I have lived in Bogotá since March 2020 and have gotten to know the city quite well since then. The number one question I get asked as a foreigner living in Bogota is “Where should I stay in Bogotá during my trip?” Bogota is a sprawling city of 632 square miles and 8 million people. … Continue Reading
Up in the Andean mountain range on route to the Santa Isabel mountain top, El Nido del Condor Ecolodge is located on a plateau that appears as an island in the middle of the mountains surrounded by two rivers. They are known for their birdwatching, specifically Andean condors that nest directly on the plateau – … Continue Reading
Whether it’s your first time in Bogotá or you’ve been a bunch of times, one thing is for sure – there is always something new to discover – especially when it comes to new, cool, cafes to check out! Something I personally love about living in Bogotá is the food and cafe culture and how … Continue Reading
I was recently chatting with a fellow traveler about her last trip to Bogotá – and she said it was awful. Aghast, I asked her why, and she said it was because she felt ill the entire time. Ahhh I thought, a classic case of altitude sickness in Bogotá. I too have been hit with … Continue Reading
I have been visiting Colombia since 2105 and have learned a lot about this beautiful country during that time. A lot of people ask me what it’s like here, and I usually start by describing the gorgeous and diverse landscapes, and the friendly people. That being said, there are so many things that might be … Continue Reading
As a former waitress of 10 years in the USA, I am very sensitive to tipping and tipping culture since my salary basically relied on tips. Tipping culture is SO different from country to country, so I always like to know what the proper tipping etiquette is for each of the places that I travel. … Continue Reading
Feria de las Flores in Medellín, or The Festival of the Flowers, is one of the most important celebrations of the year in Colombia. This festival started in 1957 to celebrate the flower industry boom specifically in the Antioquia region of the country and the flower farmers who nurtured this industry. Today, Colombia is the … Continue Reading
Many people view Panama City as a connector city on their way to South America or a place to visit for the day in order to view the Panama Canal. Truth is, so did I. I didn’t really have too many expectations going into the trip and was a little worried that spending 4 days … Continue Reading
There is a common misconception that the only place to experience an authentic Colombian coffee farm is in Eje Cafetero, aka the country’s coffee region. Don’t get me wrong; I love this region of Colombia and encourage you to go there if you can, but what is very important to know is that you don’t have … Continue Reading
Parque Tayrona is a nationally protected park in Northern Colombia sandwiched between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains and the Carribean Sea. It’s known for its lush jungle and wild coastline of virtually untouched beaches. Although many of the beaches between the park entrance and Cabo San Juan are frequented by tourists, they are only accessible … Continue Reading
To me, visiting Eje Cafetero (Colombia’s coffee region) is about two things: nature and coffee. So when I arrived in the shining star of this region, Salento, those are the two things I set out to enjoy the most! This region produces the largest amount of Arabica variety in the world and is said to cultivate … Continue Reading
Although Salento is the golden child of Colombia’s coffee region, there’s a little-underrated town about 45 minutes away that deserves more attention. This quaint pueblo is called Filandia, and is a must for anyone looking for an authentic experience in the Zona Cafetera region. It’s also much less frequented by foreigners than other areas of the region, … Continue Reading
I read that visiting Villa de Leyva was like taking a time machine back to the 16th century, and seeing it with my own eyes confirmed that statement for sure. Charming and quaint are the first two adjectives that come to mind when describing this colonial town outside of Bogotá, largely in part due to … Continue Reading
Although Cartagena is the most popular seaside destination in Colombia, those looking for a quieter beach getaway head further north to Costeño Beach & Palomino. These relatively underdeveloped beach towns are home to stretches of rugged coastline, most of it completely untouched. You won’t find any resorts or big name hotels here, just small locally run … Continue Reading
I went on The Lost City Trek with Expotur and it was 4 days jam packed with adventure. Expotur promises adventure, and adventure you shall receive! From intense jungle trekking in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, raging rapid river crossings, and 1,200 steep stone steps to get to Cuidad Perdida, it’s exhilarating, challenging … Continue Reading
Cartagena is Colombia’s shining star of the coast, with tropical weather all year round, easy access to a slew of islands surrounded by coral reef, as well as the famous Walled City, deemed a Unesco World Heritage site in the 1980s. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture will have you thinking you’re in Europe, but … Continue Reading
I was under the impression that Cartagena was lined with gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water – it’s not. However, just an hour boat ride away is the paradise of Isla Grande, which is part of the Rosario Islands. Here you will surely find that Caribbean paradise you were searching for. Although the … Continue Reading
Peru is a magical place, known as the epicenter of the legendary Inca Empire, home to world famous ceviche and Machu Picchu, and is a country so biodiverse it is said that if Peru can be saved, it could serve as the basis for rehabilitating the rest of the world. Peru has 84 of the … Continue Reading
Are you planning a trip to Peru and need to figure out where to stay during your epic adventure? I can’t speak for all of Peru, but I can speak for four of the marvelous cities I visited during my three weeks exploring Southern Peru, and in this post I have rounded up all the … Continue Reading
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved roller coasters. So when I heard about an oasis in the middle of the Peruvian desert where dune buggies fly over sand dunes up to 700 feet tall, you better believe I immediately added it to my itinerary. That desert oasis is called Huacachina, and when … Continue Reading
Paracas is a small fishing village turned beach resort town that is actually known as Peru’s best wild-life watching destination. Often referred to as “The Poor Man’s Galapagos,” this coastal desert region is home to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve, both of which are teeming with wildlife, from sea lions, seabirds, and … Continue Reading
Lima is the Capital and largest city in Peru, yet it is often misunderstood and almost entirely skipped over while traveler’s make their way to Cusco. I fell victim to the “don’t spend too much time in Lima” hearsay, and wish I had given this awesome city more of a chance. That being said, with … Continue Reading
Between all of the trekking nearby, the gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture, the traditional food, and lively culture, Cusco is simply a traveler’s dream. Famed as the gateway to Machu Picchu, it has become the launching point for enthusiastic trekkers looking to see a New Wonder of the World, experience the beauty of the Peruvian Andes, … Continue Reading
After 6 days and over 30 miles of trekking both Rainbow Mountain, Lares, and Machu Picchu, I was in dire need of some serious relaxation. You can count on sore legs from all the walking, tight shoulders from schlepping a backpack full of gear around, and overall exhaustion from the altitude (over 17,000ft at Rainbow … Continue Reading
I rarely can pass up an opportunity to see any sort of wildlife in their natural habitat, and when I heard about Mar Adentro Excursiones and the opportunity to swim with wild sea lions off the coast of Lima, it was no exception. Mar Adentro Excursiones offers a comfortable, guided trip out to Islas Palomino … Continue Reading
When you think of Peru, what comes to mind? If I had to guess, it would probably be hiking the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. But what if I told you there was an alternative trek you could take without the hundreds of other tourists you’d find on the over-trekked Inca Trail, that offers a perfect mix … Continue Reading
Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a stunning geological marvel of the Peruvian Andes located at a whopping 5,200 meters above sea level, and is gaining some serious popularity within the Cusco tourism industry. Located about a 4 hour drive from Cusco, it’s advertised as something that can be … Continue Reading
At the beginning of March I arrived to Colombia all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, so excited to take on a new city and country. Upon arrival, the extent of my Espanol ended at hola, sí, gracias, por favor, and yo quiero Taco Bell. However, I’ve travelled all over the world where I haven’t know other languages … Continue Reading
A city once known as the most dangerous place in the world, has recently undergone an incredible transformation, and people are flocking from all over to see for themselves. I swear you could spend a year in Medellín and still not get to see, do, and experience all that this incredible city has to offer, … Continue Reading
To me, solo travel is all about challenging yourself, growing as an individual, stepping out of your comfort zone, and opening yourself up to new experiences and to new people. So when I came across the Colombia Immersion Spanish School, I knew I had struck gold. Check out the below 5 reasons why Colombia Immersion … Continue Reading
