What should I see while in Colombia?

[jeff akins]

Hi everyone'

I'm leaving Quito, Ecuedor in the next day of two bound for Bogota. Any suggestions on places to visit while en route? I came through Colombia a few months earlier but was in a rush and had bike troubles so didn't get to see too much. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
BTW I didn't like Peru at all, only becaus eof the corrupt police, they're everywhere. Don't miss San Pedro de Atacama in norhtern Chilie, on e of the highlights of my trip. Also,San Juan del sur in Nicaragua was fantastic. Also, San Juan del Pacifico in Southern Mexico. Ask for Doña Catalina, you won't be disappointed for a memorable stay, the sunset alone is unbelievable.
The Mariscal in northern Quito is cool for some R&R and cocktails.
Also, Tafi´ de Valle in northern Argentina was great then the ride north through Cafayete to salta and the desert was spectacular! Unfortunately, I had alot of things stolen while camping in Cordoba province, Argentina. All my spare parts, tools, 12volt air compressor, and the weatherproof liner to my biking jacket, you've been warned.
All in all it's been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I have no idea how I'm going to cope again in the 'real world'. I could just keep riding until the money runs out.
I hope this is of use to someone. Just go for it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Jeff

[Stretcher Monkey]

Jeff,

I'm glad you're going to give Colombia a fair crack of the whip.

How long have you got?
Do you want to go everywhere by bike or are you prepared to fly?
Do you like to hike or do adventure sports?
Do you enjoy cities, museums, art etc?
Where are you off to after Colombia?
What climate do you prefer?

Sorry to be so nosy, but it would help in advising on where you should go...

[peter-denmark]

You say that you had a lot of stuff stolen.

So that the information can be of use to others it would be nice if you state:

Whice places? Organized campgrounds og wildcamping?

The mountains north of Bogota up to the venezuelan border are amazing. beautyfull scenery and nice people. Take the small roads if you like dirt or the asfalt if you dont. The dirtroads are not too hard and very nice.

[mcagol]

just the other side of the border, it's worth checkin out this church:

Las Lajas Colombia

only takes 10 mins from the town

[thecanoeguy]

don't leave, i shouldn't have

[Stretcher Monkey]

Canoe fella - no you shouldn't have, but you were probably feeling weighed - down by the amount of female attention, no?

Bueno, I guess, other than the social life, Colombia is best for riding. Anything mountainous is beautiful and fun and the people are THE BEST!!

San Gil

Barichara

Villa de Leyva

Cartagena - old town

Santa Marta y La Cuidad Perdida

Bogota - Candelaria

[thecanoeguy]

the girls even like an ugly guy like me ,haha ,but on that note about leaving ,my bike is still there so i WILL be back ,maybe i will visit you , A1 ,on the scenery and the roads and did we say girls ,well let me tell you
no ,wait everyone will go then
dave

[maria41]

and also:
- Zipaquira for the underground salt cathedral
- Villa de leyva (stay at the colombian highlands - great place safe parking)
- Medellin
- Salento and the Zona cafetera (stay at the Plantation house if you can)
- popayan
- to get to Tierra dentro (archeological site) better to go via Totoro than Sylvia. Road may not be doable by bike if landslides....
everywhere ... stunning country, stunning mountains roads, one of the best place!
Enjoy!

[quastdog]

Valle de Cocora N4 38.580 W75 28.895 - near Armenia - remote valley of big wax palm trees. Have a trout dinner at one of the restaurants. Near there (a couple hours riding, north of Pereira) is a really great hot springs resort - Termales de Santa Rosa. N4 51.320 W75 34.988

Of course, Medellin - and the entire area around there. Some great riding, to places like Santa Fe de Antioquia, but also the area to the southeast - La Ceja, La Union, Sonson, and to the southwest - Jerico (up in the hills), Hispania, Betania. Medellin has great riding around it - park the bags in a hostel for a week or so and go riding without the gear.

For a sobering experience, visit the former town of Armero - the place was buried under the lahar of an erupting volcano (as seen on National Geographic Channel). The paved highway passes through the former town, about 40km sw of Honda. N4 58.017 W74 54.334