3 weeks in Colombia in August 2024 (page 3 of 3)

Personally, I trust the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (same for Peru and all other destinations).

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/colombie/#securite

In Colombia, when I showed the map to drivers, they all agreed it was very relevant and well updated.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/local/cache-vignettes/L617xH940/20240904_colombie-fcv_cle497cfb-2cac2.jpg?1725453750

Thanks for this lovely travel journal. For my 2026 trip, I’m torn between going back to Peru (the northern half this time) or heading to Colombia... 😇 The thing is, I really want to see Andean landscapes again, and I’m not sure if the Colombian Andean region is as stunning as its Peruvian counterpart. As for safety, France is way more dangerous than Colombia...

We didn’t see any typical "Andean landscapes" in Colombia... but we only saw a small part of the country. What really won us over was how the two destinations complement each other: the southern half of Peru has nothing in common with the northern half of Colombia (landscapes, vegetation, vibe, character, authenticity...).

Still, I won’t lie—those "Andean landscapes" are still at the top of what we came to South America for... So Bolivia is now on the "Wish List" (along with Argentina—Patagonia and/or the Salta region)...

Yes, my trip to northern Chile/southern Bolivia last summer was probably my most beautiful trip ever.

Hello,

Thanks so much for this travel journal. We’re planning to visit Colombia during the last three weeks of August. We’re torn between ending our trip in Cartagena and Tayrona or exploring the Pacific coast around Nuquí. What would you recommend? Given that we prefer places that are a bit wild and not too touristy. Are there a lot of tourists in Cartagena and Tayrona during the last week of August?

Hi Léa, Those two destinations (Cartagena and Tayrona) are among the most touristy in Colombia.

In Cartagena, you're going for the city, its architecture, its vibe, its lively neighborhoods... Tayrona has the park, but also a more "authentic" area (Minca), the chance to trek through the forest (like the Lost City), and endless beaches where you can (relatively) have some alone time to chill in the sun and swim.

Two very different vibes... but if you're looking for "wilder spots," the Santa Marta region is definitely the way to go (since Tayrona Park isn’t the only option there).

I haven’t been to Nuquí. We’d already seen whales in other latitudes, and I’m not sure what else there is to do in that remote area you can only reach by plane.