In Review: 52 Days of Backpacking in Colombia

Why I Went There?

It was always part of my plan to visit Colombia during my South American leg of the trip, but after hearing from countless backpackers that this was their favorite SA country, I was really excited to go there. I wanted to travel there for at least one month and do some volunteer work at the Angeles de Medellin Foundation.

Where Did I Go?

Santa Marta, Taganga, Tayrona National Park, Cartagena, Medellin, Manizales, Salento, and Valle de Cocora.

My Other Blog Posts on Colombia

Santa Marta, Taganga, and Tayrona National Park
Feeling Re-Energized in Cartagena
Voluteering at Angeles de Medellin Foundation
Manizales, Salento and Valle de Cocora

Expenses

Total Days: 52
Total Expenses: US$3,762
Average: $72/day

The average is very high because I spent over one month in Medellin and while there, I stayed most of the time in Airbnb studio apartments. Otherwise, I’d say that the average backpacker can travel well with $40-50/day. It is not a cheap country though. Groceries in big cities can be very expensive.

How Is It to Backpack in Colombia?

Keeping in mind that I speak fluent Spanish, Colombia was one of the easiest countries to travel in South America for me. The bus system is super efficient. I never had to make advance reservation. I would instead just walk to the town’s bus station and there would always be a seat on a bus to my destination leaving within 10 minutes.

I found the people to be very polite and helpful. I loved how store attendants would always say “A la orden” (on your command).

Hostels are of high standard and the country is very developed for tourism with nice restaurants and coffee shops.

Safety-wise, I didn’t feel it was worse than Brazil, Argentina, or Venezuela for example. You still gotta be always careful like anywhere else.

Favorites And Not So Favorites

Favorite Places: Salento and Medellin.
Favorite Moment: Volunteering at Angeles de Medellin Foundation, and learning to dive in Taganga.
Favorite Food: Chicharron (thick fried bacon).
Other Things I Liked: Comfortable buses. Beautiful women with long straight black hair. Coffee finca tour. Weather in Medellin.
Most Annoying Thing: Super cold air conditioning on buses.

My Favorite Colombian Phrases

“A la orden” – On your command
“Que mas?” – What’s up?
“Chevere” – Cool (used more in the Caribbean part)

My Recommendations

Divanga B&B in Taganga.
Volunteering at Angeles de Medellin Foundation.

Conclusion

I had a very lazy almost two months in Colombia. I missed out on so many of the classic places like the capital Bogota, Cali, the Ciudad Perdida hike, to name a few. I was a little travel weary so enjoyed slowing down and living like a local for a month in Medellin.

I can see how so many other travelers loved Colombia. The food is decent, there’s a large variety of landscapes and weather. It’s not super laid back but not super crazy either. It’s easy to feel relaxed and enjoy yourself. The pace and vibe was just right for me.

Disclaimer: 52 days is nowhere enough to get a good feel of a country. My opinion below are just that: opinions based on my limited time in Colombia. They are not generalizations made to reflect the country and it’s people and culture.

My Favorite Pictures