Visit Colombia
"I fell in love with Camila first but with the country second" -Gilles
"Colombia’s destinations are spectacular, its people are warm, proud, and fun, and the food is great It’s ludicrous that this place exists and not everyone wants to live here; it's one of the best places I've ever been to that continuously keeps surprising me" - Anthony Bourdain
Like vineyards, but then different:
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​​​​​​The coffee axis is a region of central Colombia that mainly occupies the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío, which are respectively represented by the capital cities of Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia. These three departments make up the "Coffee Triangle" that runs along a line from north to south following the central mountain range and the snow-capped peaks of the Nevados Natural Park, on the eastern flank of the three. Colombia is concentrated in the fertile valleys of this region, for what is called the "coffee zone". Traveling through these generous and prosperous valleys, one can observe endless coffee plantations and their colorful wooden houses with balconies of wood and flowers, which make it a very picturesque landscape.
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The wealth of tourism in Colombia is patented in the Coffee Region, countless parks, botanical gardens, hot springs and even snowy parks are the attractions that cannot be missed. It is a territory with a special natural charm, with impressive green landscapes and with a model of agricultural exploitation that coexists and takes care of the environment, which has led it to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 as "Coffee Cultural Landscape".
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Destination: Salento and Valle de Cocora
Flights: Pereira (1h30 from CTG). The Pereira airport is 30km away from Salento
A reborn city and nearby lake-land
Medellín was once famed for being one of the most dangerous cities on earth, but a lot has changed since the dark days of the 1990s, and it has become a hugely popular tourist destination in recent years.
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I totally fell in love with the city and the positive drive of these people. The city is beautiful, the food and the vibe is unmatched.
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Some great things to do: Walking tour of the city, Comuna 13 walking tour (incl. cable car), Arví Park (and Flower Experience in Santa Elena)
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Restaurants: el Cielo, la Matriarca
Hotels: Click Clack hotel
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Destination: Medellin
Flight: 1hr from CTG
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Guatape is mainly known for it’s massive monolith rock structure, El Penol de Guatape aka Piedra del Penol. This massive rock is as incredible to see from the distance as it is from the summit. Hike the 702 stairs and enjoy one of the best views in all of Colombia
The beauty far exceeds the pictures & every step is worth it once reaching the top. Refreshments are available for those in need of that afternoon, early morning, or sunset beer.
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Side note: This is where we got engaged. If you go, definitely book the Bosko Guatape hotel! Breath-taking views and some of the best glamping you ever did.
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Destination: Guatape
Taxi/Bus: 2hr from Medellin
Santa Marta - Where the jungle meets the ocean
The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.
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The Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona mentioned above, is a magical slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast, with stunning stretches of golden sandy beach backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Behind it all rise the steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range. The park stretches along the coast from the Bahía de Taganga near Santa Marta to the mouth of the Río Piedras, 22mi (35km) east, and covers some 30,000 acres of land and 7000 acres of coral-rich sea.
Unfortunately, the Tayrona Park is closed from February 1st to February 15th due to the "Breathe Tayrona" program. The government closes the park every year to let the park rest from tourists and let the indigenous people that live there perform their rituals.
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However, as an alternative you can visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta national park, a magical tourist destination in Colombia where the wisdom of nature converges with the indigenous people of the country Located in northern Colombia on the Caribbean Coast, this land lies just 42 kilometres from the the beaches of Santa Marta where tourists luxuriate beside the sound of the waves. In the background, the snowcapped summits of Mt. Colón and Mt. Bolivar rise to 5,775 and 5560 meters above sea level, making the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta the highest coastal mountain in the world. The Lost City, hidden in Teyuna archaeological park, was the heart of the Tayrona civilization.
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UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1979, given the network of ecosystems that countless forms of life and several indigenous communities call home. This one-of-a-kind destination will leave you breathless with its perfect combination of nature and indigenous culture. Discover the rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes that'll greet you with a warm embrace.
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Stay in one of the beautiful eco lodges close to Minca. Try the local amazing craft beers of Nevada Cervecería
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For the adventurers amongst us, there's a 4 day jungle trek to the "Lost City", in the Sierra Nevada which is supposedly challenging, but 100% worth it. Ask Guillaume and Kaatje for more information or experience as they successfully completed this journey on one of their first big trips together. All love in Colombia!
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Destination: Santa Marta
Taxi from CTG (~90$) and takes 3h30
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Bogota: 2600 meters closer to the stars
The flight to Cartagena makes a pitstop here, so you could hop off and visit the city before heading to the wedding!
Things to do:
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La Candelaria, its cobblestoned center, features colonial-era landmarks like the neoclassical performance hall Teatro Colón and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Francisco. If you are here, you can't miss the Plaza de Bolivar.
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It's also home to popular museums including the Museo Botero, showcasing Fernando Botero's art, and the Museo del Oro, displaying pre-Columbian gold pieces.
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Monserrate: you can go up this mountain via a cable car, railcar or by foot. Here you will get a great view of a big part of the city (rumor says its bad luck to visit with your other half if you are not yet married - haven't taken Gilles yet ;)
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Usaquen: this is a must. You can find great brunch spots and coffee shops. It like being in a small little town but in the middle of the city.
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Hotels:
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Fancy: Four Seasons
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Hip: Click Clack Hotel
Restaurants: in the past 10-15 years the food scene in Bogota has grown tremendously, great quality, some expensive, others not so much. Here are some of our favorites:
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Andres Carne de Res (huge menu with mostly Colombian food and very good steaks, but mostly known for the after dinner party so hop on your dancing shoes - a Bogota classic and unique experience, you have not visit a place like this before)
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El Chato (our favorite for refined Colombian Cuisine)
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Osaka Cocina Nikkei - OSK (amazing peruvian/asian fusion)
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Leo (Fancy fine dining, best female chef in the world, 2022)
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Harry Sasson (famous Colombian chef, also has a restaurant in the Santa Teresa hotel in CTG)
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La Pinta (Spanish/Colombian cuisine - try the cheesecake!)
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Taquerias (Mexican): Insurgentes Taco Bar, El Pantera and El Pastorcito
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Salvaje: Asian, very cool vibe
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Bars and Coffee:
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Amor Perfecto - Gilles' favorite boutique coffee roasters
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Juan Valdez: you can find them everywhere. Is the most famous Colombian coffee brand (if you are going for a Starbucks, stop and go to Juan Valdez)
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Apache: in the rooftop of the Click Clack hotel, cool vibe
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Bogota Beer Company: they started the move of artisanal micro breweries in the city. Although not so micro anymore (they are everywhere) is a classic pub to visit
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Gaira Cafe: another classic to go dancing and dining. Owned by one of Colombia's most famous singers: Carlos Vives
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Pravda: classic martinis
A lot of bars, restaurants and clubs are located in Zona T and its surrounding streets.
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Destination: Bogota
Flight: 1hr30 from CTG
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And much more...
Cali is a city with a real zest for life that draws you in and stays with you long after you leave town. Beyond a handful of churches and museums, Cali is light on sights – but the city's main attraction is its beguiling, electrifying atmosphere. If you make the effort you will find great nightlife, good restaurants and plenty to do, especially in the evening, when a cool mountain breeze dissipates the heat of the day.
Cali is rich in Afro-Colombian heritage; nowhere is the nation's racial diversity and harmony more apparent. From the barrios to the big, slick clubs, everyone is moving to one beat, and that beat is salsa. Music in the world's salsa capital is more than entertainment: it is a unifying factor that ties the city together.