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1. Salento
Keywords: Coffee Hills, Wax Palms, and Colorful Streets
Salento was the highlight of my trip. It’s small, walkable, and surrounded by nature. The town feels safe, even after dark, and offers a good balance of charm and activity.
What to Do
Cocora Valley Hike: Towering wax palms and misty trails. Ask your hostel for transport tips.
Coffee Farm Tour: I visited Finca El Ocaso — tickets available at Plaza de Bolívar.
Calle Real: Artisan shops and vibrant houses.
Where to Stay
Low to mid-range: Viajero Hostel: Social and stylish. 9,7 out of 10 stars on hostelworld.com (September 2025)
What to Expect
Cooler mountain climate.
Easy to walk everywhere.
Popular with both locals and travelers.
How to Get There
Night bus from Bogotá to Armenia (book via redBus).
From Armenia travel via local bus or colectivo to Salento.
Step-by-step guide here: Backpacking Colombia: 3 Weeks Itinerary
3. Cartagena
Keywords: Colonial Charm and Caribbean Vibes
Cartagena is touristy, yes. But it’s also beautiful. I regret not staying longer — it’s a place that deserves time.
What to Do
Walled City & Getsemaní: Murals, plazas, and street life.
Rosario Islands Day Trip: Snorkeling and white sand.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas: Impressive fortress.
Where to Stay
Low to mid-range: Casa Movida Hostel: Central and stylish. 9,2 out of 10 starts on hostelworld.com (September 2025)
What to Expect
Hot and humid climate.
Tourist zones with street vendors.
Good food and nightlife.
How to Get There
Bus from Minca via Santa Marta (5–8 hours). Step-by-step guide here: Backpacking Colombia: 3 Weeks Itinerary
Or fly directly from Medellín.
5. Medellín
Keywords: Transformation, Street Art, and Day Trips
Medellín is a city that tells its story through murals, cable cars, and nightlife. It’s dynamic, and I felt safer here than in Bogotá or Santa Marta.- but still be aware no matter where you fare.
What to Do
Comuna 13 Tour: Street art and local guides.
Guatapé Day Trip: Climb La Piedra del Peñol for panoramic views.
Metrocable Ride: Into hillside neighborhoods.
Where to Stay
Budget to mid-range: Los Patios Hostel:s Stylish and social. 9,5 out of 10 stars on hostelworld.com (September 2025)
Budget to mid-range: Hostel Rango Boutique: Comfortable and central. 9,5 out of 10 stars on hostelworld.com (September 2025)
What to Expect
Warm weather.
Good public transport.
Vibrant nightlife and café culture.
How to Get There
Direct bus from Jardín (3–4 hours). Step-by-step guide here: Backpacking Colombia: 3 Weeks Itinerary
Airplane.
Places I'd Skip or Do Differently
Not every stop in Colombia felt worth the time, energy, or risk. Some places were uncomfortable, others simply didn’t live up to the hype. Here’s where I’d make changes if I were planning the trip again.
Bogotá
Bogotá has its moments — street art, museums, and Sunday Ciclovía. But it’s also where I was robbed, right outside my hostel. The city felt heavy, and while I’m glad I saw it, I wouldn’t stay more than two days. It’s a good place to start or end your trip, but overstaying can lead to unnecessary stress.
What I’d do differently:
Limit your time to 1–2 days. Focus on key experiences like Monserrate and La Candelaria, then move on.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta was meant to be a beach break. Instead, it felt tense and unpredictable. The city itself didn’t offer much beyond a busy shopping street and a chaotic transport hub. I was grabbed in broad daylight here — something that changed how I moved through Colombia. If you're heading to Minca or Tayrona, Santa Marta is a necessary transfer point, but I wouldn’t recommend staying overnight.
What I’d do differently:
Go straight to Minca or Tayrona. Skip Santa Marta as a destination.
Cali
Cali is known for salsa, and if that’s your thing, it might be worth a stop. But for backpackers looking for nature, culture, or relaxation, it doesn’t offer much. The city felt more like a local nightlife hub than a travel destination. We flew out of Cali because of our international flight, but I wouldn’t include it in a future itinerary unless I had a specific reason.
What I’d do differently:
Use Cali only as a transit point if needed. Prioritize other cities with more to offer.
Travel Tips for Backpacking Colombia
Safety
Don’t wait outside for your Uber.
Use taxis or Uber at night.
Avoid walking alone in big cities after dark.
Keep valuables hidden and carry minimal cash.
Budget
Expect $55–65 USD per day.
Local food is affordable but repetitive.
Flights are often safer than buses.
Location over low-budget accommodation.
Transport
Book buses in advance via redBus (not sponsored).
Overnight buses are an option.
Flights reduce risk.
Cultural Awareness
Street vendors can be overwhelming.
Tourist zones are not always safer.
Final Reflections
Colombia challenged me. It also gave me stories I’ll carry for years. If you go, go with curiosity — and caution. The places I’ve listed here are the ones I’d return to. Not because they were perfect, but because they felt real.
Travel isn’t always about falling in love with a country. Sometimes it’s about learning what kind of traveler you are.
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