Colombia: Where farmacy sells cigarettes

Colombia is a land bursting with life, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. As a solo backpacker, I set out to explore this captivating country, eager to discover lively cities and serene towns. From the hustle and bustle of Bogotá to the serene beaches of Palomino, every stop revealed a new aspect of Colombia's heart and soul. Let me guide you through my top 11 stops that made this journey truly unforgettable.

1. Bogotá: The Bustling Capital

I kicked off my backpacking adventure in Bogotá, Colombia's lively capital. It's a city where history meets modern vibes. Visit Carrera 7, where street vendors and local artisans showcase their crafts, and lively reggaeton music energizes the atmosphere.

On the next day, I joined the free walking tour by exploring La Candelaria, where the vibrant cobblestone streets and colonial buildings totally captivated me. At Plaza de Bolívar, I checked out cool spots like the Cathedral Primada and the Palace of Justice. The whole vibe was just amazing.

On my last day, I took a cable car to Monserrate, where the panoramic views of Bogotá left me speechless. Seeing the vast city from above was like viewing a living map.

Accommodation: LimaLimón

2. Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring

A few days later, I hopped on a bus to Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its awesome weather. I was instantly inspired by the city’s culture and scenery.

The Medellín Metro made getting around easy. I stayed in El Poblado, known for its vibrant nightlife. The neighborhood of Comuna 13 is famous for its street art depicting resilience and change. A free walking tour provided insights into the community's history. Medellín's nightlife was lively, with Parque Lleras bustling every weekend with laughter, drinks, and dancing.

You should definitely check out Guatapé for a day trip. It's a really cool Andean resort town east of Medellín. I actually stayed there for a couple of nights. It's right next to the massive Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir, which is super popular for water sports. You can go on your own or hop on a guided tour from Medellín. It's about a 2-hour trip each way.

Accommodation: The Black Sheep Hostel

3. Cali: The Salsa Capital

After leaving Medellín, I headed to Cali, known as the salsa capital of the world. The place was buzzing with an irresistible rhythm. The salsa clubs were all about having a blast. I joined a salsa class, and even though it was tougher than I thought, dancing turned out to be an awesome way to vibe with the locals. To my surprise, about 90% of the folks I met were super excited to share their love for the dance.

During the day, I explored the scenic Cali River, which offers picturesque walking paths. The iconic Cristo Rey statue, towering 26 meters high, rewarded my hike with stunning views of the city below. On my last day, I visited Galería Alameda market to savor fruits and food from the local vendors.

Accommodation: La Sucursal Hostel

4. Salento: Gateway to the Coffee Region

After the urban excitement of Cali, I longed for nature and found it in Salento, a quaint town nestled in Colombia's breathtaking Coffee Region. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee was both comforting and inviting.

Hiking through the Cocora Valley was definitely the best part of the trip. Those amazing wax palms, shooting up to 60 meters tall, were like nothing I’d ever seen before. The hike took about 3-4 hours and was a bit tough, but the stunning views and delicious local food like bandeja paisa made it totally worth it.

I went on a coffee tour at a plantation and got to see how coffee is made from start to finish. From picking the beans to roasting and brewing, it was really eye-opening. But honestly, I forgot everything after two days 😄

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel Salento

5. Jardín: The Hidden Gem

Just a few hours from Salento, I stumbled upon Jardín, a hidden gem that many travelers overlook. Its vibrant plaza, surrounded by colonial buildings, felt like stepping into history.

Jardín's chill vibe let me really soak in all its beauty. I spent my days checking out the mountains, getting lost in nature, and hanging out with the super friendly locals who told me about their favorite coffee spots. You’ve got to try the 7 waterfall hike—it’s about a 4-hour trek through some seriously awesome waterfalls. I even took a dip in one of them, and it was amazing, though pretty cold!

Accommodation: Sgt Pepper's Hostel

6. Cartagena: A Caribbean Paradise

Moving north, I reached Cartagena, a lively coastal city steeped in history. The walled city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, dazzled with its colorful architecture.

Walking through old town felt like stepping into a vibrant painting. Walking among lively street vendors and bustling areas created an unforgettable atmosphere. At sunset, I found myself at Café del Mar, where I enjoyed a refreshing mojito while listening to the waves crashing against the rocks. Nearby beaches are popular, but I recommend exploring quieter shores like Playa Blanca for a more authentic experience with fewer tourists.

Accommodation: Viajero Cartagena - Centro Hostel

7. Santa Marta: The Gateway to Paradise

I hopped on a short bus ride to Santa Marta, a bustling coastal city that's the perfect starting point for checking out Tayrona National Park or trekking to Ciudad Perdida. Both spots offer stunning views and were definitely on my must-see list.

I signed up for the 4-day guided trek to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), and it was an experience I'll never forget. Ciudad Perdida, nestled in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is a 9th-century archaeological site from the Tayrona civilization and a major historical gem in Colombia. It's a dream destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. You can only do the trek with local guides, and it costs about $450, which covers everything including accommodations.

Accommodation: Viajero Santa Marta Hostel

8. Tayrona: Relaxation in Paradise

Once returned from my trek i took a 1.5 hour bus ride to a hostel close to Tayrona. Tayrona National park delivered some stunning landscapes with pristine beaches and lush jungle. The hike through the park led me to Cabo San Juan, where I lounged in a hammock, soaking in the sun—a perfect escape from everyday life.

My journey continued to Palomino, a serene beach town that felt like paradise. With swaying palm trees and gentle waves, it was the ideal place to unwind after weeks of exploration.

Accommodation: Viajero Hostel Tayrona & Ecohabs

9. Minca: A Taste of the Coffee Countryside

Just a bit north of Santa Marta, you'll find Minca, a cute little village tucked away in the Sierra Nevada mountains, famous for its coffee and gorgeous scenery. The bus ride there was a treat for the eyes.

Once in Minca, I discovered amazing waterfalls and had a blast swimming in the natural pools. The sunrise views from the hills were absolutely breathtaking, and I felt thankful for every second of it. Just a heads up, there are tons of mosquitos, so make sure to have mosquito repellent with you at all times.

Accommodation: Casa Loma

10. San Gil: The Adventure Capital

Next up was San Gil, the adventure capital of Colombia, famous for its exhilarating outdoor activities. Bursting with excitement, not to be missed!

I experienced the adrenaline rush of 140 meters bungee jump, highest in South America, and it was a thrill like no other! Then, I soared through the skies paragliding over Chicamocha Canyon, soaking in the breathtaking views from above. On my last day, i went on guided exploration of El Indio Cave and it really liked it.

San Gil’s lively nightlife was the perfect setting to meet fellow adventurers and share our thrilling tales over drinks and dancing at the local bars.

Accommodation: Trip Monkey

11. Villa de Leyva: A Step Back in Time

My final stop in Colombia was Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town that feels like a step back in time. The cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings created an enchanting atmosphere. I spent hours exploring the lively Plaza Mayor, one of the largest cobblestone plazas in South America. The stunning architecture made for excellent photo opportunities.

At the nearby fossil museum, I got to dive into the region's awesome history. It was the perfect way to wrap up my Colombian adventure. For my last day, I headed to Ostrich Farm to chill out with some cool animals.

Accommodation: Hostal Renacer

Reflecting on My Journey

Colombia's got endless cool stuff for anyone traveling solo. From lively city vibes to stunning scenery and diverse cultures, every place I visited added something special to my trip. I gained amazing memories, awesome friendships, and life-changing experiences.

If you're thinking about your next trip, put Colombia on your list. Trust me, you'll come back with stories you'll love sharing for years.

Happy travels!