My top ten moments from backpacking Colombia
Visiting Colombia was a lot of fun, and I made many memories here. In Search of Everywhere already features so many of the destinations I visited and sights I saw, but there’s nothing like reflecting on the best moments.
That’s why I’ve created this list of the top ten moments I had when backpacking through Colombia. It was fun to write, and I hope it’s fun to read too!
My itinerary through Colombia
Before I get started, I thought I’d give you a run down of what my trip was like, so you know the context of it all.
I travelled to Colombia as part of my four month trip backpacking through South America. I made it to the country a couple of times during the trip.
The first was a ten hour stop off whilst I was transiting through Medellín on the way to Buenos Aires from Miami. In hindsight, this was not the best idea, but my sister, Lou, and I trundled through the city on a walking tour with our backpacks.
We transited through Colombia once again on the way between Bolivia and Ecuador, spending a grand total of nine hours in Bogotá airport.
And then, finally, we got to explore the Caribbean coast in our fourth month of backpacking. I flew into Santa Marta, spending one night there before heading to Minca, a town in the jungle, for three days. I then headed to go on the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek, hiking four days through the jungle to visit the ruins of an ancient city.
After three days at the beach in Palomino, I finished my time in Colombia with four days in Cartagena. I then left on a boat trip towards Panama to visit the San Blas islands.
My top ten moments in Colombia
1. Watching hummingbirds in Minca
I enjoyed visiting Minca. This town is surrounded by jungle and appears to really have grabbed the attention of backpackers visiting Colombia; I met so many tourists with it on their itinerary.
Minca is known for its waterfalls (more on that later), but something else it does great is its wildlife. So Lou and I headed on an early morning birdwatching trip to see what we could see.
We did see some interesting birds and even a toucan, but the highlight had to be seeing hummingbirds. I find them so enchanting, seeing their wings move so rapidly and their long beaks sucking on nectar. They’re so graceful and beautiful to watch.
2. Eating pineapple on the Ciudad Perdida trek
Midway through my trip, I took on the trek to Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City. The trek involved walking for four days (two days each way) through the hot and humid jungle, generally on an incline. I was so sweaty!
Under such conditions, every moment I got a snack break was treasured. At stops along the walk, we were given fruit breaks, mainly pineapple and watermelon. It was the best pineapple I’ve ever tasted, probably because I was knackered and dehydrated, but amazing all the same.
3. Sleeping in a hammock at Playa Brava
Tayrona National Park is a coastal park that many tourists add to their itinerary. Think jungle walks and beaches that you can only hike to. Of course, Lou and I decided to visit, spending three days walking between beaches and staying at campsites.
On our second night, we trekked to Playa Brava. As it’s a little way from the other beaches, it was very quiet with just the one campsite, and we were the only people sleeping in the hammocks there. I wouldn’t say sleeping in a hammock is a good recipe for a good night’s sleep, but I couldn’t fault the soundscape, with breaking waves providing the soundtrack for my dreams. And waking up to the view of the beach in the Colombian sun was something else!
4. Exploring Cartagena’s old town by night
Cartagena is a massive city with many angles and vibes. Like most other tourists, I spent most of my time in the walled old town, which is steeped in history and boasts stunning colonial architecture. There was a lot to see and do, although it’s not for everyone; there were so many vendors trying to sell us things, which got suffocating after a while.
In my opinion, Cartagena is best when the sun goes down. In Getsemaní, the district neighbouring the old town, informal bars with outdoor seating line along the pedestrian streets. There’s a great atmosphere, and I can see why so many backpackers are attracted to the city. I really enjoyed those moments.
5. Taking a walking tour through Medellín
My only trip inland when in Colombia, I spent a brief day exploring Medellín. As Lou and I weren’t sure where to go, and having heard of its reputation, we joined a walking tour to hit the highlights.
I was not disappointed. The walking tour (Real City Tours, in case of interest) was one of the best I took when backpacking South America, taking us to places we never would’ve thought to visit on our own. Our tour guide didn’t shy away from Medellín’s complicated past, so, upon leaving, I felt like I got a good introduction to the city.
6. Eating lots of good ice cream
I wouldn’t say I was a huge fan of Palomino, but one thing I couldn’t fault it for was the ice cream lollies being sold on the beach. They were so tasty! When it’s so hot, those lollies really hit differently.
Likewise, in Minca I ate great ice cream from a shop. I was hot (and let’s be honest, a little stressed), so when Lou tugged me into an ice cream shop, Il Gelato Nevao, it was a massive relief. Life is just better with ice cream, and Colombia was not short of that.
7. Sunsets in Cartagena (and elsewhere)
I don’t know about you, but I love a good sunset. Colombia’s Caribbean coast was full of them, with wide sea views.
One of my favourites was my last night in Cartagena, when Lou and I explored the city leisurely. We visited La Serrezuela, a former bull ring converted into a shopping centre (with blissful air con!), then continued along the town walls at golden hour. I wouldn’t have said the coastline around Cartagena was particularly beautiful, but in that perfect lighting it was romantic and playful. Then sunset at a rooftop restaurant: blissful!
Of course, I have to give an honourable mention to the sunset in Minca. Sat at a bar looking over the jungle canopy, cocktail in hand, it has to be a highlight.
8. Reaching the top of Ciudad Perdida
I enjoyed the trek up to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), but the icing on the cake was getting to explore the ancient city ruins when I got up to the top. Having been ensconced in jungle for hundreds of years, getting to see the many terraces was something else. The forest surrounding us was lush and gorgeous.
I felt proud making it up to the city, and being there, with the tour group that had become my friends over the trip, was so impactful.
9. Swimming in the Marinka Falls in Minca
I love a good waterfall, so visiting Marinka Falls in Minca was a treat. This area features several waterfalls, one of which has a large pool you can swim in. It’s delightful and refreshing, plus there are changing rooms!
Honestly, though, swimming in the river at Minca was relaxing, and Marinka Falls were just one of many highlights.
10. Leaving Colombia on a catamaran
Occasionally, there are those moments in life which feel closer to a dream than reality. One of those was the boat trip which I took to get from Colombia to Panama, via the San Blas islands.
To get to the San Blas, I departed from Cartagena on a catamaran, heading across the open ocean for two days. With good company, a fun boat and stunning views, it was quite an experience, and a great way to end the Colombian part of my trip!
Conclusion
Colombia treated me well. I can’t say no to a two-week trip along the Caribbean coast, checking out jungle towns, hiking to ancient ruins, drinking in rooftop bars and relaxing in the sea breeze.
One day, I’d love to check out the interior. I know that I only scratched the surface!
What do you want to know about visiting Colombia? If you’ve visited, what was your top highlight? Let me know in the comments.
