Personal tip for what to do while travelling from Cartagena to Cali ?
Replies: 8 - Last Post: Mar 22, 2013 7:26 AM Last Post By: ChrisBe82
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Personal tip for what to do while travelling from Cartagena to Cali ?
Well, I'm going to fly to Santa Marta on april 7th.. planning to spend some days in tayrona nationalpark and to keep on going south.. my entire trip includes also Ecuador and Peru and I figured our this part of my trip.. Cartagena to Cali.. could be a little boring ?I'll probably use a overnight bus from Cartagena to Medellin as I can't possibly figure out one fun thing to do in between those cities.. if you could agree or disagree with that, that would be great.
Next thing would be: what to do in Medellin ? What to do in Pereira ? What to do in Cali ?
Eventhough I'm a young buck (19) I'm not very keen to nightlife.. of course I will enjoy some, but that shouldn't be the number one reason for me to see a place this time.. I already did something like that in Tallinn and it's quite emotionally and physically exhausting. On top of that I'm on a strict budget that I absolutely don't want to blow.
I will probably do some party in either medellin or cali, but I don't want to do it all the way while travelling south.. so what should I do in these places ?
What I'm looking for the most are beautiful landscapes and cheap activities. As concerning nature I didn't find anything special or interessting in this area beside of course, the coffee region.. another question would be: What do you do there ?
I already watched out for so many tips on so many internetsites but they all seem to be pissboring or horribly expensive (kitesurfing in Cali or paragliding in Medellin seem to be to expensive for my 25 euro/day budget).. I'm just looking for some nice and cozy places to enjoy colombia.. I really hope some of you have 1 or 2 personal tips for me what to do or see in this region.. something that I couldn't find out otherwise but from you.
It would be a shame if I would rush through such a big area.. in hopes for your helpfulness..
Reinbeer
1
You could spend some time in Salento - gateway to the Cocora Valley with the highest palm trees in the world. From nearby Armenia, you can take a night bus to Pitalito, which will take you to San Augustin, with Ttierradentro also nearby. All these places have stunning landscapes. You will end up in Popayan. If you're on a tight budget and night life isn't your thing, then I don't see why Medellin and Cali should feature so highly in your trip. When in Salento, if you stay in Plantation House, the owner can offer plenty of advice on all this.Whatever you do, I can guarantee that it won't be boring!
2
agree with no.1; also around Medellin are lots of small towns such as Guatape, we personally visited Jardin which is off the main beaten path - Saturday night there is quite unique with all the cowboys riding around the main square. Alternatively skip that region, head down from Cartagena to Mompos and then later San Gil, Villa de Leyva, Bogota, Salento and then Cali3
Spot on - thanks so much! Tips like that were exactly what I was looking for!I think I adjusted my route a little bit now.. I found out that you may find a boat from Barranquilla to Mompos.. I think I will ask some people when I'm Colombia if this is still possible.. if not, I will take the Bus.. I think Mompos is a place I shouldn't skip..
Any ideas on how to get from there to Pereira ? I will definitely check out Salento! Pitalito also sounds great! I think it's also worthwhile to go from Pitalito over Mocoa to Pasto.. I would leave out Cali and Popayan, but I guess it's ok.
Just have to figure out on how to reach the coffee region from Mompos ? I thought about going by boat to Barracabermeja, but I think it would be pretty stressful to reach the coffee region from there.. any suggestions ?
4
My wife is from Cali and I have visited Colombia lots of times.I have visited the following Leticia, Gorgona, Yotoco, Medellin, Bogota, Popayan, Cartagena, Armenia, Salento, Manizales and San Agustin.
They are all more attractive than Cali - even before the recent crime wave. I really don't rate it much at all.
There are some nice places nearby for birdwatching and a zoo but not much else.
6
This link should help you with questions about connecting out of Mompos:http://www.lacasaamarillamompos.com/english/Transport.html
All of the cities mentioned should have connecting buses to Pereira. Are you planning to skip both Medellin and Bogota entirely? If you are coming from Cartagena and found the city within your budget, then you should consider staying a few days in either city. There are tons of museums, parks and other activities that are either free or low cost. There other things to do than just getting pissed in the Zona Rosa and looking for prepagas.
Yes there is much more to the Coffee Zone than just Coffee. There are hot springs, national parks and nature reserves throughout the region. Also, you might want to consider staying in Salento or Santa Rosa instead of Pereira. Both have cheap accommodation and are a bit more, how do you say, aesthetically pleasing that Pereira. Not sure why you would skip two cities that are full of things to do (Medellin, Bogota), only to stay in another city (Pereira) whose only redeeming qualities are the nightlife and the fact that it is in close proximity to other much nicer places; a pretty city Pereira ain't.
Safe Travels!
8
I disagree with airbn51st pereira is amazing. you probably stayed in the city center or something you should see circunvalar avenue. there is also a lot to do around pereira take a look at estacion pereira or la pastora. salento and santa rosa are day trips from here it is both less than an hour away and so is manizales.if you don't like the party scene don't stick too long in medellin but go to guatape instead for at least a day. i didnt go to cali so i have no idea how that is.
good luck!
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