Monday, May 6, 2013

Experience Nightlife in Cali Colombia


Cali was at one time where all tourist came to see the premier city by riding a Colombia bus, however in the 1980’s, when Colombia became notorious for the drug lords causing havoc throughout the country, tourism rapidly decreased throughout the whole country. Although this trouble was eventually brought under control in the 1990’s, the tourism industry has been slow to respond to the much safer conditions.

Colombia today is fairly safe, in terms of Latin American travel and there are far fewer kidnappings or other associated incidents in Colombia now, than there are in some of the other Latin American countries including Mexico.

Now that tourism is returning to Colombia, it is returning far slower than it could, given its new safety records. Cali, probably through bad governance, has not responded as quickly as the other cities to the returning tourist trade and so, whilst still the third largest city in the country, it has lost it spot as being the premier destination for tourism in the country.

Cali may have lost its reputation as the best tourist destination in the country but it still maintains its reputation as being the hot spot for nightlife.

When you want to talk about the nightlife in Cali Colombia, you must first appreciate that the girls here are considered to be the prettiest in the whole of Colombia and perhaps South America.

Cali is not perhaps the best place to take your grandmother or young children, as there are not as many tourist attractions as there perhaps are in the other cities. In fact during the day, Cali can seem a little dull and lethargic but come the evening, that’s a different matter.

Cali Colombia Nightlife
As in the rest of Colombia, Salsa is the main form of entertainment in the evening and everybody is advised to try and take Salsa lessons whilst they are there.

Juanchito, although situated across the river, serves as the party district for Cali and is perhaps the best place to experience the nightlife in Cali, Colombia. If you would rather not cross the river, then there is a more intimate side to Cali nightlife that can be found in “Tin Tin Deo” on Fifth Street (Calle Quinta), which serves as Cali’s main artery.

If Salsa is not your thing, you do not have to feel left out, as in the Granada neighborhood, there are some more trendy bars that may more suit your style.

Safety

In Latin America, safety is always a concern and Cali is no different but is no worse than anywhere else. You should take the same precautions that you would take any where in Latin America or any foreign country for that matter.

Since the 1990’s the drug cartels have been restricted to the countryside far from tourist destinations and for the most part do not interfere with the tourist industry, however along the borders with other countries there may be a bigger risk and so always cross the borders at the main crossing areas to avoid trouble.




Thursday, April 18, 2013

Fun things to do in Colombia

At one time Colombia had a bad name as a tourist destination. Although there were fun things to do in Colombia, its reputation was bad because of the drug cartels and their associated business. That though was in the 1980sand the 1990s, today it is different.

Although there may still be problems with the Cartels, it is basically restricted to certain remote areas mainly near the borders. That means that the popular places to visit in Colombia are relatively safe, by Latin American standards.

As mainline popular tourism has not yet readjusted to the new safe tourism opportunities, there are few people who yet realize the things to do in Colombia, are once again safe. This in turn means that as yet, the top things to do in Colombia have not yet had their prices affected by heavy tourism, making Colombia a relatively cheap 'buses de Colombia' and relatively safe tourist destination at this time.

This all means that today is probably a good time to visit Colombia and so here are some of the things to do, if you decide to.

Visit Bogotá – There are many things to do in around the capital, one of the most popular is to visit the famous Gold Museum.

Experience Cartagena – When visiting this city with its fortress and walled old city, located next to the sea, invokes the feel of how life was in the days of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Medellin – This beautiful city with its year round, spring like weather, has earned it the name of “The Land of the Eternal Spring”, always a pleasant place to visit.

Coffee of Cali – Cali is the center of the coffee district and offers a vibrant nightlife or if that isn’t to your taste, stay at one of the nearby coffee farms.

The Lost City – Santa Marta has always boasted beautiful beaches but is now better known for being the gateway to the Lost City. The Lost City can be visited during a five day jungle trek.

These are just a few of the great tourist attractions that Colombia has to offer. Attractions that the majority of tourists are still unaware can be visited in relative safety.


Monday, April 15, 2013

Colombia Itinerary for Backpackers and Travelers


When considering traveling to or backpacking through Colombia, you should treat it in the same way as you would any other country and that is to plan, at least a rudimentary, itinerary in advance.

Here are suggested itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 weeks in Colombia. Generally, riding a bus Colombia in Colombia not only saves you money, but also adds a lot of local experience to your travel. Obviously having made your itinerary, you don’t have to keep to it, but it may prove useful and save you valuable time whilst you are there.


Colombia Itinerary 1 Week

Day 1- Bogotá
This is a beautiful city and well worth taking a city tour.

Day 2 – Zipaquira
Just one hour away from Bogotá, the huge Cathedral here was carved from the natural salt mines. On the way back visit El Dorado’s sacred lake and learn of its fascinating history.

Day 3 – Medellin
A city with a contemporary culture can be enjoyed by using the fantastic Metro-Cable system.

Day 4 – Santa Fe de Antioquia
This is an enjoyable day trip from Medellin to this relaxing and charming colonial town.

Day 5 – Cartagena
Having made the journey here, relax for the rest of the day.

Day 6 – Cartagena
There is so much to do and see in this city, that one day is not really enough but see as much as you can.

Day 7 – Home
Time to go home; perhaps you should have planned 2 weeks.

Colombia Itinerary 2 Weeks

Cartagena
Spend 3 days enjoying this colorful city which is full of history. There are plenty of colorful buildings and galleries and don’t forget the Caribbean influence with its great sea food.

Tayrona
This was once a quaint fishing village but now it is known as the gateway to the Lost City. Come prepared for the 4 – 5 day jungle trek, to see this famous site.

Playa Blanca
Spend a day on these beautiful white beaches, admiring the blue waters of the sea whilst you relax after your 5 day trek.

Bogotá
Spend your last couple of days in the capital visiting the Gold Museum and other sights before returning home.

Colombia Itinerary 3 Weeks

Bogotá
Spend 3 nights here enjoying the city.

Boyacá
This is 1 of the 32 Departments that make up Colombia. This is the vicinity of Bogota and has some beautiful villages and scenery to be explored. You can spend 3 more days visiting here.

Armenia
This is the coffee region and you can spend a couple of days staying at a coffee farm.

Medellin
Spend about 3 days in this lively city.

Cartagena
Enjoy both the city and the beaches on your last few days of tourism.


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Going for a holiday pretty soon

I really need to take a break now. It's been a while since the last time I went on a vacation. I was actually thinking of going to Europe, but then I thought South America would be the best choice at this point of time.

I live in Boston. My life has been great so far; just been a little busy that's all. So, according to my plan, I'm thinking of starting my journey from Colombia. I think I will spend about a couple of months there before moving onto other neighboring countries.

This holiday is going to be for 6 months and because I like discussing my adventures with people, I created this blog so that you can enjoy my vacation with me. During these 6 months, I will be updating this blog regularly to show you the places that I'll be visiting and my thoughts about what I make out of it all.