First solo trip was a success! (three weeks in colombia)
Basically what the title says! I’m 22F from the US and had some time off before starting a new job, no one else was free to travel so I figured I’d do it alone. I was a bit nervous given the length of the trip but it really could not have been more perfect. I speak good Spanish which definitely helped, but in general I felt very safe walking around/getting from place to place.
Spent the first few days including New Years in Cartagena. It was quite touristy but I honestly loved it — met great people, had a blast going out. Only complaint was the heat, but my hostel had a pool!
Then went to the Rosario Islands for two nights. Had no cell service which was honestly amazing. Spent the whole time swimming in the water and reading books.
Back to Cartagena for a night and then on to Minca. This was quite possibly my favorite place I went. The view was incredible, great hiking and the hostel was AMAZING (see below). Could have stayed way longer.
Then went to El Rio hostel outside of Santa Marta. It was okay. Beautiful river but I decided to skip Tayrona because of the crowds so there wasn’t a TON to do. That said, Palomino nearby is crowded but beautiful.
Back to Santa Marta where I flew to Bogotá. I stayed for 4 nights which was quite long bc I had a friend there. Stayed in the north of the city, near Parque 93. HIGHLY recommend staying outside of La candelaria. It’s easy enough to get to during the day and I felt much safer/less surrounded by tourists outside of the area. If you are there Thurs-Sat make sure to go to Theatron. It’s a massive gay club and one of the best clubbing experiences I’ve ever had. Andrés Carne de Res in Chia is also amazing, though quite expensive. I also did the Heroes walking tour which I HIGHLY recommend. The guide was a young political journalist and she did an amazing job tracing the roots of the conflict.
Finally, flew to Medellin which I wish I had more time in. Did a day trip to Guatape (really fucked up getting there and ended up in a random town and had to convince them to take me an hour on a motorbike down to the highway but figured it out!) and went out at night in Medellin. The real city tour is also very good.
Overall: I can not recommend Colombia enough. It was fairly cheap, I felt very safe and met the most amazing people from there and all around the world. Colombians are thrilled that people want to visit their country and are the friendliest people I have ever met. I feel so full of life and am very grateful.
Happy to answer any questions about traveling alone in the country as a woman or about anything else!
Where I stayed:
Cartagena: Casa del Pozo (nice! Dorms are hot at night but very clean, great social atmosphere and a pool!!!!) Rosario Islands: Isla Tijereto (basically a little house, food was amazing and the women who worked there were so sweet) Minca: Casas Viejas (cannot recommend enough!!!! So beautiful, amazing staff, cheap, just perfect) Santa Marta: El Rio (an hour and a half by bus, beautiful location and tons of activities but quite bro-y which I didn’t love) Bogota: Airbnb (paid for by work, wasn’t gonna turn down a free place to stay) Medellin: Los Patios (probably the nicest dorm I stayed in, each bed had its own outlets and a fan! Hot water, beautiful rooftop bar)
Yay Colombia! Yay solo travel! Other women: you can do it!!!!!
Submitted January 17, 2019 at 05:17PM by passionfruitpolitics http://bit.ly/2TXZdA5
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