TINTO HOSTEL. Located theBarichara center of the town, we are just a minute's w center of the town, we are just a minute's walk to all the major re just a minute's walk to all the major attractions. The colonial architecture of our hos attractions. The colonial architecture of our hostel provides you with chitecture of our hostel provides you with spacious environment that also captures the b spacious environment thataalso captures the beauty of Barichara. at also captures theabeauty of Barichara. Our furnished patios and balconies are the pe Our furnished patios and balconies are the perfect place to watch balconies are the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset over some of the sunrise or sunset over some of Colombia's most gorgeousColomb er some of Colombia's most gorgeous We also have hammoc mountains. also beautiful hammock area afitbeautiful under the a beautiful hammock area fit We under thehave amountains. shade of fruit trees in our own garden of fruit treesand in our own garden that's great for relaxing andthat's g own garden that's shade great for relaxing reading, we have a pool tohot keep youand cooladuring reading, we have a pool you cool during those days keep you cool during those hot days and nat* a to keep nat* kitchen that fully equipped with everything kitchen that fully equipped with everything you need. So come and you with everything you need. So come and stay at TINTO HOSTEL where you are always we stay at TINTO HOSTEL where you are always welcome. re you areRNT always RNT 32345 32345 welcome.
Address: Carrera 4 N. 5-39 Calle Honda Address: Carrera 4 N. 5-39 Calle Honda a Phone: +57(7) 726 280 77250218 Cellphone: +57 - 310 280 0218 Phone: +57(7) 726 7725 Cellphone: +57 - 310 +57 - 310 280 0218 E-mail: tinto-hostel@hotmail.com E-mail: tinto-hostel@hotmail.com www.tintohostel.com www.tintohostel.com
www.nomadatours.com
74
GUANE
Population: 320 Temperature: 20 - 32°C Alt: 1.025 m.a.s.l.
Guane is one of those small towns where time seems to stand still. Even the royal road which connects it to Barichara takes us into the past. This tour offers a glimpse of some of the more traditional tobacco farms in the region. Upon arrival in Guane, you will visit its beautiful chapel built entirely of stone and a small paleontology and archaeology museum illustrating the territory once occupied by the indigenous Guanes.
THE OLD ROYAL ROAD.
In 1863, German engineer Geo Von Lengerke was contracted to rebuild and expand the old indigenous road. This road connected the towns of Socorro with Zapatoca, and wended down to the Magdalena River. In 1977, the Royal Road was declared a National Heritage.
OG
Old royal road, Barichara to Guane
MONI
O
L EB O
PATRI
PU
GIRON - ZAPATOCA Population: 191.000 Temperature: 19 - 32°C Altitude: 777 m.a.s.l.
OG
GIRON
The “White City” located on the outskirts of Bucaramanga takes you back to a time when the Republicans in Colombian were struggling for Independence from Spain. Founded in 1631 and now restored to near perfection, Girón stands out for the quality of its churches and antiquated streets all dating back to the 17th century covering 46 city blocks in size.
Population: 10.100 Temperature: 12 - 24°C Altitude: 1.737 m.a.s.l.
ZAPATOCA
OG
Undoubtedly, Santander is renowned for its beautiful towns and Zapatoca is no exception. Founded in 1743 it has retained the casonas with their clay walls and tiles. On the way to Zapatoca, you will cross the spectacular canyon of Sogamoso 3 hours before the arrival by taking any of the access roads (through Barichara Galán or Bucaramanga - Girón). It is well worth the long journey to discover the authentic Santander traditions at the heart of this town.
75
DG
Chicamocha Canyon
NORTH EAST ANDES - BUCARAMANGA Population: 1.250.000 Temperature: 19 - 32°C Altitude: 959 m.a.s.l. Conveniently located almost equidistant between Bogotá and the Caribbean coast, Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander is an inviting option for those wishing to enjoy a year round pleasant climate, outdoor pursuits and a city with a burgeoning arts scene. As a University City and growing in economic importance, Buca – as locals refer to their home – is carving out its own particular identity. Whether you are here to enjoy the thumping nightlife in the district of Cabecera, stroll through colonial attractions in the nearby town of Girón, explore indigenous Guane culture in Floridablanca, Panoramic view of Bucaramanga
BUCARAMANGA
paraglide from on up high in Ruitoque and the Mesa de los Santos or sample homemade cigars in Piedecuesta, Bucaramanga, the city of parks, can exceed your expectations. And for those seeking more of an adrenalin rush, look no further than the neighboring Chicamocha Canyon. This huge geographical scar, opened up over millennia by the Chicamocha, Fonce and Suárez Rivers is now spanned by a new Cable Car for the more sedate traveller, but for the adventurous, the park is crisscrossed with hiking trails and options for whitewater rafting.
77
78
NORTH EAST ANDES - SANTANDER
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
To CESAR Playa de Belén Valledupar & Sta. Marta San Alberto
Santander
Bucaramanga Population: 1.250.000 Temperature: 19 - 32°C Altitude: 959 m.a.s.l.
Barranca/ bermeja
Puerto Berrío San Juan
Pto. Serviez To Honda
Don't Miss:
La Lizama
T
Rionegro
T
To Cucuta & Venezuela
El Playón T
BUCARAMANGA
Los Santos
T
Guane Curití T T Barichara SANTANDER San Gil Pto. Aruajo Socorro Pinchote Galán
Cimitarra
Laguna
Berlín Lebrija T La Floridablanca Fortuna T Girón Piedecuesta Campo Los Curos Guaca Veintitres Pescadero TCañon del Chicamocha Zapatoca
ANTIOQUIA To Medellín
NORTE DE SANTANDER
20 de Julio Pto Lebrija
Landázuri
Guadalupe
Vélez Barbosa
T
Confines Oiba
Moniquirá
San Andrés Málaga
Capitanejo To Cocuy Soata
To Sogamoso BOYACA
To Tunja To Chiquinquirá & & Villa de Leyva Bogotá
-Soaring over Bucaramanga and paragliding from the Mesa de los Santos and Ritoque. -Testing out those dancing shoes with the beguiling folk of Bucaramanga in one of the city's nightclubs. -Taking the cable car across the Chicamocha canyon.
NORTH EAST ANDES - BUCARAMANGA
79
KASA GUANE
Want to meet locals? This is the place for you. The vegetarian restaurant and roof top bar are open all week & popular with locals. Situated next to la UIS one of the country's most important public universities, the roof terrace area with pool table has regular social events. Founders of Goals for Peace foundation, a full time social project serving 300 local children. Local and international volunteers meet at the Hostel. Quality comfortable mattresses, 10 years' experience helping travellers.
Address: Calle 11 # 26 – 50, Barrio La Universidad Cellphone: +57 313 274 2199 Phone: +57 (7) 657 6960 E-mail: info@kasaguane.com www.kasaguane.com
CREDIT RNT 16979
NORTH EAST ANDES - NORTE DE SANTANDER
CESAR To Santa Marta Valledupar La Mata Aguachica
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
T
La Vega
NORTE DE SANTANDER
Convención
Playa de Belén & Los Estoraques
Nte de Santander Cucuta Population: 873.600 Temperature: 21 - 34°C Altitude: 320 m.a.s.l.
Pto Santander
To Venezuela
Aguaclara Ocaña VENEZUELA La Arenera Astilleros Puerto Lleras Chapinero La China La Curva El Morrison Cerrito Abrego San Faustino Alto del Sardinata San Martín Pozo El Zulia CUCUTA Los Patios Villa del Rosario San Alberto Nueva San Antonio del Táchira Don juana T 20 de Julio To San Cristóbal El Diamante Pto. Lebrija Venezuela El Playón To VENEZUELA To Barrancabermeja Pamplonita Bucaramanga & Bucaramanga Pamplona SANTANDER Berlín Laguna To Bucaramanga OG
BOYACA
Did you know?
The national airline Avianca was founded in 1919 and was the first commercial airline in the Americas and second in the world only to KLM founded two months previously. Estoraques Columns
81
PLAYA DE BELEN
PU
O
L EB O
MONI
PLAYA DE BELEN - LOS ESTORAQUES
Population: 8.700 Temperature: 16 - 22°C Altitude: 1.450 m.a.s.l.
OG
Founded in 1862 the town of Playa de Belén is described in national guidebooks as resembling a living and breathing picture postcard nativity scene. Picturesque, ordered and very well maintained, the Playa de Belén evokes a film set for times past with narrow colonial streets, courteous people and is the starting point for any adventure into the nearby area of outstanding natural beauty of Los Estoraques.
OG
LOS ESTORAQUES
Unique National Area Los Estoraques Temp: 14 - 26°C Alt: 1.450 - 2.100 m.a.s.l.
Tall wind sculpted natural formations loom large over this protected area of 640 hectares making it a unique worthwhile sight in Colombia. The earthy red and yellow tones of the soils and rocks add to the attraction which makes the park a particularly photogenic attraction. Ideal for bird watchers and outdoors enthusiasts, you can combine a trip to Los Estoraques with a visit to Ocaña and to Playa de Belén.
PATRI
82
Central Andes OG
Culture Palace
Lush terrain gives way to ominous looking volcanoes and plunging Andean valleys in Colombia's central Andean region. As the country's coffee producing hub, communication is excellent between picturesque and traditional paisa towns.
CENTRAL ANDES - MEDELLIN CENTRAL ANDES Population: 3.824.000 Temperature: 14 - 30°C Altitude: 1.495 m.a.s.l.
85 240
MEDELLIN OG
Plaza Botero, Medellín Plaza Botero, Medellin
Affectionately known as the city of eternal spring, Medellín is rightly proud of its status as being Colombia's second largest but also possibly most progressive city. Offering the perfect year-round climate, inhabited by friendly locals and replete with legendary nightlife, the capital of Antioquia has understandably become a travellers' favorite. But it's not all about hedonism here in Medellín. The city has come forward in leaps and bounds and has made major headway in creating a more socially inclusive and mobile Medellín. Learn all about contemporary Medellín and
its drive to become Colombia's economic powerhouse though its fantastic integrated transport system which to date links the more humble barrios with the rest of the city through an efficient metro, cable car and even escalator system. Feast away on a traditional Bandeja Paisa for lunch before checking out the imposing and daring constructions such as the Plaza Botero, Palacio de la Cultura and the Parque de los Pies Descalzos that now define the city and then finish the day in the wellheeled barrio of El Poblado and the buzzing nightlife of Parque Lleras.
CENTRAL ANDES - ANTIOQUIA
86
MAR CARIBE Arboletes San Juan To Montería de Urabá Mulatas To Capurganá & Necoclí Sapzurro
Apartadó Carepa T
Turbo
To Montería
CORDOBA
T
Chigorodó
Caucasia
Tarazá
Mutatá Dabeiba Uramita Cañas Gordas
Antioquia Medellin Population: 3.824.000 Temperature: 14 - 30°C Altitude: 1.495 m.a.s.l.
T
BOLIVAR
Pto. Valdivia
ANTIOQUIA
Sta fé Antioquia
CHOCO
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
T
Yarumal
Chaquiro Cisneros
Bello T
T
Barrancabermeja
Pto Berrío
To Aguachica & The Caribbean Coast La Fortuna
To B/manga
SANTANDER
Puerto Araujo T Girardota Guatapé Itagüí T Peñol EnvigadoT RionegroMarinilla Santuario T Doradal T Bolombolo Pto. Boyacá To Quibdó R í oClaro Bolivar Pto. Triunfo La Pintada Jericó Jardín RISARALDA Dorada Pto. Salgar Marmato CALDAS To Honda To Riosucio To Manizales MEDELLIN
Don't Miss:
OG
Metrocable, Medellín
-Medellín's breathtaking nightlife. -Riding the Cable car to the “Comunas”& ARVI Park (Bring Binouculars). -Check out the amazing variety of orchids in the Orquideorama in the city's Botanical Garden.
CENTRAL ANDES - MEDELLIN
87
CASA KIWI
Casa Kiwi is the place to be in MedellĂn, providing a home away from home for travelers since 2005. Located just 5 blocks from Parque Lleras, in a tree-lined neighborhood, the city's best restaurants and nightlife are just steps from the front door. In addition to our dorm beds and private rooms, we are happy to offer an outdoor bar/restaurant terrace, roof-top with a bar and mini-pool, hammock chill out area, guest kitchen, movie theatre, and a pool table lounge. The best tours in the city can be arranged through our reception desk. Casa Kiwi is a comfortable and relaxing place to use as a base while exploring the City of Eternal Spring. Hopefully we'll see you here soon!!! Address: Carrera 36 #7-10 Phone:+57 (4) 268 2668 - 352 1109 Cell: +57 - 301 704 4576 www.casakiwi.net E-mail: casakiwi@gmail.com www.casakiwi.net
nat*
CREDIT
SPA* RNT 15235
88
LUCIA CENTRAL HOSTEL
Lucia opens its doors to welcome travelers in the city of “eternal spring”. A valley surrounded by green mountains with exotic flowers, a river that runs the span of the city, a bright sun and friendly people. Here are the Paisas, proud of their land, beans and arepa. Lucia is the ideal place to experience the real downtown Medellín. If you are a traveler who enjoys the authenticity of each region, Lucia is the place to stay to experience the city through the varied cultural activities on offer.
RNT-59789
Address: Calle5454#36-48 #36-48 Barrio Boston. Address: Calle Barrio Boston. Medellin. Phone: +57 (4) 497 4993 Cellphone: +57 - 304 130 6055 Phone: +57-4-497 4993 Celular: +57 3041306055 Email: lucia.central.med@gmail.com email: lucia.central.med@gmail.com www.luciacentralmed.wixsite.com/lucia-central Website: https://luciacentralmed.wixsite.com/lucia-central
RNT-44903
GS
Piedra El PeĂąol
CENTRAL ANDES - GUATAPE
GUATAPE
Population: 10.810 Temperature: 12 - 24°C Altitude: 1.925 m.a.s.l.
Just 75km from Medellín, Guatapé has traditionally been a favorite weekend retreat for vacationing paisas, but of late has come into being as a destination in its own right. This is in no small part due to the towering monolith of El Peñol that marks the skyline above the Guatapé reservoir. Ideal for hikers and those looking to escape the rigors of the big city, you can enjoy your days here in Guatapé strolling through the small town checking out the traditional zócalos, boating on the
lake, walking along the malecón or making trips further adrift to places such as Río Claro refuge. Guatape's slow pace of life is to be respected and enjoyed, plan to stay a few days and lose a few more in the warm comfort of small town living in the heart of the natural wonders of the region of Antioquia. Nuestra Señora del Carmen Church
GS
Don't Miss: -Climb El Peñol de Guatapé (The Rock) for amazing views. - Take a boat trip to visit the House. - Ride the zip-line over the reservoir.
Did Didyou you know? know ? 45% of Colombian territory is divided between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, forming abundant marine ecosystems, and also has prominent islands such as San Andrés & Providencia and Gorgona & Malpelo.
240 91
Traditional Zocalos
GS
92
CENTRAL ANDES - GUATAPE
BACOA
CREDIT RNT 53164
Bacoa Hostel is the new spot on Guatapé Lake! We offer private cabins and spacious dorm beds, our bar serves cold beers on the deck looking over the lake, and our restaurant dishes out local Antioquian fare. You can cruise around in our kayaks or SUP's, chill on our floating dock, or stroll through the Eucalyptus and Pine forests. Only a 20-minute walk to Pablo's old farm, or a short ride into the picturesque town of Guatapé! We do not have WIFI service, but we have tablet and PC with internet connection guests can use.
Address: Vereda El Uvital, entre el pueblo El Peñol y Guatapé
Medellín is 40 km from the accommodation, Guatapé is 5 km, and José María Córdoba Airport is 25 km away.
Cellphone & whatsapp: +57 - 300 440 1501 www.bacoahostel.com www.bacoahostel.com
PU
O
PATRI
L EB O M O NI
Population: 15.200 Temperature: 11 – 27 °C Altitud: 1.750 m.a.s.l.
OG
Typical paisa towns don't get much more typical than Jardín with it's colorful two storey houses, vibrant plaza and immense stone church. Set in a lush green valley surrounded by breathtaking peaks, it is also a great base for hikers, nature lovers and adventure sports aficionados. Jardín is a bustling little agricultural town where you'll find poncho-clad farmers holding meetings on street corners and in the town's numerous cafes. In the evenings, locals descend on the plaza and sit at painted wooden tables to drink and dine.
CENTRAL ANDES - JARDIN
240 93
JARDIN
Main Square Main Square
The town's most dramatic attraction is the Cueva del Esplendor, 70m waterfall high in the mountains that crashes down through the roof of a cave forming an icy pool. Other highlights includes hiking the circular path which climbs into the mountains past the Charco Corazón before arriving at the “Garrucha”, a local and rustic cable car, which runs back into the heart of town. On the way, try to spot the amazing Andean Cock-ofthe-rock (Gallito de Roca) a spectacular bird that is very common in this area.
OG OG DG
Historical Bridge BridgeofofOccidente Occidente Historical
PU
O
PATRI
L EB O
CENTRAL ANDES - SANTA FE DE ANTIOQUIA
M O NI
Population: 23.100 Temperature: 19 - 33°C Alt: 500 m.a.s.l.
SANTA FE DE ANTIOQUIA
95
An ideal escape from the bustle of Medellín, Santa Fé is the best preserved colonial town in the region and one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the country. Brilliantly white mansions l i n e b e a u t i f u l l y r e s t o r e d Santa Bárbara Church cobblestone streets interrupted only by tranquil plazas and austere churches. Santa Fé is an excellent place to relax whether it is enjoying a horseback ride out into the countryside or just to reconnect with the slower pace of a traditional town. One of the highlights of Santa Fé is a visit the old bridge “Puente de Occidente” that crosses the Cauca river and connects the settlement with the neighboring town of Olaya. The striking bridge was built in 1887 with a length of 291 meters, making Cathedral Basilica of Inmaculada Concepcion it one of the longest suspension bridges of its time. It has been declared an object of national heritage (since 1978) and today it is used by cars (one by one) and by pedestrians. Santa Fé is also famed for its wonderful traditional sweets which can be sampled at many small stores around town.
96
CENTRAL ANDES - SANTA FÉ DE ANTIOQUIA
GREEN NOMADS
RNT 47267
If you wish to live an unique experience, where nature, history and culture become one, then Green Nomads Hostel is the place where it comes true. We will offer you an unforgettable staying. We have a swimming pool, a relaxing hammock zone, board games and “rana” (the frog game) a well-equipped kitchen, bar and BBQ zone. In addition, we offer a wide range of activities in this Region. Our Hostel is located at the historic center, in a typical colonial house, surrounded by amazing landscapes of Antioquia´s green mountains, offering complete comfort and quietness. Don't hesitate to enjoy the great biodiversity, the big variety of bird species, exotic fruits and streets that seem stuck in time with a long and fascinating history.
Phone: +57 (4) 853 2797 Cellphones: +57 - 300 231 1501 / +57 - 302 434 2163 E-mail: gnomadsh@gmail.com www.greennomadshostel.com www.greennomadshostel.com
CENTRAL ANDES - RIO CLARO 97
OG
RIO CLARO
Río Claro is located near Puerto Triunfo and Doradal on the main highway linking the cities of Medellín and Bogotá. Until a few years ago, the region was best known for Pablo Escobar's Nápoles farm, which has slowly been transformed into a theme park popular with families. These days the region stands out f o r i t s p h e n o m e n a l natural resources, and the influx of ecotourism has allowed the area to develop a whole variety of outdoor activities. It is an area full of biodiversity, endemic species and unforgettable landscapes.
Population: 350 Temperature: 25 - 39°C Alt: 150 m.a.s.l.
Río Claro is the most recognized river in the region because the transparency of its waters that run swiftly along a marble river bed that has been shaped over millions of years by this impressive waterway. It's located on the south eastern slope of the central mountain range of the department, and is known for its dramatic limestone karst formations covered with forest. The river is home to a great variety of flora and fauna and is considered the most important biological reserve in the center of the country.
CENTRAL RIO CLARO 99 CENTRAL ANDESANDES - RIO -CLARO
MAKENKE
Makenke is the first hostel in Puerto Triunfo, inaugurated in January of 2017. Its straw structure totally connects visitors with traditional Colombian culture, and assists in creating an accommodation concept that is comfortable yet rustic and ecological. It has dormitories and private rooms, a 24 hour bar, lake views, hammocks, swimming pool and board games, among other services. We offer a wide range of adventure tours including Rafting, Trekking, Bird watching, Horseback riding, Canopy, and boat expeditions in the different rivers of the region like Río Claro, La Miel and Magdalena River. Makenke is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy an authentic experience with nature.
SPA* e treme
Address: Km 156 Autopista Medellín - Bogotá / Puerto Triunfo, Doradal. CREDIT Phone: +57 (4) 448 0642 Cellphone:+57- 310 276 1615 Email: info@loscoloreshotel.com reservas@loscoloresecoparque.com www.loscoloresecoparque.com RNT 12863 www.loscoloresecoparque.com
COLOMBIA BACKPACKER TERRITORY
102
CENTRAL ANDES - TOLIMA Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
T
EN
Tolima Ibagué Population: 574.000 Temperature: 16 - 26°C Altitude: 1.285 m.a.s.l.
OG
To La Dorada & The Caribbean Coast
Guarinocito To Mariquita T Bogotá CALDAS Fresno Honda Falan Letras To Manizales Armero Lerida
RISARALDA
Alvarado
To Armenia La Linea
QUINDIO
T
Cajamarca
IBAGUÉ
T
T
Guatanday Chicoral
OG
To Bogotá
Girardot Flandes T
Espinal Cucuana Guamo Saldaña Ortega Purificación
TOLIMA
Chaparral
Prado
Natagaima
To Neiva, Desierto La Tatacoa & San Agustín
Las Trampas Street
Did you know?
While the language of colombia is is While the oficil official language of Colombia Spanishdid didyou youknow knowthat that there more Spanish there areare more than than 60 aboriginal languages in use today. 60 aboriginal languages in use today.
PU
O
CENTRAL CENTRALANDES ANDES -- HONDA HONDA
PATRI
L EB O
HONDA
Honda is a charming, small colonial town, in the hot lowlands, where the Magdalena and Guali Rivers meet. Founded in 1539, it was the main river port for Bogotá, during colonial times, when paddle steamers plied the Magdalena River, the main communication route. Only 4 hours from Bogotá, it is easy to reach and on route for travellers going to Manizales ( C offe e r e g ion) , Río Claro, EC
103
Population: 35.000 Temperature: 22 - 34 °C Altitud: 229 m.a.s.l.
Medellín, Ibagué or the Caribbean Coast. Now a National Heritage town, the winding colonial and republican era streets hark back to times gone by; enjoy a stroll at sunset along the river banks, explore the bustling local market, or visit the excellent Museo del Río Magdalena. Still unspoilt by mass tourism, it is starting to be discovered, and a handfull of small hotels have opened up in the old town. Historical Center
M O NI
OG
Cathedral Basilica of Nuestra SeĂąora del Rosario
ORLD
W
UNESCO
Population: 400.900 T°: 7 - 22°C Altitud: 2.200 m.a.s.l.
CENTRAL ANDES - MANIZALES
105
MANIZALES
Manizales, the heart of the coffee zone and the capital of Caldas, is a delightfully pleasant city ringed by breathtaking Andean landscapes. It's all about the nature here, and hikers, trail walkers and outdoors enthusiasts will be right in their element in and around Manizales. OG
Nuestra Señora del Rosario Church Nuestra Señora del Rosario Chruch
Easily accessible from any of the major cities of Colombia, the student city of Manizales is the gateway to the famous Los Nevados National Park and is surrounded by beautiful eco-parks, thermal hot springs, enchanting traditional towns and working coffee farms. Before you take off to explore the surrounding region, be sure to make a trip to see the breathtaking views from the Los Colonizadores Park that spread out beneath you over the coffee plantations so indicative of this part of Colombia and that on a clear day offer glimpses of snowcapped peaks. Spend some time in downtown Manizales in the Plaza de Bolívar, buzzing with life before wandering through barrios of republican era architecture and finally, while visiting the Cathedral, you can't miss going to the top, commonly known as "El Corredor Polaco" where you'll find a beautiful sight over the city.
106
T
Temperature: 7 - 22°C Altitude: 2.200 m.a.s.l.
To Medellín
La Pintada
ANTIOQUIA
To Jardín
Arma
Ríosucio
Caldas Manizales Population: 400.900
OG
Founder's Monument
Supía
T
La Felisa
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Aguadas Pácora
ANTIOQUIA
Samaná
Berlín
Pueblo Florencia Nuevo
CALDAS
Norcasia Isaza
To Sta Marta & B/manga
Pto. Salgar La Dorada
Salamina La Rioja Victoria Guarinó El Pintado La Unión Páramo Los Marquetalia Irra Tapitas Filadefia Marulanda Planes To Aranzazu Manzanares Anserma Bogotá Mariquita La Estrella Neira Cauyá Fresno Honda Nevados Park Padua La Petaqueros TOLIMA Mesones Tres Puertas Trinidad MANIZALES T La Enea Letras T Club Viterbo Campestre T Villamaría Chinchina La Violeta
San T Clemente
T
Tarapaca La To Pereira Virginia To Pereira
Don't Miss:
-Orchid Forest in Recinto del Pensamiento. -Hiking in the Los Nevados National Park. -Wandering through the Río Blanco Ecological Reserve. -Explore the coffee farms to see the whole process of this mouthwatering grain. -Enjoy any of the hotspring in the area (like Tierra Viva, El Ruiz, Termales del Otoño).
CENTRAL ANDES - MANIZALES
107
MOUNTAIN HOSTELS
Mountain Hostels Manizales is located just a three blocks away from the Zona Rosa, most known as Cable Plaza in which people can find restaurants, bars, cafÊs, supermarkets and ATM’s. Is important to say that Mountain Hostels was the first hostel at the city, we have a long experience and we know exactly what guests are looking for. Our hostel offers you spacious outdoor and indoor areas to ensure a relaxing and pleasant stay. We offer not only our hosting service but also information about tours people can do at the city or around. Come and enjoy true Colombian Hospitality !
Address: Calle 66 #23 B - 91 Calle Larga de Palermo or Calle de los Faroles Phone:+57 (6) 887 0871 - 887 4736 Cell:+ 57 - 300 439 7387 E-mail: mountainhostels@gmail.com www.mountainhostel.com www.mountainhostels.com.co
RNT 15385
Our hostel is a special place for nature lovers, we have natural waterfalls, spa and forest path. Rooms in the middle of the forest, cabins and a glamping bubble. It is a place designed to provide tranquility to our guests and at the same time to enjoy nature. - We have parking for cars and motorcycles - Wifi zone in the main social zone - All our plans include a visit to the waterfalls, a walk along the path, a fire camp and you can enjoy everything we have in our hostel. We are located just 6.5 Klm from Manizales via Neira, before the Alto Bonito Village
PAUTA ENTRE PINOS
CENTRAL ANDES - MANIZALES
109
HACIENDA VENECIA
Hacienda Venecia: “Coffee farm with more than 100 of tradition” We are the most perfect place to learn and experience Colombia´s Coffee Culture, we are located between Salento & Medellin in the heart of the Coffee zone. Hacienda Venecia has three types of accommodation Main House, Coffee Lodge and Hostel catering for Travelers of all budgets. Privates room & dorms Services available: Social areas, gardens, open kitchen, Mini-Market, coffee station (drink as much as you like), wifi, swimming pool, and camping área.
Address: Manizales countryside Vereda “El Rosario” Between Medellín and Salento Phone: +57 (6) 870 3043 Cellphone: +57 - 320 636 5719 E-mail: posada@haciendavenecia.com www.haciendavenecia.com
CREDIT
RNT 19686
PU
O
M O NI
PU
O
L EB O
CENTRAL ANDES - SALAMINA CENTRAL ANDES - SALAMINA
PATRI
PATRI
L EB O
SALAMINA SALAMINA
111
Population: Population: 17.200 17.200 Temperature: 27째C Altitude: 1.822 m.a.s.l. Temperature: 15째- 27째C15째Altitude: 1.822 m.a.s.l.
Situated the of north the department of Caldas just 75km Situated in the innorth the ofdepartment of Caldas just 75km from from Manizales, Salamina is wonderfully preserved national heritage Manizales, Salamina is wonderfully preserved national heritage town town displaying a perfect balance between adobe-built traditional displaying a perfect balance between adobe-built homes,homes, traditional clay tiled rooftops, sweeping coffee region landscapes and colourful clay tiled rooftops, sweeping coffee region landscapes and colourful balconies. balconies. OG
OG
Cementery Cementery Church Church
M O NI
Population: 710.000 Temperature: 14 - 32°C Alt: 1.411 m.a.s.l.
As the capital of the Risaralda department, Pereira is a city of parks and is referred to as “the Pearl of the Otun River”. Pereira is an excellent base from which to embark on various day trips. You can head out to the hot springs at Santa Rosa de Cabal, hike in the Ucumari Park, gaze at the great variety of birds and butterflies in the Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary in addition to discovering authentic coffee fincas found dotted about the region. However, if you have more OG
W
CENTRAL ANDES ANDES -- PEREIRA PEREIRA CENTRAL
ORLD
112
UNESCO
PEREIRA
time to spare, then be sure to check out the city's green spaces in the Jorge Eliecer Gaitan Park, the Lago Uribe Uribe Park and the Libertad Park or marvel at the intricate constructions of guadua – as bamboo is known here – found in the grounds of the Universidad Tecnol ó gica de Pereira But don't forget, Pereira also plays host to a large student population, and where there's students, there's bound to be vibrant nightlife…Colombian style!
PlazaPlaza de Bolivar Bolívar
CENTRAL ANDES - RISARALDA CENTRAL ANDES - RISARALD
T
113 OG
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Risaralda Pereira Population: 710.000 Temperature: 14 - 32°C Altitude: 1.411 m.a.s.l.
Viaducto Bridge
Did you know?
JM
Colombia does not have any particular season, Colombia does not have any particular season, which is which is solely solely due dueto to the thefact factthat thatititlies liesclose closetoto the equator. equator. Colombia ligth all the Colombiaenjoys enjoyssun sunlight all through through the year. year. you the You can can experience experiencethe thetropical tropicalheat heatonon the coasts or even the snowfall in the mountaithe coasts or even the snowfall in the mountainous nous areas. areas.
Guarató Santa Cecilia
To Quibdó
RISARALDA
Pueblo Rico CHOCO VALLE DEL CAUCA
Apía
Santuario
Santa Rosa de Cabal
Viterbo Asia T
To Manizales
Marsella La Capilla T Tarapacá CALDAS Manzanillo T La Virginia Santa Rosa de Cabal La Romelia Nevado de Dosquebradas Sta Isabel Cerrito El Pollo Laguna Sta Isabel PEREIRA Laguna del Otún T Cartago Pto. Club de Tiro Laguna La Leona Caldas To Cali To TOLIMA QUINDIO Armenia T
OG
The Yipao parade, Aniversary of Armenia
ORLD
W
UNESCO
Population: 302.000 T°: 14 - 29°C Alt: 1.551 m.a.s.l. OG
CENTRAL ANDES - ARMENIA
115
ARMENIA
Dialogos de pensamiento Monument Dialogos de Pensamiento Monument
Since UNESCO added Colombia's coffee region to its list of World Heritage sites, Armenia and surrounding towns and cities have grown into some of the country's most popular tourist destinations. And rightly so, blending courteous attention to detail, local charm, unrivalled coffee and fantastic attractions you would be doing the region an injustice by not visiting. Roughly 300 km from Bogotá and close to both Medellín and Cali, Armenia's volcanic soil is perfect for
coffee cultivation and the topography lends itself to all sorts of adventures. Enjoy paragliding, hiking and horse riding amongst other outdoor pursuits or content yourself with the established and popular attractions of the Parque Nacional del Café, the bamboo and regional architecture found in the leafy confines of the centrally located Parque de la Vida or learn about the pre-Columbian culture of the Quimbaya people in the Museo del Oro Quimbaya.
116
CENTRAL ANDES - QUINDIO
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
OG
Quindio
Armenia Population: 302.000 Temperature: 14 - 29°C Altitude: 1.551 m.a.s.l.
Ulloa
Alcalá San Felipe
Quimbaya
RISARALDA
To Pereira
Filandia
Circasia
T
Quindio Botanical Garden Garden
Cruces Salento
Montenegro
La Cabaña Las Americas La Suiza Calarcá La Española Club Campestre La Linea El Caimo Barcelona To Bogotá La Herradura Rio Verde QUINDIO Alambrado T Cordoba Buenavista To Cali TOLIMA Barragan Pijao
ARMENIA
VALLE DEL CAUCA
Armenia City Center Center Armenia City OG
Quindío Garden, Butterfly Butterfly House House Quindio Botanical Garden,
Genova
Don't Miss: Garden with with its its excellent butterfly house. house. -- The The Quindío Quindío Botanical Botanical Garden excellent butterfly Colombia´svery veryown ownParque ParqueNacional Nacional del del Café. Café -- Colombia's The downtown dowintownParque Parquede delalaVida. vida. -- The
CENTRAL ANDES - ARMENIA
117
WANDERLUST
Wanderlust hostel is located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region. It is a base to explore it, with a nearby bus stop that connects guests to neighboring towns and attractions. We have two private rooms, spacious dorms, bunks with individual lights and energy plugs, plenty of bathrooms, common areas that include a TV room, fully-equipped kitchen and a patio with hammocks. We pride in our friendly staff that seeks to make sure you have an enjoyable stay in Colombia.
Address: Carrera 14# 1-24 Phone: +57 (6) 735 8686 Cellphone: +57 - 314 588 0182 E-mail: wanderlust.hostel.co@gmail.com www.wanderlustarmenia.com www.wanderlustarmenia.com
CREDIT RNT 41400
OG
Classic Balcony in Salento
CENTRAL ANDES - SALENTO Population: 9.300 T°: 15 - 26°C Alt: 1.895 m.a.s.l.
119
SALENTO
OG
Startlingly well preserved, Salento offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a traditional coffee settlement. With low slung timberbuilt houses with colorful painted trims, Salento could almost have a wild-west feel to it - populated by coffee-style cowboys slumbering beneath straw hats and ponchos were the scenery roundabout not so verdant and exotic. Located just 45 minutes from Armenia, Salento is the perfect location in which to base yourself whilst exploring Colombia's coffee zone. and learn about the coffee
growing, roasting and tasting process. Long regarded by Colombian tourists as one of the most beautiful pueblos in Colombia, Salento is a side of Colombia that should not be missed. And from here you have the Valle de Cocora and its attractions right o n y o u r d o o r s t e p . Ta k e a horseback ride into the valley beneath the towering wax palms, visit the reserve of Acaime and watching the hummingbird at the Casa de Los Colibríes.
120
O
HM
Traditional Musicians Traditional Musicians
Don't Miss: - Hike to coffee fincas and learn about the process before tasting the end product. -Enjoy the frenetic hummingbirds and dine out on a local delicacy, trout. -Hike or horse ride in the Valle del Cocora. -Try your hand at the traditional sport of Tejo. OG
MainSquare Square Main Cocora Valley Cocora Valley HM
OG
Salento street Salento street
CENTRAL ANDES - SALENTO
121
VIAJERO SALENTO
Located in the coffee region of Colombia, our hostel is a colonial house with the best view of the mountains. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while enjoying the view. We are the largest hostel in town! Stay in private bedrooms or in shared dorms. Enjoy our FREE daily activities: Spanish lessons, dance classes, yoga sessions, etc. Book a tour at our front desk and explore the 'Parque Nacional de los Nevados', horse-back riding and coffee tours. If you are looking for a place to live the culture and enjoy the nature and fresh air, this is the place for you.
CREDIT e treme
Address: Carrera 9 #7-23 Phone: +57 313 428428 3448 Cellphone: +-57 - 313 3448 www.viajerohostels.com E-mail: salento@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com
RNT 39996
122
CENTRAL ANDES - BUENA VISTA - PIJAO
OG
BUENA VISTA
Population: 2.990 T°: 12 - 29°C Alt. 1.477 m.a.s.l.
The appropriately named Buenavista is the perhaps the town with one of the most impressive views in the Eje Cafetero. Situated on a ridge high in Quindío, almost everywhere in this tiny town offers phenomenal panoramas. But Buenavista's charms are not purely visual, the farms that surround the town produce some of the best coffee in Colombia and many are open to visitors, who are able to follow the coffee growing process from the bush to cup. Trekkers will also find fantastic hikes in the area.
OG
PIJAO
Population: 6.380 T°:12 - 29°C Alt: 1.700 m.a.s.l.
Tiny Pijao is the least visited of Quindío's trio of colonial towns but offers plenty to visitors who make the journey through some of coffee country's most inspiring landscapes. The town is not as well preserved as Salento or Filandia, but undiluted coffee culture abounds and the surrounding nature is first class boasting dramatic wax palm studden mountains and rushing crystalline rivers.
124
CENTRAL ANDES - FILANDIA
FILANDIA Just a stone's throw from travellers' favourite Salento is the town of Filandia in the heart of coffee country. Well preserved homes and a large central plaza greet you in Filandia, a town renowned for its weaving, using the traditional materials of guadua (a kind of Bamboo) amongst others to fashion hats, baskets,
Population: 13.650 T°:14 - 26°C Alt: 1.930 m.a.s.l.
straps and more. Filandia's surrounding countryside is excellent to discover some of the most traditional coffee farms in the area, running by real Campesinos Paisas where you'll try the famous Tinto with panela (coffee with unrefined sugar obtained from sugarcane). For birdwatchers 300 species can be found in this region. OG
CentralPark Parkofof Filandia Central Filandia
POSITIVE TOURISM "Reserve and give at" WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
Of your reservation will go
5%
to local social projects
Of the value
South Andes DM
View of the San Antonio in Cali
While the Andes mountain range remains the key feature of this region, as the rumpled geography gives way to inclement Colombian lowlands and sugarcane plantations, there is the feeling of entering a different Colombia.
SOUTH ANDES - CALI 127
CALI
Population: 2.995.000 Temperature: 18 - 33°C Altitude: 1.018 m.a.s.l.
With rhythmical salsa flowing through the very veins of the inhabitants of this captivating southern city, here in Cali the only risk is wanting to dance! Whether you are here in the capital of the department of Valle del Cauca to brush up on your dancing skills, enjoy the effervescent nightlife, visit the city's myriad of cultural activities or as a jumping off point to the lower Pacific coastal region you will be sure to enjoy its enticing and relaxed atmosphere. Cali is a melting pot of Colombia's different ethnic groups and has made a name for itself as a center of music, dance, theater and sports in all of their forms. Hike up the Tres Cruces mountain on a weekend for excellent views over the city, plan an evening of bohemia in the attractive and colonial San Antonio district, head out to Juanchito for salsa in its purest form or brave the stands while watching one of the two of Cali's big football teams battling it out on the pitch. For water sports enthusiasts there's the Lago Calima nearby, for nature lovers the Laguna de Sonso and for the adventurous the curious railway and transport system at San Cipriano.
OG
Chorro de Plata Waterfall UD
The Cat Park, Gachuza
SOUTH ANDES - VALLE DEL CAUCA
128
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
CHOCO
Valle del Cauca Cali Population: 2.995.000 Temperature: 18 - 33°C Altitude: 1.018 m.a.s.l.
Bahía Málaga
T
Andalucía
QUINDIO
T
To Malpelo, Nuqui & Bahia Solano
CAUCA
T
Riofrío
Embalse T Calima Buenaventura Córdoba La Delfina Cisneros Yotoco San Cipriano T T Loboguerrero Dagua To Gorgona Yumbo T
To Pereira Cartago Zaragoza Obando La Victoria
Ansermanuevo Toro La Unión Roldanillo Bolívar
To Armenia Pereira & Manizales
Buga T
El Cerrito
T Palmira T Saladito Candelaria VALLE DEL Pradera CALI Juanchito CAUCA Crucero Pance Florida To Popayan & Don't Pasto
TOLIMA
Miss:
-A night out at the famous Tin Tin Deo salsa club. -Wandering through San Antonio's antiquated streets. -Making an adventure of it and headingout to San Cipriano.
OG
Paragliding at the Paraiso Santa Helena
DM
Cristo Rey
SOUTH ANDES - CALI
129
VIAJERO CALI
Wake up in the sunny city of Cali and enjoy Chill at the hostel or walk the streets of San Antonio, enjoy its unique architecture. In the afternoon, take our free salsa lessons and meet new people. We also offer private classes for all levels. Learn, put the lessons to the test at a salsa club and go back home and impress. See you soon!
CREDIT
RNT 28443
Address: Carrera 5 #4-56. Barrio San Antonio Cellphone: +57-317 640 6813 E- mail: cali@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com
130 SOUTH ANDES - BUGA - SAN CIPRIANO
BUGA
Population: 115.000 Temperature: 18 - 32°C Altitude: 969 m.a.s.l. OG
Singled out as a key destination on the religious tourism circuit, the small town of Guadalajara de Buga is home to the famous Basílica del Señor de los Milagros. Close to Cali, Buga makes for a pleasant outing to see the architecture, walk along the river bank and pay your respects to the Señor de los Milagros in this one of Colombia's oldest towns founded in 1555.
SAN CIPRIANO
Population: 520 Temperature: 20 - 33°C Altitude: 75 m.a.s.l. BH
An ideal adventure for anyone considering a day trip out of Cali is to head to San Cipriano. Put on the map in backpacker's circles due to a unique form of transport in the form of the “brujita” a railway platform connected to a motorcycle which moves passengers from the town of Cordoba, Valle de Cauca, to San Cipriano through dense jungles.
ORLD
131
W
UNESCO
Population: 287.000 Temperature: 12 - 25°C Alt: 1.760 m.a.s.l.
POPAYAN
Popayán or “La Ciudad Blanca” due to the prevalence of whitewashed buildings is a perfectly preserved and easily accessible colonial era town famed for its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized Semana Santa celebrations. Escaping the colonial centre you can make trips to the nearby village of Silvia known for its indigenous Tuesday market or out to the Puracé National Park which contains everything from jungle lowlands to high altitude plateaus within its boundaries. OG
Cathedral Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
132
SOUTH ANDES - CAUCA
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Site Toll
Cauca
To Cali Puerto Jamundi Tejada Villa Rica T Santander Mondormo de Quilichao Pescador T
TOLIMA
To Neiva San Andrés de & Pisimbala & Silvia Tierradentro Tatacoa Desert Totoro Inzá Aranzazu POPAYÁN Laberinto Puracé El Tambo PNN La Plata Paicol Timbio Patico Puracé Gigante Rosas Agrado Parranga T Coconucu Paletara Pital Garzón El Bordo HUILA Balboa
Popayán Population: 287.000 Temperature: 12 - 25°C Altitude: 1.760 m.a.s.l.
NARIÑO
Piendamo
Timaná San Agustín Isnos Pitalito Sombrerillos
Estrecho Mojorras
To Pasto & Ecuador OG
T
CAUCA
Condagua
To Mocoa
CAQUETA
Don't Miss:
Silvia
Paéces Indigenous
-The Semana Santa processions. -Popayán's UNESCO recognized culinary traditions. -Hiking in the Puracé National Park.
In a mountain enclave just over 2 hours from Popayán is the enticing town of Silvia, recognized for its strong indigenous roots shown through the local Guambiano people in their striking traditional dress and famous for its bustling Tuesday market.
ORLD
W
UNESCO
Population: 1.100 Temperature: 12 - 22°C Altitude: 1.850 m.a.s.l.
SAN ANDRES DE PISIMBALA & TIERRADENTRO
133
SAN ANDRES DE PISIMBALA & TIERRADENTRO
This archaeological zone one of the most importan in Colombia, began to be excavated around 1936, it is believed that the area was inhabited between 600 - 900 AD by unkown civilization, probably of farmers. Accessed from the charming town of San Andrés de Pisimbalá, Tierradento is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the prevalence of well-preserved underground
pre-Columbian tombs and statues carved from stone all intricately designed and decorated. The archeological park here consists of five important section including, Alto del Aguacate, Alto de San Andrés, Loma de Segovia, Alto del Duende and El Tablón and for anyone interested in archeology and pre-Hispanic cultures, this is a must.
OG
Hypogeum
OG
Monoliths, Archeological Park
ORLD
SOUTH ANDES - SAN AGUSTIN
W
UNESCO
Population: 33.000 Temperature: 12 - 25°C Alt: 1.730 m.a.s.l.
SAN AGUSTIN
135
The region of San Agustín and surrounding towns in Huila was once inhabited by a mysterious pre-Columbian civilization which left behind several hundred freestanding statues carved in stone, as well as a number of tombs. Taking into account the quantity and variety of the archaeological relics recovered, sculptures, sarcophagi, monoliths, tombs, artificial mounds, a vast number of ceramics and numerous works of gold it can be agreed and deduced that here was a pueblo that acquired a high grade of cultural development from the point of OG view of its evident social structure that produced great sculptors, artisans, farmers and above all the cultivation of a complex religious cult built around the enigma of death. Take some time to wind your way through the jungle environment of the Bosque de las Estatuas which allows you to appreciate the statues as they would have OG looked. The beauty of the unspoilt scenery and the mild subtropical mountain climate attracts travellers from all over the world. Be it riding horses, trekking, river rafting or archaeology, San Agustín is one of the best places for adventures in Colombia. Alto de Los Idolos Archaeologycal Area Monoliths
136
SOUTH ANDES - HUILA OG
Did you know? The Muiscas civilization were comparable to the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas, in structure, cultural cohesion and territorial dominance.
Don't Miss: -The haunting Bosque de Las Estatuas. -A horseback ride through the rolling San Agustin countryside. -Salto de Bordones amaizing waterfall of 400m high. -Seeing the source of the mighty river Magdalena.
Narrow point of Magdalena River
TOLIMA
To Bogotá T
Aipe T
Patá Desierto de la Tatacoa Villavieja
NEIVA
META
Juncal T Caguán CAUCA To San Andrés Betania Cali Rivera de Pisimbala & Piendamó Campoalegre Tierradentro Silvia Hobo Inza Aranzazu Laberinto CAQUETA PopayánTotoró Paicol Patico La Plata Gigante Coconuco Agrado Paletara Map Legend Pital Garzón HUILA National Paved Road La Jagua National Unpaved Road Altamira T Departmental Capital Guadalupe Timaná Municipality San Agustín Isnos Sombrerillos
San Juan de Villalobos To Mocoa
Pitalito Bruselas
To Florencia
T
Town Toll
Huila
Neiva Population: 349.900 Temperature: 22 - 36°C Altitude: 422 m.a.s.l.
SOUTH ANDES - SAN AGUSTIN
137
EL MACO
Finca El Maco is a unique combination of farm and hotel. Many gardens grow their own vegetables and fruits and for breakfast there are fresh eggs and milk from the cows. The whole team is like a family and we look forward to welcoming our guests. In many different bungalows you can enjoy pure nature and relax from the stress of everyday life. Sustainability is an important topic for us! Our restaurant invites you to healthy international food and our guides are happy to take you on horseback riding tours, mountain biking or to visits of the archaeological parks. Become part of the El Maco family and enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna.
Address: Vereda el Maco, right side of (300 mts) Piscina municipal Cellphone: +57 - 320 375 5982 E-mail: info@elmaco.ch www.elmaco.ch
PayPal
RNT 12541
138
SOUTH ANDES - SAN AGUSTÍN
MASAYA
Combining design, comfort and local culture, Masaya San Agustín is located in the outskirts of the town in the middle of the colombian nature. The hostel offers an impressive view over the canyon overseen from the room terraces or from our giant hammock. Besides the cultural activities, Masaya offers a wide range of eco-friendly activities. Our hostel rooms are made with local bamboo and the common areas are located in a wide 'Maloka'; a communitary house that immerse our guests into the precolombian lifestyle.
CREDIT
RNT 58848
Address: Vereda del Tablón, Km 1 Vía Estrecho del Magdalena Cellphone: + -57 -312 79 27 Phone: +57 312 418418 7927 E-mail: sanagustin@masaya-experience.com www.masaya-experience.com
SOUTH ANDES - DESIERTO DE LA TATACOA Population: 200 Temperature: 18 - 43°C Altitud: 405 m.a.s.l.
WR
139
DESIERTO DE LA TATACOA
Labyrinthine Guillis
Travelling south from BogotĂĄ into the department of Huila, you'll be forgiven if you feel that you have stumbled across a lunar landscape in the shape of the Tatacoa Desert. An ideal adventure for astronomers keen on viewing meteor showers from this vantage point or bird watchers drawn in by the prospect of migrating species, the Tatacoa desert spans 330 square km in size and can be reached from the city of Neiva.
140
SOUTH ANDES - MOCOA
Population: 43.850 Temperature: 18 - 30°C Altitud: 604 m.a.s.l.
MOCOA
As the capital of the department of the Putumayo, Mocoa makes for an adventurous destination in that it is part of the Colombian Amazon. Conveniently located close to the border with Ecuador in the south of the country, this exotic region is easily reached from both Pasto and San AgustĂn due to its strategic position as a link between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle.
FG
Principal Park of Mocoa
Mocoa enjoys a tropical and humid climate helping you shake off any chills from the high altitudes associated with Andean travel and is an ideal place for exploring, trail hiking and camping. Many, if not all of the attractions found here are natural wonders and are for the most part free of charge such as hiking in the Mandiyaco Canyon, bathing in the Rumiyaco River and visiting one of many waterfalls located nearby. There are other breathtaking sights as well, including the Fin del Mundo and activities such as bird watching and tubing down the Mocoa River.
SOUTHANDES ANDES-- PUTUMAYO PUTUMAYO 141 SOUTH
FG
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Putumayo
Mocoa Population: 43.850 Temperature: 18 - 30°C Altitude: 604 m.a.s.l.
Don't Miss:
Fin del Mundo - Dantayaco
To San Agustín To Pasto
Condagua San Francisco MOCOA Santiago Mirador El Pepino CAUCA Villagrazón El Porvenir
Sibundoy
Puerto Umbría
NARIÑO
-Hiking in the Fin del Mundo. -Hiking in the Hornoyaco Waterfall. -Swimming in any one of the crystalline natural pools.
San Juan de Villalobos
Pto. Guzmán
CAQUETÁ
Yarumo
Pto. San Miguel
Pto. Caicedo San Pedro PUTUMAYO Santa Ana Puerto Asís La Hormiga Buenavista Ayacucho Muelle La San Miguel (La Dorada) Esmeralda To Ecuador
ECUADOR
FG
Did you know?
The Muisca people oversaw a territory roughly equivalent to the size of Switzerland and they founded 65 cities, amongst those were
OCELOT. Leopardus pardalis
Population: 458.000 Temperature: 7 - 23°C Altitud: 2.527 m.a.s.l.
With its skyline dominated by the grey and imposing Galeras volcano, Pasto is the capital of the Nariño department. Known for its ornate colonial churches and famous Carnival de Blancos y Negros – held in January of every year – Pasto is possibly the most Andean looking of all Colombian cities, recognizable for narrow cobblestone streets and mountainous vistas. Pasto makes for an excellent jumping off point to Ecuador and is also a starting point for visits to OG
W
SOUTH ANDES - PASTO
LD O R
142
UNESCO
PASTO
the impressive Las Lajas Sanctuary. The Basilica built as if clinging to the walls of the Guáitara Canyon, the imposing Santuario de Las Lajas in Nariño has been a dest inations for pilgrims dating back to the 18th century. Near the city where is the location of the Pasto airport is Chachagüí town, with better weather and great posadas, restaurants, and stunning views of the Pasto and Juanambú Canyons. Nariño Main Square
143
SOUTH ANDES - NARIÑO T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Pasaje Corazón de Jesús
Nariño Pasto Population: 458.000 Temperature: 7 - 23°C Altitude: 2.527 m.a.s.l.
PACIFICO
OG
Tumaco
NARIÑO
Cajapi La Guayacana El Diviso Espriella Samaniego Junin Caunapi Altaquer Ricaurte
To Popayán
Remolino Tablón T
Chachagui (Aeropuerto)
PASTO Túquerres Tangua El Espino Imues T Laguna de La Cocha Rumichaca Ipiales
San Miguel
Las Lajas To Ecuador ECUADOR
CAUCA
Sibundoy
To Mocoa
PUTUMAYO
Don't Miss:
OG
Ipiales Santuario de Las Lajas
-A visit to the Las Lajas Sanctuary. -Hiking around the Galeras volcano. -Wandering through the colonial churches of the historical center. -Stay during the Unesco Carnival of Blacks & Whites in January.
144
SOUTH ANDES - LA COCHA & VALLE DEL SIBUNDOY
Temperature: 1 - 18°C Altitude: 2.784 m.a.s.l. OG
LAGUNA DE LA COCHA OG
The second largest body of water in Colombia behind the Tota lake, the Laguna de La Cocha is a glacial lake close to the southern city of Pasto and considered one of the most important wetland areas in both the Andes and Colombia. Population: 21.200 Temp: 9 - 23°C Alt: 2.055 m.a.s.l. OG
VALLE DEL SIBUNDOY
Located in the highlands of the department of Putumayo, entering the Valle de Sibundoy is to enter a territory rich in biodiversity and pulsating with mythical energies making it a sacred place to the local Kamentsá Indigenous.
COLOMBIAN HOSTELS ASSOCIATION NEXT EDITION
Would you like to be in the next edition of Colombian Hostels Pocket Guide?
Contact us through our website WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
Caribbean Coast OG
Santa Catalina de AlejandrĂa Cathedral
With a varied landscape ranging from mountainous hidden towns to colonial wonders, jaw dropping beautiful beaches, desert landscapes and verdant jungles, Colombia's Caribbean coast could easily occupy the traveller for several months.
CARIBBEAN COAST - CARTAGENA
ORLD
W
UNESCO
CARTAGENA
Population: 1.083.000 Temperatura: 24 - 34°C Altitude: 2 m.a.s.l.
The rhythmic clamor of salsa rings in your ears and almost stifles the soft sound of palm leaves stirring in the trade winds. In turn, this breeze brings a warm pungency of rum, sweat and cinnamon — the scent that represents the Colombian Caribbean — and you know that you are in Cartagena. Founded in 1533 and enticing with its blend of history, culture and sizzling nightlife, Cartagena is Colombia's longstanding tourist destination. Needing almost no introduction this Caribbean city with UNESCO World Heritage status is an excellent base from which to discover the history of the Spanish colonization of South America, explore the beaches found just 30 minutes away, test out those salsa clubs and soak up a truly unique atmosphere. History and literature course through the colonial streets of the tranquil, sophisticated barrio of San Diego, where an evening stroll gives you a delicious sense of relaxation and dreamy repose. However, if you are looking for the
Historical Center of Cartagena
147
most vibrant neighborhood, look no further than the traditional haunt of Getseman í with its distinctly bohemian feel. OG
SanFelipe Felipede deBarajas BarajasCastle Castle San OG
148
CARIBBEAN COAST - BOLIVAR
T
Don't Miss:
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Bolívar Cartagena Population: 1.083.000 Temperature: 24 - 34°C Altitude: 2 m.a.s.l.
-The incredible Castillo San Felipe and the UNESCO recognized city walls. -A day trip out to the beaches of the Islas del Rosario or to Playa Blanca. -Visit the Volcano El Totumo. -A nigth on the tiles in Getsemani's vibrant Calle Media Luna.
To Barranquilla Palenque T Sta Founded by escaped slaves T Catalina CARTAGENA MAGDALENA from Cartagena in the 16th Isla de Tierrabomba Turbaco Isla Barú Calamar Arjona C e n t u r y, S a n B a s i l i o d e T T Islas del San Cayetano Palenque is a fascinating insight Rosario Barú Malagana San Juan de to African culture in Colombia. Islas de San Bernardo San Nepomuceno Jacinto The history culture and To Carmen de Sincelejo Bolívar language practiced here has MAR Ovejas La CARIBE To Tolú y been declared by UNESCO as T Bodega Coveñas San Pedro Intangible World Heritage. Mompós Buena Vista UNESCO Magangué To San Fernando El Banco
Palenque
ORLD
W
OG
Sucre
BOLIVAR
CESAR
CARIBBEAN COAST - CARTAGENA
149
MEDIA LUNA
es the chilled Media Luna CombininES vibes of a traditional backpacker hostel with the historic feel of Cartagena. Enjoy an ice beer in the confines of the magical setting of this renovated colonial building with your fellow travellers, or, sunbathe on the patio, paddle in the pool and relax in the shade to escape from the heat of the Caribbean sun. By day when the sun is at its fiercest, the pool and the patio are the heart of the action but as dusk falls and the shadows lengthen, the action moves up to our rooftop bar and terrace where, with a cold drink, you can enjoy spectacular views over the city. Don´t miss the famous Media Luna Mega Party on Wednesdays.
Address: Calle Media Luna # 10-46 Phone:+57 (5) 664 3423 Cellphone: +57 - 315 341 1103 E- mail: reservas@medialunahostel.com www.medialunahostel.com www.medialunahostel.com
PayPal
CREDIT RNT 17841
150
CARIBBEAN COAST - CARTAGENA
SAN ROQUE
nat* int* RNT 16680
Hotel San Roque is conveinently located withing walking distance of many major tourist attractions, bars, restaurants, shopping malls, convention center and more, making it a great option for Cartagena. To ensure you enjoy the most of the City, we offer the whole range of tours, marine sports and transportation to the caribean cities of Colombia. Any useful information you migth need you'll find it in our front desk. Our rooms are comfortable and clean, you can choose between fan or air conditioned, all with private bathroom, cable TV, continental breakfast, Wifi, and also we offer the use of a shared kitchen and dining room, and common areas for reading, relaxing or to enjoy the excellent Colombian coffee. Hotel San Roque is your home in Cartagena. We support artistic expressions in La Heroica city.
Address: GetsemanĂ, Calle De La Media Luna #10 C - 48 Phones:+57 (5) 664 8323 - 670 0372 Cell: +57 - 301 400 1125 E-mail: hotelsanroquecartagena@gmail.com www.hotelsanroque.com.co www.hotelsanroque.com.co
152
CARIBBEAN COAST - CARTAGENA
CASA ROMAN
CREDIT
RNT 50699
Located in the exclusive Calle Roman, two blocks from the clock tower, is an emblematic colonial house. Dormitories with eight single beds, anti-mite orthopedic mattress, air conditioning without time restriction, locker. Towel and body soap. Typical breakfast of the Caribbean. Dining room Smart tv. Filter and ozonized water for free consumption, also free coffee. We have designed free experiences of exclusive flavors for our guests: Pairing the spices of tobacco, the bitterness of chocolate and the sweetness of rum. Address: Centro, Calle Roman #5-45 Phone: +57 (5) 679 0491 (24/7) E-mail: reservas@hostalcasaroman.com www.hostalcasaroman.com www.hostalcasaroman.com
154
CARIBBEAN COAST - CARTAGENA
VIAJERO CARTAGENA
Thirteen kilometers of stone walls and colorful colonial houses: this is Cartagena's walled city, where you will find Viajero Cartagena and where you want it to be. Start your day with a cup of coffee, fresh fruit and a menu that changes daily. Wander through the city, and remember, our bar opens at six and dance lessons start shortly after that! Join the fun, meet new people and go dancing to authentic latin clubs! Enjoy our unique colonial house, a temporary home to travelers from all over the world.
CREDIT
RNT 22078
Address: Calle 7 de los Infantes # 9-45. Ciudad Amurallada Cellphone : Celphone:+57 - 318 257 5354
E- mail: cartagena@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com
PAUTA THE CLOCK
157
Address: GetsemanĂ, Calle Maravillas # 30 - 60 Phone: + 57 (5) 664 4996 Cellphone + 51 - 311 665 9369 E-mail: hotelvillacolonial@hotmail.com www.hotelvillacolonial.com
Isla Fuerte
CARIBBEAN COAST - ISLA FUERTE Population: 2.800 Temperatura: 25 - 38°C Altitude: 3 m.a.s.l.
161
ISLA FUERTE
This gorgeous island with about 3,2km² of area and just 11 km away from the mainland is a perfect place to get away from the bustling Caribbean big cities, and at the same time to see the real Caribbean culture in an isolate island. A little known paradise, Isla Fuerte is a picture perfect getaway just a short ride from the mainland. From the port visitors jump on a boat and within 20 minutes will find themselves settling in and enjoying classic Caribbean scenery with Coconuts palms and Hammocks everywhere, and you can explore the blue sea doing diving or snorkeling or practice the awesome adventure sport of kitesurfing in pristine Caribbean waters these are just some of the things you will find. Tropical restaurants and bars provide great food and drinks and locals offer guided eco tours to amazing natural destinations.
LORICA LORICA
W
ORLD
CARIBBEAN COAST COAST -- LORICA CARIBBEAN LORICA CARIBBEAN COAST - LORICA
162
UNESCO ORLD W
UNESCO
Population: 120.500 Temp: 24 - 34°C Alt: 7 m.a.s.l. Population: 120.500 Temp: 24 - 34°C Alt: 7 m.a.s.l.
Refounded in 1776, Lorica is a National Heritage town known for its Refoundedmarketplace in 1776, Lorica is a National townSurrounded known for by its imposing and Mudejar style Heritage architecture. imposing marketplace and Mudejar style architecture. Surrounded by fertile lands and populated by Lebanese immigrants escaping the fertile lands and populated by Lebanese immigrants escaping the Ottoman Empire, Santa Cruz de Lorica is a strategic town on the banks of Ottoman Empire, Santa Cruz an de Andalusian Lorica is a strategic on the banks of the river Sinú which blends feel withtown a distinctly Middle the rivervibe. SinúCombine which blends an Andalusian with a with distinctly Middle Eastern your visit to Lorica tofeel coincide the Festival Eastern del vibe. Combine visit to Lorica coincide with the Festival Cultural Sinú where your the full extent of thetoregion's cultural heritage is Cultural Sinú where theFuerte full extent theNuevo region's cultural heritage is on show del or just jump to Isla from of Paso to feel islander. on show or just jump to Isla Fuerte from Paso Nuevo to feel S. Bernardo Tolú islander.
OG OG
Mural on the Malecon Mural on the Malecon
T
Map Legend National Paved Road Map Legend National Road NationalUnpaved Paved Road Departmental Capital National Unpaved Road Municipality Departmental Capital Town Municipality Toll Town Toll
Cordoba Montería Population: 461.400 Cordoba Temperature: 21 - 35°C Montería Population: 461.400 T
Altitude: 18 m.a.s.l. Temperature: 21 - 35°C Altitude: 18 m.a.s.l.
To del Viento Tolú Cartagena Isla Fuerte S. Bernardo To del Viento Coveñas Cartagena Isla Nuevo Fuerte Paso San Antero To Coveñas Purisima Paso NuevoLa Rada San Antero Sincelejo Ensenada To Purisima de la Rada Moñitos La Rada Lorica Momil Sincelejo Ensenada de la Rada Moñitos Lorica SanMomil Andres T Pto. Escondido deSan Sotavento Andres Chinú T Buenos Pto.Escondido de Sotavento Sahagún Chinú San Pelayo Aires Pto. Rey Buenos Cereté Santa San Pelayo Sahagún Aires Lucia Pto. Rey Cereté Ciénaga Santa Arboletes La Ye TLucia SUCRE de Oro Ciénaga Arboletes MONTERÍA LaYe T SUCRE de Oro MONTERÍAEl K15 T El Viajano San Marcos To Turbo & T El K15 T El Viajano San Capurgana Marcos To Turbo & San Anterito T Pueblo Capurgana San Anterito Nuevo Planeta Rica Pueblo San Pedro Nuevo de Uraba Planeta Rica San Pedro Valencia de Uraba Valencia Morales CORDOBA Buena Vista Tierra Alta CORDOBA Morales Buena Vista Villa Fátima Tierra Alta Caucasia La ApartadaVilla Fátima Caucasia La Apartada To Medellín To Medellín Affife Matuck Building SR/FS Affife Matuck Building SR/FS
&$5,%%($1 &2$67 ,6/$ )8(57( 163
/$ 3/$<,7$
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yUGRED GHSDUWPHQW 7KH QHDUE\ FLW\ LV 0RQWHUtD ZKHUH \RX FDQ ODQG LI \RX DUH IO\LQJ IURP D PDLQ FLW\ *HW D EXV WR ORULFD WKHQ WD[L WRYY SDVR QXHYR RU OD UDQD IURP ZKHUH ERDWV OHDYH WR WKH LVODQG
H WUHPH
&5(',7
517
$GGUHVV /D 3OD\LWD 3XHUWR /LPyQ ,VOD )XHUWH :KDWV$SS RQO\ ( PDLO ODSOD\LWDKRVWHO#JPDLO FRP ZZZ ODSOD\LWDKRVWHO FRP
OGDG
ArchipiĂŠlago deViento San Bernardo San Bernardo del
CARIBBEAN COATS - ARCHIPIELAGO DE SAN CARIBBEAN COAST - SAN BERNARDO DELBERNARDO VIENTO 165 Population: 1.500 Temp: 22 - 35°C Alt: 2 m.a.s.l.
OG
The Archipelago of San Bernardo is a group of 10 islands off Colombia's Caribbean Coast about 74 kilometers South West of Cartagena. Tintipan and MĂşcura are where the main beaches are, with locals serving fresh fish and cocktails. Neighboring Islote has the Guinness World Record for Island with highest population density, and is a must see! Visitors can go on a walking tour with a local guide to discover the fascinating island culture. The islands are on a massive coral reef shelf, providing amazing snorkeling and scuba diving. Make sure to stay overnight in order to go snorkeling amongst the bioluminescent organism that glow lighting up the sea in a spectacular natural phenomena. Adventure lovers can also take to the waters to ride the strong breezes that make the archipelago a great place for kitesurfing. Whether you're looking for sun and sea, getting up close to nature or experiencing local culture, the islands are a true Caribbean Gem hidden on the reef that should find their way onto any itinerary.
166
CARIBBEAN COATS - -ARCHIPIELAGO DEDEL SANVIENTO BERNARDO CARIBBEAN COAST SAN BERNARDO DEL VIENTO CARIBBEAN COAST SAN- BERNARDO
CASA EN AGUA EL AGUA CASA EN EL
A former Colombian holiday is a 25-year old wooden A former Colombian holiday homehome – is a–25-year old wooden built on a concrete foundation thewater. sea water. househouse built on a concrete foundation underunder the sea An An eco-friendly backpackers our cheerful, local crew. eco-friendly backpackers hostelhostel run byrun ourbycheerful, local crew. The hostel sits among theBernardo San Bernardo Islands, justhours two hours The hostel sits among the San Islands, just two byfrom boat Cartagena. from Cartagena. by boat It isand youyour and temporary your temporary who decide whether It is you familyfamily who decide whether to to detox, unleash the serene detox, unleash your your innerinner yogi yogi and and enjoyenjoy the serene RNT 45188 RNT 45188 environment, or crank the volume andthe getdrinks the drinks flowing. environment, or crank up theupvolume and get flowing. Whatever your choice maywe be,dare we to dare sayoffer we the offerbest the best Whatever your choice may be, saytowe hangover cure in South America: a bed-to-ocean dive the from the hangover cure in South America: a bed-to-ocean dive from first-floor deckclear into clear Caribbean waters. first-floor deck into Caribbean waters.
Address: our oficce in Cartagena or e-mail Address: ComeCome by ourbyoficce in Cartagena or e-mail us. us. # 10-76. blue doors and palm Calle Calle 30 # 30 10-76. (Calle(Calle MediaMedia Luna, Luna, blue doors and palm tree). tree). Cellphone: 3047877 555 7877 Cellphone: +57 -+57 304 -555 www.casaenelagua.com E-mail: info@casaenelagua.com www.casaenelagua.com E-mail: info@casaenelagua.com
168
CARIBBEAN COAST - NECOCLI
NECOCLI
Population: 63.500 Temperature: 23 - 31°C Altitude: 8 m.a.s.l.
With a long and rich history, Necoclí is known as the Pearl of the Caribbean. It's located just two kilometers from the site of one of earliest settlement of the Spanish in the Americas, San Sebastián de Urabá (1509). Nowadays, it has become a favorite destination for travellers because of the easy jump to and from Panamá via Capurganá and also for the beauty of its beaches and the exuberant vegetation of its surroundings.
Beaches and clear waters like those of Cañaflechal, El Turista or Linda contrast with the deep green of the Urabá jungle, a region that also conserves beautiful mangrove forests full of life that attract nature lovers. Take your binoculars for a day of bird watching or go fishing in the gulf with locals to learn the traditional methods employed by the Colombians of African descent and the Zenú and Kuna indigenous people.
170
CARIBBEAN COAST - CAPURGANA
CAPURGANA
Population: 1.900 Temperatura: 22 - 32°C Altitude: 2 m.a.s.l. FC
Bordering Panamá, Capurganá and Sapzurro are off-the-beaten-track beach destinations in the Caribbean Chocó. Abundant in flora and fauna these towns are ideal for those travellers looking to escape from the rigours of the “gringo trail” and who are prepared to rough it in a hammock and get back to nature. After rest prepare yourself for an awesome trail throught the jungle to visit Sapzurro to marvelous with the amazing beaches. In both places you can do snorkeling and scuba diving in clear waters of the Caribbean sea.
CARIBBEAN COAST - TOLU & COVEÑAS
171
TOLU & COVEÑAS
Population: 50.000 Temp: 22 - 34°C Alt: 2 m.a.s.l.
OG OG
SantiagoApóstol ApóstolChapel Chapel Santiago
Following the Caribbean coast northwest from Cartagena brings you to the beach resort towns of Tolú and Coveñas. An excellent jumping off point for the tropical islands located nearby, book ahead during Colombian holidays since these towns are longtime favourites for national holidaymakers. Fancy getting away from it all, head out to the San Bernardo islands and snork crystalline waters.
172
CARIBBEAN COAST - SUCRE
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Rincón del Mar
Palo Alto T
San Aguas Onofre Negras
To Cartagena
BOLIVAR Carmen de Bolívar
Ovejas Puerta de San Hierro Pedro Toluviejo TPalmitos Temperature: 22 - 34°C Coveñas Morroa To Altitude: 2 m.a.s.l. Corozal To Lorica Mompós SINCELEJO Sampúes Did you know? Chinú To InIn1855, 1855,Colombia Colombiasingned signedaacontract contract Monteria with to to withPanam;a PanamáRailroad RailroadCompany Company CORDOBA Build interoceanic train in in buildthe thefirst first interoceanic train the kilometers longlong theworol. world.A A79,65 79,65 kilometers railroadtrack connecting thethe pacific railroad track connecting Pacific SUCRE and andAtlantic AtlanticOceans. Oceans.
SucreTolú & Coveñas Population: 50.000
Tolú
OG
Sucre
Rincón del Mar Rincón delBeach Mar Beach
Located on the Caribbean coast, the department of Sucre is home to various attractions of interest to the traveller from the beaches in Tolú and nearby Coveñas, the ¨Corraleja¨ bullfights in Sincelejo, the furniture makers of Sampues amongst others. Easily accessible if travelling from the south in capurgana or just heading across from Cartagena. This is an emerging destination and appeals greatly to the domestic market.
Don't leave Colombia without trying our delicious foods and fruits! Any Colombian region has special dishes that you can find in any market or restaurant.
Look for our recommendations:
Cazuela de Mariscos, Sancocho (pescado, pollo, carne), Ceviche, Patacón, Arepa de Huevo, Arroz con Coco, Frichi, Rondón, Ajiaco, Changua, Cuchuco de Trigo con Espinazo, Fritanga, Cabro al Horno, Carne Oreada, Mute, Hormigas Culonas, Bandeja Paisa, Arepas, Lechona, Tamal, Aborrajado, Asado Huilense, Cuy, Sobrebarriga, Ternera a la Llanera, Mamona, Chigüiro.
Some of the exotic and tropical fruits are:
Guayaba, Tomate de Arbol, Curuba, Guanábana, Chirimoya, Zapote, Cacao, Pitahaya, Sandia, Melón, Copoazú, Arazá, Maraco, Borojó, Cocona, Lulo, Maracuyá, Gulupa, Coco, Corozo, Carambolo, Uchuva, Aguacate, Granadilla, Chontaduro, Piña, Papayuela, Papaya. Also you can find many non-exotic fruits in Colombia such as: Banano, Naranja, Limón, Lima, Mandarina, Manzana, Mango, Pera, Fresa, Mora, Brevas, Feijoa, Durazno, Cerezas, Ciruelas, Mamoncillo It will be possible to find most of Colombian fruits in every town, even if those fruits are not from the region that you are visiting.
OG
OG
OG
OG
OG
Old Market Building
PU
O
CARIBBEAN COAST - MOMPOS
PATRI
L EB O
M O NI
ORLD
W
UNESCO
Population: 45.200 Temperature: 24-37°C Altitude: 33 m.a.s.l. OG
175
MOMPOS
DG
AlbarradaofofMompós Momposand onthe thetower towerofonthe theInmaculada InmaculadaConcepcion ConcepcionChurch Church Albarrada
Colonial Mompós is the beating heart of the Colombia of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Come and visit this forgotten UNESCO recognized colonial town on the banks of the mighty Magdalena river, tour the nearby lakes and wetlands rich in birdlife, soak up the atmosphere as you wander its ornate and antiquated streets, kick back in a rocking chair and marvel at a town where time seemingly stands still. Embrace the spirit of adventure in your travel plans and strike out to Mompós, a lesser known route along the Colombian coast.
You will be rewarded in feeling a pioneer to this elegantly decaying yet tremendously atmospheric town. Mompós evokes a time past, one of legends, curious traditions and fervent Catholicism blended with literature and local beliefs. Shop for world renowned silver jewelry, enjoy fresh tropical juices in the plaza and immerse yourself in one of Colombia's most historic and unknown towns. Allow yourself to be embraced by the slow pace of life that courses through Mompós.
176
CARIBBEAN COAST - MOMPÓS Ciénaga of Mompós OG
Don't Miss: -The ecological and birdwatching tour to the Ciénega de Pijiño. -The Semana Santa celebrations and shopping for world famous silver jewellry. -Be part of the Mini library exchange, a project who want to impulse more readers to keep sharing their favorite books. Santa Domingo Church
OG
View of Mompós
Did you know?
The major part of cities and villages in Colombia had already been founded by the natives before the Spanish arrival, with an estimated population of 6 million inhabitants.
177
CARIBBEAN CARIBBEANCOAST COAST- MOMPOS - MOMPOS
PUEBLITO PUEBLITOMAGICO MAGICO
Pueblito PueblitoMágico Mágicois isa Colonial a Colonialstyle stylehostel hostelfeaturing featuringa grand a grandterrace terrace overlooking the Magdalena River. Located along the riverbank overlooking the Magdalena River. Located along the riverbankand and next nexttotoMompos Momposmost mosticonic iconicchurch, church,weweoffer offerprivate privateand andshared shared rooms with airair conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped rooms with conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a hammock area toto relax within, and a friendly bilingual staff kitchen, a hammock area relax within, and a friendly bilingual staff who whoareareononhand handtotoprovide providetour tourinformation informationand andhelp helpwith withany any queries. We have received thethe Green Business certification (by(by thethe queries. We have received Green Business certification Ministry MinistryofofthetheEnvironment) Environment)and andareareananeco-hostal eco-hostalcommitted committedtoto responsible responsibletourism. tourism.Come Comeand andenjoy enjoya awide widevariety varietyofofcultural cultural offerings offeringsavailable availablethrough throughourourcommunity communitylibrary libraryand andpartake partakein in many different ecotourism activities, allall while watching thethe colorful many different ecotourism activities, while watching colorful birds in in thethe land ofof Gabriel Garc ía íM árquez. birds land Gabriel Garc aM árquez.
nat*nat*
RNTRNT 54377 54377
Address: Carrera 1# 14-37 (Next to to Santa Barbara Church – Portales Address: Carrera 1# 14-37 (Next Santa Barbara Church – Portales dede Santa Bárbara) Santa Bárbara) Cellphone: +57 - 302 443 3530 Cellphone: +57 - 302 443 3530 E-Email: pueblitomagicomompos@gmail.com mail: pueblitomagicomompos@gmail.com
www.pueblitomagicohostel.com www.pueblitomagicohostel.com
BARRANQUILLA
W
CARIBBEAN COAST - BARRANQUILLA
ORLD
178
UNESCO
Population: 2.100.000 Temperature: 23-35°C Altitude: 18 m.a.s.l. MP
“Marimonda” Barranquilla Carnival
Second only in size to that of Río de Janeiro, Barranquilla's Carnival is known for being the truest to its roots and folklore in the continent. This unstoppable party where the city grinds to a halt to revel for a fortnight is becoming an international affair with visitors being drawn in from far and wide. Grab a costume, swig some rum
and pound the pavement with the dancers, locals, visitors and revelers as you all become one in a sea of people! Look out for free cultural events taking place in the traditional part of the city known as Barrio Abajo. Barranquilla's Carnival held in february of every year.
179
CARIBBEAN COAST - ATLANTICO
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Puerto Mocho
MAR CARIBE Salgar Pto Colombia T
Atlantico Barranquilla Population: 1.207.000
T
Temperature: 26 - 32°C Altitude: 4-98 m.a.s.l.
San Vicente Bocatocino Cienaga El Totúmo
MP
To Cartagena
Did you know?
Santa Verónica
MAGDALENA
Las Flores
La Playa
BARRANQUILLA
Galapada T
Baranoa
Palermo
Soledad
To Santa Marta
T
Malambo Sabanagande Santo Tomás Palmar de Valera T
ATLANTICO
Campeche
Isabel López
Ponedera Luruaco Arroyo de Piedra Sabanalarga Pendales Puerta Zulia Cienaga Santa Rita Luruaco
The Barranquilla Carnival is considered as one of the most important carnivals in the world and is a World Heritage event.
Puerto Giraldo
Cienaga El Guajaro
Santa Lucía
Bohórquez Campo de la Cruz
Algodonal
San Pedrito Calamar
Suán T
To Sincelejo
240 MP
RG
Cathedral Basilic of Santa Marta
CARIBBEANCOASTCOASTSANTA - SANTAMARTA 181 CARIBBEAN MARTA Population: 509.000 Temperature: 20-35°C Altitude: 15 m.a.s.l.
SANTA MARTA
This beachside city – situated on the Caribbean and beneath the staggering mountains of the Sierra Nevada - has been a popular tourist destination for both Colombians and foreigners for many years and is the gateway to two of Colombia's most famous attractions, the Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) and Tayrona National OG Park. But don't let the beach blindside you completely as there is much more to Santa Marta than just its position as an access point to picture postcard strips of unspoiled white sands and palm fringed shore lines. Santa Marta, founded in 1525, was the first permanent Spanish settlement in Colombia and this is reflected in the beautifully restored colonial center. Now you can enjoy fine dining options and effervescent nightlife in the attractive and impressive environs of the Plaza de Bolívar. íno Quinta San San Pedro Alejandr Alejandríno Santa Marta is the perfect place to spend a Quinta few days exploring local beaches, OG immersing yourself in Bolivarian history, dining out of fresh seafood and preparing for future adventures along the Caribbean coast. See if you can organize your visit to Santa Marta during the chaotically fun Fiesta del Mar in July and in addition to the revelry you may catch a glimpse of the city's most famous son, Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama. Just keep an eye out for the infamous footballer's mop of tousled blond hair! SimónBolivar Bolívar Simón
181
CARIBEAN COAST - MAGDALENA MAR CARIBE
Taganga
SANTA MARTA
Rodadero Gaira
To T B/quilla Sitionuevo Remolino
T
Aracataca
Salamina
San Antonio
Pedraza
Santa. Rosa de Lima
Si Dios Quiere Caracolicito El Copey
Bosconia To El Difícil Bucaramanga Nueva La Gloria Granada
Calderina
BOLIVAR
RG
Magdalena Santa Marta Population: 509.000 Don't Miss:
To Valledupar -The beaches of Bahía Concha,
T
La Lucha To Cartagena Santa Ana Magangué Mompós
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Temperature: 20 - 33°C Altitude: 2 - 40 m.a.s.l.
T
MAGDALENA
Tenerife Plato
GUAJIRA
Puebloviejo La Gran Vía
Fundacion
To Riohacha
Mendihuaca Palomino Minca
Palermo Ciénaga T
PNN Tayrona
CESAR Guamal
El Banco
Rodadero and Pleno Mar. -The historically important Quinta de San Pedro Alejandríno. -The nightlife around the Parque Santander or de los Novios. -Try the traditional Cazuela de Mariscos soup. -Finish your day with a drink seeing the sunset from Bahía de Santa Marta. Santa SantaMarta MartaBay Bay
CARIBBEAN COAST - SANTA MARTA
183
LA BRISA LOCA
La Brisa Loca is like a cold beer on a hot summer's day. This refreshing colonial mansion converted into a stunning hostel has everything you need to take a break from the constant motion of travel. Lush green vines dotted with purple flowers flow from the rooftop deck and bar to the first floor social pool. Grab your welcome beer at one of the two bars on the property and head to a daybed on the roof to take in the sunset and panorama views of the old town and surrounding mountains. On Friday and Saturday nights, the relaxing space becomes a festive local party with talented DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creating an amazing vibe. Centrally located, a couple blocks to the beach, restaurants, and local culture, we will set you up for a memorable experience in Santa Marta.
nat*
CREDIT
Address: Calle 14 # 3-58, Centro HistĂłrico Phone:+57 (5) 431 6121 Cellphone: +57- 317 585 9598 E-mail:info@labrisaloca.com www.labrisaloca.com
RNT 19166
From $2USD a day based on monthly plan
Calle 14 #3-42 +57 314 4346522 flamingocoworking.com @flamingocoworking
CARIBBEAN COAST - SANTA MARTA
185
LA VILLANA
La Villana Hostel was born in a land full of magic, charm, history, conquest and pirates. It is located in the historic city of Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in the Americas, and is surrounded by more than 100 beaches and the Sierra Nevada mountains. We are a colonial home dating from 1725, and restored in 1999, we have 4 dorm type bedrooms and 4 private suites. All our rooms have AC. We have beautiful social spaces around the courtyard, covered by 6 huge palm trees that provide a soothing yet active atmosphere, and we have a jacuzzi right in the middle of the courtyard, where you can chill in the hot afternoons having tropical cocktail next to the bar.
Address: Calle 1717 NoNo. 3-70, Historico Address: Calle 3 - Centro 70, Centro Histรณrico Phone:+57 (5)(5) 420420 9566 Cellphone: +57 57350311 821420 4939 Phone + 57 8574 Cellphone:+ 8574 E-mail: hello@lavillana.co E-mail: info@lavillana.co www.lavillana.co www.lavillana.co
CREDIT
RNT 32922
186
CARIBEAN COAST - SANTA MARTA
THE DREAMER
e treme
If you are looking for a hostel with a relaxed atmosphere where you can rest, meet your fellow traveller, have a drink or just sunbathe by our swimming pool then the Dreamer is for you. At the Dreamer we believe it is important to offer something different from all the other hostels and for this reason our home is purpose-built for all your traveller's needs. Our location allows easy access to all the attractions of Santa Marta, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the amazing Tayrona National Park. Make the most of your Santa Marta experience come and stay with us.
nat*
CREDIT
RNT 54044
Address: Carrera 51 # 26 D 161 Diagonal 32 Los Trupillos de Mamatoco Phone:+57 (5) 433 3264 - WhatsApp: +57 - 300 251 6534 E-mail: santamarta@dreamer.co www.thedreamerhostel.com
CARIBBEAN COAST - SANTAMARTA
189
MASAYA HOSTEL
Masaya hostel Santa Marta is designed to be a hostel but with the comfort of a starred hotel. Its various services, daily cultural activities, live concerts, and its cozy and picturesque atmosphere will seduce travelers anytime. Located in the heart of the cultural center of Santa Marta, this republican house was completely renovated and now offers three floors, two swimming pools, private rooms, dormitories, a shared kitchen, a rooftop terrace with a restaurant and bar, a pool table and a relaxing hammock on top of the city. Calle 14 Calle No 4 14 – 80#-4-80, Centro Histórico, Santa Marta Address: Centro Histórico Phone: + 57 (5) 439 5236 Cellphone + 57 -311 533 8348 santamarta@masaya-experience.com E-mail: +57 (5)santamarta@masaya-experience.com 439 5236; +57 311 533 8348 www.masaya-experience.com www.masaya-experience.com
RNT-34123
OG
Taganga Bay
CARIBBEAN COAST - TAGANGA
TAGANGA
191
Population: 7.800 Temperature: 26 - 32 °C Altitude: 1 m.a.s.l.
OG
Once a typical fisherman's village, Taganga has evolved significantly into an overwhelmingly popular traveller's haunt mainly due to its proximity to fantastic beaches, abundance of dive schools and easy laid back atmosphere. Located just 5km north east of Santa Marta, Taganga now plays host to dozens of hostels, hotels and guesthouses catering to every budget.
CF
This influx of tourism and Taganga's continuing popularity has meant that this quaint town is now perfectly equipped as a tourist destination with all of the information needed for making the most of your trip to the North Coast. But despite growth and some change there is still a distinct and OG original charm to Taganga and the view as you round the point and descend into the town – over the prettily painted fishermen's houses and the boats rocking in the ocean breeze – on the journey from Santa Marta puts everything into its idyllic perspective. This is the perfect place to recharge your batteries beneath the Caribbean sun, enjoying some good food, planning trips to the Lost City, Tayrona, Minca, Palomino and beyond.
192
CARIBBEAN COAST - TAGANGA
PG
Playa Grande Playa Grande
Don't Miss:
-Snorkeling or learning to scuba dive in Taganga's clear blue waters. -Laid back clubs and bars dotted around the town. -Hiking to beaches and enjoying fresh, locally prepared seafood.
Diving
Did you know?
In commissioned an engneer Ferdinan de Lesseps, famous In1881, 1881,Colombia Colombia commissioned an engineer Ferdinan de Lesseps, for building Canal dl “el Suez, to start construction Panam´s like (Canal famous forelbuilding Canal delthe Suez”, to startofthe construction of de Panamá).dike Under pressure from USA, Colombia lost from its theUSA, dominion of Panama's (Canal de Panamá). Under pressure Colombia Panamá´s And Roosevelt´s pharase I took Panama becomes lost its theDepartament, dominion of Panamá's Department, and Roosevelt's phrase “I famous. took Panama” becomes famous.
193
RNT-22074
E-mail: tortugahostel@yahoo.com
www.tortugahostel.com
POSITIVE TOURISM "Reserve and give at" WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
Of your reservation will go
5%
to local social projects
Of the value
RNT 10988
LA CASA DE FELIPE HOSTEL Our relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, our gardens and terraces await you! It is a pleasure for us to welcome you and advise you on the different activities we have in Taganga and its surroundings!
lacasadefelipehostel
www.lacasadefelipe.com info@lacasadefelipe.com Carrera 5 AÂ # 19 - 13 +57 316 318 91 58
JS
Sunset from Minca
CARIBBEAN COAST - MINCA
MINCA
If you have ever imagined yourself opting out and disconnecting from the rigors of modern living then Minca should rank highly on your list of places to visit in Colombia. Disable your Wi-Fi and remember travelling as it was in times past. Flanked unobtrusively by independent coffee farms, verdant forests, tall mountains, and crisscrossed by rivers swollen with snowmelt streams, waterfalls and swimming holes Minca is an Elysian destination JS
197
Population: 1.100 Temperature: 19 - 28°C Altitude: 650 m.a.s.l.
only 45 minutes from downtown Santa Marta. Be sure to pack your hiking boots, binoculars and sun hats to enjoy some great scenic walks, spot tropical birds galore and enjoy interacting with the ever-friendly locals. But it's not all about the nature as you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of great restaurants and cafes that are found in the town. Minca is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days. Marinka Waterfall
198
CARIBBEAN COAST - MINCA
JS
Magic view of the Sierra Nevada
JS
Did you know?
Due to the country's landscape, nature, and culture, Colombia is commonly known as “World in one country”.
Blue Pool
Don't Miss:
-The Cascadas” complete completewith withnatural natural -Therefreshing refreshingwaterfalls waterfallsof of “Las “Las Cascadas” shower showerpool. pool. -The -Thebeautiful beautifulnatural naturalswimming swimmingholes holeswith withwaterfalls waterfallsofof“Pozo “PozoAzul”. Azul”. -The -Themeeting meetingpoint pointofofLas LasPiedras Piedraswhere wherethe thestreams streamsfrom fromthe the waterfall waterfallcontrast contrastwith withthe theriver riverrunning runningover overstones stonesand andcreating creating natural swimming holes. natural swimming holes.
200
CARIBEAN COAST - MINCA CARIBBEAN COAST - MINCA
FINCA BOLIVAR
RNT 42328
Our Finca is located directly at the Minca river where you can take a pleasant bath after a hot day. The Guesthouse its only a 5 minutes walk away from Minca town but already in the middle of the lush jungle. All Our boutique rooms features orthopedic matresses and unique bathrooms with hot showers. The Hostel offers a great self-catering kitchen, bookechange and fast WIFI. We rent out high quality Mountain bikes to explore Mincas beautiful nature during daytime and in the evening you can enjoy our private viewpoint where you can see santa marta, the caribbean sea and unforgettable sunsets with a cold beer in your hands. The Finca Bolivar Team is waiting for you!
Weare areis located 200m after the bridge at the road to Pozo Address: We Azul and El Campano on the left side. fincahostalbolivar@gmail.com Cellphone:+57 - 322 280 8342 Email:fincahostalbolivar@gmail.com E-mail: www.bolivarhostalminca.com www.bolivarhostalminca.com
202
CARIBBEAN COAST - PNN TAYRONA CARIBEAN COAST - PNN TAYRONA
Temperature: 25-38 °C Altitude: 0 - 900 m.a.s.l.
PNN TAYRONA
ED
When people imagine Colombia's beaches, Tayrona is the image they yearn for. In short, this National Park and sacred area for the local indigenous people is not to be missed. As you make the hike into the park you will feel as if a weight is lifted from your shoulders and you can leave your worries, in addition to cellphone connection, behind you. You are here to disconnect, follow the old indigenous trails that pass through the pre-Columbian ruins of
the town of Charaima, better known as Pueblito, where you can see a net of tiled roads and small circular plazas of the same type you could find in Ciudad Perdida. Another attractions into the park are La Piscina and Cabo San Juan de Guía the best places for swimming, also walk along the beach until Cañaveral beach, or look out for exotic birdlife and while away time floating in azure and still Caribbean waters.
Calabazo
6km
Pueblito Archaeological Place
Secondary entrance to the Tayrona Park
- The buses from Santa Marta's market, in the down town, to PNN Tayrona,runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 to 6PM. - Schedule: 8AM to 5PM Zaino 7AM to 2PM Calabazo
Getting there and away:
To Santa Marta
Playa Cinto Neguanje P
Ecohabs
Río Piedras
Naranjos
Tarmac Road Walking Trail Main Road
To Palomino El Zaíno Main entrance to the Tayrona Park
Reception
3.5km
Piscina 1.5km Arrecifes
Cabo San juan de Guía
- ID for colombians and foreigners is required. - Swim only in the areas allowed. - Bring sunscreen and a repellent for bugs. - Total distance between Calabazo to the parking area: 14.5Km.
Recommendations:
2.5km
Playa Brava
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
204
CARIBBEAN CARIBBEAN COAST COAST -- TAYRONA MENDIHUCA
LA BRISA TRANQUILA
La Brisa Tranquila, a beach front hostel, is built on one of the most amazing coastlines along the Caribbean. The property was originally the site of a coconut farm and has preserved a number of the trees which tower over the tropical gardens on the grounds. Our restaurant and bar, located steps from the waves, will provide you with delicious meals to fuel you for excursions to the nearby Tayrona National Park, the start of Lost City trek and many other wonderful rivers, waterfalls and beaches. The nightly bonfires are lit just as the spectacular sunsets close the day, and the evening life of catching up, meeting up, and creating new connections begins. Come connect with the sea, the sand, the people of the Caribe. e treme
CREDIT
RNT 47900
Address: Kilometro 39 Troncal del Caribe (VĂa Santa Marta a Riohacha) Cellphone: + 57 - 321 599 5966 E-mail: iInfo@labrisatranquilal.com www.labrisatranquila.com
206
CARIBBEAN COAST - TAYRONA
VIAJERO TAYRONA
SPA*
Get ready for a combination of adventure and relaxation at our hostel resort in Tayrona, surrounded by tall palm trees and long beaches. Enjoy hanging out by the beach or the pool, get a massage, take a surf class and have a great local (and sustainable) food experience at the hostel! Wake up, get a tan, play volleyball on the beach and enjoy our tropical cocktail. Discover multiple indigenous community spots and traditions while exploring the rivers and mountains, an experience like no other!
e treme
CREDIT
RNT 22078 RNT-23397
Address: Address: Via Riohacha KM 48
Cellphone: + -57310 - 310 4704 Phone: +57 725725 4704
www.viajerohostels.com E-mail: tayrona@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com
CARIBBEAN COAST - TAYRONA CARIBBEAN COAST - MENDIHUACA
207
COSTEÑO BEACH
Located a few minutes away from both Tayrona National Park and the entrance to Lost City. Costeño Beach is a great place for your Colombian adventures in laid back comfortable and tranquility. The hostel was built on the premises of an old Coconut farm with ecologically conscious ideas and a friendly mentality. Relax while enjoying a cocktail at our new beach bar overviewing the ocean. Surfing, yoga & tours are offered every day at the hostel. At night we offer different events from relaxed nights around the fire and live music to Salsa & Latin party every Friday at our new deck under the stars! Address: When the bus stop in Tayrona stay on the bus for another 7min. See the sign of Costeño Beach on the left hand side, follow the path about 20 minutes or take a moto-taxi. Cellphone: +57 - 310 368 1191 E-mail: costenobeach@gmail.com www.costenobeach.com
e treme
CREDIT
RNT 26713
POSITIVE TOURISM "Reserve and give at" WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
Of your reservation will go
5%
to local social projects
Of the value
CARIBBEAN COAST - BURITACA
209
EL RIO
El Rio is a unique boutique hostel built alongside the buritaca river between tayrona national park and palomino. This Colombian riverside oasis offers travellers a unique hostel experience in the Sierra Nevada - home to Tayrona National Park and the Lost City Trek. El Rio Hostel combines excellent facilities with personal service, underpinned by the owners' love of socialising and travel. Our social spaces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; private beach, sundeck, bar and garden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even our family-style dining, encourage story swapping and friendship building, and our daily tubing trips always go down a treat. We know that backpackers also appreciate a little luxury and comfort, so we believe in paying close attention to even the most basic details to make staying at El Rio Hostel extra special.
nat*
Address: Kilometro 49, troncal del caribe, Buritaca Cellphone: +57 - 321 857 9345 E-mail: reception@elriohostel.com www.elriohostel.com
PayPal RNT 42597
RG
Alto de la Oraciรณn - Vereda los Limones
CARIBBEANCOAST COAST -- GUAJIRA CARIBBEAN PALOMINO 211 Population: 11.200 Temperature: 22-33 °C Altitude: 2 - 25 m.a.s.l. LT
Found just within the department of La Guajira, Palomino is a lush and exotic destination that is growing in popularity for those people looking to combine fantastic beaches with highland trails into the Sierra Nevada. This is a land as yet unexploited, and thankfully so, as it has preserved its integrity from mega constructions and resorts leaving the visitor feeling refreshed with its authenticity and simplicity. Palomino may arguably be the
PALOMINO
best bird-watching destination in all of Colombia given its location in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, known for its variety of exotic endemic and migratory species that pass through. Reset your internal clock here in Palomino as you will find yourself bedding down at nightfall and rising not long after dawn given the paucity of mains electricity. And that's what it's all about, remembering and enjoying a time before the crowds arrive.
212
CARIBBEAN COAST - PALOMINO OG
Sierra de Santa MartaMarta SierraNevada Nevada de Santa
Did you know? Colombian national treasure and literary hero Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
Don't Miss: -Tubing, kayaking and swimming in the white water of the rivers of Palomino, RĂo Ancho and Don Diego. -Visit any of the indigenous village nearby. - Do one of the hikes on the mountains in direction to the Sierra Nevada until RĂo Mamaize. AU
View over Palomino Town
CARIBEAN COAST - LA GUAJIRA 213 CARIBBEAN COAST - LA GUAJIRA
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Cabo de la Vela
Temperature: 22 - 36°C Altitude: 5 m.a.s.l.
Caruzal El Cardon Bahia Manaure
La Guajira Riohacha Population: 295.000
Punta Gallinas Puerto Bolivar
Bahia Portete
San Jose
San Antonio Taparajin
Jechipa
CESAR
RIOHACHA
Badillo
To Valledupar
Villanueva Ubano
Pta Estrella Nazareth
PNN La Macuira
Parajimaru Castilletes Flor de la Guajira
Matajuna Pajaro Mayapo Rancho Uribia T San Antonio Grande SFF Cuatro Los Flamencos Camarones T Vias Aremasain Maicao T To Venezuela Perico To T Dibulla Santa Marta Carraipia Paraguachón Mongui Pelechua Cuestecitas Albania PALOMINO Mingueo VENEZUELA Cotoprix Remedios Hato Nuevo Papayal LA GUAJIRA Fonseca San Juan Distracción del Cesar T MAR CARIBE
Taroa
GOLFO DE MARACAIBO
Don't Miss:
- Visit the market near the center to see the real culture of the Guajiros. - Swimming and tanning in the huge beach of Mayapo. - Walk along the beach boardwalk and stop for a cook beer at sunset. - Organize with the locals the expedition to the Alta Guajira.
Did you know?
Quindío's wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense spp.) is the national tree of Colombia. It is the tallest specie in the world reaching 60-80 mts in heights, which grows in the Andes at the altitude of nearly 2.800 m.a.s.l.
214
CARIBBEAN COAST - PALOMINO
THE DREAMER
e treme
nat*
CREDIT
RNT 53696
Located just 70 km from Santa Marta and not far from the Tayrona park entrance, The Dreamer on the beach in Palomino is a great stopover for backpackers and travellers while discovering the colombian caribbean coast. The Dreamer offers a relaxed armosphere in beautiful surrounding with unique ecological conditions. The hostel is on one of the coast´s more attractive beaches that also includes 2 swimmable rivers that flow from the Sierra Nevada, indigenous villages, and a clear view from the hostel of the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountains. Address: Playa Donaire, Palomino, al final de la Carrera 6 en la playa Address: ?????? Phone:+57??????????? (5) 420 9566 ????????????????? Cellphone: +57 320 563 0029 Cellphone: +57 - 320 556 7794 E-mail: palomino@thedreamer.co www.thedreamer.com E-mail:palomino@thedreamer.co www.thedreamerhostel.com
CARIBBEAN COAST - PALOMINO
215
JAGUAR AZUL HOSTAL
Jaguar Jaguar A zzul ul Where the sea, the beach, rivers, the jungle, and mountains are in perfect union, located at the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta a privileged location that allows guests to enjoy the magical combination of different ecosystems found only in this part of the Caribbean Sea. Our hostel is different in that is a socially inclusive yet private destination which is committed to the goal of reforesting and protecting this beautiful yet fragile paradise. It's a great place for nature lovers and birdwatchers or those just looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Jaguar Azul is in touch with nature - fresh water comes direct from the mountain spring - but also equipped with necessary comforts. Guests can choose between staying in a private room, dorm or camping out under stars.
RNT 42597
Address: Palomino Barrio La Sierrita. Cellphone: +57 - 313 800 9925 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 310 2791060 E-mail: jaguarazulpalomino@hotmail.com
www.jaguarazulpalomino.com
Monument that honors the Wayuu Lider - Palabrero
CARIBBEAN COAST - RIOHACHA CARIBBEAN COAST
RIOHACHA
Population: 295.000 Temp: 22 - 36°C Alt: 5 m.a.s.l
The largest city in La Guajira department, Riohacha is a destination like no other. Rich in indigenous culture and surrounded by empty beaches and spectacular arid landscapes it is the only real desert city in Colombia. Among the best place to swim is the Beach of Mayapo.
example traditional Guajiro cuisine and purchase colorful indigenous woven handcrafts including wonderful Wayuu mochilas. In the evening the city's waterfront comes alive as locals take a stroll and enjoy the sea breeze. OG
Many visitors come to Riohacha on a visit to the “Alta Guajira” region where Punta Gallinas, the northern most point of South America, is located. Other attraction close by include Flamingo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, where you can see amazing pink flamingos in their natural wetland habitat. Photographers will not want to miss the stunning Taroa´s Dunes which roll down to the Caribbean Sea. Riohacha is also the best place to organize an expedition to the Macuira National Park. In the city itself travelers can
217
Cabo delaLa Vela, Beach Cabo de Vela, Beach
218
CARIBBEAN COAST - RIOHACHA
HAPPINESS
Happiness is your best lodging option in the city of Riohacha, it is the starting point to prepare in the exotic and demanding Guajira, where you will find accurate tourist information for your trips to the desert. The hostel has friendly people who will make your stay an exceptional experience, we have multiple chill out areas to rest or share with other travellers in the world, have a cold beer in our bar or read a book while watching the sunset on the balcony. We have private rooms and large spaces with air conditioning, a few streets from the supermarket, drugstores, restaurants and ATMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.
e treme
RNT 55366
Address: Carrera.15 # 14-51 Avenida de Los Estudiantes Phones: +57 (5) 727 3828 - Cellphone: +57 - 315 613 2347 Email: happinesshostelriohacha@gmail.com www.happinesshostel.com
CARIBBEAN COAST - CABO DE LA VELA & CAMARONES
CABO DE LA VELA
219
Cabodela Vela: Population:1.300 Cabo de la vela
Temperature: 26 - 32°C Altitude: 0-47 m.a.s.l.
OG
Wayuú rancherías dot the coastline offering precious shade from the blazing Guajira desert sun. This is Cabo de la Vela, an unspoiled stretch of beach mid-way along the coast between Riohacha and Punta Gallinas. Calm waters lap the whitish sands and a vermilion cardinal breaks the monotony of the desert scenery. Wait for the piece de resistance, the unforgettable sunset that takes place here in Cabo de la Vela with its hues of purple, red and gold reflected upon the waters.
CAMARONES - S.F.F LOS FLAMENCOS
PNN
As a striking contrast to the harsh Guajira desert is this coastal nature sanctuary of Los Flamencos. Consisting of 4 large lagoons converging in a mangrove swamp that protects the shoreline, this has long been an open secret for birdwatchers. Here you can see flamingos and other estuary birdlife living harmoniously alongside the small Wayuú fishing communities.
POSITIVE TOURISM "Reserve and give at" WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
COMODIN
Of your reservation will go
5%
to local social projects
Of the value
222
CARIBBEAN COAST -VALLEDUPAR
VALLEDUPAR
Often referred to as the "forest city", Valledupar is considered the greenest city in Colombia due to its tree-lined streets and its proximity to natural attractions. While Vallenato music finds its roots a little further adrift there is no disputing that Valledupar is the actual capital of this uniquely Colombian style of music which is currently enjoying a huge surge of popularity. Located close to Arhuaco villages and within reach of the Guajira and the Sierra Nevada there is understandably a curious and thought provoking indigenous element to Valledupar for those
Population: 487.000 Temperature: 23 - 38°C Altitude: 168 m.a.s.l. CZ
interested in learning more about pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia. One such town to visit from Valledupar in the secluded and mysterious Nabusimake Further attractions in Valledupar aside from the vallenato-infused and whisky soaked mayhem that is the annual Vallenato Festival, include making a trip to the village of La Mina to swim in the crystalline waters and soak up the sun on the smooth boulders shaped by years of erosion. In the city itself head down to the Los Besotes Ecopark or take a dip in the GuatapurĂ River.
CARIBBEAN COAST - CESAR
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Cesar Valledupar Population: 487.000 Temperature: 23 - 38°C Altitude: 168 m.a.s.l.
Nabusimake andMarahuamake Marhuamake Nabusimake and
Capital of the Arhuaco population in the Sierra Nevada, Nabusimake can be a c c e s s e d f r o m Va l l e d u p a r a n d represents a pre-Hispanic culture still intact and functioning today despite the modernity encroaching on all sides. Distinguished by their white conical hats, the Sierra Indigenous call themselves 'the older brothers', and believe that they have a mystical wisdom and understanding which surpasses that of others. They refer to outsiders as 'the younger brothers.' Great respect and deference to this ancient culture must be shown when visiting their sacred ancestral lands and one must request permission to enter both Nabusimake and Marhuamake.
223
To Marhuamake Patillal Maicao Guatapurí Atanquez VALLEDUPAR La Mina Villanueva
Nabusimake Pueblo Bello El Zanjón La Paz San Diego Aguas Blancas T El Caracolito Copey T Agustín Caracolí Codazzi Bosconia T Llerasca El Paso
Loma Colorada Cuatrovientos Becerril
La Loma T Arjona Chiriguaná Rincón Mandiguilla Chimichagua Hondo San Roque Cga de Zapatosa El Guarno Curumaní To Mompós La Raya Pailitas El Banco Norte de El Burro Santander Tamalemeque Pelaya Palestina La BOLIVAR Mata Aguachica Gamarra
Morrison T San Martín
Rio de Oro Ocaña
To Playa de Belén Cucuta Venezuela
Norte de San Alberto Santander To Bucaramanga
Don't Miss:
-Bathe in the waters of the Guatapurí River and legend has it you will return to Valledupar in the future. - The raucous Vallenato Festival. - A day trip out to the town of La Mina to swim in naturally formed pools.
PaciďŹ c Coast Almejal Beach
One of the most overlooked and least visited regions in Colombia due to a paucity of infrastructure, the Pacific coast is a must see destination for those people interested in seeing a truly original section of the country.
PACIFIC COAST PACIFIC- BAHIA COAST SOLANO - CHOCO 225 Population: 10.500 Temperature: 20 - 33°C Altitude: 1 - 152 m.a.s.l.
Where the jungles of the Chocó tumble right into the Pacific Ocean leaving what can only be described as nature in its full pomp and glory. Travelling to this section of Colombia is to feel a pioneer, to visit where few Colombians have visited and to experience some of the most exotic and naturally exuberant regions of South America.
BAHIA SOLANO
PNN.Ensenada Ensenadade deUtria, Ultria.Bahía BahíaSolano-Choco Solano-Choco PNN.
CW
And where better to enjoy the Chocó than in the towns of El Valle and Bahía Solano, long drawing in intrepid souls interested in striking it out into unknown lands to surf, kayak, scuba dive, fish, hike and above all experience a true Colombia unaffected by the decisions and whimsy of the big city. Here you'll find Afro Colombian and Embera Indigenous cultures blended together. Breaching Humpback whales can be viewed from the shore in migration season making this destination all the more attractive to those not wishing to miss a true natural marvel. But it's not all water-based here; the protected mangrove swamps and rolling jungle hills are home to a cornucopia of bird species that would make even the most practiced birdwatcher salivate.
226 PACIFIC COAST - CHOCO MAR CARIBE
Sapzurro
Capurganá
PANAMA
T
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
Chocó
CÓRDOBA
Quibdó Population: 117.000 Temperature: 22 - 32°C Altitude: 43 m.a.s.l. OG
Cupica Playa El Almejal
Bahía Solano El Valle
Ensenada Jurubida de Utría Nuquí Trubiga
Las Animas OCEANO PACIFICO
CHOCO
ANTIOQUIA
QUIBDÓ
GOLDEN POISON FROG GOLDEN POISON FROG Phyllobates Phyllobatesterribilis terribillis
Yuto
CW
Guarató Tadó Apia
La Virginia Pereira
RISARALDA Cuevitas Beach Cuevitas Beach
Don't Miss: - The raucous Fiestas de la Virgin de Carmen in July. - Seeing the Humpback whales breach, from July to November - Sunsets on the beach along the Utria National Park - Discover the infinite biodiversity of the place, just walking inland where the pristine jungle begins
PACIFIC COAST - EL VALLE
227
THE HUMPBACK TURTLE
Playa Almejal's first backpackers hostel where the jungle of Chocรณ meet the stunning beaches of the Pacific Ocean. With our thatch roof cabins and extensive organic garden, The Humpback Turtle offers: private rooms, spacious dorm rooms, hammocks, vibing beach bar, communal kitchens, the chill out hut, book exchange, surf lessons, surfboard/kayak rentals, a wide range of tours and activities and a banging Chocรณ-fusion restaurant. Come and live the pacific at the Humpback Turtle!
e treme
PayPal RNT 27468
Address: Playa El Almejal, EL Valle Cellphones: +57 - 322 374 2923 / 314 538 9792 E- mail: thehumpbackturtle@gmail.com www.humpbackturtle.com www.humpbackturtle.com
POSITIVE TOURISM
EL RIO HOSTEL - EL RIO FOUNDATION
WILD
KASA GUANE - GOLES POR LA PAZ
COSTEÑO BEACH - COSTEÑO SOCIAL
WILD
mamaorbefamily@gmail.com
(+57) 314 690 47 71
THE
LIFE
Contact UsÂĄÂĄ
ENJOY
Mama Orbe is a hostel located on the Pacific Coast of Colombia, where extensive beaches, numerous rivers, waterfalls and biodiverse species are located. It make an extraordinary adventure that nobody would want the opportunity to miss!
Bahia Malaga Bahia Malaga
PACIFIC COAST - BAHIA MALAGA Population: 100 approx Temperature: 20 - 34°C Altitude: 4 m.a.s.l.
Bahía Málaga is one of the newest and most biodiverse National Parks in Colombia, yet it is surprisingly easy to access. The Pacific Coast of Colombia is just 1 boat and 1 bus ride from Bogotá, Medellín, Armenia or Cali. Inside the National Park you can explore the untouched jungle and mangroves, visit giant waterfalls or take plunge into the ocean at Sierpe or Ostional. There are also several natural pools inside the park, including the refreshing in Las Tres Marías, and many small uninhabited islands just
231
BAHIA MALAGA
offshore which are full of rare birds. Bahía Malaga is also a good base from which to explore the beautiful virgin beaches of the area including Chucheros, Juan de Dios and La Barra. From July to October you can spot humpback whales inside the National Park mating and giving birth to their young as they make their epic journey from artic waters off Chile to Colombia's tropical region. A wonderful way to explore the area is by paddling at your own speed in a kayak in order to get up close to the amazing wildlife.
232
PACIFIC COAST - BAHIA MALAGA
HOSTAL PACIFICO
AST
LE
Jungle &
Be a
ch
AST
LE
HOSTEL
of
The ms, out , of a ion The ms, out , a ion
tle!
CREDIT
e treme
Caleño Andrés started his dream just one year ago, with 50,000m2 in PNN Uramba Bahía Málaga. The hostel sits on a cliff overlooking the pacific ocean, with a private beach underneath. As the tides come and go, navigate the jungle by swimming, kayaking or hiking. Inside, youll find mangroves, waterfalls, natural pools, and by night, swim together to find fluorescent plankton inside the nearby caves. Pacifico hostel is the easiest and cheapest way to explore the pacific coast, with just 1 boat and 1 bus ride from the major cities of Colombia.(July to October is whale watching season!)
e treme RTN-58933
PayPal
RNT 27468
PayPal RNT 27468
Address: Inside the Urámba Bahía Málaga National Park Look for information about it in our website, this one provide a lot of details www.pacificohostel.com www.pacificohostel.com
Pacific ∙ Amazonas ∙ Eastern plains ∙ Caribbean
PAUTAÂ PACIFICO
PAUTAÂ PACIFICO
Colombian Islands OG
Santa Catalina Island
Colombia's beaches and protected ecosystems are something to be proud of and the Caribbean and Pacific Islands found here are no exceptions.
COLOMBIAN ISLANDS - SAN PROVIDENCIA COLOMBIAN ISLANDS - SANANDRES ANDRESYYY PROVIDENCIA Pop: 70.000 Temp: 25 - 32°C Alt: 1- 85 m.a.s.l. Pop: 5.800 Temp: 18 - 32°C Alt: 1- 360 m.a.s.l.
SAN ANDRES & PROVIDENCIA
237
Almost 800 km northwest from the Colombian mainland are the Colombian Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia. Better known for their beaches, diving and Caribbean culture the two islands are actually very different from one another. Put your Spanish language skills to one side and try the lilting Caribbean pidgin English of the locals. San Andres is the low lying bigger of the two and is a holiday destination par excellence for those wishing to do nothing more than to divide their time shopping for quality imported tax free goods and laze around on the beach during the day and sip cocktails at night.
Providencia on the other hand is more rugged; less visited and attracts couples and adventurous spirits looking to follow the footsteps of one Henry Morgan. The smaller of Colombia's two Caribbean islands, Providencia is the less visited and more idyllic. Free from crowds Providencia's lush mountainous geography shields a history of piracy and puritans all of whom at one point made their homes here. Enjoy unspoiled palm fringed beaches, scuba dive, hike to McBean Lagoon and set your watch to “island time”.
238
COLOMBIAN ISLANDS - SAN ANDRES Y PROVIDENCIA COLOMBIAN ISLANDS
Santa Catalina
Santa Isabel T
Johnny Cay Punta North
PROVIDENCIA
SAN ANDRÉS
EVANS POINT SAN ANDRÉS
Puerto El Cove
Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll
San Andrés Providencia & Santa Catalina
San Andrés Population: 70.000 Temperature: 25 - 32°C Altitude: 1 - 85 m.a.s.l.
MAR CARIBE
Don't Miss: - Take a trip out to Johnny Cay for a day of relaxation. - Head round to the beaches at San Luis. - Shop for deals in the Duty Free stores downtown. - Rent a mule - scooter to explore the islands. - Enjoy fantastic scuba diving on both islands. - Hike up “The Peak” on Providencia. - Enjoy a drink in one of the bars on Playa Manzanillo or South West Bay.
EL VIAJERO SAN ANDRES
COLOMBIAN ISLANDS - SAN ANDRES COLOMBIAN ISLANDS
239
EL VIAJERO SAN ANDRES
An island surrounded with a sea of seven colors, where you can dive during seven days straight without repeating the same spot! Our hostel is located in the center of the island, close to the beach, restaurants, and a supermarket. Enjoy our privileged view from our bar on the fifth floor while you enjoy your breakfast, with a new An island surrounded with a sea of seven colors, where you can dive menu every day! Explore the best of the Caribbean while you during seven days straight without repeating the same spot! go around the island in a golf cart or spend the day on a boat drinking Our hostel is located in the center of the island, close to the beach, a cocktail from a coconut! restaurants, and a supermarket. Enjoy our privileged view from our bar on the fifth floor while you enjoy your breakfast, with a new menu every day! Explore the best of the Caribbean while you go around the island in a golf cart or spend the day on a boat drinking a cocktail from a coconut!
Address: Avenida 20 de Julio 122 N° 3A - 122 Cellphone: +57 - 316 493 8340 E-mail: sanandres@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com Address: Avenida 20 de Julio 122 N° 3A - 122 Cellphone: +57 - 316 493 8340 E-mail: sanandres@viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com www.viajerohostels.com
CREDIT
RNT 29395
CREDIT
RNT 29395
Los Llanos - OrinoquĂa
OG
Morichal on the Casanare Plains
Despite being perhaps the best place to spot wildlife in Colombia Los Llanos receives few visitors which make an expeditions here even more special. The wetlands and plains are home to a staggering array of animals including capybaras, pumas, jaguars, anaconda and crocodiles along with a plethora of bird species.
LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA - VILLAVICENCIO Villavicencio Population: 516.850 Temperature: 20 - 39°C Altitude: 467 m.a.s.l.
ITM
Joropo tournament
Moriche Palm in the Estero OG
Typical Llanero cowboy
241
VILLAVICENCIO
Gateway to the magnificent Llanos Orientales, Villavicencio is perched in the foothills of the Andes just three hours from Bogota but feels a world away. A modern city on the edge of a timeless expansive plain awash with wildlife, it is the perfect base from which to plan and launch adventures into some of Colombia's most photogenic yet least visited landscapes. Villavicencio is the cultural ITM heart of the Llanos and regularly holds events and fairs celebrated llanero food, culture, music and more. Even if your visit doesn't coincide with a special event it's always possible to find traditional dance and music in restaurants around town. And meat lovers shouldn't leave without trying carne a la llanera â&#x20AC;&#x201C; traditional cuts of beef slow roasted over and open fire. A delicacy that is famed throughout the country. Outside the city there is plenty to keep visitors occupied too including world class birding with over 900 recorded species, exhilarating adventure sports among fast rushing rivers, hidden canyons and towering waterfalls and visits to traditional ranches where visitors can get up close to traditional Llanera culture.
242
LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA
Horse Back Riding
Rafting Ariari River
LOS LLANOS - ORINOQUIA - VILLAVICENCIO
243
VITRIPS Vitrips Hostel is a lodging place for passing travelers, tourists and backpackers; Friendly, comfortable and spacious. It is ready for rest and tranquility of the guests thanks to its large common areas: terrace, living room, library, dining room, kitchen, bathrooms. It has a capacity for 20 pax and an excellent security system. It is very well located, close to commercial establishments and prominent shopping centers. In the city of Villavicencio, 2 hours from Bogotรก, at the door of the plain where the landscape embraces you with its beauty and the sunset lights the sky, the most beautiful river in the world is adorned with its 7 colors, the dolphins dance in the water , the secrets of the past are discovered in the blue hill, where the tranquility and mystery of the jungle come together there is Vitrips Hostel Address: Calle 7 # 41 - 28. Barrio La Esperanza Cellphone: +57 - 316 741 7881 E- mail: reservas@vitripshostel.co www.vitripshostel.com www.vitripshostel.com
e treme
CREDIT RNT 69547
244 NNLALAMACARENA MACARENA- -LOS LOSLLANOS LLANOSY- ORINOQUIA ORINOQUIA
LALAMACARENA MACARENA
Population: 33.200 Population: 33.200 Temperature: - 33°C 233233m.a.s.l. Temperature:2121 - 33°CAltitude: Altitude: m.a.s.l.
ITMITM
PNN LA MACARENA PNN LALA MACARENA PNN MACARENA
The TheMacarena Macarenanational nationalpark parkstands standsout outforforbeing beingatatthethemeeting meetingpoint point between thethe Andes, thethe Amazon and Orinoco, creating a unique ecosystem. between Andes, Amazon and Orinoco, creating a unique ecosystem. Most Mostpeople peoplewill willhave haveheard heardofofthetheMacarena Macarenadue duetotothethefact factthat thatthethe“most “most beautiful beautifulriver riverin inthetheworld” world”is ishere. here.Caño CañoCristales, Cristales,thetheriver riverofofseven sevencolors colors named for the range of colors produce by different aquattic plants
LOS LLANOS - CASANARE Y ARAUCA Yopal Population: 148.000 Temperature: 22 - 33°C Altitude: 390 m.a.s.l.
245
CASANARE OG OG
The capital of Casanare is located in the foothills of the Eastern cordillera, the principal industries here are agriculture and cattle farming but ecotourism is becoming a steadily increasing option with people drawn to accessible areas of gallery jungle, unspoiled lakes and possibilities of ethno tourism. Is one of the best places in Colombia for spotting wildlife. Stay at any ecolodge and find the amazing environment of Los Llanos and its typical culture. Arauca Population: 97.000 Temperature: 20 - 35°C Altitude: 125 m.a.s.l.
ARAUCA OG
Perhaps with more in common with neighbouring Venezuela, including the frenetic traditional joropo dance, Arauca is a city located on the Ruta de los Libertadores –Bolivar's route in 1819 when he marched from Venezuela into Colombia on the quest for independence– with a strong Llanero heritage.
VICHADA
W
ORLD
LOSLLANOS LLANOS- ORINOQUIA - ORINOQUIA - VICHADA 246 LOS
UNESCO
Puerto Carreño Population: 17.500 Temperature: 23 - 36°C Altitude: 51 m.a.s.l.
OG
Vita River
PUERTO CARRENO
Right on the border with Venezuela and capital of the department of Vichada, Puerto Carreño is located on the confluence of the Orinoco and Meta rivers, making this a key point for ecotourism and commerce in the region.
PNN EL TUPARRO
Defined by the huge rocks pertaining to the Guyanese Shield El Tuparro was declared a UNESCO protected biosphere in 1982. Single out as one of the most breathtaking sights in eastern Colombia, visitors can enjoy a variaty of flora & fauna, fishing, kayaking and ethno tourism.
LOS LLANOSLOS - ORINOQUIA - GUAINIA LLANOS - ORINOQUIA Puerto Inírida Population: 44.100 Temperature: 22 - 34°C Altitude: 177 m.a.s.l.
247
GUAINIA
OG
Cerros de Mavecure, Inírida River
PUERTO INIRIDA
Capital of Guainía, Puerto Inírida is a new city founded in 1963 close to the border with Venezuela. From here one can visit the Cerros de Mavecure and the Estrella fluvial formed by the rivers Orinoco, Inirída, Guaviare and Atabapo with stunning and huge white sand beches during the dry season.
CERROS DE MAVECURE
Only 50 km by boat over the Inírida river from Puerto Inírida, the Cerros de Mavecure are immense boulders measuring up to 250m in height with the three principal sights being Pajarito, Mono y Mavecure in the heart of the Remanso indigenous Reservation.
AmazonĂa OG
Howler Monkey, Alouatta seniculus
While the jungles of the Amazon are a popular theme for magazines and documentaries it's very difficult to imagen the sheer scale of the nature until you among the endless green carpet of vegetation that is only interrupted by meandering rivers.
AMAZONIA Population: 43.200 approx Temperature: 20 - 34°C Altitude: 96 m.a.s.l.
AMAZONAS-LETICIA AMAZONAS - LETICIA
249
AMAZONIA
The southern most point in Colombia, strategically positioned on the tri-border with PerĂş and Brazil making it an excellent start for onward travel, Leticia is Colombia's Amazon destination. Chances are, if you plan on coming to the Amazon, your adventure will begin here.
OG
PNN AMACAYACU
Home to around 150 species of mammal including the famous pink river dolphin, the manatee, the tapir and the jaguar, Amacayacu boasts a cornucopia of Amazon riches. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk the trails, view trees measuring
Tributario River of the Amazon basin
up to 30 and 40m in height, take trips in dugout canoes an learn about the indigenous settlements here, communities that continue living as their ancestors.itional haunt of Getsemani with its distinctly bohemian feel.
250
T
AMAZONIA Map Legend National Paved Road National Unpaved Road Departmental Capital Municipality Town Toll Limited
ARAUCA
Leticia Population: 43.200 Temperature: 20 - 34 °C Altitude: 96 m.a.s.l.
Granada To Neiva
Altamira
To Mocoa
Villavicencio
PNN La Macarena
Pto. Carreño
CASANARE
Yopal
Amazonía
VENEZUELA
Arauca
Mavecure
Puerto LLeras
GUAINIA
San Jose del Guaviare GUAVIARE
CAQUETA
Pto Inírida
META
Calamar
Florencia
PNN Tuparro
VICHADA
Mitú VAUPES
Pacoa AMAZONAS
PNN Amacayacu Pto Nariño
OG
Apaporis River, Vaupes
To Perú
Leticia
To Brasil
Cerros de Mavecure, Guainia
OG
253
AMAZONIA - VAUPEZ -AMAZONÍA CAQUETA
VAUPES
Mitú Population: 33.100 Temperature: 23 - 33°C Altitude: 183 m.a.s.l.
OG
Cerro Morroco Vaupés
Mitú is the most isolated capital of Colombian departments and only connects with the rest of the country by airplain. Discover the pristine amazon jungle of Vaupés, and visit the original Indigenous communities that continue living as their ancestors.
CAQUETA
Florencia Population: 148.000 Temperature: 22 - 33°C Altitude: 390 m.a.s.l.
OG
Amazon Kingfisher
Florencia, the capital of Caqueta's department, is the ideal place to start exploring more of this beautiful zone. The main highlights in the area, among others, are the Orteguaza river, the Cartagena del Chaira's lake and some typical villages.
254
AMAZONIA - GUAVIARE
San Jose del Guaviare Population: 66.400 Temperature: 22 - 34°C Altitude: 175 m.a.s.l.
OG
Hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin
GUAVIARE
San José del Guaviare is the only department capital in Colombia’s Amazon region connected by road to the city of Villavicencio. That means it ’s easily reachable by bus (8 hours), or you could opt for a flight from Villavicencio or Bogotá and connecting via Mitú, Puerto Inírida, or Leticia.In San José del Guaviare, you’ll find many accommodation options around the main plaza. Puerta de Orión
OG
Natural Bridges Natural Bridges OG
Just outside the town are a number of natural attractions such as Ciudad de Piedra, Puentes Naturales, labyrinths in natural rocks, and the iconic Puerta de Orión, which is a unique rock formation that stands 15 meters high and looks like an artist’s sculpture. It’s surrounded by tropical forest abounding with exotic wildlife, including monkeys and various species of birds. Also here are beautiful streams of crystalline water and even amazing paintings (ancient rock art).
AMAZING EXPERIENCES IN THE AMAZON - BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY The Amazon will surprise you with its diversity of cultures and nature. Stay in the community of Mocagua, where you can know about their traditions and cosmogony. Visit the community of San Martín, near the Amacayacu National Park, learn about the uses of medicinal plants and ancient rituals in company of the Moruapow group. Also, visit the Tarapoto lakes, known as the perfect place to observe pink and grey dolphins.
BIODIVERSITY AND COMMUNITIES 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
Includes:
Don’t miss the experience of sleeping in a tree house in the middle of the jungle. Visit the Maikuchiga foundation, known as the monkey’s house. Introduce yourself in the Peruvian Amazon by visiting Marasha Reserve. Also, get to know Puerto Nariño, a small town free of motor vehicles, where you can observe pink and grey dolphins.
AMAZON EXPEDITION 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
Includes:
Located
in Puerto Nariño, a small charming town in the Amazon, Maloca Napü offers lodgement in shared and private rooms, in every kind of accommodation. To get there, you must take a boat from Leticia and navigate the Amazon river.
In Maloca Napü you will live unforgettable experiences, doing activities such as trekking, bird watching, night walks in the jungle, fishing, canoeing and more. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to observe pink and grey dolphins in the Tarapoto lakes. Don't miss the experience of staying in the first sustainable destination of Colombia
www.ecodes�nos.com.co – reservas@ecodes�nos.travel www.malocanapu.com
RNT 25841
INFORMATION
Contributing photographs Photographs Photo Credit
DM: Damaris Molina JS: Jay Speller FG: Felipe Goforit GS: Greg Shiffer MP: www.mipuebloenvivo.com PNN: Parque Nacionales Naturales de Colombia HM: Hemmo Misker LT: Luciano Tomasetti RG: Roland Gilède ED: Eduardo Del Corral AU: Alejandro Uribe ITM: Instituto de Turismo del Meta CW: Caroline Weir BG: Buga Hostel
OG: Oscar Gilède WR: William Rodríguez Santiago Rincón & SR/FS: Fundación Senderos y Memoria ED: Evan Dore PG: Philippe Gilède DU: De Una Colombia Tours JM: Juan Manuel Medina DP: David Páez (PNN) JL: Jorge López BA: Beto Alvarez CF: Casa de Felipe CZ: Cristina Zapata FC: Fabio Carino FE : Francisco Escobar JL: Jaime Lopez
Follow us
The images without credits are provided by current members of Colombian Hostels Association, the organization makes no claims over their ownership
@colombianhostels colombianhostels @Colhostels
www.colombianhostels.com.co
colombianhostels@yahoo.com/info@colombianhostels.com.co Find us in any affiliated hostel in more than 30 destinations around the country
257
258
INFORMATION
Acknowledgements Lorraine Caputo, David Ruiz Zapata, Chris Wallace, Lorraine Caputo, David Ruiz Zapata, Chris Wallace, Sebastian Alemรกn, Milo Sebastian Alemรกn, Milo Butterick, Sergio Andrade, desing Butterick, Oscar Payan, Sergio Andrade, design and editing teams, all the and editing teams, all the members of director ate 2019 sponsors, administrative team 2019 and all the members of Colombian and all the members of Colombian Hostels who believed Hostels who believed and supported this project and supported this project.
www.banrep.gov.co
Note to the Reader:
Everything published in this edition of the guide was correct at the time of writing. Of course, journeys vary in length and time. Please feel free to contact us with updates and suggestions. Colombian Hostels accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential caused so far as such can be excluded by law. The departmental capitals of Manizales, Pereira and Armenia are part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, recently nominated as a World Heritage Site, and for that reason appear in our guide with the stamp of UNESCO.
INFORMATION
Embassies & consulates in colombia www.colombia.travel
E. Argentina Phone E. Australia Phone E. Austria Phone E. Belgium Phone E. Brazil Phone E. Canada Phone E. Chile Phone E. China Phone E. Corea del Sur Phone E. Costa Rica Phone E. Ecuador Phone C. France Phone E. Germany Phone E. Italy Phone E. Japan Phone E. México Phone E. Netherlands Phone C. Panamá Phone C. Perú Phone E & C. U.K. N Ireland Phone C. Spain. Phone E. Switzerland Phone C. United States: Phone
+ 57 (1) 288 0900 + 57 (1) 657 7800 + 57 (1) 745 2086 + 57 (1) 328 7180 + 57 (1) 218 0800 + 57 (1) 657 9800 + 57 (1) 742 0136 + 57 (1) 622 3215 + 57 (1) 616 7200 + 57 (1) 629 5095 + 57 (1) 317 5324 + 57 (1) 638 1448 + 57 (1) 423 2600 + 57 (1) 218 7206 + 57 (1) 321 5455 + 57 (1) 747 7160 + 57 (1) 638 4200 + 57 (1) 257 5067 + 57 (1) 746 2360 + 57 (1) 326 8300 + 57 (1) 622 0090 + 57 (1) 349 7230 + 57 (1) 275 2000
Emergency telephone numbers
Police: Emergency: Information: Fire Department:
112 123 113 119
Civil Defense: 144 Migration Colombia: 153 Red Cross: 132 Roads (Mobile): #767
259
260
INFORMATION
Useful expressions in spanish Good morning Buenos días Good afternoon Buenas tardes Good night Buenas noches Thank You Gracias Yes/No Si/No Excuse me Disculpe Do you speak English? Habla inglés? I don't speak Spanish No hablo español How do you say? Cómo se dice ...? How do you get to? Cómo se llega? How long does it take? Cuánto se demora? How much? Cuánto vale? Where is? Donde esta? How far? A que distancia? Is it far… from/or to Está lejos el / la..? Straight ahead Todo derecho To the left / right A la izquierda / derecha I'd like Yo quisiera I don't understand No comprendo Open/Close Abierto/Cerrado I don't feel fine No me siento bien I feel pain here Siento dolor aquí Could you speak more slowly? Podría usted hablar más lento, por favor? What time does the next bus for… leave? A qué hora sale el próximo bus para...?
GUIDE PROMO
262
INFORMATION
NOTES
See the new website WWW.COLOMBIANHOSTELS.COM.CO
FE
Santa Marta
5th
EDITION
Meta -?v-\.,_
Somos la ruta natural f
EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM A destination of realism and experiences, nature reserves, where the native fauna and flora are housed, which can be seen in their natural habita!, herons, corocoras, acarras, dantas, chigĂźiros, bears, deer, monkeys, butterflies, fish, among others The Meta with its great water wealth, is something that has to be lived: lagoons, waterfalls, rustic saunas of sulfur waters, canyons, rivers and canyons, slopes that emerge from the Sumapaz, and encourage you to immerse yourself in the challenging adventure of rafting, rappelling and torrentism.