Colombia Highlights

Ah, Colombia– Another country that’s been on the rise as it shakes off its reputation from the 80s and 90s. Now, it’s become a hotspot for travelers and digital nomads alike.

I’ve spent over 2 months in the country, and I have only good things to say. Magical cities, unreal nature, and warm, welcoming people eager to show you that their country is much much more than the reputation depicted in movies and shows.

Some highlights:

– Cartagena is a beautiful, old city with lively streets and deep history

– Cali isn’t the most popular tourist destination, but it’s a vibrant and high-energy city perfect for dancing salsa. It is known as the salsa capital of the world, after all

– Near Cali is the Valle de Cocora, a National Park famous for the world's tallest palm trees. It feels like you’re in a Dr.Seuss book

– Medellín is one of my favorite cities in the world, tucked in this bowl of lush green hills where it hovers in the 70s (23 C) year-round (known as the city of Eternal Spring)

– In Guatapé, you can climb La Piedra, a rock standing 200m tall. Looks cool from afar and from on top!

– Off the coast of Cartagena, I visited Santa Cruz del Islote, known to be the most densely populated island in the world. Fascinating, but not sure if I’d say it’s worth the rough, 2 hour boat ride

-- I didn’t spend much time in Bogotá, but wasn’t my favorite part (partially because it was considerably cooler due to altitude)

As a bonus, Colombians are known to have one of the clearest and slowest accents, making it a great place to learn and practice Spanish. I enrolled in an immersive Spanish school in Medellin, and it was a great experience.

I enjoyed Colombia so much, I have another trip booked for later this year. I’ll be exploring more along the Caribbean coast – Santa Marta, Tayrona, Minca, and Palomino.

Gallery