Colombia Trip

June - July 2023

Visiting our Family in Colombia Read more

List of countries

Chile
Colombia
Australia

Categories

Beach, Bus, Car, City trip, Culture, Family, Nature, Sightseeing, Sports, Vacation

44.8kkilometers traveled

Means of transport

Flight42.6kkilometers
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Barefoot-kilometers

Newest first

Footprints
Photos

Traveler Colombia Trip
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- Day 16
- Wednesday, July 5, 2023
- ☁️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 1,496 m
- Colombia Las Palmas 6.2431, -75.5667686°14’35” N 75°34’0” W
Arrival in Medellin
July 5, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
After another entertaining spin in Bogota traffic we made it to the airport and hopped on a plane to Medellin.

Medellin is the 2nd largest city in Colombia, set in a "bowl" with steep mountains all around. Tomorrow we will explore the city and on Friday visit nearby historic Guatape.

We had a delicious lunch at Asados Exquisitos, including the local favourite dish Bandeja Paisa which is pork belly, blood sausage, chorizo (sausage), minced meat, rice, beans, a fried egg, fried plantain, avocado and a small corn arepa. (I had a steak.)

After check-in we had drinks on the hotel roof terrace and later met some local friends of Claudia and Dean for dinner. It was a great introduction to the city... and hopefully we can burn it off exploring tomorrow!Read more
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- Day 17
- Thursday, July 6, 2023
- ☁️ 24 °C
- Altitude: 1,492 m
- Colombia Plaza Mayor 6.244381, -75.5712576°14’40” N 75°34’17” W
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Exploring Medellin
July 6, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
After a hotel breakfast we caught a taxi to the start point of our bus tour of Medellin which Claudia had organised. This was absolutely the best way to see the city and major landmarks.

The first thing that strikes me about Medellin is how green it is - almost everywhere there are trees planted and the near constant shade is very welcome. The city definitely feels more hemmed in by mountains compared to Bogota.

We had lunch at a very flash shopping centre where the teenagers finally sampled Colombian KFC (verdict - tastes the same) and continued our bus tour.

For dinner and drinks we went to a corner bar near the hotel and Trav from Gringo Tuesdays joined us. Tomorrow (Friday) Claudia has organised transport to the historic area of Guatape and then an evening flight back to Bogota.Read more
Traveler cool!
7/7/23Reply
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- Day 18
- Friday, July 7, 2023 at 3:00 AM
- 🌧 15 °C
- Altitude: 1,894 m
- Colombia Guatapé 6.232515, -75.1597936°13’57” N 75°9’35” W
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Guatape
July 7, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ 🌧 15 °C
After the rock it was a short drive to the lakeside town of Guatape. When Sonya was here in 2015 this was a fairly small, quiet place. Like all the shops and restaurants at the base of the rock, it has expanded massively.

The town still has some charm with a lovely main square and colourful buildings, many with decorations on the outside showing the type of business. The area along the lake front has been renovated and after the teenagers had fun on the play equipment we had a beer on one of the boats to toast Patrick turning 19. (Georgia had lemonade.)

It was a great day and huge thanks to Claudia for organising the transport. We left Guatape for Medellin airport and after a delayed flight to Bogota and entertaining ride in a barely roadworthy van with seats ("taxi") we were back at Miguel and Christina's place.

Our last weekend will be spent in Bogota and we fly home late Monday night local time.Read more
Traveler so colourful!
7/10/23Reply
TravelerYes pretty but a mad place now. Has been discovered
7/10/23Reply
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- Day 18
- Friday, July 7, 2023 at 12:30 PM
- ⛅ 21 °C
- Altitude: 2,002 m
- Colombia El Peñón de Guatapé 6.219663, -75.1795016°13’11” N 75°10’46” W
La Piedre del Penol
July 7, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Happy 19th Birthday Patrick!

We left Medellin this morning and headed towards the lakeside town of Guatape. But first we visited La Piedre del Penol, which is a huge granite rock about 200 metres high. There is a staircase with about 650 steps so naturally we climbed to the top.

Of course, the view is spectacular. The lakes and landscapes are in part the result of dams which also provide hydro electricity (Colombia is heading towards 90% of their electricity from hydro).

We decended the rock and had lunch, then continued on to Guatape itself.Read more
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- Day 19
- Saturday, July 8, 2023
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 2,659 m
- Colombia Santa Fé 4.615196, -74.0681394°36’55” N 74°4’5” W
National Museum and Dinner
July 8, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Saturday morning and Claudia, Sonya and I caught the bus to the National Museum of Colombia which is located in a former prison close to the downtown area. The Museum is fascinating, very comprehensive and does not shy away from the difficult history of the country.

The teenagers went to Bogota Bulldogs football training with Dean and had a Ramen lunch afterwards!

We had a special dinner for Patrick's birthday at Andres DC which is one of the best restaurants in Colombia. The restaurant is over 5 floors with amazing food, performers, music and dancing. We were joined by Harry and Carolina and it was a wonderful evening... might be some sore heads in the morning!Read more
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- Day 21
- Monday, July 10, 2023
- ☁️ 18 °C
- Altitude: 2,547 m
- Colombia El Dorado International Airport 4.698999, -74.141434°41’56” N 74°8’29” W
Farewell Colombia Family
July 10, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
It is 10pm Monday and we are waiting for our flight to Santiago. The last 2 days we have been in Bogota spending time with our Colombian family.

Yesterday we ticked off a very important dining experience - Crepes and Waffles (Georgia's is pictured). Then we spent some time at street markets buying souvenirs and gifts and had a beer in a rooftop bar. Claudia arranged dinner - a huge delivery of empanada's. What a country!

Today we packed our bags and relaxed. Iris made delicious ajiaco for lunch (accompanied with leftover empanada's). Then one final shopping expedition to "Exito Wow" to stock up a bit more. Dean spent time teaching his niece and nephew's the art of playing pool... and then they beat us 3-2!

We have had a wonderful time and loved staying with our Colombian family. We are so appreciative of your hospitality and generosity. Villa de Leyva is always a special place and Cartagena was a highlight. But family is what made this trip special.Read more
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- Day 23
- Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 7:00 AM
- 🌙 7 °C
- Altitude: 12 m
- Australia Alexandra Canal -33.93424, 151.17639733°56’3” S 151°10’35” E
Layover in Sydney
July 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 7 °C
Have arrived in Sydney from Santiago. Cleared customs and we all are having a toastie in the Qantas Lounge. Feels good to be home! (Flying to Melbourne at 9pm).
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- Day 23
- Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM
- ☀️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 112 m
- Australia Gellibrand Hill -37.659489, 144.85973237°39’34” S 144°51’35” E
Back in Melbourne
July 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
End of the trip!
Travelerthat went quick!! welcome home
7/13/23Reply
TravelerGood to be home but tired. When do you all get back?
7/13/23Reply
Travelernext week! its gone so quickly!
7/13/23Reply
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- Day 22
- Tuesday, July 11, 2023
- ☁️ 12 °C
- Altitude: 477 m
- Chile Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport -33.400652, -70.79322733°24’2” S 70°47’36” W
Home via Santiago, Sydney
July 11, 2023 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Lay over in Santiago before flying home.
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