This trip has definitely whetted our appetite for more.

How did the communication with the Colombians take place?

My Spanish-speaking partner was of course the main tour guide and translated for me to some extent. However, I was able to communicate very well within the limits of my language skills. Colombians are very approachable and uncomplicated. However, it is certainly an advantage if you speak Spanish. Only a minority in Colombia speak English.

During your trip to Colombia, you were in Medellin, in Colombia’s coffee zone and in Cali. What did you like best and why?

On our sailing trip from Panama via the San Blas Islands to Cartagena, we were even able to experience the Caribbean coast of Colombia, which is highly recommended. Cartagena is always worth a trip! Of the other destinations we explored with a private driver from kolumbienentdecken.ch, I would probably highlight the coffee zone. We were able to relax very well in the beautifully situated hacienda, which is nestled in the middle of coffee plantations. We really enjoyed the walks in the coffee plantations, the interesting guided tours of the farm and the sweet idleness in the hammocks.

How were the other spots you visited?

Medellin is probably the most developed city in Colombia. The metro makes traveling around the city easy, but UBER and cabs are also very cheap, so you can get anywhere quickly in this big city. Our hotel was located in the Zona Rosa, a nice area with lots of cafés, cool bars and hip stores. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants in this area. From Medellin, it is also worth taking a day trip to Guatapé. The colorful little town with its mountain reminiscent of Sugar Loaf Mountain offers a breathtaking view over the lake-rich region. It is worth climbing the 750 steps to the top.

Cali is a little less well laid out than Medellin. But this city also has its pearls. Cali is the capital of salsa. If you love dancing, this is the place to be. I also love the artists’ quarter of San Antonio. However, my highlight in Cali was the street food tour organized by a Dutchman called Niels. It’s a great way to get to know Colombia’s cuisine with its dishes, smells and tastes. A tour through markets, parks and cultural districts.

How do you remember the climb up the Penol rock?

I grew up near Aarburg. People there know the 1,000-metre steps. So the 750 steps weren’t a big challenge. It was more the humid climate that was a problem.

What was a particularly memorable event?

I would highlight the stretch between Medellin and Cali through the coffee zone. A beautiful area.

You completed your round trip with a driver. What was it like for you to travel on the roads of Colombia?

I wouldn’t trust myself to drive alone. We felt very safe and comfortable with our driver Ricardo. And he was always more than punctual, which never really happens in Colombia… This gave us the opportunity to design our own program and deviate from the tourist trails from time to time. For example, having lunch in a village pub or stopping spontaneously for a photo.

How would you describe the people in Colombia?

Very warm, we actually felt welcome everywhere. But after 15 days I couldn’t yet characterize the “typical” Colombian…

What did you think of the culinary offerings in Colombia?

As my partner is Colombian and also an excellent cook, I can judge this better. Colombians attach great importance to very healthy and fresh food. Spices are not used in excess. Coriander can be found in some dishes – until now I was practically unaware of coriander… Rice is often used as a side dish. Practically no pork is eaten.

How did you perceive the issue of safety?

Basically, I’ve always felt safe. We tended to avoid large crowds in city centers. At night, we always took a cab to get home. But I would do the same in Brazil or Bolivia.

What else did I want to say?

This trip definitely left me wanting more. Colombia is very diverse. There is still a lot to discover, but with limited time you have to limit yourself.

I recommend kolumbienentdecken.ch to others because…
…we really appreciated the good travel suggestions in advance based on our ideas. On site, everything went very well – from the pick-up at the airport to the transfers – which is not always the case in Colombia. And if an excursion didn’t go quite as planned, a solution was always found quickly.