Guatape, Colombia

06.02.13

Colourful Guatape is also close to Medellin so definitely worth a bus ride for a day or two. Its basically surrounded by lots of man-made lakes where you can swim, take a boat ride or fish for trout. 

The huge ´Guatape Rock´ (El Penol) is believed to be a meteorite which arrived over 70 million years ago. It stands at over two hundred meters tall and you can climb the 829 steps to the top for amazing views of the countryside. 

Jardin, Colombia

29.01.13

I spent four days in ´Jardin´ a beautiful little town not far from Medellin. Its not in the guide books so not many people know about this place. It was really refreshing to see no other tourists or souvenir shops. My Belgium friend joined me for a few days and with a couple of locals we ventured up-river to a waterfall in a cave. Climbing over rocks and wading waist deep in water, it was certainly a mini adventure. 

We also got a chance to walk through a tunnel which a local guy, Darrio built with his bare hands. It took him three years to build working all through the night and is quite extraordinary to see. There are grand doors to the opening with hand carved stones that Darrio made. There are also two archways inside so you can look out across the river. Why he made the tunnel, I have no idea, the locals think his loco! If your in Jardin and want to take a look, ask for Darrio in town...watch out for the bats. 

Sacha Mama Coffee Farm, Salento - Colombia

23.01.13 

A group of us trekked for an hour and half to 'Sacha Mama's' coffee farm. The reserve is run by Pedro Grojales who is extremely Eco-friendly and lives completely self sufficiently. He is extremely passionate about what he does and explains the whole process of growing to brewing coffee, guiding you along the way around his coffee farm. Pedro's house, built entirely by hand stands in a peaceful setting, where you can see a variety of birds and butterflies. We had a great home cooked lunch with vegetables from the garden and of course, Pedro's organic coffee which you can also roast, bag and purchase yourself. 

Cocora Valley, Salento - Colombia

22.01.13

A group of us from the hostel spent 4-5 hours trekking through the 'Valle de Cocora' which is part of the Los Nevados National Park. The valley is home to the national tree of Colombia the 'Wax Palm' reaching up to almost 50 meters in height. 

Whilst here, we stopped at a Hummingbird Reserve to admire these beautiful creatures. There super speedy so its almost impossible to get them to stay still long enough for a decent picture. We also indulged in more of the hot chocolate and cheese snack. Weirdly, I think its growing on me. Something to take back to the UK perhaps.....

Salento, Colombia

21.01.13 - 28.01.13 

Salento is a stunning little place set amongst the coffee region of Colombia, close to Armenia. I stayed at a fab hostel called 'La Serrana' about 15 minutes walk out of town. Its impossible to get a bad view at this place as your  completely surrounded by glorious, green mountains. Its the perfect spot to relax a while and laze around in the hammocks with a good book.I ended up staying a week and probably now have a full on coffee addiction, having local organic coffee on tap.  

Popayan - Colombia

14.01.13 - 16.01.13 

I was super excited to get into Colombia, as I've heard such positive things on my travels so far. The drive up to Popayan from Pasto was simply stunning. Rolling green hills with a tropical edge and leafy palms. 

I stayed in Popayan a few days with its beautiful architecture and white washed walls. Many of the museums are set in colonial buildings which were lovely to stroll around. 

Popayan has been named the 'City of gastronomy'. I had one of the best 'Alumerzos' ( lunch of the day ) with tender chicken in a creamy spinach sauce, seasonal vegetables and a chocolate mousse. Sadly I do think the chef was French! 

Otavalo Market - Ecuador

                                       

     

12.01.13 

Otavalo is like walking through a rainbow. Wherever you look there is colour. Stalls sell throws, hats, local crafts, art and so on. There´s also heaps of fruit and vegetables to be bought, as well as stalls preparing cheap lunches. This is one of South America´s largest markets and it was great to see the local 'Otavalenos' in their traditional dress.