Colombia travel in Summer 2007

thur says on Mar 6, 2007, 01:57:

Go. No problem, just go.
You can fly directly to Pereira or Manizales. You can fly to Bogotá and fly to Pereira or Manizales. You can fly to Bogotá and take a bus to Pereira or Manizales: it's all ok.
And with a local as a guide it's even better.
Greetings,

~ UPDATE ~
www.pbase.com/thur

- pbase.com/thur

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Mononoke28 says on Mar 6, 2007, 08:31:

Don't worry... ... about what other people say. Colombia is a safe country to visit as long as you don't go out flashing your $20k Rolex and pull out $100US bills out of your wallet. Just be casual, be normal and enjoy it. I highly recommend traveling by car or even bus, it's a blast and you'll get to see a lot of wonderful places that you don't get to see in the city.

Diana

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CaptainHowdy says on Mar 6, 2007, 14:23:

Summer 2007 Well, thanks. That's reassuring to hear. I know that what we sometimes hear about something is often a far cry from what it actually is in reality. My friend said it was ok to visit but I was open to opinions of other folks on the matter. I think I'll stay about 5 weeks and practice my spanish. I'd really like to learn the lingo and the best way to learn a language is to live it. What about ticket prices? Do they come down as the departure date nears in an attempt to fill the empty seats? Once again, I'm open to the opinions of those with personal experience in this matter...Thanks again...

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Maritza2 says on Mar 6, 2007, 15:43:

Spring/Summer Are spring and summer incredibly different? I am going in late March/early April and I have not a clue what the weather is like or anything. And what are some popular attractions?

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southern151 says on Mar 6, 2007, 16:47:

I bought my tickets to Medillin... way early and could have waited until 3 weeks before and bought them for $70USD less. That was also for winter time. I am not sure of volumes per time of year so that is for someone else to answer. Round trip on Orbitz.com was $600. That was flying on AA and Avianca. Also, that was more than one stop since I don't live in Miami. Waiting on tickets(in my mind) is kinda like gambling: You can win or lose or you just may get left without completely. :)

Safety-wise, you may have trouble. Think also, you may have trouble here in the US. Trouble is everywhere but, if you keep your respect levels high, and dumbass levels low, you should greatly reduce the risk. It is common sense. I had a friggin' blast and can't wait to go back! I also had ZERO trouble the entire time that I was there. The change in culture and scenery was great for me!

Enjoy!

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bufalo says on Mar 6, 2007, 16:50:

I have lived in Armenia on and off for 4 years now, been coming to Colombia for 15. Way different place than a number of years ago. Come enjoy, although to tell the truth I don't like people from the US coming here because they usually act like dorks and raise up the cost of living.
My wife (colombiana) child and I are doing just fine, I actually feel safer here than in the US.

Maritza: the popular attractions here in El Quindio are Panaca, the coffee park, and such - ssssssssssssssssnore for me, depends on what you like. Myself, I like going to the local swimming hole where most tourists are afraid to go to (I stopped telling them that it is safe).

"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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southern151 says on Mar 6, 2007, 17:02:

Bufalo Thanks for the welcome mat there, buddy?! LOL Way to pour on the anti-Americano charm! :) Hope to make it back to Colombia soon! Since I drive up the cost of living, I'll buy you a beer. Sound like a deal?

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CaptainHowdy says on Mar 6, 2007, 20:20:

Tickets and Safety Well, I may just have to wait on purchasing my tickets until the end of May. A couple of stops between here and there doesn't bother me as long as I get there the same day. I have noticed several flights that require overnight stays and will avoid those.
I teach public school in Texas and am looking for a fun summer vacation. I figure Colombia will give me a few stories to tell next fall when school starts again! I don't anticipate me acting like a dumba**, drinking, picking up prostitutes, or doing drugs so I guess I "should" have a relatively safe experience.
My friend wants me to stay and teach English in Colombia. I think it would be really exciting experience and it would offer me the opportunity to learn Spanish fluently, but I don't think it pays enough. But, heck, they don't pay enough here in Texas, either!!! LOL

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thur says on Mar 7, 2007, 00:45:

Ticket. Personally I would say: buy as soon as you can. The cheapest tickets get sold first (in general). Especially as you will be travelling in the summer period.
From Pereira one can take the bus to Bogotá, Medellín and even Cali. It's cheap, safe and the journey has a beautiful scenery.
Greetings,

P.S.: Warning: once you're there (or once you've been there) you'll feel the vibe and before you know it, you'll be seriously thinking about moving :-)

~ UPDATE ~
www.pbase.com/thur

- pbase.com/thur

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JMCana says on Mar 7, 2007, 04:15:

Discover I can't think of a single person who has not enjoyed the experience of visiting Colombia as a tourist. And some of us liked it so much that we decided to stay. Come and see for yourself. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.

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webmanco says on Mar 7, 2007, 04:27:

Where in Bogotá is DG I am sure he can give some balanced insigths. I will upload a few pics later. Bienvenido CaptainHowdy.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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southern151 says on Mar 7, 2007, 06:29:

Thur is right. You too JM. There is an amazing zen type feeling that comes with Colombia! I think that it exceptionally true for those of us that grew up in the US. Here things are often sheltered or frowned upon so, when you get down there, it is like a whole different world. It is a very good one in my opinion. It has caused me a great deal of sadness to leave there and a great anticipation of my next trip there! Next time will be a much longer stay and I have actually considered making it a permanent stay if I can get the right things in line.

Colombia is a great experience for anyone with the sense to see the great qualities it has to offer.

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Mononoke28 says on Mar 7, 2007, 08:42:

Maritza2 As far as weather... anything goes. There are no seasons like here in the States so it either rains or it doesn't. There are also no specific months of the year where it's a "definite" for it to rain. I would bring summer clothing and maybe a sweater or two just in case, unless you're going to Bogotá where the weather goes between 50º-65º.

As far as ticket prices go, all I can say is that I bought my plane ticket last June to travel in December and it cost over $1000USD. Then last month my sister bought her ticket with 2 days in advance and it cost her almost $600USD. Not fair. =(

Diana

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bufalo says on Mar 7, 2007, 10:23:

sounds good southerner
sounds good southerner

"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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cali373 says on Mar 7, 2007, 11:21:

Manizales and Pereira are fairly safe cities in Colombia. I have been to both with no issues. I would try flying into Pereira because it is cheaper that flying into Manizales. The bus ride to Manizales is about hour and 1/2 to 2 hours and safe. Now if you go into the surrounding rural towns, I would suggest you go with people who are familiar with the area. There is much paramilitary wannabe's in the rural areas of those cities but generally will not bother tourists. they love it when outsiders visit their towns and talk good about their experience. The Paisas are very hospitable people.

I would recommend visiting the termales de Santa Rosa and/or nevado del ruiz. Like mentioned earlier do not wear flashy stuff. I wore nice clothes but no accessories. Stay away from conversation that have to do with politics, Colombians tend to be hard-headed but you should be used to that in Texas. If someone brings up politics just change the subject, REALLY!
For money take some cash with you but you should use the ATMs in Colombia instead of going to exchange houses. ATMs offer the best exchange rates.
I will be in Colombia July and August and planning to have fun.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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elk says on Mar 7, 2007, 11:35:

Flying to Medellin and shuttle to Manizales You can also take a direct flight to Medellin and a bus or shuttle to Manizales. I checked the shuttle price this week, 30,000 COP using the 8 passenger van. (four hours) Buses leave every hour and the shuttle has about five departures per day.

I live in Medellin....

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CaptainHowdy says on Mar 7, 2007, 16:55:

Just more comments... Well, I found a ticket from DFW to BOG last week for just over $500. I can't find that deal now, though. It's cheaper to just fly to Bogota than to either Pereira or Manizales. That extra leg of the flight costs (no pun intended) an arm and a leg!!! Anyway, my friend said it would be cheaper to take the bus to Pereira from Bogota than to fly and she can meet me at the airport. That sounds like a sound plan to me...I, too, priced tickets in December and they wanted around $1000. That's why I'm going in June!!!
I really think I will like the time I spend there from talking to my friend and seeing all the photos I've seen. I looks really beautiful, but, keep in mind, I'm coming from West Texas where the scenery is all cotton fields and pumpjacks. I suppose anything would be beautiful! Thanks for all the input and advice...I'm getting more excited about my trip each day as I read your comments....Now, how to say "Yee-hah" in Spanish. Hhmmmmm.....

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Mononoke28 says on Mar 8, 2007, 12:59:

It would be... ... IIIIIIIIIIIIJAAAAAA. =D

Diana

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CaptainHowdy says on Mar 8, 2007, 18:11:

LOL Yeah, I suppose that would be how to say it...LOL Anyway, my friend sent some pics where she and her family went to the Rio Tarea and the scenery was really beautiful. I'm sure we'll go there this summer and I have been told to visit Parque Tayrona as well. Hopefully, I'll get to visit both places. The more I read about Colombia, the more I want to go! Thanks for the comments...

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CaptainHowdy says on Mar 12, 2007, 17:35:

Plane ticket I need some experienced travelers opinions. In June, I'll be flying from Texas to Bogota and taking a bus to avoid paying for the extra leg of the flight to Pereira. A friend will be meeting me in Bogota and riding the bus with me to Pereira. When is a good time to buy the ticket from Texas to Bogota? I found one today for about $530 and would like to buy it but don't want to be overzealous. Who would buy the ticket today and why? Who would wait and buy the ticket later? Why? Who would say just buy a one way ticket and live in Colombia? LOL..(Not really) Let me know what you think...Thanks...

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southern151 says on Mar 13, 2007, 07:35:

That sounds like a good deal... I just checked on a flight to Bogata yesterday for early April and they wanted $636/round trip after the $123 taxes and fees! The taxes and fees are ridiculous to go to Colombia. The flights are also showing to be slap-full of people which sucks because I always end up with a total weirdo sitting next to me! LOL

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Mononoke28 says on Mar 13, 2007, 08:45:

Or... ... the smelly drunk lady who has to have two whiskeys on the rocks at 9AM. Augh! I hate the smell of alcohol so early in the morning, especially on a plane. =X

Diana

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juanalejo says on Mar 13, 2007, 09:23:

Airlines Check the price with Delta all the way to Pereira, Avianca and Delta code share so your internal flight might be included in the price. Also do the same with Copa or Continental they are partners with Aerorepublica in Colombia.

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