For my friends from out of town, this section is just for you!
Tips for where to go! Where to stay! What to do!
Let me know your plans and I might be able to join and travel around!
For my friends from out of town, this section is just for you!
Tips for where to go! Where to stay! What to do!
Let me know your plans and I might be able to join and travel around!
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). Majority of places accept cards, but worth having cash in hand.
BigMac in Bogota costs around COP$37,500
Transportation: Domestic flights between cities. Always take taxis from Uber, never directly from the street.
Language: Spanish, but tourist areas often have English-speaking guides.
Weather: Cool and mild year-round (~14-19°C / 57-66°F). Bring a jacket due to frequent rain.
Iconic Places:
La Candelaria: Historic district with colorful colonial buildings, museums, and street art.
Monserrate: Ride the cable car or hike up for panoramic views of the city.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Housing one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts.
Botero Museum: Art museum showcasing works by Colombia’s famous artist, Fernando Botero.
Known for: Cultural richness, historical landmarks, and art.
Recommended Areas:
Zona G: Upscale dining area, great for foodies.
Zona T: Nightlife and luxury shopping.
La Candelaria: For a historic, cultural stay.
Hotels (near the party's location and my place):
In Airbnb search for La Cabrera, Bogota or Virrey Park, Bogota
Some of my personal favorite restaurants:
Andrés Carne de Res (must order: lomo al trapo with papa criolla side, arepa de choclo, chicharrones)
Don Emilio Marisquería (must order: tostada del dandi, ceviche hussong)
Ideal (must order: artichoke dip)
Shopping:
Centro Comercial Andino: High-end shopping.
Usaquén Sunday Market: Handicrafts and local arts.
Weather: Hot and humid year-round (~28-32°C / 82-90°F), expect tropical heat.
Iconic Places:
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada): Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, lively plazas.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Imposing fortress with a rich history.
Rosario Islands: Pristine white-sand beaches, just a boat ride away.
Getsemaní: Trendy, artsy neighborhood with vibrant street art.
Known for: Colonial charm, beaches, and rich history.
Recommended Areas:
Old Town: Charming colonial buildings, ideal for tourists.
Getsemaní: For a more laid-back, artistic vibe.
Hotels:
Casa San Agustin (Old Town) – Luxury boutique hotel.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara – Iconic hotel in a converted convent.
Townhouse Cartagena (Getsemaní) – Trendy, boutique stay.
Restaurants:
La Cevichería: Famous for fresh seafood.
Alma: Fine dining with coastal flavors.
Don Juan
El Beso
Rabo de Pez
Candé
Shopping:
Las Bóvedas: Souvenirs and crafts in former dungeons.
Portal de los Dulces: For traditional sweets and candies.
Nightlife:
La Movida
Café Havana
Weather: Pleasant year-round (~22-27°C / 72-80°F), known as the "City of Eternal Spring."
Iconic Places:
Plaza Botero: Displaying Botero’s large sculptures.
Comuna 13: Known for its vibrant street art and transformation.
Jardín Botánico: Lush botanical garden in the heart of the city.
El Peñol & Guatapé: Day trip to climb the giant rock and visit colorful Guatapé town.
Known for: Transformation, innovation, and modern infrastructure.
Recommended Areas:
El Poblado: Trendy, upscale, great for nightlife.
Laureles: Quieter, local vibe.
Provenza:
Hotels:
The Charlee (El Poblado) – Modern luxury with rooftop pool.
Hotel Park 10 – Boutique hotel near nightlife spots.
Celestino Boutique Hotel (El Poblado) – Eco-friendly, chic design.
Restaurants:
Carmen: Fusion cuisine with local ingredients.
El Cielo: High-end dining experience, modern Colombian food.
Mondongo's: Famous for hearty Colombian stews.
Shopping:
Centro Comercial El Tesoro: Upscale mall.
Mercado del Río: Food hall with gourmet options.
Weather: Warm and tropical (~25-30°C / 77-86°F), cooler by the coast.
Iconic Places:
Tayrona National Park: Famous for its secluded beaches and hiking trails through lush forests.
Ciudad Perdida: Multi-day trek to the "Lost City," an ancient archaeological site.
Taganga: Fishing village known for scuba diving and backpacker scene.
Minca: Mountain town for birdwatching and waterfalls.
Known for: Beaches, adventure, and nature.
Recommended Areas:
Rodadero: Popular beach area.
Historic Center: Colonial architecture and great for walking.
Hotels:
Ecohabs Tayrona – Rustic-luxury cabins in Tayrona National Park.
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe (Historic Center) – Chic, luxury stay.
Masaya Hostel Santa Marta – Trendy, budget-friendly.
Restaurants:
Lulo Café: Popular for tropical juices and Colombian dishes.
Ouzo: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in the historic center.
Restaurante Burukuka: Stunning views over the bay.
Shopping:
Centro Artesanal de Taganga: Handicrafts and souvenirs.
La Quinta: Upscale shopping center.
Weather: Mild and spring-like (~18-23°C / 64-73°F), occasional rain.
Iconic Places:
Salento & Cocora Valley: Famous for the towering wax palms and hiking trails.
Coffee Tours: Visit local fincas to learn about Colombia’s coffee production.
Manizales: Nestled in the mountains, known for its coffee culture.
Hot Springs (Termales): Near Manizales, perfect for relaxing.
Known for: Coffee plantations, rural landscapes, and towering wax palms.
Recommended Areas:
Salento: Small town, ideal for exploring coffee farms.
Manizales: Bustling with coffee culture.
Pereira: Hub for travelers in the region.
Hotels:
Hacienda Bambusa – Luxurious coffee estate stay.
Hotel Salento Real – Boutique hotel in Salento.
Sazagua Hotel Boutique (Pereira) – Elegant rural retreat.
Restaurants:
Bosques de Cocora: Traditional Colombian dishes, near Cocora Valley.
El Rincon de Lucy: Cozy local eatery in Salento.
Don Juaco: Coffee-infused dishes in Manizales.
Shopping:
Salento Craft Market: For locally-made coffee and artisanal crafts.
Café San Alberto: Boutique coffee and souvenirs.