A wonderful journey through Colombia

Our 3-week itinerary: Bogotá, the Coffee Region, Medellín, then heading north to finish in Cartagena de Indias and the Caribbean coast.

A rich history from the Pre-Columbian era and, of course, from the 1980s onward, with drug cartels and guerrilla movements.

Today, the country is peaceful and developing.

Agriculture is thriving, and there are abundant underground resources…

Colombians are incredibly welcoming and always smiling, despite a low minimum wage.

We had some amazing encounters.

We organized this trip with a local agency, specifically with Cinderella, who was very attentive to our wishes. Thanks so much, Cinderella!

Don’t hesitate to visit this beautiful country

Hey everyone,

I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.

I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.

Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.

After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.

The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.

I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋

Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.

If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help! Martin

Hi everyone, we’re planning to spend 2 months in Colombia (February–March), and the current events have us wondering about safety. Do you have any updates, or have you just come back that might reassure us? Thanks!

Hi there,

I’ll be traveling to Peru in August 2025. Unfortunately, I only have 12 days to visit this amazing country. I’m torn between doing a fast-paced trip where I see every sight but don’t really soak it all in, or going for a lighter itinerary that lets me enjoy the moment more.

Right now, I’ve narrowed it down to three options and I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one to pick.

Option 1 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 15, 2025 Flight Lima – Cusco Visit Cusco Stay in Cusco August 16, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 17, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 18, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 19, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 21, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Bus Lima to Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 22, 2025 Visit Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 23, 2025 Visit Paracas Stay in Huacachina August 24, 2025 Bus Huacachina – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Option 2 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima – Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 15, 2025 Visit Huacachina Bus Huacachina – Arequipa Overnight bus August 16, 2025 Visit Arequipa Stay in Arequipa August 17, 2025 Colca Canyon Transfer Arequipa – Puno Stay in Puno August 18, 2025 Visit Lake Titicaca Bus Puno – Cusco (7:00 AM) Overnight bus August 19, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 21, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 22, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 23, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 24, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Option 3 August 14, 2025 Flight Canada – Lima Bus Lima – Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 15, 2025 Visit Huacachina Stay in Huacachina August 16, 2025 Visit Paracas Stay in Paracas August 17, 2025 Bus Paracas – Lima Flight Lima – Cusco Stay in Cusco August 18, 2025 Visit Cusco Stay in Cusco August 19, 2025 Visit Humantay Lake Stay in Cusco August 20, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Ollantaytambo August 21, 2025 Visit Machu Picchu Stay in Ollantaytambo August 22, 2025 Visit Sacred Valley Stay in Cusco August 23, 2025 Visit Rainbow Mountains Stay in Cusco August 24, 2025 Flight Cusco – Lima Visit Lima Stay in Lima August 25, 2025 Flight Lima – Canada

Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.

My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.

How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?

In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?

Thanks for your help!

Hi there,

I’m about to fulfill a dream that includes a trip to Patagonia between October and December 2026. I’ll be traveling solo.

My plan: - Take a boat from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (4-5 days) - Torres del Paine National Park (2-3 days) - Bus from Puerto Natales to Ushuaïa (1-2 days) - Exploring around Ushuaïa (3-4 days) - Cruise from Ushuaïa to Punta Arenas (Oct 31 - Nov 4) - Rent a vehicle and head back up to Puerto Montt by around December 10, which is about 35 days total, via Los Glaciares, El Chaltén, Patagonia NP, Caleta Tortel, Villa O’Higgins, Puerto Río Tranquilo, Bahía Exploradores, Cerro Castillo NP, Coyhaique, Queulat NP, Chaitén, Pumalín NP, and Hornopirén NP.

My goal is to enjoy nature and do some hiking.

I’ll be in Torres del Paine around October 20—is the weather manageable for day hikes at that time?

30-35 days from Punta Arenas to Puerto Montt? That’s about 3,600 km. Is this timeframe doable to enjoy the scenery without rushing? If I arrive in the north earlier, it’s no big deal—I’ll just explore more spots above Puerto Montt.

Now, about the vehicle... I’m torn between a car + tent (regular car with a tent on top) and a small van. Is this enough for the Carretera Austral or unpaved roads? Or would a 4x4 be better? I’m not an experienced 4x4 driver—I’ve only driven occasionally to give the main driver a break on easy sections. A van is tempting for the comfort. Are there any rental options for slightly modified cars or ones where you can sleep, like a Kangoo?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on my itinerary and advice on the vehicle!

We’re a group of 6 friends with an average age of 70, all mobile, and we’re planning a trip to Peru in September/October 2026. Below is an idea of what we’re looking for: a French-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-star hotels or homestays with comfort. Duration: 16 to 20 days on-site. Visit the main sites with immersion in the culture and way of life. Which francophone agency in Peru would you recommend? Thanks

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Colombia this summer. I’ve been reading a lot about safety in Colombia—everything and its opposite. For those of you who know Colombia, currently, would you say it’s a country where you can travel safely? I don’t plan on going to narco or paramilitary zones. What about the political situation? I’m traveling as a couple, without any tour organization. I just signed up and I’m still figuring out how this forum works—I didn’t know where to look for answers. Thanks.

Hi everyone, actually I have a 6-month tourist visa for Bolivia, but a friend is telling me I can’t enter Bolivia with this visa. I don’t understand why—he says I need a transit visa instead. Could someone please clarify this for me? I’m really confused.

Hi, I’d like to meet a Mapuche community in the Lake District during my upcoming trip to Chile. I’ve been given several offers, but the prices are way too high (nearly 1100 € for 2 days/3 nights). Even though the advertised program sounds interesting, I’m hoping there are other ways to connect with a Mapuche community. I’m open to any ideas on the topic! Best, Jamet JC

Hi there! I’m putting together my itinerary for Brazil, looking for beautiful natural spots with wildlife, flora, and great hikes... I’ve come across the Cananeia / Super Agui / Ilha do Mel region and the PETAR / Intervales / Alto Ribeira area. Has anyone here been to these places? If so, do you have any recommendations for accommodations and activities? Thanks in advance! Best, Olivier 🌍

Hello, We’re a retired couple planning a trip to Colombia in January 2026. We’ve been reading the current travel advisories for the country, and they’re quite alarming. Do you have any recommendations for trustworthy local tour agencies we could contact to help organize visits to safe areas? Thanks so much.

Hey there!

I only found two really old discussions on this topic, and the links are dead, so here’s a new thread.

I’m getting back from Bahía Solano this Saturday and haven’t planned anything from the 25th (I’ll be in Medellín). I’m traveling with my 9-year-old son… and I figure, if we’re gonna get caught in the rain here, we might as well do it somewhere nice… I’m thinking about spending a week or so in the archipelago, but I can’t really tell what the weather’s like this time of year—is it just a few showers here and there, with life going on as usual, and we can still swim, snorkel between rain, read quietly… or is it really non-stop downpours?

Any cool alternatives you’d recommend?

Hi there, Our departure is coming up soon... Since we’ll be mostly in the San Pedro de Atacama area and Chilean Patagonia, is it better to bring only Chilean pesos or is it wise to also take some US dollars? Thanks! Odile

Hi everyone, I know arachnophobes will get why I’m asking this: is it reasonable to hope to travel for a month in this country without running into a tarantula? And a follow-up question—since I’m traveling with a friend who’s terrified of seeing a snake—do you often come across reptiles? Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hello everyone! July 5, 2025: Argentina Update As I do every month, here’s an overview of the situation in Argentina—useful if you’re planning to visit in the coming weeks! Vibe, economy, general situation, tips for tourists, and more... Latest news for anyone thinking of visiting Argentina this year: - Mixed outlook - Current economic and social situation in Argentina - Our friend Cristina - What’s new for tourists?

What’s new? The parallel exchange rate and the official BNA rate are almost the same—just 2% higher for the parallel rate, which won’t really change your trip! Pay as much as possible in cash—discounts are still common at bars, restaurants, and even hotels. Even if it’s not advertised, always ask! You can still withdraw cash via Western Union, as before. Paying with a Visa or other card is still possible, and the CCL rate is even above the parallel rate today, meaning +3% compared to the official rate. However, you won’t get discounts when paying by card.

As always, **do not** withdraw money from ATMs—the fees in Argentina are still outrageous. Also, don’t forget that winter break in Argentina starts today, Friday, July 4, in 10 provinces for two weeks, until Sunday, July 20. On Friday, July 11, it begins in 9 more provinces until Sunday, July 27, and finally, in the last 4 provinces (including Buenos Aires and the city of Buenos Aires—the most populated), it runs from Friday, July 18, until Sunday, August 3. In short: 3 zones, each with two weeks off, stretching over 4 weeks total.

In previous years, I’d have warned you: “Be careful if you’re traveling, as buses, flights, and often accommodations are at high occupancy.” But this year, poorer and middle-class Argentines aren’t traveling because “No hay plata,” and those who can afford it are heading to Brazil, Chile, or even Miami for cheaper parties and shopping—Brazil can be twice as affordable! So, in Argentina, the top destinations for these staggered winter breaks are Bariloche (first place), followed by Ushuaia, San Martín de los Andes, and Villa La Angostura. Mendoza comes in fifth, then El Calafate, and finally Salta and Córdoba. As you can see, wealthy Argentines travel in winter to see snow—it’s chic to be cold and go skiing! Bariloche is the most expensive, while Córdoba is the cheapest. Same services, for example, a flight plus 7 days plus a hotel in the same category: Bariloche is 2.5 to 3 times pricier than Córdoba or even the sierras of Córdoba. Yet, there’s plenty of availability. Most people don’t have the money (and you might say Patagonian winter destinations aren’t exactly middle-class friendly either), but with fewer Brazilians or Chileans taking advantage of “cheap” Argentina, space is freed up. Brazilians alone used to make up 50% of Argentina’s international tourism—so there are suddenly fewer people on flights and in hotels! For these destinations, hoteliers are hoping for (at best) a 70% occupancy rate, though 50% would already make them happy. Why? 1- Lack of foreign tourists, 2- The middle class preferring to visit the old aunt in Posadas (to show family loyalty and spend as little as possible),

3- The wealthy opting for Bariloche, Punta Cana, Búzios, or Miami, which drastically lowers domestic occupancy rates and increases the outflow of USD abroad. +66% of Argentine tourists traveled abroad in the first five months of 2025. Six million Argentines vacationed abroad between January 1 and May 1, 2025.

To read the full article, check it out here: https://www.petitherge.com/2025/07/05-juillet-2025-situation-de-l-argentine.html

hi everyone, I just got back from 3 weeks in Paraguay. If you'd like any info, feel free to ask!

Hi, I’m planning a trip to Argentina with friends for 21 days. Could you tell me which places are worth spending more time in—or not—since the country is so big?

Hi, I booked a car with Sixt from Temuco to Puerto Montt from 01/27/25 to 02/17/25. On Saturday, I got an email canceling the reservation. But the reservation is still showing up on the website (as of this morning at 9:30 AM). Can’t reach Sixt Chile. Sixt France is also in the dark (they can’t contact Chile either). Has anyone heard anything about this?

Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?

Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):

29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá. 30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate. 01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva. 02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá. 03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento. 04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby? 05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones? 06/12: Flight to Medellín. 07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses? 08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé. 09/12: Return to Medellín. 10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park. 11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance. 12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think? 13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?). 14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao. 15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time. 16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach. 17/12: Return to France.

So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂

Hi, we’ll be in Calama at the end of March 2026, and I’m looking for a reliable car rental there for a 7-day road trip to Salta, Argentina. But I’m struggling with the car rental agencies in Calama because the reviews can be scary. I saw Gyg, which has great ratings, but I’m a bit wary (5/5 from 59 reviews—either the guy’s amazing or it’s fake...), but I can’t find any recent reviews on VF in general. For Punta Arenas, I booked with Dachelet and didn’t have any issues with email exchanges. Thanks in advance. Raf.

Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much

Hi there, I’m not really into architecture, but I’ve always wanted to visit Brasília to see what a modern city built from scratch looks like, and I thought not many people lived there. After doing some research, I realize the city is actually quite crowded. As I’m planning my trip to Brazil, people keep telling me not to go, that I’ll be disappointed and it’s a waste of time.

For those of you who’ve been to Brasília, what do you think? Thanks for your replies. Anne

Hi there, Could you let me know if this itinerary is doable: 14/09: Arrival in BA at 9:45 PM 15/09 to 16/09: BA 17/09: Flight to Iguazu early in the morning + visit the falls on the Brazilian side 18/09: Visit the falls on the Argentine side 19/09: Flight to Salta + visit Salta 20/09 to 25/09: Northern + Southern Loop in 6 full days (rental car) 26/09 to 28/09: Tolar Grande 3 days (with an agency) 29/09: Flight to Puerto Madryn (arrival in the evening) 30/09: Valdes Peninsula 01/10: Valdes Peninsula + Punta Tombo + overnight bus to Bariloche 02/10 to 07/10: 6 days to see Bariloche and the surrounding area by car (what are the must-sees?) 08/10: Flight to BA 09/10: Flight to Paris at 2:40 PM

Hi everyone, I’d love to explore Colombia next winter and, of course, I’m really keen to discover the country’s natural wonders. However, I know that despite impressive progress, there are still security issues in Colombia, and that remote mountainous forest areas were once favored by guerrillas and drug traffickers as hideouts. I assume things are different now. I’m well aware that big cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena require extra vigilance, but that seems pretty normal in itself.

But I’d like to know if it’s possible—and safe enough—to rent a car and explore the national parks and nature reserves on my own, without a guide (such as Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, Parque Nacional Natural Páramo de Iguaque, Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de los Yariguíes, Pico Cristóbal Colón, etc.).

Of course, I’m also aware of the dangerous wildlife (pumas, jaguars, snakes, spiders, crocs, etc.), but that’s another story.

Thanks for your replies! :-)

Hi there, I’m looking for advice on a semi-independent two-week trip to Peru. We’re not big fans of group tours and love exploring off the beaten path. Is October a good time to avoid the crowds? Thanks in advance for your tips! !

Hi everyone, We’re two women of a certain age heading off to discover Chile for three weeks starting at the end of December. We’re not really hikers, but we’re planning a few days in Torres del Paine (flying from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales), though we’re having trouble getting around the park by transport and finding reasonably priced accommodation... There are a lot of bad reviews about the services on-site and the prices—overtourism! Is it still doable this season? Rent a car from Puerto Natales airport? Or would it be better to focus on another region that’s just as beautiful but less touristy? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Hi there, I’m reposting this because the two replies to my question were really nice, but one was from someone who traveled to Colombia five years ago, and the other from someone who’s never been. Plus, my question got buried in a completely off-topic discussion. To clarify, I’d love **RECENT** info on safety in Colombia right now. So, here it is again.

I’m planning a trip to Colombia this summer. I’ve read a lot about safety there—everything and its opposite. You, Colombia experts, after your recent return from Colombia, would you say it’s a country where you can travel safely today? We don’t plan to visit narco or paramilitary zones. What about the current political situation? We’re traveling as a couple, without a tour. Thanks for your replies.

Hi there, I’m planning our trip to Peru in September-October. Flights are booked, itinerary is pretty much set, but... after hearing about recent attacks on the river (Iquitos)—apparently around ten—I’m having second thoughts. It’s my husband’s dream to spend a few days in the jungle. I know if we read all the official travel advisories, we’d never go anywhere (no info on the government site, but I saw something on a forum). Has anyone been there recently? How did it feel? Is Iquitos sketchy? Thanks for your help! Patricia

Hi there, We’re planning a month-long (or longer) trip to Colombia next February. We’re thinking of getting around by bus or taxi. For part of the trip, we’ve decided to start in Bogotá, then head to Villa de Leyva, then Barichara and the Chicamocha Canyon, and finally arrive in Bucaramanga to catch a flight to Medellín. If bus routes aren’t available, is it easy to find taxis in the villages or at hotels? Thanks for your tips!