Visiting Colombia, South America

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/21/16 at 1:17pm

I am doing a tour of Colombia mid March 2017.  Visiting many of the major cities.  Has anybody been that can offers tips on my visit?  Some have already stated it is unsafe, but I really believe that is the Colombia of many years ago. Cities I will be visiting are Bogota, Cartagena, Manizales, and Medellin.  Some smaller towns and villages will also be visited.  Thanks for any advice you can give.

Updated On: 8/21/16 at 01:17 PM

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/21/16 at 1:47pm

I've been to Bogota twice for work, and had no problems. That said, many of the hotels offer car service; use that rather than street taxis. You have to go to Monserrate, take the funicular one way and the tram the other. Also, the flea market at Usaquen is an absolute must. If you know no Spanish, learn what you can. I highly recommend the Duolingo app. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/21/16 at 1:59pm

Thanks, Brian.  I already signed up for the optional tour to Monserrate.  Hopefully, it will be a clear day.  Not sure where Usaquen is.  Will google after posting.  Since this is a structured tour I can't go too far outside of specific areas.

[Shaunthedog]

Posted: 8/21/16 at 4:26pm

http://www.blueparallel.com/colombia-tours-luxury-travel/

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/22/16 at 7:13am

A link to the TripAdvisor reviews of Usaquen is below.  It used to be a small town outside Bogota, but has since been incorporated into the city.  Great buys, random live musical performances.  Real local crafts at incredible prices.  There are also quite a few good restaurants just steps away.

For a fun restaurant in Bogota, I highly recommend Andres DC.  You will need a reservation.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294074-d1382992-Reviews-Mercado_de_las_Pulgas_de_Usaquen-Bogota.html

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/22/16 at 8:44am

Thanks Brian.  After my last post I did a search.  I didn't realize that it was in Bogota.  I actually had it on my list as a possible maybe on the Sunday we are there.

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 8:11am

How funny! I am going there in 3 weeks!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 8:12am

Smooth Lover, let me know how it was.  Where are you going?