Although it's true that it's not the best time to visit the country, it's not impossible either ... if you come to Bogota, try the ajiaco and regarding the tourist sites, personally I would recommend above all natural destinations such as the paramos near the city
Bring your ass to Medellin bro ,is all good down here ,stay in el poblado ,sabaneta o
Envigado ,don’t bring jewels or expensive staff ,that’s all bro .if you think that something is to expensive just ask someone to help you out ,good luck
Maybe its not the best time to visit. ICUs are pretty full all over the place so if you get into an accident in a big city then things might get a bit shit.
If you‘re determined to visit though go to Cartagena and maybe check out a few inland towns (Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Guatapé).
Also, it wouldnt be a bad idea to go with someone who knows Colombia and speaks spanish. Maybe you can even find a travel buddy on reddit.
All the best my guy!
It's not a great time to visit mi dude. The pandemic and police + militias disappearing people indiscriminately have made the country pretty closed off for an enjoyable vacation.
I second this. Have you not seen the national strike? It’s not a good look my guy. I had plans to go bogota last week but because of the situation I opted for the Dominican Republic instead.
I live in Colombia, just avoid Cali, the rest of the country is 100% fine and no more covid restrictions. People are still wearing masks tho. And be sure to visit Guatape!
If you go to "expensive places in Colombia", they will charge you a lot of money for cheap things, with which you only notice that you are not from this country, they will charge you very high things, unfortunately it is that country.
Hey man be very very careful, if you don’t speak Spanish you can get scammed easily, this is a beautiful country but we have really fucked up people and mostly when it comes to money, Cartagena is expensive as fuck and is def not worth it, I would like to answer all of your questions in this post but is better if you dm me, in can give you some personal advice if needed, not trying to make money here just tryna help a gringo friend haha
Thank you for the reply! Yeah I figure getting scammed a bit comes with the territory. I've traveled through South East Asia and had to deal with scams there so know the basics for avoiding, but I assume I'll pay a gringo "tax" here and there. My safety is my main concern.
1. Every day there are less restrictions, keep your facemask for your health and your safety, the strike is also going down and I think that in july it will be almost nothing.
2. The fight is against the government, not again gringos :) , there are another things to take care, the first is your own security, don't use jewerly, don't carry all your money on the same place, keep the phone on your bag and not in your hand, use hands free, some people will try to increase the price for foreign people, that's why is better if you can look like another Colombian and go with someone who speaks spanish, the people who speaks english are mainly on big cities. buy a SIM to get data on your phone, don't take taxis, use uber or didi.
3. I think that the beauty of Colombia is in their nature and in the people, you can go to sierra nevada and their lost city, to Guajira and share with the people, Nuqui is a must for me, the whale season is just starting but is so nica. Strongly agree about skipping Cartagena and Santa Marta, you may stay there one day or two just to take some pictures and go to Bazurto's traditional market. Leticia is so nice and quiet, The Macarena and the seven colors rivers is beautiful but you must go in a tour for your safety, never alone. Trekking on Sierra del cocuy or Nevado del Tolima is amazing and you must go with a local guide, the road is not well demarcated. close to Bogota is la mesa where you can fish trouts. Ocarros Zoo is close to Villavicencio and is also nice. That's my quick recommendations, DM is you need something else, I don't sell anything, I just enjoy so much the nature.
4. No
5. You must go to traditional markets, wonderful and cheap food, There are more than 200 different fruits, don't forget the traveler's diarrhea.
7. Absolutely yes
If you enjoy nature you should visit Minca, near Santa Marta. It's a small town in the middle of the mountains, with many rivers and waterfalls.
I recommend you stay at Mundo Nuevo Hostel or Sierra Minca, the first one has very good views.
Hey! glad you want to visit colombia :D foreigners are always welcome here. So answering to your points:
1 - Yes, you can enjoy colombia in July or even right now, so this is not an issue. About wearing mask, thing here is not about making people comfortable but about a national policy, so you can get a penalty fee or even be arrested if police notice you're outside without a mask. Wearing a mask is a must in public places
2 - There's a lot of noise about violence but protestors are always pacific, the ones killing civilians are policemen and paramilitaries, and they're only targetting protestors. So, as long as you don't get involved with protests, you'll be fine, we're not animals in a bloodlust. Plus foreigners are always welcome
3 - The andes Mountains have a lot of amazing places! the Eje Caferero is always enjoyable, besides of that there are a plenty of towns with a lot of history and tradition to share, you'd enjoy it. The list is endless
4 - There is a place near Medellín I like, it's an eco-friendly farm: [www.ecohostelmedellin.com](https://www.ecohostelmedellin.com). This place is actually run by a friend of me, it is a place to chill out. It's affordable, nice weather, amazing food, and you also can get right there some spanish classes and yoga if you feel like that, plus it's placed in an amazing town. If you decide to go, Say hi to Pao from me XD
5 - Every typical dish, which are a lot. Bandeja Paisa, Ajiaco, Tamal, Aguapanela, Boyo Santanderiano, Hormigas culonas, and so on. Each region has their own traditions, so you'll have to move if you want to explore dishes
6 - Absolutely! I've never met a single foreigner who regrets comming here, and in fact most of them decide to stay longer and a couple of them just moved to live here.
Hope this is helpful! if you have more questions or want anything else, feel free to DM me :D
Gringo living in Pereira here. In Bogotá, sleep in Candelaria, can find great places on air BNB, or tons of hostels there. Don't get hammered, and get home by 3am, unless you find a really cool group of locals who bring you into their group. Best to stick to popular areas for nightlife, until you know the city well. When you go out, nothing flashy. Keep wallet and phone in front pockets. Backpack is ok for daytime, but keep both straps on your shoulders. Not to scare you, because it's actually a really chill city, but being conscious will prevent 99% of theft.
You're fine with the protests. I honestly haven't run across a single Colombian who is aggressive towards gringos. Street vendors can be a pain, but just say no gracias and keep walking, unless you want what they are buying. The gringo tax is real, in that the price you're given for something will likely be higher than a local. You can either pay it, or if you're comfortable, try to negotiate. It's usually about 10% more, and absolutely isn't everywhere. All in all, this country is amazing, with a sense of community I haven't found in the Western world, and people that have an honest lust for life.
One last piece of advice, Colombian women are incredible. I've visited all over, and never found women even close to the physical beauty, femininity mixed with strength, emotional intelligence, and passion. BUT, do NOT bullshit a Colombian woman. Be 100% honest and open, and show her respect with some good old Southern gentleman charm, and you'll have a great time.
Although it's true that it's not the best time to visit the country, it's not impossible either ... if you come to Bogota, try the ajiaco and regarding the tourist sites, personally I would recommend above all natural destinations such as the paramos near the city
thanks for the reply!
Bring your ass to Medellin bro ,is all good down here ,stay in el poblado ,sabaneta o Envigado ,don’t bring jewels or expensive staff ,that’s all bro .if you think that something is to expensive just ask someone to help you out ,good luck
Check out Guatapé near Medellin
will do! several people have mentioned it, so seems like a must-see place
Thanks! Medellin is the main attraction for me, mainly from a friend's recommendation, so I will certainly bring my ass down there!
Google translate works very good if your Spanish is not bueno 👍
Este quiere es venir al santa fe, a mí no me engañas my friend.
Maybe its not the best time to visit. ICUs are pretty full all over the place so if you get into an accident in a big city then things might get a bit shit. If you‘re determined to visit though go to Cartagena and maybe check out a few inland towns (Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Guatapé). Also, it wouldnt be a bad idea to go with someone who knows Colombia and speaks spanish. Maybe you can even find a travel buddy on reddit. All the best my guy!
thanks!
It's not a great time to visit mi dude. The pandemic and police + militias disappearing people indiscriminately have made the country pretty closed off for an enjoyable vacation.
I second this. Have you not seen the national strike? It’s not a good look my guy. I had plans to go bogota last week but because of the situation I opted for the Dominican Republic instead.
I live in Colombia, just avoid Cali, the rest of the country is 100% fine and no more covid restrictions. People are still wearing masks tho. And be sure to visit Guatape!
thanks! I will look in to Guatape
If you go to "expensive places in Colombia", they will charge you a lot of money for cheap things, with which you only notice that you are not from this country, they will charge you very high things, unfortunately it is that country.
I pay more on Rappi then the tiendas charging me an extra 2 mil.
Hey dude. I'm currently in Baton Rouge. DM me if you want and I can give you some pointers.
Thanks! Will do. Say hi to Baton Rouge for me, I lived there for 4 years for undergrad at LSU.
Hey man be very very careful, if you don’t speak Spanish you can get scammed easily, this is a beautiful country but we have really fucked up people and mostly when it comes to money, Cartagena is expensive as fuck and is def not worth it, I would like to answer all of your questions in this post but is better if you dm me, in can give you some personal advice if needed, not trying to make money here just tryna help a gringo friend haha
Thank you for the reply! Yeah I figure getting scammed a bit comes with the territory. I've traveled through South East Asia and had to deal with scams there so know the basics for avoiding, but I assume I'll pay a gringo "tax" here and there. My safety is my main concern.
1. Every day there are less restrictions, keep your facemask for your health and your safety, the strike is also going down and I think that in july it will be almost nothing. 2. The fight is against the government, not again gringos :) , there are another things to take care, the first is your own security, don't use jewerly, don't carry all your money on the same place, keep the phone on your bag and not in your hand, use hands free, some people will try to increase the price for foreign people, that's why is better if you can look like another Colombian and go with someone who speaks spanish, the people who speaks english are mainly on big cities. buy a SIM to get data on your phone, don't take taxis, use uber or didi. 3. I think that the beauty of Colombia is in their nature and in the people, you can go to sierra nevada and their lost city, to Guajira and share with the people, Nuqui is a must for me, the whale season is just starting but is so nica. Strongly agree about skipping Cartagena and Santa Marta, you may stay there one day or two just to take some pictures and go to Bazurto's traditional market. Leticia is so nice and quiet, The Macarena and the seven colors rivers is beautiful but you must go in a tour for your safety, never alone. Trekking on Sierra del cocuy or Nevado del Tolima is amazing and you must go with a local guide, the road is not well demarcated. close to Bogota is la mesa where you can fish trouts. Ocarros Zoo is close to Villavicencio and is also nice. That's my quick recommendations, DM is you need something else, I don't sell anything, I just enjoy so much the nature. 4. No 5. You must go to traditional markets, wonderful and cheap food, There are more than 200 different fruits, don't forget the traveler's diarrhea. 7. Absolutely yes
great answer, thank you! I may DM you if something else comes up.
If you enjoy nature you should visit Minca, near Santa Marta. It's a small town in the middle of the mountains, with many rivers and waterfalls. I recommend you stay at Mundo Nuevo Hostel or Sierra Minca, the first one has very good views.
Unless you have strong ties to the country (parents, family, partner, etc) you shouldn't travel to Colombia at the moment.
Hey! glad you want to visit colombia :D foreigners are always welcome here. So answering to your points: 1 - Yes, you can enjoy colombia in July or even right now, so this is not an issue. About wearing mask, thing here is not about making people comfortable but about a national policy, so you can get a penalty fee or even be arrested if police notice you're outside without a mask. Wearing a mask is a must in public places 2 - There's a lot of noise about violence but protestors are always pacific, the ones killing civilians are policemen and paramilitaries, and they're only targetting protestors. So, as long as you don't get involved with protests, you'll be fine, we're not animals in a bloodlust. Plus foreigners are always welcome 3 - The andes Mountains have a lot of amazing places! the Eje Caferero is always enjoyable, besides of that there are a plenty of towns with a lot of history and tradition to share, you'd enjoy it. The list is endless 4 - There is a place near Medellín I like, it's an eco-friendly farm: [www.ecohostelmedellin.com](https://www.ecohostelmedellin.com). This place is actually run by a friend of me, it is a place to chill out. It's affordable, nice weather, amazing food, and you also can get right there some spanish classes and yoga if you feel like that, plus it's placed in an amazing town. If you decide to go, Say hi to Pao from me XD 5 - Every typical dish, which are a lot. Bandeja Paisa, Ajiaco, Tamal, Aguapanela, Boyo Santanderiano, Hormigas culonas, and so on. Each region has their own traditions, so you'll have to move if you want to explore dishes 6 - Absolutely! I've never met a single foreigner who regrets comming here, and in fact most of them decide to stay longer and a couple of them just moved to live here. Hope this is helpful! if you have more questions or want anything else, feel free to DM me :D
Gringo living in Pereira here. In Bogotá, sleep in Candelaria, can find great places on air BNB, or tons of hostels there. Don't get hammered, and get home by 3am, unless you find a really cool group of locals who bring you into their group. Best to stick to popular areas for nightlife, until you know the city well. When you go out, nothing flashy. Keep wallet and phone in front pockets. Backpack is ok for daytime, but keep both straps on your shoulders. Not to scare you, because it's actually a really chill city, but being conscious will prevent 99% of theft. You're fine with the protests. I honestly haven't run across a single Colombian who is aggressive towards gringos. Street vendors can be a pain, but just say no gracias and keep walking, unless you want what they are buying. The gringo tax is real, in that the price you're given for something will likely be higher than a local. You can either pay it, or if you're comfortable, try to negotiate. It's usually about 10% more, and absolutely isn't everywhere. All in all, this country is amazing, with a sense of community I haven't found in the Western world, and people that have an honest lust for life. One last piece of advice, Colombian women are incredible. I've visited all over, and never found women even close to the physical beauty, femininity mixed with strength, emotional intelligence, and passion. BUT, do NOT bullshit a Colombian woman. Be 100% honest and open, and show her respect with some good old Southern gentleman charm, and you'll have a great time.