what a great video! another tip - I also land up saving up on unnecessary expenses like atm fees etc in Colombia - using apps like ATM Fee Saver - it helps find atms abroad with no fees or lower fees than others along with withdrawal limits etc. worth adding to your list of tricks!
Agree with you, Colombia has a lot of places and towns to be visited like Nuqui, which is located also in my department "Choco", Tolu, San Andres Island, Turbo, etc. Because Colombia is truly a paradise! :)
@@Aritul Yeah! That's my favorite ChoQuibTown musical video. I have never been there but I hope to have a chance to go and learn about its culture and wonderful ecosystem😊
Great travel tips! Every journey is unique, and here's an additional suggestion: try connecting with a local (amigo) to receive some guidance along the way. Colombians are always willing to help, and asking the right question at the right time can lead you to discover new things or help you avoid issues. Feel free to ask whatever you need to know!
A good video ! Thank you for informations and for sharing. I like Colombia 🇨🇴. I hope one day I will go to visit Bogota. The nature is beautiful i like that. I watch your video's from Canada 🇨🇦 😁 👍👍. Thank you again for sharing.
And it’s sad because near of the border with Venezuela there’s also so many extremely gorgeous places like “Los llanos orientales”, “Cerros de Mavicure” and “PNN El Tuparro” and they’re safe for tourists. I completely recommend to explore this unknown part of Colombia.
Thank you for the helpful advice and informative videos! I’m planning a solo trip to Colombia for three weeks in November, during which I’ll be taking three domestic flights. My itinerary includes Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Lost City Trek. I’m following a route that’s highly recommended by many travel bloggers and groups. Do you think these destinations are suitable for a first-time visitor to Colombia and South America overall? I want to experience authentic Colombian culture, but I also want to ensure that the places I’m visiting are safe. I would love to hear your thoughts! My travel itinerary is below: Day 1: 19/11 - Departure Route: Brussels ➔ Frankfurt ➔ Bogotá Day 2: 20/11 - Bogotá Explore Bogotá Day 3: 21/11 - Bogotá to Salento Transport: Flight from Bogotá ➔ Armenia, then bus/taxi to Salento Day 4: 22/11 - Salento Explore the Cocora Valley Day 5: 23/11 - Salento to Medellín Transport: Bus from Salento ➔ Medellín Days 6-9: 24/11 - 27/11 - Medellín (3-4 days) Explore Medellín: Comuna 13 tour, day trip to Guatapé, etc. Day 10: 28/11 - Medellín to Santa Marta Transport: Flight from Medellín ➔ Santa Marta Days 11-12: 29/11 - 30/11 - Santa Marta (Lost City Trek - Day 1 & 2) Days 13-14: 01/12 - 02/12 - Lost City Trek (Day 3 & 4) Day 15: 03/12 - Return to Santa Marta Arrival from the Lost City Trek and free time in Santa Marta Day 16: 04/12 - Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park Transport: Taxi or bus from Santa Marta ➔ Tayrona Activity: Day trip in Tayrona, returning to Santa Marta in the evening Day 17: 05/12 - Santa Marta to Cartagena Transport: Bus or taxi from Santa Marta ➔ Cartagena Explore Cartagena in the afternoon/evening Overnight in Cartagena (1 night) Day 18: 06/12 - Cartagena to Bogotá Morning: Flight from Cartagena ➔ Bogotá Free time in Bogotá in the afternoon and evening Day 19: 07/12 - Bogotá Last full day in Bogotá to explore the city or relax Day 20: 08/12 - Return Route: Bogotá ➔ Zurich ➔ Brussels
@@sillylad69420 if the budget is limited you gotta do what you gotta do man but keep in mind your looking at half day bus rides + flights within Colombia are super cheap and you’ll reach your destination in an hour/2 tops
We say "don't give papaya". (Don't make it easy for anyone to rob you). Stay out of sketchy hoods. Use common sense. If it feels fishy, it probably is. Don't use dating apps. Don't accept drinks from "preety girls". Call an uber or phone a taxi, never get one out in the street. Don't use your cellphone outdoors in the city. Simple.
You won't find it literally everywhere (as it is in Southeast Asia for example) but there are some rentals around. I drove a motorbike around Minca for local sightseeing for instance. I don't know what it's like to go long distance biking in Colombia though
Sorry, only just saw this. Back when I was on a tight budget I pruned my subscriptions at home, sold stuff I didn't need, and kept money in a seperate account (or rather a jar in my bank app) to save up. When travelling long term I subletted my place or moved out. If you need inspiration I wrote a lot on this topic in this book that I wrote: www.indietraveller.co/ref/book/ It's like 20 bucks but it helps you get a travel budget together and make a ton of savings :)
I go into more detail here: www.indietraveller.co/safety-in-colombia/ While one person's anecdotes don't necessarily mean much, I haven't had any problems personally. Be careful with nightlife and certain city neighborhoods, but it is generally safe while doing normal tourist stuff.
Haha, no, I didn't hide anything :) I haven't had issues nor have any friends or fellow travellers of mine. However, I've heard stories of digital nomads getting their laptops stolen from a cafe patio in Medellin for example. I'd leave non-essential valuables at home, and if you bring a camera to be a bit subtle with it in the big cities
Yeah I had the vaccine already. Nowadays it's only a requirement for Colombia if you came from Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda. It's still a nice vaccine to potentially get as 1 shot protects you for life
Seems like language concerns are not a serious issue there in Colombia, at least in the urban areas or am I just ignorant? --I speak English & very poor Spanish. Would I be in considerable trouble communicating there or are there many who speak English?
Very few people speak English in general, but in the cities it's easier to find those who do, and people working in tourism will more often speak English too. If you know some very basic Spanish too then you'll be able to survive just fine :) You just might not be able to have a deep conversation with any random local on the street
Has anyone considered the use of these modern smartphone real time language apps that translates from Spanish to English instantaneously? There are two earbuds & mics and the two people just chat away with instant translation. I wonder if they really operate as well as imagined...
It does that in real time?? that is amazing! So now I can just talk into my smart phone and it is instantaneously translated into Spanish so the listener on another smart phone standing next to me can understand?! Amazing!!
You've gave very nice advices and thanks for those, BUT your idea of recording in so loud places was very disturbing for me, trying to hear you above it all :< Not nice dude :
For all the affordability AND availability of housing within metro Medellin. The health care being wonderful and quite affordable. Daily expenditures for food, utilities, etc., quite reasonable. The AIR QUALITY of Medellin is awful! For the greater part, filtered/central ventilation offered in Medellin is nonexistent...open the window (no screens) the airflow is great...including the carbon precipitates from bus, auto and motorcycle traffic. Terrible AIR QUALITY! Mop you floors...scrub them if you like. Don a pair of white socks and walk around...BLACK! Everyday, every night...every holiday...AIR QUAlITY is terrible in Medellin...cough, cough...hack, hack.
what a great video! another tip - I also land up saving up on unnecessary expenses like atm fees etc in Colombia - using apps like ATM Fee Saver - it helps find atms abroad with no fees or lower fees than others along with withdrawal limits etc. worth adding to your list of tricks!
Colombia is a wonderful country with all the photographs, from beaches, deserts, mountains, plains, great variety, good video. 12:07.
Agree with you, Colombia has a lot of places and towns to be visited like Nuqui, which is located also in my department "Choco", Tolu, San Andres Island, Turbo, etc. Because Colombia is truly a paradise! :)
I saw Nuqui in a ChocQuibTown video and wanted to go there for a long time after.
@@Aritul Yeah! That's my favorite ChoQuibTown musical video. I have never been there but I hope to have a chance to go and learn about its culture and wonderful ecosystem😊
@@andresayala1995 Hopefully you will. 🤞🏿
love your style of video. very chill and authentic
Great travel tips! Every journey is unique, and here's an additional suggestion: try connecting with a local (amigo) to receive some guidance along the way. Colombians are always willing to help, and asking the right question at the right time can lead you to discover new things or help you avoid issues. Feel free to ask whatever you need to know!
You mentioned "asking the right question at the right time", what are some of the bad questions to ask Colombians?
Better tips. Thank you, I'm from Colombia and I use your video for learning English
Good luck on your new language adventure!
Estamos igual jeje
Thanks for taking the conversation to aspects of the country that I haven't heard other bloggers covering
All very sane and useful tips also relaxing Dutch accent thanks (Brit in Guatemala)
Wow my biggest dream about traveling cali ❤
A good video ! Thank you for informations and for sharing. I like Colombia 🇨🇴. I hope one day I will go to visit Bogota. The nature is beautiful i like that. I watch your video's from Canada 🇨🇦 😁 👍👍.
Thank you again for sharing.
Really beautiful and helpful video. Thanks for sharing.
Thank u for your input, this is a very helpful video for me ! 😄
Heading out to Cali in a couple days. Thanks for the info!
Enjoy!
How did you like it? I’m planning on going next month
@@somethinglame5472 Hey, I am planning on goinig there as well, how did you like it? Any tips?
And it’s sad because near of the border with Venezuela there’s also so many extremely gorgeous places like “Los llanos orientales”, “Cerros de Mavicure” and “PNN El Tuparro” and they’re safe for tourists. I completely recommend to explore this unknown part of Colombia.
True! I had hoped to go to Cerros de Mavicure but ran out of time on this trip. Really want to head east next time.
Muchas gracias
Excellent video, thanks for sharing your experience, your camera shows the colors as they really are.
Thank you for the helpful advice and informative videos! I’m planning a solo trip to Colombia for three weeks in November, during which I’ll be taking three domestic flights. My itinerary includes Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Lost City Trek. I’m following a route that’s highly recommended by many travel bloggers and groups.
Do you think these destinations are suitable for a first-time visitor to Colombia and South America overall? I want to experience authentic Colombian culture, but I also want to ensure that the places I’m visiting are safe. I would love to hear your thoughts!
My travel itinerary is below:
Day 1: 19/11 - Departure
Route: Brussels ➔ Frankfurt ➔ Bogotá
Day 2: 20/11 - Bogotá
Explore Bogotá
Day 3: 21/11 - Bogotá to Salento
Transport: Flight from Bogotá ➔ Armenia, then bus/taxi to Salento
Day 4: 22/11 - Salento
Explore the Cocora Valley
Day 5: 23/11 - Salento to Medellín
Transport: Bus from Salento ➔ Medellín
Days 6-9: 24/11 - 27/11 - Medellín (3-4 days)
Explore Medellín: Comuna 13 tour, day trip to Guatapé, etc.
Day 10: 28/11 - Medellín to Santa Marta
Transport: Flight from Medellín ➔ Santa Marta
Days 11-12: 29/11 - 30/11 - Santa Marta (Lost City Trek - Day 1 & 2)
Days 13-14: 01/12 - 02/12 - Lost City Trek (Day 3 & 4)
Day 15: 03/12 - Return to Santa Marta
Arrival from the Lost City Trek and free time in Santa Marta
Day 16: 04/12 - Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park
Transport: Taxi or bus from Santa Marta ➔ Tayrona
Activity: Day trip in Tayrona, returning to Santa Marta in the evening
Day 17: 05/12 - Santa Marta to Cartagena
Transport: Bus or taxi from Santa Marta ➔ Cartagena
Explore Cartagena in the afternoon/evening
Overnight in Cartagena (1 night)
Day 18: 06/12 - Cartagena to Bogotá
Morning: Flight from Cartagena ➔ Bogotá
Free time in Bogotá in the afternoon and evening
Day 19: 07/12 - Bogotá
Last full day in Bogotá to explore the city or relax
Day 20: 08/12 - Return
Route: Bogotá ➔ Zurich ➔ Brussels
You should go to San Andrés Island, is a paradisiatic island in the Caribbean
Thanks for this video, v informative and helpful
Hey man what is that town at 8:12? great video - best i've seen on Colombia
Thanks! That town is Jerico... love that place. It features more in this video: th-cam.com/video/sZSbAUhcXQM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the video! Any advice on a region to have as a hub for hikes with options for 1-3 day self-guided or affordable hikes. Thanks!
@@NatachaGirouard maybe san Gil, el cocuy national park
thanks mate! looking forward to it!
thanks- perfect ~have a good day!:))
100% agree, I took a bus once it was torturous 😂 only flights for me in Colombia 🇨🇴
o shit i’m planning on traveling thru the whole country on bus
@@sillylad69420 if the budget is limited you gotta do what you gotta do man but keep in mind your looking at half day bus rides + flights within Colombia are super cheap and you’ll reach your destination in an hour/2 tops
Same
Hiii great video tnx for the information!! My question is that I cant swim and is swimming important skill to have while I'm in Colombia?
Bro this is the dumbest thing question ive ever seen in a yt comment section. Do what u always do, STAY ON LAND 🤦
@@Dojacatfan why do you care
Gracias por este video tan informativo.
love from India
Nice, thank you. How did you pack for a month?
Like this :) www.indietraveller.co/how-to-pack-light/
Excelente contenido
How do I not get robbed! 😢😢
Say way you don’t get robbed in NYC, Chicago or Philly. Be street smart
We say "don't give papaya". (Don't make it easy for anyone to rob you).
Stay out of sketchy hoods. Use common sense. If it feels fishy, it probably is. Don't use dating apps. Don't accept drinks from "preety girls". Call an uber or phone a taxi, never get one out in the street. Don't use your cellphone outdoors in the city. Simple.
You get robbed every place in the world today! My sister and family were robbed in Rome. Just be aware and don't flaunt your camera or phones.
Don’t take loads of stuff
No dando papaya.
What about renting motorcycles, did you observe if this is an option to get around?
You won't find it literally everywhere (as it is in Southeast Asia for example) but there are some rentals around. I drove a motorbike around Minca for local sightseeing for instance. I don't know what it's like to go long distance biking in Colombia though
How much would you recommend a traveler save before the trip
Sorry, only just saw this. Back when I was on a tight budget I pruned my subscriptions at home, sold stuff I didn't need, and kept money in a seperate account (or rather a jar in my bank app) to save up. When travelling long term I subletted my place or moved out. If you need inspiration I wrote a lot on this topic in this book that I wrote: www.indietraveller.co/ref/book/ It's like 20 bucks but it helps you get a travel budget together and make a ton of savings :)
How safe is it there? Did you ever get robbed or come into any trouble? I go in a few months but somewhat worried about taking certain items
I go into more detail here: www.indietraveller.co/safety-in-colombia/ While one person's anecdotes don't necessarily mean much, I haven't had any problems personally. Be careful with nightlife and certain city neighborhoods, but it is generally safe while doing normal tourist stuff.
@@indietraveller thank you I read it! Nice write up! Was just wondering about anything more that you didn’t write :p
Haha, no, I didn't hide anything :) I haven't had issues nor have any friends or fellow travellers of mine. However, I've heard stories of digital nomads getting their laptops stolen from a cafe patio in Medellin for example. I'd leave non-essential valuables at home, and if you bring a camera to be a bit subtle with it in the big cities
Good
Do I need a transit visa to transit via bogota I come from the third world country
Hey, I was wondering if you've had the yellow fever vaccine? btw, did you know that the yellow fever vaccine is a requirement for entry into Colombia?
Yeah I had the vaccine already. Nowadays it's only a requirement for Colombia if you came from Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda. It's still a nice vaccine to potentially get as 1 shot protects you for life
Seems like language concerns are not a serious issue there in Colombia, at least in the urban areas or am I just ignorant? --I speak English & very poor Spanish. Would I be in considerable trouble communicating there or are there many who speak English?
Very few people speak English in general, but in the cities it's easier to find those who do, and people working in tourism will more often speak English too. If you know some very basic Spanish too then you'll be able to survive just fine :) You just might not be able to have a deep conversation with any random local on the street
Has anyone considered the use of these modern smartphone real time language apps that translates from Spanish to English instantaneously? There are two earbuds & mics and the two people just chat away with instant translation. I wonder if they really operate as well as imagined...
@garypaul1033 used this a bit in other parts of the world. Google voice translate did a great job of translating hmong to english
It does that in real time?? that is amazing! So now I can just talk into my smart phone and it is instantaneously translated into Spanish so the listener on another smart phone standing next to me can understand?! Amazing!!
@garypaul1033 yeah, just maybe a few seconds of delay. Pretty amazing!
You've gave very nice advices and thanks for those, BUT your idea of recording in so loud places was very disturbing for me, trying to hear you above it all :< Not nice dude :
Yeah, sorry about that! There are CC subtitles if it helps. I'm now using better mics/locations/etc. but it was quite poor in this one at times.
❤️🇨🇴🇨🇴
For all the affordability AND availability of housing within metro Medellin. The health care being wonderful and quite affordable. Daily expenditures for food, utilities, etc., quite reasonable.
The AIR QUALITY of Medellin is awful! For the greater part, filtered/central ventilation offered in Medellin is nonexistent...open the window (no screens) the airflow is great...including the carbon precipitates from bus, auto and motorcycle traffic.
Terrible AIR QUALITY! Mop you floors...scrub them if you like. Don a pair of white socks and walk around...BLACK! Everyday, every night...every holiday...AIR QUAlITY is terrible in Medellin...cough, cough...hack, hack.
I have one small tip: don't.
Stay inside your house
wohoo
WOOHOOOOOOOoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo
Thank you ❤️ very good video !!