Last Updated: September 2026 Tayrona National Park was right at the top of our list of places to visit during our trip to Colombia. Located on the Caribbean coast, close to Santa Marta, Tayrona is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, hiking trails and abundant wildlife. But we weren’t just interested in spending the day relaxing on the beach. We wanted to...
Last Updated: October 2026 Just a couple of hours from Medellín lies Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most colourful and picturesque little towns. Famous for its brightly painted houses, decorative zócalos and beautiful lakeside setting, Guatapé is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Medellín. Of course, no visit would be complete without climbing the...
Last Updated: October 2026 Medellín was once known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, largely because of the violence associated with Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel during the 1980s and early 1990s. Drug trafficking, bombings and murders devastated the city, leaving a painful legacy that Colombians are still dealing with today. However, Medellín...
Last Updated: October 2026 Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s beautiful Coffee Region, Salento is one of the country’s most colourful and charming little towns. Surrounded by lush green mountains, coffee plantations and spectacular scenery, it’s a destination that should be on every Colombia itinerary. Famous for its brightly painted colonial...
Last Updated: October 2026 The Cocora Valley is one of Colombia’s most spectacular landscapes and an absolute must-visit when exploring the country’s beautiful Coffee Region. Famous for its towering wax palms, Colombia’s national tree, the valley is home to some of the tallest palm trees in the world, reaching heights of up to 60 metres. Seeing...
Last Updated: October 2026 Cali might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Colombia. Known for its turbulent past and reputation for crime, it’s a city that many travellers overlook. But there’s much more to Cali than its reputation! Known as the Salsa Capital of the World, Cali is a vibrant city filled with infectious...
Last Updated: October 2026 Tucked away in southwestern Colombia, Popayán is a charming colonial city known for its beautiful whitewashed buildings, historic churches and relaxed atmosphere. Nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (the White City), it’s one of Colombia’s lesser-known destinations and a lovely place to spend a couple of days. But our introduction to...
Please note: We crossed the Ecuador–Colombia border at Rumichaca in July 2019. This article shares our personal experience at the time, rather than an up-to-date border-crossing guide. Immigration requirements, transport arrangements and border conditions have changed since our visit, so please check the latest official information before planning your journey. After...
Last Updated: October 2026 Ecuador might be one of South America’s smaller countries, but don’t let its size fool you! From towering Andean volcanoes and colourful colonial cities to lush Amazon rainforest and the extraordinary wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, this little country packs an incredible amount of diversity into a relatively small area. We...
Last Updated: October 2026 Cuenca is undoubtedly one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cities. With its cobbled streets, elegant colonial buildings, magnificent blue-domed cathedral and colourful markets, it’s a city that’s easy to fall in love with. Located high in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city known for its...