Colombia

Coffee Country

On May 27th, we landed by airplane in Cartagena, Colombia, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our overland journey through South America. We checked into a charming hotel in the vibrant Getsemaní district, known for its colorful colonial streets, street art, and lively atmosphere. Our arrival coincided with the planned reception of our motorhome, which we had shipped via roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) from Veracruz, Mexico.

However, due to an extended holiday weekend in Colombia, the customs clearance process was significantly delayed. As a result, it wasn’t until June 5th—nine days later—that we were finally reunited with our vehicle. Fortunately, Cartagena proved to be the perfect place to wait. With its blend of historic charm and modern flair, the city kept us happily occupied. We strolled the cobbled streets of the walled Old Town, soaked up the coastal breeze along the city walls at sunset, and explored the local cuisine, from fresh ceviche to Caribbean-inspired dishes. Time passed quickly in this fascinating coastal city.

Once we had our motorhome back, we hit the road on June 5th and began our southbound journey toward Medellín. Along the way, we made several overnight stops: first in Turbaco, then in Caucasia, and finally in the scenic town of Santo Domingo. After days on the road, we arrived at a peaceful campground nestled in the mountains above Medellín. Surrounded by green hills and cooler air, this tranquil site became our base for the next several days.

To fully experience Medellín—Colombia’s “City of Eternal Spring”—we opted to stay in a hotel in the downtown area for a few nights. The commute from our campground to the city center took over an hour by car, and we didn’t want to miss out on the energy of the city. Medellín offered a striking contrast to the rural roads we'd traveled—modern metro lines, cable cars reaching into the hills, and a dynamic mix of culture, innovation, and nightlife. We explored the city’s culinary scene, visited historical sites like Comuna 13 with its powerful street art, and enjoyed evenings out in the lively Poblado district.

From Medellín, we continued on to the lakeside town of Guatapé, famous for its vividly painted buildings and the massive granite monolith known as “La Piedra del Peñol.” We climbed the 675 steps to the top, rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding lakes and islands—an unforgettable highlight of our journey. Before leaving the area, we also visited a nearby workshop to perform some much-needed maintenance on our motorhome, ensuring it would be ready for the next leg of our adventure.

Continuing southward, we made short but enjoyable stops in the towns of La Pintada and Santa Rosa de Cabal. Soon after, we entered the breathtaking Cocora Valley, home to Colombia’s national tree—the towering wax palm. We spent the day hiking beneath these slender giants, immersed in misty mountain scenery, before heading back to the nearby town of Salento, where we took a walking tour through its colorful streets and artisan markets.

One of our most memorable stays was at Finca La Bonanza, a welcoming campground operated by the kind and hospitable Kika. Nestled in the green hills, it served as a perfect base to explore the surrounding region. From there, we took a day trip to the mountain village of Silvia and Popayán, known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City) for its whitewashed colonial architecture. With its rich history and elegant atmosphere, Popayán offered a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s cultural heritage.

Our final stretch through Colombia took us through the agricultural landscapes of the Cauca Valley as we made our way toward the southern border. Near the city of Ipiales, we stopped to visit one last iconic site: the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Las Lajas. This majestic neo-Gothic basilica is dramatically built into the cliffs of a deep canyon.

After spending 34 incredible days exploring Colombia—from the Caribbean coast to the Andean highlands—we reached the border town of Ipiales and crossed into Ecuador on June 30th. Colombia had surprised us with its beauty, diversity, and warmth at every turn, and we left with unforgettable memories and the feeling that there was still so much more to discover.