Colombia? Yes!

Colombia may have a reputation for being dangerous, but that's a thing of the past. In recent years, the country has undergone a major transformation, and it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.

Colombia has something to offer everyone, from stunning beaches to snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests to vibrant cities. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you'll find something to love in Colombia.

We landed in Cartagena, a vibrant city on the coast of Colombia. The city is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, lively nightlife, and delicious food. If you're looking for a party scene, Cartagena is the place for you! We stayed at a party hostel, which was a great way to meet other travelers and have a fun time. However, big cities aren't really our thing, so we only stayed in Cartagena for one night.

The next day, we took a ferry to the Big Island, a beautiful island off the coast of Colombia. We stayed in a tent on the beach, which was cheap and perfect for our budget. The Big Island has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to lush rainforests. Our favorite activity on the island was scuba diving! We were not certified divers, but we were able to go on a dive with a local company that provided all the gear and instruction. We had an amazing time exploring the underwater world of the Big Island.

Two gentlemen, a guide and driver of the tiny motor boat, took us out into the ocean privately and we got to swim among the fish. The fish were spectacularly colored and the coral was breathtaking. Not a shark in sight and when I asked if there ever are the guide just chuckled and shook his head no. We got to dive two separate times, without having to do hours of training in a swimming pool, and with just the four of us instead of the usual ungodly large tourist groups. The whole excursion took us half a day and only costs $130 bucks. A steal! I felt safe the whole time and it was an experience I will never forget. If this sounds too crazy to you then you can always snorkel!

Next we took a bus up the coast to Parque Tyrona. A definite must stop on your Colombian journey. The mixture of jungle and beach was unlike anything I had ever seen before. We got an Airbnb just a quick walk from town for just $30 dollars a night and we had the entire bungalow to ourselves. I would suggest looking on airbnb in this area versus the resorts. You might find yourself an awesome deal.

Our airbnb had a great view of the jungle from our hammock on the porch. Overall I am glad we spent three nights here. You need a day to explore the beach and a separate day to just wander around the jungle a bit, but don’t go too far up the mountain as there are protected indigenous tribes to not be disturbed.

From here we flew to Salento, the coffee region of Colombia, YUM! We again stayed at an airbnb but this time it was a little far from town. I would recommend staying in a hostel/hotel in town unless you are dying to have more alone time in the jungle. We did a fascinating coffee tour, learned how to properly brew a cup of coffee, and even hand picked some coffee beans right from the vine. I am honestly the worst customer for this as I love me a thick burnt cup of Folgers in the morning, but I enjoyed learning about the all important coffee industry in Colombia.

Another reason to visit Salento is to go to Cocora Valley. No matter your itinerary, you MUST visit this valley home to the worlds tallest palm trees. I didn’t really get what the hype was, but when I saw the trees in person it was like a Dr. Suess book come to life. They were beautiful and towered well above any other trees I have ever seen. Possibly even giving the Red Woods a run for their money.