Colombia

Colombia is a country of contrasts, colors and unexpected beauty. From the moment I landed in Bogotá, I felt the altitude in my lungs and the energy in my chest. The capital, perched high in the Andes, is a blend of colonial charm and modern dynamism. I wandered through the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria, past street art murals and colonial churches, stopping for hot chocolate and cheese—the local combo that somehow just works. The city is alive with movement, the hum of Spanish echoing through its narrow lanes, and the distant call of street vendors offering arepas and fresh fruit juice.

Leaving the crisp mountain air behind, I flew north to Cartagena, where the Caribbean heat hits you like a wave. The walled city is a kaleidoscope of pastel colors, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and horse-drawn carriages rattling along centuries-old streets. By day, I explored hidden plazas and climbed the ancient fortifications overlooking the sea; by night, I followed the rhythm of salsa music spilling out of lively bars and rooftop terraces. The scent of fried fish and coconut rice lingered in the air, and I watched the sun dip into the ocean from the ancient walls of this UNESCO World Heritage gem.

From Cartagena, I continued along the coast to Palomino, a laid-back beach town where the jungle meets the sea. Life here is slow. Hammocks sway between palm trees, and every sunset turns the sky into a painting. I floated down the nearby river on an old inner tube, listening to nothing but birdsong and the rustle of wind in the trees. In Palomino, you forget about time. The Wi-Fi is patchy, but the connection to nature and self is stronger than ever.

Just a short ride away, Minca awaits in the lush hills of the Sierra Nevada. The air is cooler here, scented with coffee blossoms and rain-soaked earth. I stayed in an eco-lodge with panoramic views over the jungle and the distant shimmer of the Caribbean Sea. Mornings began with freshly brewed local coffee, and days were filled with hikes to waterfalls, visits to coffee farms, and meditative moments in hidden viewpoints above the clouds. There’s a kind of peace in Minca that’s hard to describe—pure, grounding and unforgettable.

Craving green valleys and a touch of the rural Andes, I headed south to Salento, in Colombia’s coffee heartland. The journey there was long, winding through mountain passes and cloud forests, but the reward was immediate. Salento is all colorful houses, friendly faces and the aroma of roasted beans hanging in the air. I hiked through the Valle de Cocora, dwarfed by the world’s tallest wax palms swaying gently in the wind. The landscape was surreal—like walking through a dream painted in greens and blues.

Finally, my Colombian journey led me to Medellín, a city that has transformed itself with impressive grace. Once overshadowed by its past, Medellín today is a thriving, innovative metropolis wrapped in mountains and blooming with creativity. I rode the cable cars over the hills, explored the vibrant Comuna 13 with its powerful street art and warm-hearted locals, and learned how resilience can be turned into beauty. Nights here were filled with rooftop gatherings, live music and the warm buzz of a city rediscovering its soul.

Colombia surprised me in every way. From cool highlands to steamy jungles, from historic cities to wild beaches, it’s a country that never stops shifting, revealing new faces at every turn. The people, full of pride and generosity, welcomed me with open arms. The food—from fresh ceviche to rich bandeja paisa—was a celebration of flavor and culture. And the landscapes? They’re the kind that stay with you long after the journey ends.

If you go, bring an open mind, a light heart, and a journal—you’ll want to remember every detail. Colombia is not just a destination; it’s a feeling. One that lingers long after the last sunset fades.