Salento, a gem in Colombia’s coffee region, enchants with colonial charm, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring colorful streets and hiking the Cocora Valley to tasting rich coffee at Finca Momota, every moment here is a blend of adventure, nature, and tradition.
La Candelaria, Bogotá’s vibrant historic heart, perpetually draws me back. Each visit reveals new facets, shifting with the time of day, week, and weather. Its colorful colonial homes, captivating graffiti, and lively street scene, set against the city’s modern skyline, create an endless feast for the eyes. It’s a place of enduring fascination, a promise of new discoveries with every return.
Bogotá feels transformed. Once vibrant streets are now quiet, shaped by pandemic restrictions. Masks are everywhere, discipline prevails. My hotel stay feels surreal—am I the only guest? Yet, a warm welcome and a bowl of ajiaco in Tierra Buena remind me: I’ve arrived once more.
Medellín, once notorious, now shines as the “City of Eternal Spring,” an innovative metropolis. My journey there began with a surprisingly frigid overnight bus ride, but the city’s warmth and vibrant street art quickly thawed my spirits. Exploring the transformed Comuna 13 – from its challenging past to its current status as a beacon of urban renewal – revealed an inspiring story of community and artistic expression.
Today, I venture into Bogotá’s vibrant, yet challenging, Ciudad Bolívar via the TransMiCable. From above, the kaleidoscope of colorful houses and street life captivates, offering a panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis. Yet, this beauty masks the profound realities of poverty and struggle, making the cable car ride a deeply moving experience that offers a crucial insight into daily life in this complex district.
A rainy Sunday morning in Bogotá reveals a surprising spectacle: Ciclovía. Over 120 kilometers of city streets transform into a vibrant haven for cyclists and pedestrians, bustling with market stalls and street performers. Amidst the joyful chaos, I discover the city’s stark contrasts and the enduring spirit of its people, all culminating in a poignant moment of dance that captures the soul of Bogotá.
