Into the Cordilleras

After experiencing the heat in Northern Colombia, we traveled southwards into the Cordilleras, the Andes mountains. We basically crossed the Magdalena river valley from east to west, thus starting in the Cordillera Oriental driving towards the Cordillera Central.

Barichara

First, we stayed close to Barichara for a week at Guaimaro Campsite, which comes highly recommended.

Barichara - Camping Guaimaro

Barichara itself is a tranquil little town surrounded by nature.

Across the mountains

We then ventured into our best mountain drive so far: from San Gil via Charalá and Encino across the mountains to Duitama and Sogamoso, which led us above 3800 meters of altitude. Right above the timberline everything is different, the flora changes and the views are fantastic.

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva is another nice town worth visiting along the road west.

Finca San Luis

Further west in the emerald region, the cacao-producing Finca San Luis is located. Alejandro and Vivien offer a unique experience showing their cacao plantation and displaying a whole hands-on process of producing pure cacao, which is then used for... well, you know.

La Piedra del Peñol

Of course we walked up this unique stone and enjoyed the view.

Medellín

Medellín is huge and not very pretty. The city center is bustling with people and traffic. Nevertheless there are few unique spots.

Medellín - Monumento a La Raza

Comuna 13 used to be one of Medellín's most dangerous quarters some ten years ago. Now, the area is bustling with tourism and the steep alleys, which can now be reached with moving staircases, sport endless graffiti.