Since returning from Colombia, I’ve written so many posts about all of the experiences that I had there. Lots to talk about! It’s easy to forget that summer in Australia is awesome too, so with the seasonal change, I thought I’d look back at a couple of my highlights. Other than the usual beach time and BBQs, here’s what I got up
When I found out I was being sent to San Jose for a work conference last October, I couldn’t resist taking the opportunity to explore somewhere new. Carmel marks the starting point of the Big Sur coast which continues down to San Simeon. Bordered to the east by the Santa Lucia Range and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, Carmel is a small beach city on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s known for historic Carmel Mission and the fairytale cottages of its villagey town centre.
San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina form a small archipelago in the Caribbean, around 800km off Colombia’s north coast. The islands are actually geographically closer to Nicaragua (approximately 200km away). After a night in Cartagena, JJ and I flew to San Andrés for some laid-back island time.
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The city of Cartagena, known in the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias is a major port founded in 1533. Located in the north of Colombia on the Caribbean coast, it was the main trading point between Spain and its overseas empire. After a relaxing few days in Parque Tayrona, JJ and I went to explore Cartagena’s old walled city.
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Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona in northern Colombia is a protected area covering the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Situated in Magdalena Department on the Caribbean coast, this national park is known for its beautiful beaches, rainforest and rich biodiversity. After our amazing Colombian Safari in Los Llanos, JJ and I flew to Santa Marta to begin the overland journey to Tayrona. (more…)
From the Amazon rainforest to the tropical wetlands
Hato La Aurora private nature reserve on Los Llanos of Casanare Department is the destination for a Colombian safari. The reserve is home to 300-odd bird species, anacondas, anteaters, caiman, capybaras and jaguars. Activities include 4×4 driving, walking, horse riding and experiencing the Llanero (cowboy) way of life. After 3 incredible days in the Amazon, JJ and I flew to the city of Yopal to begin our journey east. (more…)
Venturing into the heart of the rainforest
After 2 full days exploring Bogotá, JJ and I set off for Leticia, Amazonas. The Amazon basin borders in Colombia are shared with both Brazil and Peru. With a history of territory disputes the region has passed through turbulent times but is now considered safe. Tourism in the Colombian Amazon is still in its early years, but definitely on the rise. (more…)
Colombia’s sprawling, high-altitude capital
Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia, a lively capital surrounded by Andean peaks with loads to offer in terms of cuisine and culture. Here’s what JJ and I got up to during the first stop on our travels through Colombia. (more…)
