Tips and Tricks for Colombia (As Of 2012)

Popayan:

Getting There – From Salento we took a bus to Armenia for 3,400COP and then on to Popayan for 33,000COP. Again, prices were inflated due to Semana Santa and there was no negotiating. We walked to our hostel from the bus terminal once we arrived in Popayan.

Staying – We stayed at Hostal Trail, it was a decent place to stay for a few nights running us 55,000COP for a private room.

Pasto:

Getting There – Leaving Popayan we took a cab to the terminal since we were up super early for 3800COP. We took a bus to Pasto for 30,000COP and arrived before dark. The terminal is a few kilometers out of town so we took a taxi for 3500COP to our hostel for the night. You can catch an overnight bus from Popayan to Ipiales but we heard there were frequent robberies and that is something we will pay extra and travel during the day to avoid again.

Staying – Koala Inn was great for a stop over in Pasto, we had a private room with a great TV for 38,000COP. The private was only a few dollars more so we opted for the TV, duh!

Ipiales:

Getting There – A taxi to the terminal was 3500COP where we had a SUV take us to Ipiales for 8,000COP each.

Medellin: 

Getting There – From San Gil we took a cab to the terminal for 4000COP then caught the overnight bus to Medellin on Brasilia for 62,000COP each. Make sure to bring your winter gear, this ride was COLD. A one way ticket on the metro anywhere in Medellin is 1800COP.

Staying – Blacksheep is a good hostel, 20,000COP for a dorm bed. It has a kitchen and close to the supermarket.

Eating – We actually cooked quite a bit here.

Getting Around – The metro 1800COP for a one way ride anywhere in the city including to the top of the barrios.

Salento:

Getting There – From Santa Rosa we took a bus to Periera for 2000COP then onto Salento for 5500COP. Once in Salento the jeep to La Serrana was 6000COP.

Staying – Definitely La Serrana, just for the views alone! A dorm cost 20,000COP and if you get the pimp room it will run you a whopping 70,000COP and it’s worth every penny!

Eating – Don’t miss the empanadas for sale in the main square in town! 

Santa Marta:

Getting There – Leaving Cartagena you can grab a bus to the terminal for 1500COP each. We paid 25,000COP each to get to Santa Marta but the price is negotiable and can be had for as little as 18,000COP. We got dropped off outside the center of Santa Marta and got a bus into town for 1200COP each.

Staying – We stayed at a nice little place called Candela and Chocolate. Dorm beds are 15,000 COP each with breakfast included and kitchen use as well.

Eating – You can get some good almuerzos on the main road just down from Candela and Chocolate on the right side (looks like a juice shop) for about 6,000 COP per person…soup, rice, chicken, pasta, and alittle salad.

Getting Around – If you’re planning on going to the national park, you can take a bus from town for 5,000COP and then 2,000COP from the main entrance into the park where the trail starts. The entrance fee to the park is pretty steep at 37,000COP unless you are under 26 with a student ID. Jessie tried with hers but you have to show your passport so it was a no go. If you’re looking for one of the cheaper places to stay, Don Pedro has tents for 24,000COP and individual hammocks for 10,000COP. Food and water are pricey so try to bring as much as you can to save money.

San Gil:

Getting There – An overnight bus from Santa Marta will run you 70,000 COP each. You can take a taxi into town for only 2,000 COP.

Staying – Sam’s VIP hostel was a great place to stay. The kitchen is amazing, good common area, very clean and good wifi. Dorm rooms are 15,000 COP per bed.

Eating – Going into the market and getting fresh fruit salads is a must do! You can buy a monster fruit salad with sweet and condensed milk if you’d like for 3,000 COP, or a smaller one for 1,500 COP.

Getting Around – Many people like to take a day trip to Barichara. A bus there will run you 4,000COP (same price to get back). The parque Gallineral will cost you 6000COP.

Cartagena:

Getting There – We managed to find a flight 2 days before flying on Copa Airlines for $322 each including taxes, definitely not a cheap date for a 1 hour flight! The boat to get from Panama City will cost between $400-$525, if you choose to go that route. Make sure to do your homework and check the weather forecast before booking a boat. When leaving Panama City you will need to grab a taxi to the terminal for about $3 then you can hop on a local bus that will drop you off right outside the airport for $2.25 each. Upon arrival in Cartagena, walk outside of the airport and grab a bus for 1500COP each.

Staying – We stayed at Mamallena for 18,000COP for a dorm. There are lots of options depending on your budget.

Eating – Turn right on the corner with the mini-mart just down the road from Mamallena/Media Luna (another hostel) and you’ll find the Indian food (7000-9000COP for a curry with unlimited rice) at night and right across the street a good place for almuerzos/comida for 6000COP. The amazing bakery is past the restaurants then left on the main road. Walk a few blocks and you can’t miss it on the right hand side, it’s always packed.

Getting Around – The city is super walkable, you shouldn’t need anything other than your own two feet or a bike. You can get to the mud volcano on your own but it was a lot easier to just get on a tour for 30,000COP. The Rumba en Chiva will run you 25,000COP with unlimited rum/coke, an empanada and cover for a club. The taxi to get to Boca Grande (starting point) is 5,000-6,000COP depending on the number of people.