Just when I thought I’ve seen the best of South America, hopping from Argentina to Brazil, I was in for more surprises when I continued my trip to Colombia – the fourth largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. I was brave enough to go there on my own and seek the company of good, lady travelers like me. So allow me to paint my amazing trip for you in photos. More of which you can find on my Facebook page:
Get your feet and knees ready to take 600 steps to reach the top of El Peñon de Guatape or the Guatape Rock, a monolithic formation located at the town and municipality of Guatape. The stone rises from the bottom of the hydroelectric dam. Though it can be pretty tiring to go up the rock, the view from above is worth the trip.
- The El Penon de Guatape and view from its top
We took a four-day trek to Ciudad Perdida which is Colombia’s famous lost city - crossing rolling hills, mountains and being exposed to different natural elements, scorching sun, mud, flood, rain, swelling river. Each day, we spent six hours in hiking, but it was all worth the sweat. An archaeological site of an ancient city in Sierra Nevada, Colombia, the city is believed to have been founded about 800 A.D. by the native dwellers of Colombia, and was apparently abandoned during the Spanish conquest. Colombia armies protect and scout the parameter of the city and we were lucky to pose a picture with them!
- Deep within the mountains lies Ciudad Perdida, The Lost City of Colombia
Glorios mud bath! We took a trip to Cartagena to visit and swim, yes, swim in the mud volcano of Totumo – a cone-shape mound about 20 meters high with a small crater full of warm, thick, bubbling mud. The mud is said to help improve skin’s complexion and exfoliate old and dead skin cells – so we splurged on a body mud massage! For a small fee, local ladies also provide extra pampering by giving tourists a bath to wash away the mud in a nearby lagoon.
- Me enjoying a mud bath at El Totumo, Cartagena, Colombia
I was transported back in time when I toured the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena, located on the Caribbean side of Columbia. The architecture is awesome – buildings adorned with fancy windows and balconies, impressive churches, city squares and bars and restaurants. Cartgenia – a very romantic city. Honeymooners? This is the one place you shouldn’t miss.
- Beautiful Cartagena preserves its colonial heritage.
In an earlier trip to Medellin, our tour guide scheduled us for a trip to the grave of the former Forbes World’s 7th richest billionaire, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Movies were made about this man who was able to amass over US$25 billion in drug and cocaine trafficking.
- He was one of the world’s richest man – but he built it on trafficking cocaine.
Beach baby! Colombia does not disappoint in showcasing the world-renowned beauty of the Caribbean Sea. I visited the Tayrona National Natural Park which lies at the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta in Colombia. One of the loveliest coastline I have seen, this beautiful beach is protected by the government to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. With no nearby commercial hotels, one can only rent hammocks for the night. It is just wonderfully clean and pristine!
- Lovely beach off the coast of the Caribbean Sea
A month has passed since this trip, and I just got home to continue sharing my travel adventures. Writing this entry makes the memories all come alive. I am grateful to have experienced Colombia and I would recommend that you experience it too.
Peace, beauty, the wonders of nature – life is indeed precious!
Viva Colombia! Viva la vida!
If you have questions regarding trips to Colombia, Brazil, Argentina or Venezuela, send me a message. I may have just the right tips and recommendations for you.
