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Bogota

The capital of Colombia and its largest city. Overshadowed by Colombia's other "sexy" cities such as Medellin and Cartagena. Don't be fooled, however, Bogota is sexy in its own way and offers an array of activities that no other Colombian city can compete with. Spend a minimum of 3 nights in Bogota, or as many days as you can, there's plenty to do.

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Where to Stay:

  • We stayed in Zona Rosa and REALLY enjoyed it. It's part of the trendy Chapinero neighborhood and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, malls and shopping. Safe and fun neighborhood, and wouldn't recommend staying anywhere else. 

  • La Candelaria is the historic center. There's plenty to do and see during the day, but may not be the best neighborhood to go walking around at night. 

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Where/What to Eat:

  • Eat authentic and traditional Colombian at the 200 years old La Puerta Falas 

  • Eat your way through the ​Paloquemao market.

  • Throughout the city, on lots of street corners, there are local vendors cutting up fruit and making fruit juice fresh on their little carts. (Chili mango anyone?)

  • Grab drinks and dinner in Zona Rosa or Zona T.

  • Checkout Andres Carne de Res (5 floor restaurant with expansive menu)

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What to Do:

  • Walk around the La Candaleria district with its colorful buildings, museums, narrow cobbled streets, and beautiful buildings. 

  • Walk around and purchase artisanal products at the Usaquen Sunday market.

  • Climb to the top of Monserrate, an impressive cathedral located on one of Bogotá’s eastern mountains. You can either take a train to the top or walk-up, either way, you can experience the incredible view over the city and beyond. 

  • Visit the Botero museum and the Museo Nacional de Colombia. 

  • Visit the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) with over 55,000 pieces of gold from jewellery to figures and everyday items found all over Colombia. 

  • Spend an evening or an afternoon in Zona T where they have pedestrian street full of restaurants, bars, and shopping.

  • Walk around the Plaza de Bolivar with a beautiful cathedral and a large square surrounded by government buildings. The square is often home to events and festivals.

  • Discover the cities history with a Graffiti Tour. 

  • Have a picnic in the Botanical Gardens of Bogotá.

  • Take a day trip and visit the impressive salt cathedral

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Medellin

Previous drug and crime capital of the world turned to one of Colombia's most visited cities. Tucked in the Aburra Valley with gorgeous mountain views, Medellin is know for its beautiful mild weather, great cuisine, street art, and parties. It is also close to Colombia's coffee producing region, so good coffee is abundant in Medellin. If you plan to explore near by towns (which is highly recommended) plan on spending at least 4 nights in Medellin. 

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Where to Stay:

  • We stayed in El Poblado close to Zona Rosa. We LOVED it! tree lined streets, tons of bars, restaurants, cafes, and close to everything. Would not recommend any other district to stay in.

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Where/What to Eat:

  • Eat your way through Plaza Minorista Jose Maria Villa market. 

  • Mercado del Rio is a modern food market with more than 35 shops.

  • Have some drinks and bites at this neighborhood favorite El Social Tienda Mixta.

  • Belisario offers a great value in a beautiful atmosphere and modern twist on traditional Colombian dishes.

  • Alambique has a nice rooftop, great views and delicious food drinks. 

  • Have some local coffee at Pergamino cafe. 

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What to Do:

  • Explore the downtown area, Plaza Botero, Parque Lleras, eat some local foods, do some shopping, enjoy the local markets. The amount of activity and people may feel intimidating, but don't be. Have cerveza or aguardiente at a local bar and watch a soccer game with locals.

  • Checkout Parque Arvi. 

  • Visit the Museo de Antiquia.

  • Tour the Comunas that were at the center of the drug war. Comuna 13 is the most famous and you can explore it with a free walking tour or on your own.

  • Take a day trip into Guatape. There are many companies that do excursions for cheap and they're worth it.

  • Get on the cablecar to/from the Comunas. 

  • Bar hop until the sunrise around the El Lleras park.

  • Take a coffee tour to one of the many surrounding coffee haciendas. We did La Casa Grande tour and really enjoyed it. 

  • Take a day trip to the town of Guatape. 

  • Take a day trip, or two days, into one of the many beautiful towns around Medellin. We spent a night in Jardon and it was the highlight of the trip.

  • Do not do any of the Escobar tours.

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Cartagena

A port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast that was founded in the 16th century, Cartagena has is all.  A walled Old Town, squares, cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, tropical climate, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. If you're looking to get cultured, lounge on a beach, hit the clubs, and eat great food then Cartagena is your destination. Plan on staying for at least 3 nights. Disclaimer: Cartagena was the most expensive destination compared to all the other places we visited in Colombia. 

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Where to Stay:

  • We stayed in Trinidad just outside the walled old town. We stayed at a historic bed and breakfast with local staff and local vibe. Short walk to everywhere, and you get a glimpse of real life in Cartagena.

  • The old walled city is a great place to stay with many historic and fantastic hotels. but prices are much more expensive.

  • If you're looking to lounge on the beach all day, then consider staying near the Playa Boca Grande where there many hotel options steps from the beach.

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Where/What to Eat:

  • Eat some good seafood. La Cevicheria in the old town has a wonderful menu, albeit not cheap.

  • Have an ice cream at La Paletteria

  • Have lunch at Cafe San Albero

  • Drink coffee at Epoca Espresso bar.

  • Have some more seafood at Restaurants Marea. 

  • Checkout El Arsenal: The Rum Box gastropub. 

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What to Do:

  • Explore the old walled town. Grab a drink, buy a souvenir from a local vendor, people watch, and admire the historic and gorgeous architecture. 

  • Take a horse drawn carriage historic tour of the old town.

  • Party until the sun rises at Cafe Havana. 

  • Spend an evening at Plaza Trinidad and eat from food carts. 

  • Explore, and climb on, the San Filepe Castle.

  • Wander around the neighborhood of Getsemani and checkout some street art.

  • Experience white glove service at the beach. Foot message, beer, seafood, cocktails, shopping, you name it and they have it.

  • Spend a day Island hopping around the Rosario islands.

  • Stay a night in a floating hostel.

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