Rolling green hills in a deep valley with dark rain clouds in the sky.

Colombia Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Weeks in Colombia

Mark Stewart Destinations 7 Comments

So you’re planning a trip to Colombia. First off, congratulations, you’ve made a great decision. There are few countries we’ve ever visited that offer such outstanding diversity and beauty. From idyllic Caribbean beaches and colourful villages strewn about Andean jungles, to cities overcoming their tragic past. Our Colombia travel itinerary will touch a little of everything that makes this country so amazing. How to Use this Colombia Itinerary: This Colombia travel itinerary builds on itself depending on how long you …

Metal plate with beans, egg and meat.

The Best Restaurants in Salento, Colombia

Mark Stewart Destinations 11 Comments

Salento is undoubtedly the most popular destination in the coffee region of the Colombian Andes. As a result, there is no shortage of food options around town. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Salento. Whether you need a huge meal to replenish your energy after hiking the beautiful Valle de Cocora or perhaps you’re searching for a quick snack to keep you going as you do some shopping around this chill town – you might as well …

Green jungle with cloudy sky

The Tragic Recent History of Minca, Colombia’s Backpacker Hideaway

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Minca. For most Colombia travellers, the name invokes thoughts of waterfalls, clean mountain air and a feeling of tranquillity. Many travellers head up to this mountain town to relax and unwind. They come to soak in the peaceful vibes on the Sierra Nevada mountains, to escape the business of Santa Marta below. Yet most of these outsiders, while they sit happily eating their açaí bowls and sipping herbal tea, remain blissfully unaware of the tragic past that haunts this peaceful mountain retreat. …

Plates of soup, meat and salad

Menu del Dia

Mark Stewart Destinations 2 Comments

There are many ways to travel Colombia on a budget. You can stay in dorms, cook meals for yourself, or ride local buses as often as possible. And those are all great ways to save a few dollars. But the best way to save a ton of money while also getting a great experience is by eating Menu del Dias. By taking advantage of this special lunch menu, found everywhere, you’ll not only save a pile of cash, but enjoy some of the best …

Boat in the sea near the beach

Touring the San Bernardo Islands Colombia: Is it Worth It?

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The Caribbean coast of Colombia is absolutely stunning. Impossibly blue water splashes onto the shores of tiny fishing villages, buzzing colonial cities, and the occasional spattering of islands off the mainland. One such archipelago is that of San Bernardo, a small group of islands between Cartagena and Tolu. These islands are a very popular spot to visit, especially for locals. And for good reason; they’re the postcard image of a Caribbean island. But are they actually worth visiting? Here’s what we think …

Blue water beach with nice sand and a mountain behind it

Bahia Concha, Colombia: The Affordable Alternative to Tayrona National Park

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Santa Marta is the stepping-off point for most of northern Colombia and the Caribbean coast. And one of the most popular nearby destinations is Tayrona National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful jungle trails, it’s easy to see why. However, it’s also busy, a bit expensive, and especially tricky to pull off if you’re on a tight schedule. On the far southwestern edge of Tayrona park is a separate cove, unknown to many foreign visitors. Technically, Bahia …

Palm trees on the edge of the sea in Santa Marta Colombia

13 of the Best Things to Do Santa Marta, Colombia

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Santa Marta has come a long way in the two years since our first visit. Its rise in popularity as a base for exploring Colombia’s north has seen a heavy increase in travellers. And with those numbers, some much-needed new life has been breathed into the gritty coastal city. Most travellers find themselves here merely as a stop-off point for exploring the surrounding mountains and beaches. And while the city itself doesn’t have a ton of activities, there are still …

Iron skillet filled with beans, sausage, plantains, egg and avocado. Bandeja paisa is a classic Colombian dish.

17 Must-Try Colombian Dishes, Drinks and Street Food

Mark Stewart Destinations 6 Comments

Prior to visiting the amazing country, we knew next to nothing about the cuisine in Colombia. It’s not often spoken of back home; even in the culinary world we’re used to. We assumed authentic Colombian dishes would be much the same as what we experienced throughout Central America. Which, to be honest, fell a little flat after we left Mexico. Yet, many delicious treats surprised us on the other side of the Darien Gap. While this often deep-fried, meat and …

The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Colombia

Mark Stewart Destinations 12 Comments

Twenty years ago, few would dare to venture into Colombia without good reason – very good reason. Even fewer would consider it a holiday destination. Even a decade ago it seemed only the brave ventured within its borders. Now, things are changing – and fast. With arms wide open, in less than ten years, Colombia has quickly risen to one of the top travel destinations on earth. Now more than ever before is the time to put this stunning nation …

Orange buildings at sunset in Bogota, Colombia

How to spend One Day in Bogota

Mark Stewart Destinations 1 Comment

Alright, so you’ve arrived in Bogota. Perhaps this is the beginning of your Colombian adventure and have just flown in or are passing through and have a layover in Bogota. Maybe this leg of your journey is coming to an end and you’ve just taken the night bus from Salento. Whatever your reason for coming, even if it’s only to spend one day in Bogota, give yourself a pat on the back – it was a great idea! We visited …