Backpacking in Colombia next month

Anybody been there before?

I was supposed to go with a buddy to Colombia (S. America), but he flaked out. I'm still going though, but since I'll be by myself, I decided just to backpack it.

I'll be leaving on February 26 and will be flying back on March 15.

I am definitely hitting up the following cities:

Bogota (capital)
Medellin
Cartagena

I have about 16-17 days to spend there. I'm thinking of just spending 3-4 days at each city at a time and keep on the move.

Any other recommended places to visit?

myke

Keeping on the move is definitely a good idea!

barranquilla for carnaval, which wll be happening in that time frame.

Originally Posted by scarphe

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barranquilla for carnaval, which wll be happening in that time frame.

Saw that and I'm seriously considering it.

myke

Was in Medellin for about a week in March last year. It was pretty nice. More kind of neat because you wouldn't have been able to walk around at all a few years ago. The Antioqua museum was cool. Didn't get to see too too much but it was still kind of neat.

Pretty sure it is a chain restaurant but Hatoviejo was really good. Some fantastic meat.

Been to Bogota a couple times, fun city, nice people, cheap. No security issues now, much safer than other places in Latin America. Should be a great trip. Have fun.

Is it actually safe? I thought Colombia is the murder capital of the world.

Originally Posted by SField

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Is it actually safe?

yes.

I have a friend that's been. All the backpackers do cocaine. Enjoy.

Originally Posted by SField

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Is it actually safe? I thought Colombia is the murder capital of the world.

You're mistaking it for Chicago.

Got a friend who went to Medellin recently. She loved it.
Would be curious to know if all women look like Shakira. Or atleast a high proportion. Might need to make a trip in that case.

I've been many times. it is a lot safer than it was, but not really safe. where were you planning on backpacking?

if you really want to backpack, go to santa marta, there is a fantastic park there, and you can hike for 4 days easy in the park. I would avoid the backpacking through the countryside type of backpacking, and stick to a national park. the one near santa marta is very safe - there is a military base near by.

cartegena is fantstic - be sure to ride a party bus. bogota is nice, but, really, don't get lulled into being stupid. my family down there take off their jewelery before they walk around town.

how cheap is coke? can a norteamericano score pretty easy?

Originally Posted by Stazy

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I have a friend that's been. All the backpackers do cocaine. Enjoy.

but isn't janky a cop?

i used to date a girl whose mom is 100% Columbian, she used to go down there every summer took me with her one summer. coke will put you on your freaking back it's so good.

Originally Posted by acidboy

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but isn't janky a cop?

Yep

myke