Colombia,
1 week
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About Colombia
Colombia has it all! High Andean mountains, beautiful Carribean beaches (think: white sands and turqoise waters), thick Amazon jungle, mysterious archeological ruins and cobbled colonial villages.
Practical information
Bogota bike tour
It's probably the best selling tour of Bogota, but it's really good. In 5 hours you get to know about the city, it's people and Colombian history, food and culture. The guide told us about how drugwars and FARC influenced daily life and how optimistic the Colombians are about the future. Loved it!
Tip!
Don't forget to put on sunscreen :)
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Tatacoa desert
I thought this place was out of this world and for a moment believed it could be the perfect hide away for aliens ;) The desert is not extremely large, but it offers enough different landscapes and activities for a few days’ worth of exploration. Plus, it’s one of the best places on the entire continent for stargazing, due to the near-total lack of light pollution.
Tip!
Visit the observatory after sunset for a one-on-one with the Milky Way.
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Tomb stones San Agustin
The largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America stands in a wild, spectacular landscape. Gods and mythical animals are skilfully represented in styles ranging from abstract to realist. Next to an outstanding archeological parque, you can find them on plains, cliffs, in the middle of grassy fields. It takes about 3 days to see all of the statues.
Tip!
Look out for the one that looks like a penguin, but is actually an eagle...
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Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Some of the best examples of gold-work survived the plundering by the Spanish in pre-Colombian times. The museum has 6000! pieces on display. Enjoy the bling.
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Graffiti art on Avenida el Dorado
The story goes that graffiti was forbidden, until Justin Bieber sprayed the Canadian flag (with a weed leaf in stead of the maple one) on one of the building on Avenida del Dorado. Accopanied by Colombian policemen. Since then, local graffiti artists paint the most beautiful and bizar art works on buildings along one of the busiest acces roads of Bogota.
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If I could re-do it ...
More time in Bogota
Guidebooks let you believe Bogota is city for a one day visit. If you have time plan 3 days to explore the neighbourhoods, museums and food.
Small change
The tuktuk driver that drove me from Villavieja to my hostel at the Tatacoa desert claimed he didn't have change. As did the hostel. Yeah right.
Make sure you don't miss ...
- Fruitsalad with cheese and honey. It sounds disgusting, but it's quite good actually! You can find fruit stalls at the Parque National Enrique Olaya Herrera.
- The best hostel I stayed at; it sits on a hill overlooking the beautiful mountains and makes you feel super welcome. Oh, and it has a fire place, 3 house cats and home cooked meals!! Casa de Nelly (San Agustin).
