The city is really nice. There’s a ton of history and cool beaches to go to. My only complaint was that the locals were ultra aggressive selling you things. It was very annoying dealing with them. Just a heads up if this is where you are going.
A lady that I know just came from Colombia
She smiled because I did not understand
Then she held out some marijuana ha-ha
She said it was the best in all the land
I went 10 years ago and had a great time. It's a beautiful place.
Side trip from Bogota: Villa de Lleyva is an awesome town to spend a night or two. It has an enormous cobblestone plaza surrounded by quaint colonial architecture. I think it's about a 3 or 4 hour bus north of Bogota. Close by is an amazing all-day hike:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g676524-d4703400-Reviews-Laguna_de_Iguaque-Villa_de_Leyva_Boyaca_Department.html
As far as cities, I liked Medellin better than Bogota. Cartagena is a must see, though definitely felt more touristy and seedy, i.e. prostitution, drugs, etc. But that was 10 years ago.
I didn't go, but lots of people rave about the Zona Cafetera, which is the coffee growing region near Salento. This park is meant to be spectacular:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1580963-d10393528-Reviews-Valle_del_Cocora-Salento_Quindio_Department.html
spent a month there this past summer in Medillion area
Copacabana and out in the country. Truly beautiful. The people are really friendly and attractive. Tons of motor bikes on the road, food is great. Never felt threatened
Cali 5-6 times per year for work. Colombia is beautiful: great people, natural beauty, and rich culture. While generally safe, there are a few "rules" to make yourself less of a target:
1) Leave the nice watch at home
2) Be careful texting with your iphone at red lights, etc. It is not uncommon for motos to pull up alongside a vehicle, tap on the glass with a gun and tell you to hand it over. Happened to a coworker of mine. Just be smart about the phone in those situations
3) This goes for everywhere but: don't be a drunk asshole
Great country though and Cali is a lovely city. Cartagena is nice too, becoming quite touristy but a lovely historic beach town feel.
She smiled because I did not understand
Then she held out some marijuana ha-ha
She said it was the best in all the land
Or it could mean paying $375 just to make a phone call - ( New Window )
Side trip from Bogota: Villa de Lleyva is an awesome town to spend a night or two. It has an enormous cobblestone plaza surrounded by quaint colonial architecture. I think it's about a 3 or 4 hour bus north of Bogota. Close by is an amazing all-day hike:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g676524-d4703400-Reviews-Laguna_de_Iguaque-Villa_de_Leyva_Boyaca_Department.html
As far as cities, I liked Medellin better than Bogota. Cartagena is a must see, though definitely felt more touristy and seedy, i.e. prostitution, drugs, etc. But that was 10 years ago.
I didn't go, but lots of people rave about the Zona Cafetera, which is the coffee growing region near Salento. This park is meant to be spectacular:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1580963-d10393528-Reviews-Valle_del_Cocora-Salento_Quindio_Department.html
1) Leave the nice watch at home
2) Be careful texting with your iphone at red lights, etc. It is not uncommon for motos to pull up alongside a vehicle, tap on the glass with a gun and tell you to hand it over. Happened to a coworker of mine. Just be smart about the phone in those situations
3) This goes for everywhere but: don't be a drunk asshole
Great country though and Cali is a lovely city. Cartagena is nice too, becoming quite touristy but a lovely historic beach town feel.