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Bogota-Armenia route and bus advice

Hello everyone,

We're planning to go from Bogotá to Armenia and then to Salento by day bus with the intention of spending some time in the Quindío and move up North to Medellín stopping along the way.

I undertand there are two routes to get to Armenia: going through Manizales and then South through Pereira and the second that goes through Ibagué.

Which route is best?
Is it safe to travel it during the day?
Can anyone recommend any bus company or they're all the same?

Thank you.

By macaco on Aug 27, 2007, 04:18 in Travel tips.

RJQuilla says on Aug 27, 2007, 11:17:

I have never been there but I am plannig a trip to Ibague. The route from Ibague that goes to Armenia is called La Linea and is know for landslides, wrecks and guerilla activity. Travel guide says dont take the route at night or in a mini bus.

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bopenyan (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 27, 2007, 12:42:

Armenia via Ibague is the swiftest route, and is very scenic when you go over the mountains, go under el Nariz de diablo (outside Ibague towards Armenia) and see the vistas. Didn't experience the dangers RJQuilla mentioned, but I could definitely see the possibilities of landslides given the steepness of the mountains and the twisty nature of the road.

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Cerealkiller says on Aug 27, 2007, 14:08:

I think its closer through autopista medellin, which I believe is the one that goes through Manizales. I love travelling around Magdalena Medio; La Vega, Honda, La Dorada... Its hot as hell, but i would believe it is the less touristy route, plus the road used to be kept in a pretty decent state...La linea (ibague) gets very congested after 7 am...so expect to have an early morning, plus its very steep and it gets easily blocked by landslides and rocks...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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bufalo says on Aug 27, 2007, 16:06:

I've done that route a number of times, and just recently came back from Bogotá the other day. My wife did it yesterday. I have never had any problems, but know plenty of people who got stuck up there due to landslides, accidents and such. ONE accident shuts the mountain down and the place is loaded with tractor trailers with plenty of Montoya wanna-bees zipping around them.. Good thing is that the busses aren't as crazy as they used to be. My suggestion is to go on a big-ass bus - way more comfortable for the trip, up high for the scenery, and go slower (safer). I have always heard about the guerilla activity, but haven't seen much, however, my sister in law just got back a few days ago and was white as the moon when I picked her up at the terminal. She said that the driver picked up two guerilla soldiers for about an hour or so, then let them off. Noone said a word, but all were freaked out, including the driver. They mentioned that they had a base nearby - I don't see this as strange.
I also believe that the big rigs cannot run on the mountain from 6PM to 6AM, so that time would be easier travelling (usually when I go). If you do, don't bother bringing a book, no lights, but bring a blanket because it's cold as anything.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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