Colombia
Columbia with its 50 Mio. citizen is a huge country with a diverse landscape – from rainforest to desert – and incredible friendly people. Since the peace environment with the FARC rebels in 2016, especially the north with the floaring Medellin, Cartagena and Santa Marta, and also the beautiful atlantic coastline are developing the touristic infrastructure.
Medellín
Especially Medellín developed from the dangerous home of Pablo Escobar with over 6800 murders a year, to a cultural hotspot with a growing economy and tourism. The district Poblado is the first point of contact for tourists in Medellín. There you will find the hottest bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels, everything is cleaner and safer.
It seems like an unreal utopia in the middle of Medellín, which has nothing to do with the real Medellín. Nevertheless it is worth to visit at least once or to use it as a starting point for all activities. Those who want it more exciting will find the Hotel Gallery (Calle 47 # 4155) in the middle of the el centro, which is highly recommended. 10 minutes from the central train station
San Antonio you can reach all sights quckly. In the evening, take some drinks in one of the three bars in the same street and dayover explore the centre of Medellín by foot. Check out the restaurant Hacienda (Carrera 49 # 5298) to try aunthentic local food in a great atmosphere.
A trip to Communa 13 is an absolute must. You get an insight into the life in the slums, visit the huge graffity paintings along the walls and also have a breathtaking view over the city.
You also have to take the cable car to Parque Arvi and take a walk through the beautiful, flourishing nature.
Cartagena
The pearl of the Caribbean in northern Colombia has a beautiful old town which was built in the colonial style of the 16th century. Countless small alleys and restaurants invite you to explore, as well as a walk over the city wall, which is still untouched today.
Beside the many beaches, a visit to the Marcado Bazurto, one of the biggest and most original markets of Colombia, is recommended above all. Solid shoes and no valuables are a must.
Santa Marta & Taganga
Santa Marta is a larger port city with an attractive old town and a long city beach along which a promenade runs. The city can be visited during the passage in a few hours, but is not a must.
Hidden in a bay 5 km to the north is the village Taganga. Many bars and restaurants on the beach offer a colourful programme, especially in the evenings. Many hostels have a pool and a cosy flair in addition to reasonable prices. You can easily spend 2-3 days passing by.
Minca
Although Santa Marta doesn't have much to see, the surrounding countryside with the Tayrona National Park, the coastal town of Palomino and the mountain village of Minca offers even more. Minca is a small town in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, 17 km from Santa Marta.
In the midst of wild nature, walks lead to solitary waterfalls, ecological coffee plantations and high mountain peaks. In the evening, the town's restaurants and bars are the entertainment for travellers.
Playa Maderas - Hostal Los Hermanos
Palomino is a narrow barracks collection with a beach full of sand fleas. You won't miss a thing there. But you get the hottest tip for Colombia: The Hostal Los Hermanos at Playa Maderas (km 39 Tronca de Caribe).
Bungalows directly at the most beautiful beach of Colombia, decent prices, nice people, quiet and in addition a unique atmosphere. You could stay there for weeks.
The perfect end to come down again after an adventurous Colombia round trip.