Coffee, dreamy beaches and more: this is what you shouldn’t miss on a trip to Colombia

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Colombia is considered one of the world’s main coffee exporters. It is grown in the so-called coffee triangle, which spans three regions: Caldas, Risaldra and Quindío. The latter is also home to Valle del Cocora, home to the world’s tallest palm species. The Quindío wax palm grows to a height of 60 meters and is the national tree of Colombia. You can admire it closely on various walking routes in the valley.

Salento is very close; It is only half an hour away by car. The town is definitely worth seeing with its colorful houses, stylish cafes and shops. Climbing the Mirador de Salento is especially worthwhile. From the viewpoint you can enjoy a magnificent view of the colorful city and the surrounding mountains.

The main reason to visit the Coffee Triangle is, of course, the bean itself. A multitude of coffee experiences are offered in the various towns, where you can learn a lot about the growing, harvesting and roasting process – of course, a tasting is not to be missed.

Fly: The best starting point for a trip to the coffee region is Pereira. The city is located roughly in the middle of the Coffee Triangle and is very easy to get to, especially with the airport and bus terminal. The flight from both the capital Bogotá and Medellín takes about an hour.

If you want to get to know the country and its people better in Colombia, you can’t do it just through museums, tours or culinary experiences. How about the “Tejo” game for a change? Don’t worry, this is more about fun than effort; Traditionally, you even have a bottle of beer in your hand when playing.

The aim of the Tejo game, Colombia’s national sport, is to throw a metal token into a clay target so that it ideally penetrates the target. You get points if you trigger a mini explosion by hitting triangles filled with black powder.

Fly: A good place to try your luck at Tejo is the Tejo La Embajada arcade. The playground can be booked in advance online and costs around nine francs per hour.

White sand beaches, snow-capped mountain peaks, and tropical forests filled with a wide variety of animals and plants: Nature lovers will definitely get their money’s worth at Tayrona National Park in Northern Colombia. Thanks to its special location between the Caribbean coast and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, you can enjoy extraordinary views of various natural phenomena.

There are three main beaches in the park that are open to visitors and where swimming is allowed. But first you need to gain this cooling. You hike through the jungle for about two and a half hours to Cabo San Juan beach, which is the most popular but also the furthest from the main entrance. Since the humidity is 95 percent in August, you will sweat a lot here. The cool waves and traditional Colombian food waiting for you at your destination are definitely worth the effort!

Fly: You have various options to spend the night in the national park if you wish. Since day-trippers must leave the park at 17:00, you have most of the beaches to yourself in the evening and early morning.

Cartagena de Indias is often described as the most beautiful city in the Caribbean. And rightfully so, the picturesque streets of the old town truly fascinate you with its colorful facades, wooden balconies, street artists and flowers of all kinds of colors. The winding streets are filled with Caribbean vibes, and it’s not uncommon to accidentally stumble upon street musicians or dancers moving to traditional rhythms.

The port city also has a lot to offer in the surrounding area. For example, it is an excellent starting point for various day trips. For example, to Islas del Rosario or Isla Barú. Here you will find wonderful beaches to cool off and relax.

From mid-December to mid-January, the old town is closed to vehicle traffic, meaning you can enjoy the city’s charm even more. Traveling at this time is also recommended due to the climate. The weather is quite warm and the humidity is slightly lower than normal.

Fly: When it comes to accommodation, Cartagena has something to suit every taste and price range. The center, preserved in colonial style, is particularly beautiful. This place is full of exclusive boutique hotels like Casa Pestagua. An overnight stay here starts from 340 francs. If you prefer something more modern, you will feel at home in the Bocagrande hotel area, located outside the city center.

The Gold Museum in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, contains the largest collection of pre-Hispanic jewelery art in the world, with 34,000 pieces of jewellery. The objects were made by indigenous peoples such as the Muisca or Tayrona and were used both in daily life and in sacred rituals. The artworks are presented on three floors along with exciting background information.

The most famous work of the collection is “Muisca Floss”, which tells the legend of “El Dorado”, where everything is made of gold. The impressive work stands alone in a dark room on the museum’s third floor and is not to be missed during a visit.

Fly: The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09.00 to 19.00 and on Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00. The entrance fee is approximately equivalent to one franc. Children under 12 pay no fee.

This article was created as part of a press tour.

Source : Blick